Rob R. Love, J.D. is the Dean of Culture at Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis. He will lead the development and successful implementation of school safety, discipline, and character building policies/procedures for all students. Prior to joining Vanguard Collegiate, Mr. Love served as the former Director for School Services for the Indiana Charter School Network. He brings a host of education, legal, and school support to the Founding Team of Vanguard Collegiate. He has been in education for over 10 years as a classroom teacher, dean, and statewide education policy analyst. Mr. Love volunteers for various education initiatives and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and 100 Black Men of Indy. Mr. Love is a native of Indianapolis, a graduate of Arlington High School, and earned a B.A. in History and Education from Wabash College and a J.D. from the Valparaiso School of Law. Mr. Love is excited to be on board with Vanguard Collegiate and sees this as an opportunity to enhance the Westside’s educational landscape through this role.
Eric Saunders is the Director of Community Engagement for Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis. His main responsibilities include growing enrollment for 5th and 6th grade scholars, building strategic community partnerships, and coordinating all outreach activities. Prior to joining Vanguard Collegiate, Mr. Saunders built experience in mentoring, volunteer outreach,and student recruitment while serving at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana for 8 years. Currently, he serves on the board for AMPS (Always Making Progress), advisory role for The Central Library African American History Committee, and volunteers with the Bloom Project (Kings Feast). Mr. Saunders is also the co-host for the Teas the Artist Youth Open Mic sponsored by WNBA Legend and Olympian Tamika Catchings. Mr. Saunders earned his B.A. in Communication & Culture and African-American African Diaspora Studies from Indiana University-Bloomington.
Sarah Marie McClanahan is joining Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis as the Special Education Coordinator. Mrs. McClanahan transitioned to education in 2008 through the Indianapolis Teaching Fellowship. She has worked in Indianapolis for the last ten years in many different capacities in urban education including Mathematics, English, Special Education, as well as an Instructional Coach. Mrs. McClanahan finished her Leadership and Supervision License through Marian University’s Leadership Academy in June 2015. She is currently working on her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation. She has a Masters’ of Arts Degree in Teaching from Marian University as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Indiana University. Mrs. McClanahan is an avid sports fanatic and can be seen at events across the city. She is elated to be a part of an innovative school that is dedicated to supporting the academic development of families on the Westside.
Rosalie Nataki Pettigrew is the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction at Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis. She will be responsible for overseeing the curricular and instructional program, monitoring scholars’ performance data, training and evaluating teaching staff, and monitoring continuous improvement processes. Prior to joining Vanguard Collegiate, Mrs. Pettigrew was the building leader for Carpe Diem Northwest for four years. In her leadership position, Mrs. Pettigrew cultivated scholar growth, provided professional development for her staff, and engaged stakeholders for the purpose of student achievement. She has over twenty years of experience as an educator, teaching English and writing to scholars in middle and high school. She has also taught education courses on the college level. Mrs. Pettigrew is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and serves as a guardian-at-litem for Child Advocates. She also participates in her church choir at Eastern Star Church. Mrs. Pettigrew is a native of South Carolina and a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. Mrs. Pettigrew earned her Master of Education at Indiana Wesleyan and is currently enrolled in an Ed.S program. Mrs. Pettigrew is a lifelong learner. She is passionate about education and is excited to join the Vanguard team of staff and scholars.
Alyssa J. McIntyre is a Social Studies and Co-Curricular Teacher at Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis. She will be teaching and serving as a co-advisor to scholars. She will also be tutoring and holding office hours for scholars who need extra help. Prior to joining Vanguard Collegiate, Ms. McIntyre attended The Ohio State University where she recently graduated with a B.A. in African-American and African Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Ms. McIntyre has experience working with youth through college access programs like “I Know I Can: College Blueprint.” She has also volunteered with The Boys and Girls Club and served as a facilitator and an advisor in girls of color empowerment organizations, like 1Girl and The Girls Circle Project. Ms. McIntyre is particularly excited to build strong relationships with her scholars and to empower each scholar to become productive leaders in their community.
Bobby C. Thomas is a Math and Science Teacher at Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis. He is excited to help educate and grow our scholars’ academically and foster their character development. Prior to joining Vanguard Collegiate, Mr.Thomas served as the Middle School Math specialist at Christel House Academy South. Mr. Thomas brings with him an engineering background, having worked in the field for years prior to transitioning to teaching. He plans to use this experience to help scholars understand his practical application of the lessons he teaches. Mr.Thomas volunteers as a basketball coach for Team Teague Foundations 2nd and 3rd Grade AAU Traveling Basketball Teams. Mr. Thomas is a Gary, IN native, a graduate of West Side High School. He earned a B.S. in Construction Engineering Management and Technology. Mr. Thomas is excited to be on board with Vanguard Collegiate and sees this as an opportunity to advance his educational career while serving a community of scholars who look like him.
Simon Walker is the Social Studies Teacher at Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis. Recently, he graduated with honors, CummeLaude, from the University of Connecticut with a B.A. in History and a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Mr. Walker brings a wealth of knowledge in general history, as well as, expertise in the history of social movements of the Twentieth Century. Prior to joining the Vanguard Collegiate Team, Mr. Walker volunteered with local nonprofits in his hometown of Stamford, CT. He is excited to meet and be part of the development of this new generation of Vanguards.
Tina Siddle is a Math/Science Teacher at Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis. She will engage scholars in meaningful math lessons while increasing their academic self-confidence by modelling BEST mathematical practices. Prior to joining Vanguard Collegiate, Ms. Siddle provided direct math instruction to scholars and professional development to classroom teachers (KG-12) in Baltimore County, MD, Dallas, TX, Fort Wayne, IN, Jefferson County, IN, Indianapolis, IN and Washington, DC.Ms. Siddle has presented at Education Research Development Institute (ERDI), National Alliance of Black School Educators (NASBE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).Ms. Siddle is the Mathematics Consultant for 100 Black Men of Indianapolis and an active member of Kiwanis International. She is a native of Indianapolis, IN.After graduating from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, Ms. Siddle has used her expertise in mathematics to encourage scholars to “walk it, like you talk it.” Mathematics is a beautiful language and her scholars speak it well.
