Tonia Kitchel, Ed.S., IPE

Tonia is a licensed School Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in NWI. She earned her BS in Psychology and Ed.S. in School Psychology from Indiana University. She earned her Independent Practice Endorsement in 2018.
Her experiences include: 

  • School Psychologist for K-12 in Mishawaka, Porter County, Lake County, and multiple charter schools 

  • Independent Education Evaluation (IEE’s) for local school districts 

  • Behavior Specialist and Intake Coordinator for Behavior Specialists of Indiana 

  • Psychological evaluations for Vocational Rehabilitation

  • Psychological evaluations for First Steps of Indiana 

  • Co-Coordinator of the Duneland School Corp Early Learning HUB birth-to-school program 

  • Tonia is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and Indiana Association of School Psychologists (IASP). She is also a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. 

Tonia is very excited to be able to use her experiences and skills to help children and their caregivers learn about their academic strengths and weaknesses, obtain recommendations for areas of concern, connect to important resources and to offer education and guidance that helps families ensure success. 

Tonia resides in Chesterton with her husband, Sean, and three children.  Emma is a junior at IU and Lanie is a freshman at IU, both studying psychology.  Nate is a sophomore at Chesterton High School and plays for the CHS Soccer Team.  

Amy Curtis, BA, MA

Amy is a licensed K-6 educator with ten years of experience in the field of education.  She earned her BA in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and her MA in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Iowa.  Amy has taught in a variety of settings from co-teaching classrooms to one-on-one tutoring sessions to family led play groups.  Her work includes experiences with early childhood through upper elementary aged children.

Amy believes learning is most meaningful when children have the opportunity to make sense of the information and interactions they have gained through memorable, uniquely challenging and creative experiences, and she is enthusiastic about designing such experiences and supporting children as they explore the world around them.

Amy and her husband have called Northwest Indiana home since 2020.  She is the mom of an energetic two year old daughter who loves to play!

Amy can be reached at mrs.amycurtis@gmail.com.

*Amy is an independent instructor and leader of the LEAPS and Bounds Brain Boosters groups.

Hi! My name is Katie Hall and I am a mom to two littles. I received my Special Education degree at Illinois State University and taught for 5 years before staying home. While staying home with my kids we participate in many community events such as library classes, music classes, and the Duneland Early Learning HUB. My favorite part about being involved in all these classes is watching my kids grow and interact with others.

Katie Hall

*Katie is an independent instructor and co-leader of the LEAPS and Bounds Scribble Sprouts groups.

Hello, my name is Michelle Dziezak. I received a BA in Elementary Education & Special Education from Purdue University Calumet. I taught in diverse classrooms for about 2 years before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom. I have been blessed with two sweet boys (Sam, 6 and Jackson, 3). I am still actively involved in the community as a Special Olympics coach for bowling and volleyball in Lake County, while also holding a board member position. 

 Being a stay-at-home mom has given me many opportunities to grow and bond with my boys. We participate in many things at the library, music classes, sports, and at the Duneland Early Learning HUB. I have watched all these programs help my children grow into amazing little boys. It has helped them socially, taught them how to interact with others, and really helped them adapt to our new home and community. I cannot wait to see what Scribble Sprouts will bring to the Duneland Community.

Michelle Dziezak

*Michelle is an independent instructor and co-leader of the LEAPS and Bounds Scribble Sprouts groups.