Meet Our Team & Board Members
Program Team
Ploi Pagdalian
(She/Her)
Senior Director of Programs
Regions: Franklin Township, Decatur Township, Shelby County
317-925-4043, ext. 116
[email protected]
Brent Aldrich
(He/Him)
pROGRAM DIRECTOR
Regions: IPS, Center, Perry Township, Warren Township, Lawrence Township, Boone County, Hancock County, Johnson County, Madison County, Morgan County
317-925-4043, ext. 123
[email protected]
Angela Yetter
(She/Her)
Scheduling & pROGRAM DIRECTOR
Regions: Washington Township, Pike Township, Wayne Township, Hamilton County, Hendricks County, Northeast Region, All Unlisted Counties
317-925-4043, ext. 114
[email protected]
Administrative Team
Clockwork Janz
(They/Them)
Director of Creative Talent & Equitable Practices
317-925-4043, ext. 113
[email protected]
Jennifer Collins
(She/Her)
Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations
317-925-4043, ext. 112
[email protected]
Board of Directors
Susan Oliver
Board chair
SALESFORCE
Susan is a Staff Technical Writer for Salesforce, specializing in writing Marketing Cloud Trailhead content. Susan has a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art from New York University with a concentration in oil painting and cinema studies. For most of her career after college, she worked as a writer & video producer for a production company in Indianapolis. She then transitioned to working for Salesforce (formerly ExactTarget). She has spent several years in project and program management and just recently shifted to writing. Personally, she lives with her 3 cats and husband in the Broad Ripple area. She keeps busy through many hobbies, including baking, painting, and relearning how to play the piano. In addition to her work with Arts for Learning, she also volunteers for Girls Inc. and Pass the Torch.
Allison Meta
board tREASURER
chubb group
Allison joined the Indianapolis team of Chubb Group of Insurance Companies as the Vice President, Branch Manager in October 2003. Her 20-year tenure with Chubb includes branch management and various roles in underwriting and marketing. Previously, she served as the Southeast Regional Marketing Manager in Atlanta from 2000 to 2003. Allison started her Chubb career in the Birmingham, Alabama, office in 1994 after spending five years in underwriting and marketing positions with another property and casualty insurance carrier. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
Todd Clevenger
hamilton county
Todd is the Grants Administrator for Hamilton County where he helps evaluate the County’s grant readiness, identify grant opportunities, secure grant awards, manage grant projects and funds and ensure compliance with all grant requirements and regulations. During his career, Todd has served as a corporate marketing and communication executive as well as an outside consultant. His experience building, implementing and managing strategic marketing and communications strategies spans numerous industries including: healthcare, education, non-profit, government, finance and technology. Todd is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Journalism and holds a Masters in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. He and his wife Sue have two sons, Jonathan and Jordan, and live in Cicero.
Kate Appel
community volunteer
Bio coming soon.
Alexander Basil Avtgis, JD
attorney
Alex was an elementary school teacher before ever attending law school. And, to this day, he still misses the classroom and the act of inspiring minds. After graduating from law and graduate schools in Bloomington, Ind., he moved to the Little Flower neighborhood in Indianapolis and has been a denizen of the Hoosier capital ever since. He works as an attorney. But, he still loves to hike trails, cook food, brew beer, laugh (hah!), read long books, and act silly with his significant other.
Teresa A. Baker, Ph.D.
Vice Chair
educator
Dr. Baker has been an educator for over 25 years and has served in a variety of positions: Elementary School Leader, Magnet Coordinator, Curriculum Facilitator and Teacher. She worked for IUPUI as a Field Supervisor in the School of Education. Teresa earned her BS and MS in Education from Butler University, MSM from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University. Teresa is a long-time advocate for arts education in the daily lives of children. As a School Leader she partnered with Arts for Learning to provide children with enriched learning experiences. Dr. Baker has two adult children Mark Anthony Baker II an attorney and Garrett Christopher Baker an entrepreneur. She has a very supportive husband Mark Anthony Baker and two loving Munchkin cats Maison and Jules.
Kate Beatty
Fifth Third Bank
Kate serves as Director and Strategic Client Advisor for Fifth Third Bank’s Business Transition Advisory Team. In this role Kate facilitates providing comprehensive family legacy planning through estate and trust planning, tax optimization, family governance, philanthropy and generational wealth management to business owners and their families. Prior to joining Fifth Third Bank, Kate practiced law as a trust and estate attorney for a large international law firm. Kate received her bachelors from Purdue University and her law degree from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law – Indianapolis.
When not working, Kate can be found with her young children in tow in and around the greater Indianapolis region exploring museums, taking in shows and performances, visiting local art studios, or at their local library. Kate’s passion for the arts started after her first visit to an art museum and with the purchase of her own watercolor set at a very young age.
