S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 1 2
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STA F F T R A N S I T I O N S
Best Wishes, Goodbye & Welcome
Kathleen Neal, business manager, an alumni parent and grandparent, departed Independence in 2021 after 41 years of service in our business office. She had a variety of responsibilities during that time, including payroll, accounts payable, and financial aid management.
Kathy Osborne, nurse, worked parttime as a nurse with Independence students for 10 years. Although a part-time employee, Kathy was an active member of the school community, frequently volunteering for special events, including the eighth-grade Boston trip.
Valerie Rodeheaver, Spanish teacher, retired after 33 years of teaching Spanish at all the grade levels. For many of those years, Valerie served as our world language curriculum coordinator, and she inspired many students to pursue Spanish in high school and beyond.
Joan Valentine, administrative assistant, retired after 40 years as the friendly and helpful face and voice of Independence in the reception office. During her time at the school, Joan responded to calls from parents and vendors, helped students with forgotten or lost items, and managed our substitutes.
Jennifer Vrana, director of Finance & Operations, retired after 14 years in the position. Prior to joining Independence as an employee, Jenny served on the Board of Trustees, including as board president from July 1996 through June 2005, and was president of the IPA in 1994–1995. She is the parent of two Independence graduates.
WELCOME AND CONGRATULATIONS TO... Welcome (back) to Tommy Brangs, Class of ‘07, who has returned to his alma mater for his student teaching placement. Tommy is passionate about environmental education and is working with our Middle School science faculty. He also served as assistant boys soccer coach in 2021.
Patrick Burns, director of Finance & Operations, joins Independence from Centreville Layton School, where he was director of Finance and Operations for 10 years while also continuing to direct the technology office for CLS (his first role there). Pat holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and management information systems. Congratulations to Jennifer Hayes, kindergarten aide and summer camp staff, who has assumed the additional role of director of Extended Day in 2021.
Kim Manno, administrative assistant, joins Independence after 12 years working in administrative roles in the beverage industry. She’s happy to return to a school environment, since she began her career as a preschool teacher. In addition to supporting the business office and other school administrative functions, Kim greets and assists parents and students.
Leslie McGregor, extended day receptionist, joined the Extended Day program after substituting in kindergarten throughout the 2020–21 school year. She is an attorney and the parent of two current Independence students. Since coming to Independence as a parent, Leslie has been a volunteer in the school community.
Christine Pelillo, early childhood aide, joins Independence as a kindergarten aide. An early childhood and elementary education teacher with more than two decades of experience, she was most recently a kindergarten lead teacher at St. John the Beloved Catholic School. Christine is also a proud alumni parent.
BUILDING COMMUNITY WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE The Independence Parents’ Association (IPA) has long been a strong contributor to the school community. We appreciate the many parents who are willing to give their time, talent, and treasures to help make the Independence experience exceptional—whether that be in support of classroom improvements, outdoor learning experiences, fascinating field trips, and more! We are grateful for the IPA-sponsored lunch program, organization, and implementation of student and parent virtual social events, as well as the IPA’s philanthropic efforts. All faculty and staff have enjoyed the IPA’s thoughtful generosity throughout the year, including
Kylie Tarburton, communications specialist, joins Independence following her recent graduation from Arcadia University with a degree in media and communication. She brings a creative eye, a talent for photography, and technical website skills that are valuable additions to our marketing and communications department.
lunches, coffees, faculty/staff appreciation week, breakfast treats, and afternoon snacks! Among the memorable events hosted by the IPA in 2020-21 was a virtual mixology evening for adults, a game night for students, and a pumpkin-decorating contest, to name a few. The IPA helped spread the Indy spirit by giving back to those less fortunate with a sneaker recycling program and a food drive. While always friend-raising, the IPA is also fundraising. Their initiatives during the 2020-21 school year resulted in a $41,715 gift to the school. A heartfelt thank-you to all!
INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.
GOODBYE AND BEST WISHES TO...
