- Administration
- English
- Exceptional Learners
- Health/Physical Education
- History/Geography
- Mathematics
- Music
- Science
- Student Services
- Technology/College & Careers
- Visual Arts
- World Languages
- Course Description Guide
- New High School Diploma Presentation
Administration
Principal
Email: mhamacher@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-983-3740
Mr. Hamacher
Mr. Hamacher is in his sixth year as Principal for Duneland Community Schools. Before coming to LMS, Mr. Hamacher was the Chesterton Middle School Principal from 2019 to 2024. Before Duneland, Mr. Hamacher served as Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and Assistant Principal at Fegely Middle School for two years and as the Central Elementary School Principal in Portage for three years. Mr. Hamacher holds three degrees, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Teaching from Indiana University in 1998, his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Indiana University Northwest in 2014, and his Educational Specialist Degree from Indiana State in 2019. He is a member of the Indiana Association of School Principals and a certified Indiana School Safety Specialist. He taught middle school and high school social studies for seventeen years before becoming an administrator. He taught middle school social studies for six years and high school U.S. History, Psychology, and Sociology for eleven years. Through seventeen years of teaching, he also coached middle school and high school sports, including basketball, football, and golf. He was the head varsity girls basketball coach at Hobart High School for eleven years, where he was named Northwest Crossroads Conference Coach of the Year seven times, NWITimes Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year in 2009, Post-Tribune Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2011, and Indiana Basketball Coaches Association Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year in 2011. He also coached the Indiana Junior All-Star Team in 2011 during the Indiana-Kentucky All-Star Series.
Assistant Principal
Email: agrayson@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-983-3740
Mrs. Grayson
Mrs. Grayson is a graduate from Emerson School for the Visual & Performing Arts in theater. She received her Bachelor’s of Art from Purdue University West Lafayette in Elementary Education, her Masters of Science from Indiana Wesleyan University in Curriculum Design and her Administration Endorsement from Indiana University Northwest in Education Administration.
Mrs. Grayson is an established influencer, author, STEM educator, public speaker, and community advocate. Her colleagues and supervisors describe her as an individual who is professional, creative, highly motivated, collaborative, and committed to excellence. She has had the wonderful experience of working in diverse learning communities and has over 20 years of administrative experience.
Mrs. Grayson and her husband of 29 years, have three sons Timothy, Terrance and Travis.
Athletic Director
Email: nbamber@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-983-3740
Mr. Bamber
I have been teaching at LIS since 2004. I am currently coaching High School Football, Middle School Girls Basketball, and Middle School Boys Track.
Subject taught:
I teach physical education for both Fifth and Sixth grades at LIS.
Hobbies/Interests:
My personal interests are sports, exercising, and eating.
Administrative Assistants
Mrs. Hamiliton - Main Office
Email: nhamilton@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-983-3740
Mrs. Garvey - Treasurer
Email: sgarvey@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-983-3740
Mrs. Smith- Registrar
Email: chrsmith@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-983-3740
English
Email: dbecker@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Becker
I began teaching in Duneland Schools in 2020 after teaching in Portage Schools and completing my degree at WGU. Currently, I teach 7th and 8th grade English, serve as co-sponsor of Student Council, and work as a Duneland mentor.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling, making music, reading, gardening, quilting, and spending time outdoors. Most of all, I value time with my husband and family. I feel truly privileged to be part of such a vibrant community of students, teachers, and families here in Duneland.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: eclark@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Clark
I have been teaching in Duneland since 2021. At LMS, I teach 7th grade English and Honors English. In addition to teaching, I am the head freshman football coach at CHS, and the head coach for both wrestling and 8th grade girls track at LMS.
My interests include spending time with my family, following Region high school sports, and suffering through Bears and Cubs seasons. I love teaching and I am very fortunate to work with great students at Liberty.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: tclindaniel@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Clindaniel
I am beginning my 28th year as an educator. I have a Bachelor's degree in English, speech, and
theater, and a Master's degree in special education and high ability education. Indiana
University and Ball State University are my alma maters. I am the English Chair, Notre Dame Team Leader, and serve as a Duneland mentor. I also sponsor the Ichthus Club and Spelling Bee, and coach the English team for the Academic Super Bowl.
theater, and a Master's degree in special education and high ability education. Indiana
University and Ball State University are my alma maters. I am the English Chair, Notre Dame Team Leader, and serve as a Duneland mentor. I also sponsor the Ichthus Club and Spelling Bee, and coach the English team for the Academic Super Bowl.
