Meet The Team
Cynthia Johnson
– Executive Director
Cynthia began her Learn More Center journey January 1, 2005. She had previously worked at Sylvan
Learning Centers as Lead Instructor. She had spent 10 years in the arena of individualized instruction
targeting students’ strengths while bolstering areas needing strengthened. The Learn More Center’s
focus on a nurturing environment that truly individualized instruction inspired her to transfer from the
for profit world into the nonprofit world of adult basic education. In 2010, Cynthia became Director of
Education. She directs programming, develops curriculum, and teaches whenever possible. “I truly have
the BEST job! Here at LMC, we have the privilege to participate in our students’ journeys into their
‘start of something better.” Cynthia has been married to her husband Robin for 30 years. They have
three children and several “furbabies”. Cynthia enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family
and friends.
Gary Montel – Development Officer
Gary Montel, development officer, joined LMC in 2013 after working experiences with a fortune 500 company, two retirement communities and a university holding positions in sales, wholesale credit management. accounting, administration and public relations. He currently works with high school equivalency testing, fund raising and public relations.
Deborah Blatz – Instructor
“During an exploratory teaching class my senior year of high school, I discovered my love of teaching. Working with students has brought me great joy and satisfaction for more than forty years. After high school, I earned a degree from Indiana University and began teaching students with special education needs, then worked as a elementary principal, and as a special education and curriculum director. I retired from public education in Warsaw a few years ago, and one week into retirement, I began volunteering at the Learn More Center. The students at The Learn More Center have been some of the most memorable of my career, and I enjoy helping them succeed. My husband Doug and I live in Warsaw, we have two grown children and two grandsons.”
Lucas Esch – Instructor
Lucas has been teaching with the Learn More Center since Spring of 2016. He enjoys science and writing in particular, wishing to encourage others to develop their curiosity and creativity. In addition to teaching, Lucas also tackles some administrative duties such as monitoring and compiling student data and statistics, researching and writing grants for the center, and proofreading or editing as needed.
In his free time, Lucas enjoys reading, writing, gaming, and streaming on Twitch. He loves to hike and admire nature and spend time with friends and family. Creativity and community are important values and he loves sharing those passions with others.
Al Sims – Tutor
“I have been an educator for 56 years serving as a classroom teacher, principal and district administrator. I have enjoyed volunteer tutoring at LMC since 2013.
I enjoy music and sports as hobbies.”
Loretta Sommer – Tutor
Currently a math tutor for the Learn More Center, after having retired from MSD of Wabash Co. as a Special Education/Math teacher six years ago. I am a mother of four, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of four. I enjoy traveling, camping, reading and attending car/tractor shows with my husband, David. We are very involved in our church and all our family activities.
Robert Tully – Tutor
Bud Tully, aka the Tully Monster, has been a math tutor at the Learn More Center since 2013. He was a math and physics education major at Manchester College. After teaching at Wabash High School for two years he held a number of other positions including Director of Admissions at MC before returning to teaching at 8th grade math and algebra at Manchester Junior High School. He retired in 1995 from Manchester Community Schools after 17 years at the Junior High. In his spare time he enjoys sailing, flying (private pilot), and travel throughout the United States (49 of the 50 states) and around the world (Europe, Russia, and China).
Shaelyn Bailey – Paraprofessional
Hi there! My name is Shaelyn Bailey, I am a Paraprofessional at LMC. I’m from Colorado but have lived in Indiana since late 2017. I was previously a student here and obtained my High School Equivalency Diploma in 2018. Presently, I am majoring in Human Services at Ivy Tech. On days I’m not here, I am usually found either snuggled up with my pets and a good book, or outside taking pictures.
Michelle Johnson – Paraprofessional
Michelle has been working for the Learn More Center for about 2 and a half years and before that volunteered for almost 3 years. She’s in charge of getting students through orientation and helping them become familiar with the program. On top of that, she also enjoys helping students with math problems when the tutors aren’t looking. In 2020, Michelle received her paraprofessional certification and plans on continuing her education in college. In her free time, Michelle enjoys hiking, playing video games, drawing, painting, and creating art in general.
Chris Himes – Chief Examiner & Tutor
I’m blessed to be retired from a long career in banking and now spend my days with my best friend and husband of 7 years, Tony. I love spending time with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, traveling, and reading. As the eldest granddaughter of a man who valued education and eldest niece of an aunt who believed every day that you learned something is a successful day, I’m a lifelong learner. I went back to college after a 20-year gap to finish my bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana Wesleyan. I’ve achieved two prestigious certifications in banking (Accredited ACH Professional [AAP] and Accredited Payments Risk Professional [APRP]) and have held both life and property insurance certifications. I continue to learn, but now for pleasure.
Kendall Brown – Tutor
Hi! My name is Kendall Brown, and I have been working with the Learn More Center on and off since 2020. I graduated from Manchester University in 2022 with majors in Spanish and Peace Studies and minors in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Religious Studies. I love the little community of North Manchester! I primarily teach English as a Second Language, but I am also here to help in any way I can with your college and career goals, as well as your HSE goals. I am passionate about language and how learning a new language can help you connect with others in your community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, adventuring outside, reading, crocheting, and playing with my cat, Clyde!
Jack Heller – Instructor
Jack Heller has come to the Learn More Center after 26 years of college and university teaching, 21 at Huntington University. Heller has an earned Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in English Literature, and he has lived, worked, and taught in China, Louisiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Indiana. Heller has frequently volunteered in jails and prisons, including facilitating a Shakespeare program at Indiana’s Pendleton Correctional Facility for 6.5 years. The men he worked with completed four plays of Shakespeare. Now semi-retired, Heller works part-time with the Learn More Center and with Grant Regional Adult Education, mostly tutoring in the jail programs.
Jill Beals – Tutor
Continuing education of any sort remains vital; it fosters self-esteem and can quite literally become addictive. My life would have been vastly different without it, and because I strongly believe in it, I feel fortunate to be a part of the Learn More Center during my retirement from Wabash City Schools. I have taught grades 6-12 language arts and English, so I’m most helpful in steering students in reading, grammar, and writing. Additionally, I have experience with those who have learning disabilities, which allows me to assist or spot areas that might need additional attention. I hold a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Manchester College (now University) and master’s degrees in both secondary and special education from Ball State University. Continuing education opens doors and leads to independence not only at home but also in the workforce. Please join us!
Tiffany – HSE Examiner & Paraprofessional
Tiffany began her Learn More Center journey back in 2010. She came in as a student looking to obtain her High School Equivalency. She had spent years out of an educational setting but has always had a passion for learning. In June of 2011, LMC offered her the opportunity to become a Classroom Assistant and Receptionist. In 2013, Tiffany obtained her HSE and graduated, which she never thought would happen. In June of 2018 Tiffany obtained her Paraprofessional Certification. In spring of 2016, Tiffany took a leap at furthering her education and enrolled with Ivy Tech Community College. She wasn’t set on a degree but knew she wanted to further her education. College was a struggle for Tiffany as she battles with chronic migraines, but she fought and was on the Dean’s List every semester. In fall of 2024, Tiffany completed her Indiana College Core Technical Certificate. Somewhere she decided on the Psychology degree, and she finished her degree in May 2025. Tiffany was going for one and walked away with three, an Associate of General Studies, Associate of Science in Psychology, and Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. Tiffany just applied with Western Governors University to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree where she has hopes of later achieving her Master’s with hopes of becoming a Mental Health Counselor. Tiffany constantly demonstrates what lifelong learning is about.
