About Our School

Meet Our Team

Webinar: Meet Our Teachers

Tune in as a panel of teachers from GEO Focus Academy of Indiana share insights into online learning at our school.

Enthusiastic Educators

At GEO Focus Academy of Indiana, our teachers, administrators, and staff share a passion for education and enthusiasm for delivering education one-to-one in a focused environment. Our staff members are adept at managing this unique process, guiding and supporting your student, and focusing on their individual needs; they’re here to work with you to help your child master their education objectives.

ADMINISTRATION

Louise Cowell | Operations Manager

Mrs. Cowell has been with GEO Focus Academy of Indiana since its inception and has worked in online education with Stride K12 for more than eight years. She started as an advisor at Insight School of Ohio and advanced to related services coordinator and operations manager roles. In 2018, she moved to Indiana Digital Learning School as a student support administrator and in 2021, became the central region program manager supporting the student support administrators in the region.

She is passionate about helping students succeed and supporting teachers, so they have the tools needed to help their students.

TEACHERS

Matt Heagy | K–8 Special Education Teacher

Prior to coming to GEO Focus Academy, Mr. Heagy was a special education paraprofessional and coached basketball at all age levels (K–12) for six years. He is beginning his fourth year as the freshmen boys’ basketball coach at Indian Creek High School.

Mr. Heagy believes all students can learn with the proper guidance. He strives to be a positive role model and is dedicated to making learning fun and worthwhile. One of his favorite quotes is from Tim Tebow: “The ultimate goal isn’t to succeed or fail, the ultimate goal is to give it everything you have for something that’s on your heart.”

He graduated from Western Governor’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in special education. He currently holds a dual teaching license in special education (P–12) and elementary generalist (K–6). He enjoys exercising, hiking, reading historical nonfiction books, and spending time with his wife.

Matt Howell | Middle School Science Teacher

Mr. Howell has been teaching middle school science for more than 13 years, and he still loves it as much as he did his first day! He has worked in both public and private schools, serving as a teacher, an administrator, a coach, and a dorm parent at a boarding school. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Centre College, a Master of Art in teaching from the University of Louisville, and a gifted/talented specialist endorsement from Western Kentucky University. He is licensed in Kentucky and Indiana.

He is passionate about equity in education and removing barriers for students. It doesn’t matter if a student comes from a difficult situation and struggles with reading or if a student is brilliant but never turns in work, Mr. Howell believes each student deserves a personalized education to help them reach their potential. This is what brought him to GEO Focus Academy of Indiana.

When he isn’t telling cheesy jokes in class, Mr. Howell is relaxing at home with his wife and their two dogs—Bruce (a 2 pound Chihuahua) and Freyja (a 40 pound hound dog)—probably watching British TV shows.

Katie Elliot

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Hanover College, followed by a Transition to Teaching Certificate and a Master’s in Elementary Education with a focus on Literacy from Ball State University. Since beginning my teaching career in 2021, I’ve loved sharing my passion for learning and helping students discover that same excitement in the classroom.

Fun fact: I was born in Bangkok, Thailand while my parents were serving as diplomats—a unique start to a lifelong love of learning and exploration!

Joseph Roth | Social Studies

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University and a focus on Urban Education, I bring a strong foundation in equity and student-centered learning to the classroom. In addition to my academic background, I am also a Gallup Certified Strengths-Based Career Coach, which supports my passion for helping students discover and develop their individual strengths.

I began my teaching career in Chicago, where I taught for four years before transitioning into higher education. My journey took me back to Indiana University, where I served as the Coordinator for Diversity Recruitment and Retention. Later, I returned to Chicago to work as the Manager for Post-Secondary Programs, supporting students in their transition beyond high school. Eventually, I moved back to Indiana to become the Director of Student Life and Leadership and a Career Coach at Ivy Tech Community College. While I valued these roles, I deeply missed the daily growth and energy of the classroom. When the opportunity arose to return to teaching, I embraced it—and I’ve been happily teaching at MU Prep ever since!

One of my favorite things about teachers is their humor and heart. Teachers are some of the funniest, most adaptable people I know, and they consistently go above and beyond because they care deeply about student success. They understand that teaching is about service, growth, and bringing out the best in others.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy a variety of activities that keep me energized and inspired. I coach soccer and am a certified scuba diver. In my free time, you can often find me cooking, traveling, exploring Chicago, gardening, playing soccer, or celebrating holidays with friends and family

Martha Frey | Operations Administrative Assistant/Testing Coordinator

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Ball State University. I spent three years working in online education with Stride K12 as an Academic Advisor at Indiana Digital Learning School, where I supported student success in a virtual learning environment. I also gained valuable experience in finance and administration while serving as Accounts Payable for my local school district before returning to Stride K12. What I find most rewarding about working in education is the opportunity to help students reach their full potential and to support teachers in guiding their students toward success.

Fun Fact: I love being outside with my family – whether we’re walking our dogs, camping in new places, kayaking down a river, or cheering at a baseball game. If it gets us outside and having fun together, count me in!