our team

Born and raised in northern Indiana, Aaron, Carrie, and their four children have lived in the Indianapolis area for 20+ years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in Biblical studies from Moody Seminary. He completed the Tobias Leadership Center’s Fellows Program at Indiana University. Aaron is the current city coordinator for the Indianapolis DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative cohort. Along with serving as Elevate’s president and CEO since January 2018, Aaron is an active foster parent, basketball coach, community developer, and Near Eastside resident. In his role with Elevate, Aaron provides leadership and direction to the staff and Board and cultivates like-minded partnerships to bolster Elevate’s impact as a youth-centered organization.

‍

Working in the nonprofit sector for 30+ years with a primary focus on youth prevention and intervention programs, Tina holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a concentration in social sciences from Indiana University. She earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University in the winter of 2023. During her career, she has served as executive director, program manager, quality and compliance director, and center director for organizations such as the U.S. Dream Academy, Lutherwood, Community Health Network, Damar, Ben’s Ranch and the Shelby County Youth Center. Tina has two adult children and two grandchildren and lives on a small horse farm. She is also the guardian for her adult cousin who lives independently in the community. She enjoys all types of music and dance. She believes that children and families thrive through faith, opportunities, and relationships and loves watching young people find their passions and purpose.

Adam Johnson graduated from Arlington High School and then earned a Bachelor of Science in Urban Affairs from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. He and his wife have four children. His career includes working for the State of Indiana as a budget analyst and for Lutheran Child & Family Services [LCFS], a nonprofit specializing in the care, treatment, and counseling of youth who exhibit behavioral & emotional impairments, as a classroom teacher, mentoring program coordinator, and residential program supervisor. Currently, Adam serves as a member of LCFS’s Board of Directors and the vice president of the Board of Directors for Grit Into Grace. He is a member of Heartland Church. Additionally, he is an Indiana University Tobias Leadership Fellow. In his role, he provides direct leadership and guidance to all of Elevate’s program areas: in-school classes, mentoring, college and career preparation, and sports and adventure.

A Far Eastside native, Shareah earned her diploma from Arsenal Tech High School in 2018. While at Tech, she was both a member and a captain of its cheer team and participated in Capstone Leadership Initiative, a youth mentoring organization. Since graduating from Tech, Shareah has grown in her administrative career and enjoyed serving as the assistant coach of the Tech cheer team. She loves seafood and Starbucks. In her free time, she enjoys growing closer to God, working out, and going to Dave & Busters. In her role, Shareah supports the Leadership Team with various tasks and tracks both development- and programmatic-related SMART goals to ensure they are achieved.

Samantha’s 13-year career in the nonprofit realm focuses on supporting youth, families, and marginalized populations. Sam has bachelor’s degrees in international service program and Spanish, from Valparaiso University, and is a fluent Spanish speaker. She graduated in 2011 summa cum laude. Her career has taken her to various parts of Indiana and Austin, Texas. She is also particularly passionate about learning more about dismantling systems of oppression. Sam is a native Hoosier and loves Indy! She is an avid reader, mostly fiction, loves to bike, and loves to go on walks with her Chihuahua. Samantha is a mom to a sassy and sweet toddler and is married to her partner, Gabe. She also enjoys gardening, the outdoors, and meditation.

A Hoosier native, Kris was born and raised in Fort Wayne and settled in the Indianapolis area 35

Years ago. Upon retiring from a 39-year accounting and finance career in January 2022, Kris knew she wanted to add value to organizations through part-time work and volunteering but with a non-profit focus. Kris is a CPA (inactive) with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of St. Francis. In her spare time when she is not playing with her grandchildren, you may find her hiking, biking, practicing yoga, reading, gardening, or volunteering at Second Helpings. In her role with Elevate, she assists the Leadership and Engagement Team and the Board’s treasurer with various development and grant-related tasks.

Gisela Perez is a dedicated graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Public Affairs at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Indianapolis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from IUPUI and is committed to supporting youth.

A proud Mexican American, Gisela draws inspiration from her roots—her mother is from Zothé, Hidalgo, and her father from El Cuitzillo, Guanajuato. She carries her heritage with pride and is passionate about advocating for social justice and equity.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Gisela leads a youth group at a downtown church, where she mentors and uplifts young people. She also enjoys taking part in local cultural events and staying connected to her community. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Gisela stays grounded in her family values and is driven to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of others.

Ms. Mandy Schumerth, originally of Culver, IN, is a graduate of Anderson University with a major in Spanish and a minor in Education. She studied abroad in Mérida, Mexico, & loves traveling both internationally & domestically. She has over a decade of youth development experience and planted herself on the East side after a position called her to Indy in 2012.

Mandy serves our Eastside pipeline as a Teacher-Mentor, focusing on College Common Core programming and provides leadership as the Mentoring Lead.

Mandy enjoys being active and generally spends her time out and about at concerts, athletics, or community events. She’s a passionate Notre Dame fan (for better or worse), loves learning about different cultures, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors (when it’s warm).

‍

Anyea returned to her hometown of Indianapolis after serving as a Student Success coordinator at Vincennes University. She brings a heart for helping people come back and finish what they started and the energy to push them forward toward their goals. After graduating from Ball State University with her bachelor’s degree in advertising, she worked as a program director with AYS, Inc. where she continued to work within her passion for elevating students. Anyea leverages her knowledge to help our students with integrity and empathy … and a smile on her face.

A Broad Ripple High School and Indiana University graduate, Remus brings 18+ years of experience working with youth both in the educational arena and through Indy Parks. In his fourth season as the head coach of boys’ varsity basketball at Indianapolis Lutheran High School, he led the team to victory in the 2023 1A state championship. Remus and his wife, Charonda, a longtime educator in Indianapolis Public Schools, have three daughters.

