)INDIANAPOLIS) – The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) and Commissioner Rob Carter are pleased to announce the awarding of over $41,000 in academic scholarships to IDOC employees and their families by the Correctional Professionals’ Assistance Fund of Indiana (CPAFI).
Nicole Teske, who serves as a Mental Health Professional at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, received the Commissioner’s Scholarship award in the amount of $7,500. Nicole is pursuing her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Indiana State University. “I would like to assist in reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness […] and continue to develop my research on various corrections-based topics,” stated Ms. Teske.
Heather McKinney, wife of Pendleton Correctional Facility’s Sergeant Kyle McKinney, received the Public Safety Scholarship award in the amount of $4,000. Heather is currently studying nursing at Ivy Tech Community College. Previously, she served as an Emergency Medical Technician and hopes to one day specialize in forensic nursing.
Dorien Scheets, daughter of Parole Agent Jon Scheets, received the Rose Vaisvilas Public Service Scholarship award in the amount of $3,000. Dorien is pursuing her bachelor’s degrees in sociocultural anthropology and history at Ball State University’s Honor College. She hopes to one day pursue her law degree in Human Rights Law.
In addition to the traditional scholarship opportunities, staff and their families can also apply for supplies or part-time scholarships. Those recipients included:
Supplies Scholarship recipients:
- Megan Dishon, daughter of employee at the Miami Correctional Facility
- Ms. Hope Dekruyf, employee at the Indiana Women’s Prison
- Ms. Naomi German, Wexford employee at the Indiana Women’s Prison,
- Ms. Shelby Paxton, daughter of employee at the Putnamville Correctional Facility,
- Ms. Jennifer Vanhoosier, daughter of employee at the Branchville Correctional Facility
- Ms. Madeline Ginther, daughter of employee at the Westville Correctional Facility, and
- Ms. Katherine Bridgewater, employee at the Correctional Industrial Facility.
Part-time recipients:
- Mr. David Coultas, son of employee at the Branchville Correctional Facility
- Mr. Curtis Brewer, employee at the Reception Diagnostic Facility
- Ms. Mikayla Drake, Wexford employee at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility
- Ms. Tara Foley, wife of employee at the Rockville Correctional Facility
“After meeting the scholarship recipients I was blown away by their accomplishments!” said Commissioner Rob Carter. “It’s truly amazing the talent we have within the Department.”
About the Correctional Professionals’ Assistance Fund of Indiana (CPAFI):
Founded in 2009, and entirely funded by private donations, CPAFI offers scholarships to current Indiana Department of Correction employees, contract staff, and dependent members of their household. Over the past 10 years $354,500 of financial aid has been awarded to qualified recipients to help achieve higher education goals.
To learn more visit CPAFI.org.
