ICASE ELECTED OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Angie Balsley is the Executive Director of Earlywood Educational Services, an interlocal on the south side of Indy. With a doctorate in Education Leadership & Policy Studies from Indiana University and a master's in Strategic Management from the Kelley School of Business, her research interests include leadership, special education, and dispute resolution. This is her 23rd year as a professional educator. She taught students with severe disabilities for nine years before becoming an administrator. Angie is a member of CEC and CASE and is on the CASE Legislative & Policy Committee. A passion for “doing the right thing” for children and their families led her to pursue an administrative path. She believes in fostering creative and innovative solutions through collaboration. She enjoys time with her family & friends and being outdoors. Angie lives in Greenwood with her husband, Larry, their college-aged son, Ben, and their cats Jim & Dwight. | PRESIDENT-ELECT
Joe is the current Executive Director at Old National Trail Special Services and is serving in his twelfth year in SPED Administration. Outside of his experiences in Administration, Joe was a teacher for students with emotional disabilities, and a high school football coach. Having entered the field through a transition to teaching program, Joe received his Bachelor’s Degree from Ball State University in Telecommunications with an emphasis in Sales/Management, Master’s Degree from Marian University (Indianapolis Teaching Fellows Cohort 1), and Director’s License from IU Bloomington. Joe is a devoted husband and the proud father of four children. Professionally, Joe places a high priority on trust, humor, and building strong relationships with colleagues around the state. He believes that no option is off the table when providing services for students with exceptional needs. Serving as the ICASE President is a privilege that Joe is honored to fill. |
Dr. Angela L. Balsley
Joe Kwisz IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Pam has been a director of special education for 18 years. Prior to that she was a teacher for students with emotional disabilities, middle and high school counselor, principal, behavior consultant and transition coordinator. She has been active in Indiana CASE for 19 years and a President for the last 5 years (1 more to go!). Pam remembers when she started in special education, she had to hand write IEPs (which got quite fancy when they were created in triplicate), use a typewriter for official reports, and progress monitor goals using a number system in which most goals were rated #2 = “making progress.” Pam has 3 grown children and spends her free time writing a book, mosaicing (breaking dishes and creating art) and singing in her church choir. |
Pam BellTREASURER
Katie Yoder is a Special Education Director with the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative. This is her 20th year as an educator, with all 20 of those years working in special education. Prior to becoming an administrator, Katie worked as a resource teacher in grades k-6. Her involvement as a volunteer for Special Olympics as a high school student ignited a passion for working with students with special needs. She, along with 2 others, started Special Olympics in LaGrange County in 2017 with a small group of athletes focusing on Track and Field. Katie enjoys reading, time at the beach (when she can get away!), and spending time with her family and friends. Katie lives in LaGrange County with her husband, Mark, and two sons, Mason and Kamden. | SECRETARY
Andrea Lakin is the K-6 Learning Community Director of Indianapolis Public Schools. She is a proud graduate of University of Indianapolis and Butler University. This is her 24th year as a professional educator. Andrea was a special education teacher for 14 years before becoming an administrator. Andrea is a member of CEC and CASE and has served on the membership committee for ICASE for 4 years. She enjoys her time with husband, Jeff, beautiful twin daughters, Audrey and Olivia, and their dogs. |
Katie Yoder
Andrea Lakin