Kennedie is excited to join the Elevate Indianapolis team. She is originally from Fishers, IN. After graduating from Fishers High School and continued her education at Purdue University, majoring in History, she graduated in 2019. The last few years Kennedie has been residing in Phoenix, AZ, working in Section 8/HUD

Housing.

Although Arizona was fun, and very hot she says, she decided to move back home to Indiana to be close to family and friends again.

In her free time she enjoy running, reading, watching movies, and volunteering at zoos. Looking forward to this next chapter in my life!

‍

Theo brings a passion for helping others and 10+ years of experience working with youth to his role with Elevate. Born and raised in Demopolis, Alabama, he attended Demopolis High School before moving to Indianapolis. After he obtained his Associate of Science in Human Services from Ivy Tech Community College, Theo attended Purdue University Global where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a focus in youth/family services and administration. In his spare time, Theo enjoys working out, listening to music, and attending sporting events.

Jonathan, a servant leader who grew up in Indianapolis, graduated from Pike High School and is a proud alumnus of Indiana State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in African-American Studies with a minor in sociology. Raised in a family with a long history of sacrifically serving its community, Jonathan’s extensive history in nonprofit work paired with his youthful spirit led him to join the Elevate team.

Trinitie Terrell is an Indianapolis native and proud graduate of Park Tudor School. She went on to attend the University of Evansville, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public health with an emphasis in Health Policy.

While at UE, Trinitie stayed deeply involved on campus, balancing leadership, service, and academics with heart and hustle. She served as President of both the Black Student Union and the Kappa Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., worked as a Resident Assistant and Writing Coach, and took on the role of Public Health Educator. She also founded an organization to support first-generation college students. No matter the title, her focus was always the same: creating spaces where students felt seen, supported, and empowered. Now, Trinitie is excited to continue serving the communities that helped shape her.

Outside of work, you can catch her on the basketball court, spending quality time with friends and family, or watching one of her favorite shows. She’s grounded in faith, guided by purpose, and driven by the belief that everyone deserves to be heard, valued, and uplifted.

Shawntay Dillard is a leader, mentor, and workforce development professional with more than 14 years of experience empowering youth and adults through education, career readiness, and personal development. Born and raised on the east side of Indianapolis in the Brightwood community, Shawntay is also a graduate of the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy, an experience that helped shape her resilience, discipline, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Throughout her career, she has led programs focused on leadership, life skills, financial literacy, and workforce preparation. Shawntay is passionate about building meaningful relationships, helping young people overcome barriers, and equipping them with the confidence and skills needed to thrive.

Heather Encinia joins Elevate Indianapolis as Development Manager, bringing more than a decade of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement to her role. She has served as a school director, career and college coach, and higher education leader, all with a focus on empowering youth and families to thrive. Passionate about equity and opportunity, she has dedicated her career to creating innovative learning experiences, building strong partnerships, and cultivating resources that expand access for marginalized communities. Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis on youth and adolescent development and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in philanthropic studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Originally from northern Illinois, she now calls Noblesville home, where she enjoys hiking, biking, exploring Indiana’s natural spaces, and spending time with her two teenage children.

Vanessa Noyola is a first-generation Latina college graduate with a deep passion for helping young people reach their full potential. Growing up as the daughter of migrant parents, she witnessed firsthand the challenges students face when navigating education without access to guidance or resources, an experience that continues to inspire her commitment to equity and student success. Vanessa holds a Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities & Health Studies, both from Indiana University Indianapolis. Throughout her career, she has built partnerships across schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand educational access and career pathways for youth in Marion County. She is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower students and their families to dream big and succeed.

Elizabeth has lived on the east side of Indianapolis for most of her life, having graduated from John Marshall High School. She attended IUPUI before finishing her degree in Elementary Education at Norfolk State University. She has worked with youth for several years in different roles, most recently with Jobs for America’s Graduates. Elizabeth is eager to make a difference in her current role with Elevate.

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys being active with her church missions, running, and spending time with her family.

Brandi Gaddis is a leader, mentor, and veteran with over 15 years of experience empowering youth and young adults through mentorship, accountability, and leadership development. A graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, she served eight years in the military, developing the discipline and resilience that continue to guide her work with underserved communities. Brandi is passionate about helping others overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

Born & Raised in Indianapolis, In, Earlon is a graduate of Manual High School and Indiana University Bloomington. With over 20 years of experience working with families and children, he served in schools, courts, residential facilities, and in-home settings, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth. His faith is the foundation of everything he does, guiding both his personal and professional journey. Whether he’s attending men's ministry, Bible study, or participating in community service, he strives to live with purpose and impact. When he's not working, he enjoys traveling with his wife, staying active through fitness, and attending live music and sporting events. His passion for supporting families and youth has led him to continue this mission through his work at Elevate Indy.

Jerilyn Blackmon is an educator and youth mentor from Joliet, IL, with experience in youth engagement, leadership, and creating supportive environments for students. A 2025 graduate of Bethel University, she has spent the past two years as a youth empowerment specialist, helping middle and high school students build confidence, character, and meaningful connections. She is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers, explore opportunities, and achieve their goals.

With over five years of frontline nonprofit experience and as Founder of Evan's Rising Inc., Ms. Karma Johnson is the Manager of Family and Career Alumni Impact, has served as Lead Outreach Worker with IndyPeace/OPHS, a Hospital-Linked Violence Intervention Program, and previously as Program Manager of Outreach at For Evan’s Sake Inc. She is a Certified Violence Prevention Professional(CVPP) and Peer Recovery Coach, combining lived experience, professional training, and strong community relationships to serve others. As a lifelong Indianapolis resident and mother of seven, she is passionate about building systems that strengthen families and communities.