Molly Earnest
Gregory & Appel
Molly is the Learning & Development Specialist for Gregory and Appel Insurance. This position allows her to work with each department to onboard their new hires and curate job specific training plans. Before joining the L&D world Molly spent five years working for (ICS) Indianapolis Classical Schools. While at ICS she taught and wrote curriculum for Fine Arts classes at both Herron and Herron-Riverside High School. Molly has earned her Bachelor of Art Education from Herron School of Art & Design. She is currently pursuing her MBA and will start classes at Kelley School of Business in Fall of 2022. Outside of work Molly enjoys many hobbies including: backpacking with her husband and their two dogs Rem & Em, playing Euchre with her friends and family, drawing, painting, and backyard pit fire pottery. Molly considers herself a lifelong learner – in fact, just a couple days before typing up this bio she taught herself how to felt! Her first felting project was a petite Narwhal. The only thing Molly loves more than learning is sharing knowledge with others. So, if you’d like to learn more about felting, let her know! She would be more than happy to teach you.
Kurt Green
axis
Kurt is lifetime resident of the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. He has two degrees from Ball State University, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture. He works downtown as an architectural associate at studioAXIS, where he has enjoyed contributing to an eclectic lineup of projects ranging from fire stations to corporate office renovations. Outside of work, he spends his time teaching group fitness at the Athenaeum YMCA, spending time with his family, attending church and art functions at Redeemer Presbyterian and the Harrison Center, and watching movies with his roommates.
Dom Gregory
Gregory & appel
Dom is a Financial Analyst in the Client Services division at Gregory & Appel, where he develops financial reports, and projections for self-funded employer groups. Prior to this Dom spent 10 years working at the IU School of Medicine in a genetics laboratory. His favorite parts of his current and past jobs are when he finds himself getting into the technical weeds. Speaking of weeds, when he has free time, he is always looking for an excuse to be outside in his and his partner’s flower and vegetable beds. Besides enjoying the beautiful blooms and the fresh taste of the veggies his favorite part of gardening is the act of getting into the dirt! Dom has earned his Bachelor of Science in Pure Mathematics with a concentration in Physics as well as his Master of Science in Economics with a concentration in Econometrics – both from IUPUI. Currently, Dom is a doctoral student in the Economics department at IUPUI.
Carrie Hagovsky
Fifth Third Bank (Indiana)
Carrie Hagovsky serves as the VP of Marketing and Communications for the Greater Indiana Gateway Region. Hagovsky oversees the Bank’s marketing and sponsorship activation, brand management and reputation, as well as business development events and internal communication.
With more than 10 years of community experience and non-profit leadership, Hagovsky has helped lead multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns and organizational budgets, as well as spearheading business development and community connections for both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She currently lives in Greenwood, IN with her husband, Justin, and son, August.
In addition to the Arts For Learning Board of Directors, Carrie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cancer Support Community of Central Indiana, the Executive Leadership Committee for Dress for Success, and the Strategic Planning Committee of the Indianapolis Arts Council.
Anitra Harris
Choices Coordinated Care Solutions
Anitra Harris is an experienced non-profit and for-profit healthcare and wellness financial expert. She has a demonstrated history of improving operational and financial performance of various organizations that include community centers, hospitals, physician practices, home health, and hospice agencies. Her skills in project management, process improvement, financial and accounting automation, budgeting, and finance have been crafted over 20 years to address organizational challenges.
Community service is very important to Anitra and her family. She is a passionate and regular volunteer and mentor in her community. Anitra has given many motivational and keynote speeches on networking, image branding, and mentoring. She has also served as a board member for several professional associations and organizations in her local community.
Bill Mahoney
Gregory & appel
Bill is the Vice President of Property & Casualty at Gregory & Appel. He was born and raised in Indianapolis and is a graduate of Cathedral High School. In hopes of a career in the business world, Bill attended Indiana University Bloomington and earned his degree in Marketing from the Kelley School of Business. With a passion for the arts, Bill also studied and received minors in Spanish and Music (General Studies). Prior to joining Gregory & Appel Insurance in 2018, Bill lived and worked for five years in Chicago for CNA Insurance as an underwriter. Upon moving back to Indianapolis, Bill began his career as an insurance agent at Gregory & Appel alongside his father and has not looked back. Bill and his wife Katie have settled down on the Northside of Indianapolis. Outside of work, Bill looks to be involved in the community whenever possible, and, as a graduate of the United Way Leadership United program, has had the opportunity to see firsthand the amazing work of nonprofits in our city. With a passion for fitness, Bill enjoys competing in triathlon racing and distance sports, but Bill’s favorite activity is simply being with family and friends.
