Meet the Staff of The Portage School of Leaders
Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing an enriching learning experience for our students. With years of experience and expertise in their respective fields, our staff is passionate about helping students succeed. Get to know the faces behind the scenes who make The Portage School of Leaders a place of growth and excellence.
Head of School
Amy Ryan
My name is Amy Ryan, and I am honored to serve as Head of School at the Portage School of Leaders. As a founding faculty member of our vibrant learning community, I am deeply passionate about our school model, which fosters a love of learning by encouraging students to see themselves as creators of knowledge, not just recipients of information. Our focus on student agency and curiosity excites me every day, especially in our student-led morning meetings and the independent projects students initiate. Our students are creative, driven, and deeply insightful.
School has been a critical cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember. Prior to moving to the South Bend area, I attended both traditional public schools and public charter schools in the Detroit area, where I quickly learned that there is no better place to be than in the seat of a learner. I carried that with me through my undergraduate studies at my hometown university, the University of Detroit Mercy, where academic learning was interwoven with public service seamlessly and at a default. I moved to South Bend to attend the University of Notre Dame, where I earned a Master of Fine Arts and learned how to balance creative and artistic expression with intensive literary analysis. I quickly decided to make the South Bend area my home and have been joyed to serve this community over the ensuing years. I hold an additional Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Indiana University, solidifying my vocation in the service of all students. Over the years, I’ve worked at various educational institutions in the Michiana area, but I’ve spent most of my career with the Career Academy Network of Public Schools. I taught middle and high school English and theatre and served as a grade-level team lead before helping to found the Portage School. I most recently served as our Academic Lead before assuming my current role.
Outside of school, I am usually busy chasing after my two young daughters, spending time outdoors, working on freelance writing projects, or immersing myself in my own learning.
Dean of Students
Zach Gillis
I’m Zachary Gillis and I’m honored to be the Dean of Students at the Portage School! Having been in the classroom in various capacities, I’m very excited to be in administration. I’d like to say that I’m the type of Dean who focuses more on student development than student control, and I love that I get to be a champion for both students and teachers alike. In addition to my role at the Portage School, I’m one of the pastors at South Bend City Church where I serve in Art & Worship and Pastoral Care.
A few of my favorite things include 90s R&B and Soul, singing, Mexican food, the color green, Trader Joe’s, my loved ones, big cities of the Midwest (e.g., Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis/St.Paul), and my Chihuahuas, Nemo and Topher.
Work Based Learning Coordinator
Brandon Bennett
My name is Brandon Bennett, and I am one of the Work-Based Learning Coordinators with the Career Academy Network. I received my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Saint Joseph’s College and my Master of Arts in English from the University of Indianapolis (UIndy). I have worked in education in some capacity throughout my career, and my role here focuses on helping students explore and engage with various industries through internships, guest speakers, job shadowing, and field trips.
I am passionate about physical fitness and creativity, both for myself and for others. Outside of school, you can typically find me hanging out with my cats, Ursa and Orion, reading, gaming, powerlifting, or writing fantasy stories (currently working on novel #3). A fun fact about me is that I hold the unofficial record for longest master’s thesis at UIndy; I submitted a complete fantasy novel for my project, which came in around 650 double-spaced pages
COMPUTER SCIENCE and Mathmematics
Volker Cloud
My name is Volker Cloud, and I am grateful for the opportunity to teach Computer Science at the Portage School of Leaders. I graduated from Holy Cross College with a B.S. in Computer Science and am passionate about helping students develop the problem-solving, creativity, and technical skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world.
My mission is to make technology both accessible and exciting. I emphasize hands-on learning, real-world applications, and curiosity-driven exploration, encouraging students to see themselves as innovators in the ever-evolving field of technology.
Beyond the classroom, I am a cryptography enthusiast, exploring how principles of particle physics can be applied to secure technological communications.
Career and technical education director
Dave Ebersol
I am the Career Education Coordinator for the CANoPs district, and I manage and maintain the makerspaces across all buildings. I am passionate about manufacturing and creating high wage earning career opportunities for students. I believe that economic development starts with a strong focus on human capital and education. I strongly believe in changing lives and building robots.
For the past twelve years, I have had the privilege of coaching our Robotics team, which has grown from just 15 students to 35. My goal is to build a program that not only teaches students technical skills but also fosters a sense of teamwork, passion, and grit. We’ve competed in and won various competitions, including the Tech Valley Regional Robotics competition, and have made it to the World Championships three times. I was honored to be a finalist for the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award, which is a testament to the hard work and impact of our students and mentors.
Science and health Science
Mat Ferriter
My name is Mat Ferriter, the resident scientist at Portage School of Leaders. While you’ll often find me in the Chemistry lab, I specialize in Anatomy and Physiology. My background bridges elite athletics and rigorous academics; I hold a J.M. in athletic compliance, an M.Ed. in Biology Education, and I am currently completing my Doctorate in Health Science: Exercise and Sport Science.
As a cross-country coach, I love connecting scientific concepts to real-world problem-solving and personal growth. My goal is to foster a curiosity-driven environment where students see science as active, relevant, and worth engaging with. By challenging students to think critically and ask meaningful questions, I aim to prepare them for leadership beyond the classroom. Outside of school, my lifelong dream is to start an animal rescue inspired by my own companion, Dog.