I enjoy camping, hiking, and canoeing with my husband, Michael. I also read a plethora of different novels and genres, and spend as much time with my grandchildren, Lucas, Emma,
and Adella, as possible.
and Adella, as possible.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: koneill@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. O'Neill
Hi! My name is Kayla O’Neill and I am an English teacher at Liberty Middle School. I graduated from Loras College in 2020 with a degree in English literature and secondary education. This is my sixth year of teaching. I have taught middle school and high school. I am from the suburbs of Chicago and now live in Chesterton. I love being part of this wonderful community. Outside of school, some of my interests include dance, the Chicago White Sox, and anything Disney! Family is a big part of my life, so I love spending time and traveling with them.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Exceptional Learners
Email: khadley@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Hadley
I attended Washtenaw Community College in Michigan and graduated in 1987 with an associate degree in Juvenile Justice. After graduating, I worked at a group home for teen boys as an activity director. I was a stay-at-home mother from 1989-2001. I then went to Indiana University Northwest, where I earned my BS in Secondary Education/English, and then continued my studies at IUN and earned my Masters Degree in Special Education. I have worked at: Chesterton High School 2004-2011; Ben Franklin Middle School 2011-2013; Chesterton Middle School 2013-present. I am currently the department chair of the special education department at LMS, as well as a speech coach at Chesterton High School. I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, traveling, yoga and meditation, watching British crime shows, and playing with my 3 large dogs (Boxadors!).
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: amccrovitz@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Amanda McCrovitz
Health/Physical Education
Email: kprow@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Prow
I graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education (Physical Education/Health). I then started my teaching career at Merrillville High School for 5 years from 2009-2014. This is my 3rd year teaching swimming at Chesterton Middle School (2014-current). I am also the Assistant Boys Tennis coach for Chesterton High School from 2014-current and Assistant CMS Tennis coach from 2015-current.
I enjoy spending time with family, playing games, playing sports, and golfing.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: kstento@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Stento
My name is Kim Stento and I am a 7th/8th grade health teacher. I got my Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University with a double major in teacher education and athletic training in 1989. I went to the University of Arizona for my Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences in 1991. I worked at Easton College in Easton, PA from 1991-1995 as an assistant athletic trainer, and I became the first certified athletic trainer for Chesterton High School in 1995. I am married to Bernie, who is a teacher and athletic trainer at Chesterton High School. Our family and our cats take up our spare time (which isn't much!).
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: dstorm@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Storm
I grew up in Lebanon, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis. I attended Ball State to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Education. I enjoy serving as an assistant football coach, and am a huge sports fan. The Colts, Pacers, and Reds top my list of favorites. My wife and I have two young daughters, and we enjoy outdoor activities, spending time with family, playing with our dog, and traveling.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
History/Geography
Email: jmccallister@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. McCallister
Mr. McCallister is in his second year of teaching and his first year as a social studies teacher. A 2018 graduate of Crown Point High School, he went on to earn his degree from Purdue University in 2023. In addition to teaching, Mr. McCallister serves as the 7th grade boys basketball coach and enjoys supporting students both in the classroom and on the court.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: wmccormack@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. McCormack
I obtained a Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University in Political Science, Economics, Psychology and Sociology. I earned a Master's Degree in Academic Administration from Indiana University Northwest. I started teaching for the Duneland School Corporation in 1993 at Chesterton High School. Over the years, I have taught and been the Head Football Coach at Andrean High School, Hobart High School and Portage High School. After spending several years as an Athletic Director at Portage High School, I made the decision to go back into the classroom and teach. This is my fourth year back at Chesterton although I spent nine years at Duneland earlier in my career. I live in Chesterton with my wife Jenny and my two children,who are both graduates of Chesterton High School. My daughter Riley (CHS Class of 2023) is a nurse practitioner student at the University of Kentucky. My son Brady (CHS Class of 2025) is an Aviation Major at Liberty University. I coach both football and softball at Chesterton High School. My interests include coaching, fishing and golf.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: ctuzinski@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Tuzinski
I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Secondary Education in 2020. I currently coach high school football and track and middle school boys and girls basketball. My personal interests include all types of sports and traveling throughout the country. I'm an avid Colts, Cubs, and Hoosiers fan!
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Mathematics
Email: tchamberlain@duneland.k12.in.us
Miss Chamberlain
I have a Bachelors of the Arts in Elementary Education from Purdue University and a Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision from Ball State University. I am a successful product of the Duneland School Corporation and am excited to give back to the community that has supported me. This will be my 12th year teaching and 4th year teaching Math. I have previously taught Science, Technology, Business, and College and Career Readiness classes. I am also the Math Department Manager and the Team Leader for Team Purdue.
When I am not teaching, I coach 8th grade volleyball and I love to spend time with family and friends. I enjoy cooking, exercising, and playing with my two dogs.
Email: kconnelly@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Connelly
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Math and Education from Valparaiso University and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. This is my 27th year teaching math at Duneland School Corporation. I am also the Math Academic Team Coach. I was a finalist for the 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year at Duneland.
