Jennifer Sell is the founder and executive director at Same As U. Jennifer is an IU grad.

After many years in the business world, Jennifer made the leap from the for-profit sector to the not-for-profit sector. The concept of Same As U was a slow and steady process that started many years ago.

Jennifer could not shake what she refers to as a God-inspired passion to serve young adults with developmental disabilities. That prompting, along with the help of many amazing people, led to Same As U opening its doors in January 2020. As a parent of a young adult with a developmental disability, Jennifer understands firsthand what it is like to love and advocate for them.

She is committed to making sure Same As U continues doing an excellent job of helping these young adults live the life they imagine.

Sara MacGregor is the co-founder, Education Director, and Lead Teacher at Same As U.

Sara holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Special Education from Purdue University. Sara taught exceptional learners in two Indiana school districts and served as a Parent Guide for Indiana Hands and Voices, an organization that provides parent-to-parent support when a baby or child is diagnosed as Deaf or hard-of-hearing.

As a parent herself of a soon-to-be Same As U student, Sara is passionate about guiding young adults to become lifelong learners and teaching them a variety of subjects and skills that will enhance their lives.

Sara strives to make Same As U exactly what she would want for her own child in a best-case scenario.

Jennifer Blake graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English Literature. She worked in the book publishing industry before she and husband Jeff started their family. As a stay-at-home mom to their four children, she held leadership positions in school, church and community organizations. 

After 18 years, she returned to the workforce as an instructional assistant for students with developmental disabilities and earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education with certifications in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University.  

Prior to joining SameAsU, Jennifer worked as a Registered Behavior Therapist providing 1:1 ABA therapy and interventions in a clinic setting. She appreciates the unique way that God has wired each of us and is inspired by the students and staff at SameAsU. 

Megan is a Board-Certified Music Therapist who graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in Music Therapy. Megan started her career as a music therapist serving individuals with disabilities, where she had the opportunity to serve people of all ages. Megan loves working with young adults, as it is an exciting time to become more independent and discover passions! She loves to use music to teach skills and foster social and emotional growth.

Megan’s love for music began from the time she was old enough to sing, and throughout her life she has explored many different musical opportunities. Sharing music with others has always been a huge part of Megan’s life! She loves the Christian foundation at Same as U, because her faith has been the foundation of her own life as well.

Megan lives in Indianapolis with her husband Evan and their daughter Lucy. They love spending time playing games together, being silly, and cuddling up on the couch with their dog Pepper.

Catherine grew up in the Fishers area. She has two sisters, one of which has Cerebral Palsy. Catherine grew up tagging along with her sister at Special Olympics and Carmel Dads Club. She graduated from Ball State with a double major in special education, including mild and severe interventions. She worked a summer at Bradford Woods, experiencing several camps like Camp Hi-Lite and United Cerebral Palsy. She worked as a special education teacher in Yorktown, taught preschool in Muncie, and held leadership roles at her church including children’s ministry. Catherine and her husband have three daughters. She resides in Fishers to be near her older sister and loves to paint, draw, craft, play board games, and hike. She loves what Same As U offers and looks forward to teaching, getting to know the students and staff, and overall being involved in a wonderful ministry.

Dana Lawrence graduated from Ball State with a bachelor's degree in education in 1982. She married in 1984 and have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren. Dana taught preschool at St. Mark's United Methodist Church before beginning a 23 year career in teaching at Carmel Clay Schools. While at Carmel, Dana sponsored Best Buddies and United Sound. After retiring in December of 2022, she found Same As U in March of 2023 and believes this is the best job ever!

Kylie received a degree in psychology from Indiana University. After seven years teaching as an instructional assistant for students with developmental disabilities in Washington Township, she become a Case Manager for individuals with developmental disabilities receiving services on the Medicaid Waiver.

Kylie loves serving in her church and community and currently leads a small group of freshman girls, which has been such a blessing to watch them grow in their faith. 

She and her daughter, a freshman at North Central, along with their two cats, live in Westfield. In her spare time, she enjoys going to her daughter's volleyball games, spending time with family, and traveling. 

Kylie has a passion for serving and helping others advocate for themselves and is very excited to join the Same As U team and use her God given gift of teaching!

Julia enjoyed working with students and adults with disabilities at the Arc of Wabash County. She has a passion for this ministry that God has placed on her heart. Also a student at Liberty University Online, Julia studies Christian Leadership and Business Management with two minors in Christian Ministries and Special Education. She hopes to continue to teach and serve people with disabilities as she fulfills God’s will for her life. She considers working at Same As U a huge blessing and honor, loves learning from and with the students. Originally from Peru, IN, Julia and her husband now lives in Noblesville. Julia loves going on adventures with her husband, reading, exercising, being with family and friends, and also being with her church family.

Mary Ellen Stuber graduated from Anderson University with a degree in Marketing and worked in customer service and marketing.  When she became a mom, she was blessed to be able to stay at home with them.  Volunteering at church and in the kid's schools over the years gave her the chance to work with people of all ages.  

