Gary Lighthouse Charter School

Ms. Shultz has been an educator for twelve years, teaching for six years in Gary Community Schools. She is a founding team member of GLCS, serving as a member of the leadership team. Ms. Shultz holds a B.S. Education from Indiana University, M.Ed. and Administrative Certification from Indiana Wesleyan University, and Reading Recovery Trainer Certification from Purdue University. She is currently working on RtI, Charter School Management certifications from Ball State University.

Ms. Blackmon joined Gary Lighthouse Charter School in 2010. Previously she was employed by the Academic Affairs division of Ivy Tech Community College. Ms. Blackmon is the mother of 2 children Donna, 7 and Donovan, 19. She is a graduate of Ivy Tech Community College and is currently enrolled at Calumet College of St. Joseph. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society.

Ms. Granzow is currently in her eleventh year of education and a founding member of Gary Lighthouse Charter School. She has taught kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. Ms. Granzow graduated in 2000 from Indiana University Northwest with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's degree in Educational Leadership K-12 from Indiana University Northwest.

Mrs. Lafever attended Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota. After receiving her Associate of Arts degree from CLC, she attended Bemidji State University. She graduated in 2003 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Mathematics. Mrs. Lafever taught for the Gary School Corporation for two years in a fifth grade classroom. An opportunity arose and Melissa became a founding teacher at Gary Lighthouse Charter School in 2005. She spent one year at GLCS and then transferred to Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School for two years where she taught and made significant gains in Mathematics with the 6th and 7th grade students. She returned to GLCS in the fall of 2008 to continue teaching students in 4th through 7th grade. She has received three awards at the National Summit and is currently the Director of Instruction for the Upper Academy at Gary Lighthouse Charter School.