I love to play soccer, hike, watch the Blackhawks, travel, and spend time with my family.
Email: kbinnendyk@duneland.k12.in.us
Email: cnovreske@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Novreske
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Math Education from Indiana University. This is my 30th year of teaching, my 9th year at the middle school level and my 10th year at Duneland. Prior to teaching at Duneland, I taught at Purdue North Central, Ivy Tech, Portage Adult High School, and for the State of Indiana Department of Corrections. I was a finalist for the 2023 Secondary Teacher of the Year at Duneland and take great pride in the accomplishments of our students in the middle school Foundations program.
In my free time, I enjoy seeing Broadway musicals with anyone that will join me, camping and spending time with my family. I have recently joined the Valparaiso Community Band playing my alto saxophone which has been a challenge after a LOT of years of not playing since high school. My husband and I have 2 adult daughters and an adorable 4 year old grandson.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Music
Email: varizzi@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Vince Arizzi
Mr. Arizzi has taught in the Duneland School Corporation for 22 years, with 16 years as the CMS & LMS Band Director. During his time in the DSC, he has been involved with all levels of the band program, from teaching 6th-grade beginning band to the CHS Trojan Guard Marching Band. He has also taught middle school jazz band, pep band, and high school orchestra. As a trombone player, Mr. Arizzi received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Indiana University and his Master of Music Education Degree from Vandercook College of Music.
Mr. Arizzi enjoys performing, composing, and arranging music. He loves basketball and is a die-hard IU Basketball fan! Mr. Arizzi's other non-musical interests include becoming a YouTube star after the recent success of his "Band Guy" viral video. Watch the video here!
Email:
jchristensen@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Jessica Christensen
Mrs. Christensen has taught orchestra for the past 8 years at Willowcreek Middle School in Portage, but she is very excited to join the amazing Chesterton music team this year! Mrs. Christensen graduated from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University with a Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Violin Performance in 2015. She received Quinlan and Fabish's "Michiana Outstanding Music Educator Award" in 2020 and Indiana American String Teacher Association's "New Teacher of the Year" award in 2017. She serves on the board for the Indiana chapter of the American String Teachers Association and is very passionate about being involved in string education at the state level.
When she in not teaching, Mrs. Christensen loves playing her violin, playing with her dog, being outside in nature, going on adventures with her husband, reading, and eating chocolate ice cream.
Email: kgarrett@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Kristen Garrett
Mrs. Garrett has been teaching music for 17 years, with nine of those years as Jackson Elementary's music teacher. This is her first year as Chesterton Middle School’s Choral Director. Prior to her time at Duneland, Mrs. Garrett taught eight years in a suburb outside of Denver, Colorado. Mrs. Garrett earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Valparaiso University (majoring in voice) and her Master of Arts in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in gifted education from the University of Connecticut. Throughout her career she has led school-wide musicals, directed school and district-wide choral ensembles, worked to create K-12 music curriculum, and served on several district-wide committees regarding instruction and scheduling, in addition to her work with students in the music classroom.
Mrs. Garrett enjoys traveling, baking, and going on "adventures" (anything from exploring a new park to taking a trip to Costco) with her husband and their three year old son.
Science
Email: bgalloway@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Galloway
I graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in Biology and Earth Space Science. I have a Master's in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. I’ve been teaching science in Duneland for over 20 years. I love walking, reading, shopping and going to the beach.
Email: lschugars@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Schugars
Bio coming soon!
Email: jwhite@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. White
Bio coming soon!
Student Services
Counselor
Email: lherrod@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3740
Mrs. Laura Herrod
I graduated from a small college in Dubuque, Iowa and began teaching social studies at Mother McAuley.Liberal Arts high school on the south side of Chicago. I left teaching for a while to raise three kids and return to school to seek a degree in school counseling. I began working in Duneland in January of 1998. I was hired to work part time at Liberty Middle School and then full time in the fall. In my free time, I enjoy taking walks with our dog, bike riding, reading and watching movies.
For Counseling Department information, please log in to Canvas.
ELL
Email: krutkowski@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3740
Mrs. Karen Rutkowski
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education (French and Spanish) and a Master's Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. I have been teaching in the Duneland School Corporation for four years. Prior to teaching in the Duneland School Corporation, I worked as an EL aide for three years. Additionally, I have taught French in the School City of Hammond Schools, Spanish and French in the Grand Rapids Public Schools, and I have taught English as a New Language to both adults and children through the Migrant Education Program in Sparta, Michigan. I currently teach English Language Learners in grades K-12 in the Duneland School Corporation.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, quilting, and spending time with my family.
