Support

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

 

Colossians 3:23-24

Meet the dedicated support team at School Alive, where each member plays a vital role in our community. From our vigilant Security Officer ensuring a safe environment, to our compassionate assistant and substitute teachers, and our enthusiastic volunteers, every individual is committed to nurturing and guiding our students. Together, we bring the vision of "Authentic HAMSTER Education" to life, inspiring and supporting each student in their journey towards discovering and fulfilling their God-given purpose.

Mr. John Binske

Security Officer

jbinske@schoolalive.com

Mr. John Russell Binske brings over 30 years of comprehensive security experience from his distinguished career in the military, law enforcement, and church security. His extensive background includes 23 years of service in the U.S. Army, with deployments to Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he gained invaluable experience in base and convoy security operations. Recently, John served as the Head of Security at Church Alive, enhancing the security framework and ensuring the safety of the congregation. Additionally, his tenure as a Courthouse Security Officer with the local Sheriff's Department has further honed his skills in maintaining secure environments.

 

Originally from Livingston, Montana, John was raised in a military family, which instilled in him a deep sense of duty and adaptability. He has lived across the United States, finally settling in Lafayette, Indiana, in May 1998. John’s military career is decorated with numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars. His roles ranged from Cavalry Scout to Unit Supply Sergeant, showcasing his versatility and leadership. John's education includes graduating with honors from the NCO Academy and completing various advanced training courses, reflecting his commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in security operations.

 

John's personal life is equally commendable. Married to his wife Tina for 23 years, he is dedicated to his family and community. His leadership at School Alive is instrumental in safeguarding our faculty and students, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment. John's wealth of knowledge and steadfast dedication align perfectly with School Alive's mission to provide a Christ-centered education, fostering a safe space where students can thrive both academically and spiritually. He significantly contributes to the safety and well-being of our community.

Mr. Rob Mendenhall

Substitute Teacher

rmendenhall@schoolalive.com

Mr. Robert Lee Mendenhall III, after graduating from a small rural high school in Pennsylvania, made a commitment to serve his country by joining the Marine Corps. His honorable four-year service included three combat deployments to Afghanistan. During this time, Rob was distinguished by his bravery and commitment, earning several prestigious accolades including the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the line of duty. His other commendations included meritorious and combat meritorious promotions, being named team leader of the quarter, and receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat valor. In his leadership roles, Rob oversaw and mentored numerous Marines, providing them with invaluable guidance and support. His military training included completing the Combat Lifesaver and DMOC live tissue medical courses.


Following his service in the Marines, Rob pursued further education at Ivy Tech, embarking on a path to become a paramedic. Simultaneously, he ventured into entrepreneurship, aiming to empower others with skills for self-reliance and protection, spearheading operations at The Forge Training Center - IKMF. His journey led him to become a certified Krav Maga instructor with the International Krav Maga Federation, and he soon rose to the position of State Director for Indiana. Krav Maga, known for its practical approach to self-defense, became a key part of his teaching repertoire since 2015. Additionally, Rob trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai kickboxing, and boxing, teaching students ranging in age from 4 to 81.


Rob's instructional expertise extends well beyond military and martial arts training. He has experience as a professional teacher and currently homeschools his children. Rob has worked with local schools to provide instruction in medical training, self-defense, survival skills, and other life-saving techniques. The Lord has blessed Rob with the ability to teach and he uses that gift to impart knowledge in self-defense, exercise, nutrition, and much more. He is passionate about educating future generations in maintaining healthy lifestyles and sharing the Love of Christ.

Mrs. Kayla Boltz

Volunteer

kboltz@schoolalive.com

Born and raised in Lafayette, IN, Mrs. Kayla Alise Boltz pursued her educational journey at Purdue University, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management from the Krannert School of Management in 2014. Her career began at Purdue University, where she focused on managing finances and providing crucial business office support across various departments and schools. This role of Business Manager honed her skills in financial analysis, strategic planning, and adherence to complex policies. In 2019, she transitioned to Copper Moon Coffee as a Café Accountant, developing her financial expertise with QuickBooks to ensure meticulous record-keeping and streamline operational processes. By 2021, she had risen to the role of Senior Staff Accountant, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and growth in financial management.


In 2023, Kayla made the heartfelt decision to prioritize family and embraced the role of a full-time mother to her two sons. Throughout her career, she has consistently drawn on her strengths in financial management, ethical conduct, and collaborative leadership to navigate challenges with integrity and resilience. Beyond professional pursuits, she finds fulfillment in hiking, running, and cherished moments with her husband and sons. Her personality is characterized by analytical thinking, honesty, and reliability, values that underpin both her personal and professional life.


Looking ahead, Kayla aspires to re-enter the workforce once her children are in school, contributing positively as a professional and maintaining a balanced life centered on family and personal growth. She strives to embody dependability and a compassionate presence in all aspects of life, aiming to inspire others through her work and personal pursuits. Her journey is shaped by a commitment to managing priorities through effective time management and nurturing healthy boundaries, ensuring a harmonious integration of professional ambitions and personal fulfillment.

Mrs. Brooke Mason

Volunteer

bmason@schoolalive.com

Mrs. Brooke Dawn Mason brings a wealth of experience and a heart deeply rooted in faith. With a Bachelor of Science in Organizational and Professional Development from Eastern Illinois University and an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Personnel from Danville Area Community College, her academic background is both rich and diverse. Brooke’s professional journey, highlighted by her certification as a Certified Coding Associate from the American Health Information Management Association and significant roles in medical billing and office management, showcases her commitment to excellence and precision. Currently working for a dermatology office and formerly serving as a Billing and Coding Coordinator at Purdue University Student Health Center, Brooke’s expertise in managing intricate systems and fostering efficient, compassionate environments is invaluable.

 

Raised near Danville, Illinois, Brooke’s journey to Indiana began in 2013, a move inspired by love and a shared vision of building a life centered on faith with her husband, Jared. Her passion for revolutionizing education through a Christ-centered foundation is deeply personal. Brooke envisions a world where education is not just about academic achievement but about nurturing the whole child to grow into the person God created them to be. Her desire to support the transformation of education in our country, to lay its foundations on Christ and the principles upon which our nation was built, is a testament to her faith and commitment to service. Brooke’s philosophy, inspired by 1 Corinthians 15:58, is a beacon for her work: steadfastness in faith, unwavering dedication to the Lord’s work, and the belief that such labor is never in vain. This scripture, coupled with her professional acumen and personal journey underscores her multifaceted ability to lead, inspire, and contribute meaningfully to School Alive’s mission.

 

In her personal life, Brooke’s greatest joy and calling is being a wife and mother, embracing the beauty and challenges of family life with grace and faith. Her passion for God’s Word and its foundational truth for our educational system is a guiding light for her service on the School Alive Board. Brooke’s commitment to creating a nurturing, safe space for children to learn and grow is fueled by her belief in the transformative power of education grounded in Christ’s love and teachings. Brooke Mason’s journey is marked by a Dolly Parton quote she holds dear: “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” At School Alive, Brooke is not just paving a new road; she’s helping to lay the foundation for a revolution in education, driven by unshakeable faith and values.

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