Precision Machining
Chris Kusnierek
I am a machinist by trade, teacher by choice, and a professional coffee, energy drink, and Dr. Pepper consumer. I teach Precision Machining at the Career Academy Network of Public Schools, shaping young minds while keeping mine intact.
Born in South Bend, I grew up as a military kid, moving often and graduating high school in Okinawa, Japan. After a brief stint in Los Angeles, I returned to Michiana, where I’ve built my career and family life. I’ve been married to my wife Laura, a Special Ed teacher, since 2003. We have two kids: Christopher Jr., a Career Academy alum (Class of 2024), and Haley, a high school freshman.
My machining career started in 1999 as an apprentice running CNC lathes and mills. In 2001, I moved into medical device manufacturing, specializing in Swiss-style CNC turning for over 20 years. Along the way, I’ve held many roles—from operator to general manager—and gained expertise in CAD/CAM software, machine controls, and industry standards like ISO and FDA regulations.
Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, camping, and volunteering with Scouting America, where I teach kids survival skills. Teaching machining feels natural—I love sharing knowledge and showing students how cool machining can be.
SOCIAL Studies
Dylan LeBlanc
I am a South Bend native (Marian High School ‘10) with degrees from Loyola University Chicago (BA in History and Philosophy) and Notre Dame (MA and PhD in History). At Portage, I teach all things social studies, from government and politics to family history to traditional hand-tool woodworking. I consider myself an advocate for the humanities across disciplines and industries, and as much a co-learner alongside our students. Students often ask me why I teach, and the answer is simple: I get to have interesting conversations, to challenge young people to think for themselves, and to imagine how they might make their world a better place. That’s a decent living to me.
Outside of school, I enjoy old-man hobbies like antiquing, gardening, and furniture-making, but I also love college football. My wife, Eve, and I spend a lot of time building and reading from our personal library. We are also obsessed with our little boy Theodore (Teddy), who amazes us in new ways each day.
Special Education
Ian Lewis
I am a proud alumnus of Indiana University South Bend, where I earned a B.A. in Secondary Education – Social Studies in 2017 and a Master’s in Special Education in 2022. I am passionate about making a difference in students’ lives, grounded in the belief that every student deserves a chance to thrive. My approach to special education is centered on communication, respect, and a commitment to fostering growth over time.
As a Special Education teacher, my mission is to create positive change. I focus on empathy and understanding, working to support students and their families in reaching their full potential.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, spending time with my wife, Holly, playing golf, and exploring music. These activities bring balance and joy to my life, helping me recharge and bring my best self to my work each day.
Front Office Receptionist
Ivy Nugent
Hello! My name is Ivy Nugent and I am excited to join the team as the new receptionist at The Portage School of Leaders! I moved to South Bend a month ago after living in Muncie for 4 years, so becoming a part of this community has been life changing. Although this is my first time working in a school, I am determined to continue the fun and nurturing environment in the front office!
I graduated from Ball State University in May with a degree in Media Production, so I love all things film and video. In my free time, you will find me writing, practicing, or performing comedy. So, if you’re looking for a corny joke or riddle to cheer you up, I have many on file for you! I enjoy reading, writing, consuming nerdy media, learning new facts about bees, and tutoring beginner Japanese!
College & Career Counselor
Bradley Smith
Bradley Smith is the Career and College Counselor at the Portage School of Leaders. He has worked in education since 2010, teaching English and Spanish across grade levels from pre-K through 12. Bradley earned his undergraduate degree from Andrews University and is currently completing his master’s degree at Western University.
Beyond school, Bradley supports his family’s farm and bakes for their local market. He enjoys traveling, reading, and studying languages, and has explored more than 25 countries while learning five languages so far. At home, he cares for a small herd of goats. Bradley is excited to support students as they prepare for their futures and navigate meaningful pathways beyond high school.
English as a New Language
Courtney Weber
Greetings and Salutations! My name is Courtney Weber and I am the ENL teacher here at Portage. As an ENL teacher I take on the responsibility of working to support students whose first language is not English in the classroom. I am trained to help ELL (English Language Learners) to succeed in all their classes by building their English language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I received my B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Chinese language from St. Joseph’s College and my Master’s in International Studies with a focus on international education.
In my free time I am an avid traveler having visited 17 countries, 22 states in the U.S. and 4 continents. I even lived and worked in China for a few years teaching English at the college level with many of my students coming here to the U.S. to study later. When I am not traveling, I enjoy reading, listening to K-Pop music, watching Chinese dramas, playing video and board games with my husband Wesley Weber, “The Second Best Weber” and spending time with my family on their farm in Rochester, IN where my parents raise corn, soybeans, and 8,000 pigs.
Engineering
Wesley Weber
My name is Wesley Weber, and I am the Engineering Teacher. I bring 10+ years of experience as a STEM educator within the Career Academy Network of Public Schools. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology while double minoring in Chemistry and Earth Science from Saint Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, IN. My engineering classes are focused on bringing creativity and practicality together through practiced communication, planning, and fabrication skills building.
I’m fascinated by the intricate systems of the natural world. My passion for nature has led me on adventures around the world with my wife, “The Best Weber”, Courtney Weber. From the Great Wall of China to the volcanoes of Iceland, each trip inspires my curiosity more. When spending time at home, I enjoy a variety of tabletop games and video games. In recent years, my love of gaming inspired me to begin woodworking by building gaming tables for friends and family to gather around and play. From fantasy quests to real-world designs, I’m always looking for my next adventure.