ELL
Email: lsensibaugh@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3740
Mrs. Lei Sensibaugh
I taught Spanish levels 1-4 at the high school level for 25 years, but have worked with Duneland Schools since 2004. Currently, I am an ELL Teacher of Record in the Duneland School Corporation. I work with students K -12. I earned a BA in Spanish and a BS in Education, teaching Spanish in 1995. I completed a Master's in Language Education with an ELL endorsement in 2008. I truly enjoy working with kids and learning about different languages and cultures. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, hiking, taking pictures, exploring different art mediums, and reading.
Classes Taught: ENL English
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Instructional Coach
Email: msmith@duneland.k12.in.usPhone: (219) 983-3740
Mrs. Maddie Smith
Media Specialist
Email: cdisney@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-983-3740
Mrs. Carrie Disney
I have been at Liberty Intermediate since 2000. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1992, a Masters in Instructional Design in 1998 ,and Library Sciences endorsement in 1999.
I am currently the Media and Reading Specialist. I run the LLI Reading program and also teach Computer Science standards to both 5th and 6th grades.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, playing tennis, scrapbooking and watching football or hockey.
Technology/College & Careers
Email: tfrencl@duneland.k12.in.usPhone: (219) 983-3740
Mr. Frencl
I grew up in Chesterton and graduated from Chesterton High School in 2019. I’m beginning my third year in education, all with the Duneland School Corporation. At Liberty Middle School, I teach 7th grade PLTW and 8th grade Computer Science. I also coach football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, and track, and serve as the yearbook advisor. Outside of school, I enjoy health and fitness, golfing, and watching IU sports.
Email: lnibert@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Nibert
Visual Arts
Email: jgast@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3740
Mr. Jason Gast
I received a Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts Ed with a Minor in Ceramics, with a concentration in Printmaking from Ball State. I also received a Masters Degree in Ceramics from Ball State. I taught at Griffith High School from 2001-2012. I have been teaching Art and sponsoring Art Club at CMS since 2012. In my spare time, I enjoy family, painting, art festivals, Spartan races, autocross, bowling, and movies.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
World Languages
Email: lhageman@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3740
Mrs. Lorraine Hageman
have been teaching French at the middle and high school levels since 2005. My first degree is a B.A. in French: International Studies from Purdue University Northwest (previously Purdue Calumet), for which I completed an immersion program through the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi in 1997. I returned to Purdue Northwest to obtain my teaching license in French. The students refer to me simply as Madame, and I teach French Level 1 at CMS and French Levels 1, 4, and 5 at CHS.
In my free time, my husband and I enjoy traveling both in the U.S. and abroad. We are often adopted by animals who need a home, and currently have 2 cats and a dog. My hobbies include needlework and genealogy, and I have been playing the flute for more than 30 years.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: cknauff@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3740
Mr. Cary Knauff
I began my teaching career here in Duneland in 2011. It has been a wonderful place to teach! I teach German Level 1 here at LMS, then I travel to Westchester and CHS to teach more German 1, German 4, and German 5. I enjoy reading and IU Hoosiers Sports. I am a Cubs & Bears Fan, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to concerts, and watching movies. I spent one year as an exchange student in 1997-98 in the southern German state of Bavaria and have spent a total of approximately 2 years of my life in Germany!
Classes Taught: German
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: kprater@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3740
Mrs. Kristine Prater
This school year I will begin my 14th year of teaching. I graduated from Anderson University with a degree in Sports Medicine and Spanish, and went on to earn my Masters degree in Education through Valparaiso University while working as an Athletic Trainer. I began my teaching career at Boone Grove High School and Middle School teaching introductory courses as well as all levels of Spanish. I am excited to be back at the middle school level this year and in the Duneland School District!
It is my goal, not only to share the culture of countries around the world, and the Spanish language with my students, but to also connect with them and provide a safe place for them. I truly believe that when students feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment, their curiosity and desire to become a lifetime learner increases exponentially. I aim to make my classroom a place that my own children would feel comfortable in and in which my children would feel driven to learn and explore.
When I am not teaching, I am a mom to 4 children, as well as a wife to my husband of 16 years. While a big chunk of my time is spent chauffeuring kids to different extracurricular activities, I love to be outdoors, explore, and workout in my free time.
Email: atsugawa@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3740
Mrs. Aki Tsugawa
I am a Japanese native speaker. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Physical Education, and English from Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan, and my Master's Degree in Secondary Education from IUN. This is my 17th year teaching for Duneland School Corporation (both LMS & WMS and CHS). I previously worked for Highland Schools. I currently sponsor the CHS Japanese Club and CHS Anime Club. I received the 2018 "Japanese Teacher of the Year" from Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association (IFLTA). I also received the 2019 "Secondary Teacher of the Year" for IFLTA.
I love to do yoga, dance, travel, and read.
Classes Taught: Japanese
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
