Jennifer Bastian, MS, OTR
Occupational Therapist, Lafayette

Jennifer is an Occupational Therapist at IDTC-Lafayette. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis. In December of 2002, Jennifer received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, again from the University of Indianapolis.

Jennifer has a true passion for working with children with special needs. She has had the opportunity to work with children with varying disabilities in settings such as an outpatient pediatric sensory integration clinic, a residential camp and a developmental preschool. Jennifer excels at her work because of her enthusiasm for working with both children and young adults with special needs.

Amy Mitrowka
QMRP

Amy Mitrowka is the QMRP for the boy’s Denim Unit. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Purdue University and has been a part of the IDTC team since March of 2001.  Amy was a Unit Coordinator for 5 years and has been the Denim QMRP since January of 2007.  She has also been a Handle With Care instructor for the past five years.  Amy enjoys being part of a team and has found making a difference in the lives of the residents very rewarding.

Beth Burgess R.N.
Health Services Director, Lafayette

Beth began working at IDTC-Lafayette in 2001 as a Registered Nurse in our Health Services Department. Then in 2002, she was named as our Health Services Director. She holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Ivy Tech College, graduating in 1992, and is nearing completion of her studies at Purdue University, pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Beth is an American Red Cross Instructor and teaches life-saving skills to fellow employees at IDTC. She also holds certification on analyzing EKG's and is a TB-Instructor Trainer.

Beth has been married for 19 years and has three children: Chad, 18; Drew, 17; and Jessica, 11. When Beth does find some time for herself, she enjoys being involved in church activities, running, camping, skiing, traveling and riding ATV's with her family.

Diane Jewell
Building Supervisor

Diane is a lifetime resident of Lafayette and has over 11 years experience working with the developmentally disabled in residential settings. She started in this field as a Residential Supervisor for a local group home working with 8 mentally and developmentally disabled adults. She then went on to become the Group Home Manager one year later. Her responsibilities included overseeing direct care staff, teaching daily living skills, such as hygiene, cooking, implementing individual behavior plans, coordinating activity outings, teaching community safety, budgeting, and maintaining a clean, safe environment for her residents, to name a few.

Having raised three children of her own, she understands the importance of stability, consistence, and fairness in the environment of children, especially in developmentally delayed children.

Diane believes the first step towards success is creating and boosting self-confidence in the children she works with.

Rebecca Lechman
Social Services Director, Lafayette

Rebecca has been promoted to the position of Social Services Director, having previously served as the Community Treatment Coordinator. She provides supervision and resources for the social workers and therapists at the Lafayette Campus. Rebecca had also previously been a therapist and the Social Services Coordinator for 5 years at the IDTC-Lafayette campus.

Rebecca received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Purdue University in 1996 and her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Southern Nazarene University in 2001. She is currently completing the Ph.D. program in Educational Psychology from Capella University. Rebecca has worked in residential settings since 1998 and joined IDTC in 2001.

Rebecca has focused her education and work experience on the counseling, education, and treatment of children with special needs. She believes that inside every child is the desire and potential to grow towards becoming a self-assured individual. Creating the right environment for nurturing this growth and fostering independence is a large part of IDTC's philosophy.

Mike Peaslee
Teacher

Mike Peaslee began working as an educator for IDTC in 2005.  He is a certified special education teacher, certified by the Indiana Department of Education, and is also a Reading Specialist.  Mike enjoys the challenge of helping students be successful socially, as well as academically.  He believes in the influence of reinforcing positive behavior and working together as a group.  Mike’s students participate in activities such as gardening, outings in the community, sports, and reading together as a class.

Erin Phillips
Education Director, Lafayette

Erin Phillips began her career with IDTC-Lafayette in 2000 as a youth counselor. She later moved to the classroom as a teacher’s aide. In 2001, Erin attained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Purdue University, majoring in Psychology, with a minor in Education. She then transferred to the position of special education teacher for our intensive needs classroom. In March of 2005, Erin graduated from the University of Phoenix with her Masters in Education. She assumed her role as Education Director in June of 2005.

Erin comes to IDTC with previous experience developing curriculum programs for diabetic, asthmatic, “at-risk” and burn- victim children. Her passion is to continue advocating for children’s rights while creating fun, interesting, and educational school programs.

John Soderberg
Admissions Specialist, Lafayette

John is the Admissions Specialist at IDTC-Lafayette. John graduated from Butler University in 1997, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Gender Studies. Before joining IDTC, John worked at Worthmore Academy for Learning Disabilities and taught Physical Education for Butler University while obtaining his degree. John joined IDTC in June of 1998 and worked in Youth Care, Health Services and Human Resources before joining the Admissions Department.