Erica Metz
Amazon
Erica is the Senior Program Manager for Amazon Community Together (ACT). She serves as the architect of a temporary offsite placement program for Amazon employees participating in light duty community support among 400+ 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations across 36 states. Prior to her role with ACT, Erica was a Senior Risk Manager for Amazon’s Workers’ Compensation program. Her combination of human resources, risk management, and military backgrounds culminate in a unique ability to facilitate cross-functional collaboration and innovate for impact. Erica is passionate about community engagement, and enjoys connecting with others through her work with the Junior League of Indianapolis and the Air National Guard. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Erica and her husband, Paul, live on the northwest side of Indianapolis with their two children, Daisy and Chip, and pet goldendoodle, Darcy.
Susan Gran Michal
children’s museum of indianapolis
Susan is the Director of Early Childhood Education at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. She has over 20 years of professional experience in education, having taught and directed in public, private, and charter schools in Indianapolis and in Tucson, Arizona. Susan has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and leadership from Butler University; she has also spent time in Finland and Sweden studying their educational systems. Susan and her husband, Rich, have three grown daughters, Lily, Isabelle, and Sophia, and live in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis.
Stephanie Robertson
IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Stephanie Lewis Robertson sings to her hand- printed fabrics while she works. Spirituality, TBI, nature, and the power of women serve as her inspiration. Ms. Robertson is the Program Chair for Fine Arts at Ivy Tech Community College, Central Indiana region. She is also the former Exhibitions Associate at the Indianapolis Art Center. Among her awards and grants are three Individual Artists Grants from the Indiana Arts Commission recipient of the Stutz Artists Association Studio Space in 2002, and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Fellowship in 2001. She holds a MFA (1994, University of Georgia) and a BFA (1981, Miami University) in Fabric Design. Her work is included in several collections, including Community Hospital North, Community Hospital South, Pratt Corporation, St. Francis Hospital (Indianapolis) and the Arts Council of Indianapolis, as well as numerous private collections. She is also a teaching artist with Arts for Learning of Indiana, Sievers School of Fiber Arts, Washington Island, Wisconsin and the Garfield Park Arts Center, Indianapolis, IN. Her exhibitions include Artistry In Fiber (Hancock County Arts Council Gallery, October, 2016), COMING BACK HOME: 20TH Anniversary of the Stutz Artist Residency Program, (Raymond James Art Gallery, August 2016), RE | collections 2016 (Miami University, June 2016), TINY IV (Gallery 924, December 2015), Make Your Mark (StutzArtSpace, November 2015), and Inspired By Dreams (Indianapolis Interchurch Center, November 2015).
Mary Seifert
Indianapolis Public Schools
Mary Siefert is the Indianapolis Public Schools Director of Student Engagement and Extended Learning. The longtime educator has been a member of Team IPS since 2009, serving as Executive Director of School Supervision, principal at Meredith Nicholson School 96, and assistant principal at William Penn 49. Siefert received her bachelor’s degree in special education from Indiana State University and her master’s in educational administration and supervision from Ball State University. Mary enjoys spending time with her family and golfing.
Kelly Teller
PARK TUDOR SCHOOL
A Park Tudor alumna, Kelly joined the Development Office in 2018 after serving as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer for The Cabaret, a nonprofit arts organization. At The Cabaret, Kelly significantly increased both individual giving and sponsorships, and successfully led a capital campaign to fund the construction of the organization’s first dedicated performance space. Prior to joining The Cabaret, Kelly was the Director of Development, Endowment, Major Gifts and Planned Giving at the Indianapolis Art Center, and also served as Planned and Major Gifts Officer for the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. She has been active in the Park Tudor and Indianapolis communities, as a member of the Park Tudor Alumni Board, the Junior League of Indianapolis Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees for St. Richard’s School, and the Lacy Leadership Association among other civic affiliations.
Lisa Waite
Choices Coordinated Care Solutions
A self-described Indy-thusiast, Lisa Waite spent the formative years of her career working in marketing for Fortune 200 corporations in telecommunications and transportation industries. She changed career paths mid-way to apply her skills and talents in the service of local non-profits. Among her experiences are Director of Marketing at the Indianapolis Art Center, then a $5 million visual arts non-profit, and a three-time Emmy-award-winning editor and producer at WFYI, a $9 million public broadcasting station serving central Indiana. She has been a member of the board of directors at the local (now regional) affiliate of the Volunteers of America the last 14 years, serving in a leadership role for the past five years. This $70 million non-profit provides housing and behavioral health services for veterans, those transitioning out of incarceration and those suffering from addiction. Waite has an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Butler University and an MBA from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in Bloomington.