When her kids were older, Mary Ellen taught preschool for five years and loves the energy of a classroom full of learners.  She is excited to be back in a classroom again.  

Mary Ellen lives in Fishers with her husband Jamie and three teenagers. They love serving in their church and with various mission organizations around the world. She loves traveling, reading and playing games.  

Jamie Williams graduated from Southern Illinois with a degree in Dietetics. She and her husband Nate have two children and live in Noblesville. She loves being mom and being present for all those important milestones. After volunteering in her son's classroom, she realized how much she enjoys teaching. 

Jamie is also very involved at her church volunteering in the special needs ministry. She aspires to use her gifts to make a difference in the lives of the Same As U students and help them reach their full potential. She is quickly seeing how much they too can teach her!

Kristi Baker is owner of CSi Advisory Services & Compensation Systems, Inc, since 1993. Kristi holds a BS in Finance from Illinois Wesleyan University and lives in Carmel with her husband Bryan and has two adult children.

Kristi works with corporate retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), Defined benefit plans) and helps families and individuals reach their financial goals. Her strengths are in planning, organization, thought leadership, investments, and financial management.

Kristi is committed to serving and providing an opportunity to students and young adults of all abilities to pursue their future. Same As U’s commitment to helping their students learn, grow, belong, and thrive thorough meaningful programing is the reason Kristi is excited to support and grow with the organization. She has been blessed to have many friends with disabilities that have enriched her life.

Kim has enjoyed working in the beauty industry for the better part of 32 years, making women look and feel beautiful.  She holds a B.A. degree in communications from Butler University and is happily married to her husband Ray.  They live in Fishers and together they share 5 amazing grown children and two beautiful little granddaughters.

Kim and her husband are longtime members of White River Christian Church in Noblesville.  She has determined a couple of her spiritual gifts to be cooking and caring for friends and family.  Other hobbies include gardening, Pilates and fashion.

Kim attributes her affection towards Same As U students to her children Kyle and Ellie who both lovingly, from a young age, volunteer to work with and befriend those who just need a little extra help and love to feel included. Her children are her inspiration.

Chip graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Upon graduation he returned to his native Ohio for the next two years to serve as the director of youth ministries at a large church in Hamilton, Ohio. He then spent the next 44 years back in Indiana serving in various senior leadership roles at two universities: first, Taylor University for 24 years, and then Ball State University for 20 years. After his career in higher education, he served as Stewardship Pastor at Northview Church in Carmel, Indiana.

In addition to his professional career, he has counseled countless organizations on fundraising and resource development. He has severed the boards of multiple nonprofit organizations as well as on the boards of local government as an elected official. As a volunteer, he has helped many organizations from community-based programs to educational agencies and schools, as well as international humanitarian organizations and international schools.

He and his wife live in Carmel, Indiana. They are the proud parents of two adult children and their spouses who have provided them with five wonderful grandchildren---all boys.

Joe recently retired after a 33 year career in the pharmaceutical industry. He worked for both big and small pharma, most recently as the head of manufacturing and supply chain for a start-up pharmaceutical company in Indianapolis. He and his wife moved to Fishers in 1992 and have 4 children. Their third son is currently a student at Same As U. Seeing his son's excitement to go to school and his continued growth, both academically and socially, motivated Joe to get more involved with this organization -- leading him to joining the board. "I want to help ensure that the growth my son enjoys will be available for others in the special needs community." In addition to supporting Same As U, he is also involved with the Hamilton County Special Olympics Track and Field team.

Julie Kiffmeyer is the president/owner of WSI, a digital marketing firm located in Fishers, Indiana. Prior to joining WSI, Julie held several management and executive positions with Eli Lilly and Company over a span of 18 years. Julie is blessed to be on the Board at Same As U. Her son with special needs started attending Same As U in the spring of 2021 and has wonderfully thrived at the school. As a parent, the school is an answer to prayers, providing her son an opportunity to continue learning and to enjoy his own social environment. She has a passion for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is excited to be part of Same As U’s mission. Same As U is fulfilling an unmet need for these amazing young adults, and she looks forward to helping Same As U achieve its goals.

Bio Coming Soon

Heather has an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies with minors in History and Spanish, and a graduate degree in Executive Development for Public Service. Her early career was in international education, with a strong emphasis on program assessment and development. She worked with students, administration, and faculty to develop, coordinate, oversee, and prepare students and staff for international education opportunities. She also worked internationally with assessing potential partnerships and cultivating existing educational partnerships. Heather and her husband are the owners of Home Base Property LLC, a rental and property management business. She is active in volunteer opportunities in the community, church, and currently serves on two non-profit boards. She and her husband live in Carmel, Indiana, and are busy parents of three active boys. Heather enjoys serving others, has a passion for fitness, and can often be found in the kitchen cooking for her family and friends. Heather is passionate about education and service opportunities, and is excited to be a part of the valuable mission and impact of Same As U.