Staff

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IJA Teachers & Staff 2023-2024

 

We encourage you to take the time to meet our teaching staff. Appointments are always available after school hours.

 

Kelly Taitano

Grades 1st-2nd

Mrs. Taitano graduated from Purdue University with a B.A. in Secondary English Education and from La Sierra University with a Master's degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. She has taught high school and college, as well as home schooled Pre-K through 8th grade. She is married to John Taitano and they have three children: Brenna (graduating from college

in December), Zane (just graduated from high school), and Vance (will be a junior at Indiana Academy). Kelly enjoys cooking/baking, preaching, reading, and kayaking. She believes that all children can learn and deserve a chance to do so. Her favorite Bible passage is Romans 8:35-39.

 

 

 

 


 

Eunice Barney

Grades 3rd/Principal

Mrs. Barney has worked in the field of education for over 20 years in both SDA schools as well as public schools. She has a passion for children being taught of the Lord, but also recognizes the importance of children having a sound education to be successful citizens in this world which we temporarily call home. She believes that all students are capable of learning and that it is important for children to learn in an atmosphere where they can be free to express and live out their beliefs without feeling out of place doing so.

 

 

 

 

 


 

Rita Paunganwa

Grades 4th & 5th

Mrs. Rita Paunganwa is a native of Zimbabwe, Africa. She emigrated to the USA in October of 2000 after completing her Bachelors of Business Administration at Solusi Adventist University. When she and her husband were blessed with their daughter, her interest turned to Education. She has worked over 10 years as an Instructional Assistant in the public-school sector, focusing on Math and Reading interventions. She also taught Preschool here at the Indianapolis Junior Academy for a year. Presently, she is working on her Master's degree in Elementary Education.

Rita Paunganwa is excited to join the IJA family. She hopes to build lasting relationships with both the students and their families that are motivated by the love of Jesus Christ. In her leisure time, Mrs. Paunganwa loves to garden, sew, sing, and try new recipes.

 

 


 

Jocias Diaz

Grades 6-8th

"Hi! My name is Pr. Jocias Diaz, and I will be teaching 6-8th grade this year at IJA. I recently graduated from Andrews University with a Bachelor's in theology and a minor in History and am really looking forward to doing Youth Ministry in the classroom setting. I have been actively involved in teaching and Youth Ministry for the last 5 years at Timber Ridge Camp, traveling ministries as Andrews University, and as a Pastor and Captain of the AU Gynmics. It is my desire and goal to use these skills to create a nurturing environment geared towards interactive learning, enabling students to develop critical thinking skills as they learn about life and God's love for them." Favorite Bible verse: Acts of Apostles 20:24

 

 

 

 


Paola Pizarro

Business Manager

Mrs. Pizarro holds a degree in accounting from Peruvian Union Adventist University and she worked for several years as a treasurer of different Adventists schools in her native country. She received an MBA in business management from the Peruvian Union Adventist University in 2009. She got her second MBA in Human Resources from USI (University of Southern Indiana) in 2019. She has a very strong financial and management background, very familiar with school finances, and is able to oversee school operating finances and other matters related to operating school facilities. She has a passion for Adventist Education, and her commitment is to keep IJA’s finances strong and debt free.