Our Staff
Beth Benedix, Founder and Director
Beth is originally from Bucks County, PA. She received her B.A, M.A and Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Illinois, and is a Professor of World Literature, Religious Studies and Community Engagement at DePauw University. A passionate advocate for learning communities that empower, transform, nurture creativity, and encourage playfulness, Beth is ever-in-awe of the teachers, students, artists and volunteers she has met through her work with The Castle. Beth lives in Greencastle, IN with her husband and two sons (who are growing up fast!).
Courtenay Hayes, Lead Teacher
Courtenay has been teaching early learners since 1994 and is a certified Level One Google Educator. She earned her B.A. from DePauw University and has done graduate work at Indiana State University and Indiana Wesleyan University. She has always been passionate about engaging learners of all backgrounds, abilities and talents. She is excited to work with The Castle to empower other teachers to deliver rich, meaningful, creative projects and experiences. Courtenay lives in Greencastle, IN with her family.
Leah Henry, Lead Teacher
Leah is a veteran PBL facilitator and instructional coach who currently is a grade 9–12 history educator, curriculum writer, and education consultant. She has taught and/or coached in rural, suburban, and urban schools and in charter, parochial, and public schools in grades 7–12, with the bulk of her in-classroom PBL experience coming from working in an Expeditionary Learning school and a New Tech Network school. Leah worked with educators from all grade level and content areas as a school development coach for the New Tech Network for 6 years before returning to the classroom in 2018 to teach history at the high school she graduated from in rural Indiana. She has three young children and writes curriculum, leads PD, and consults for school districts and other learning organizations.
Our Board
Beth Waterman
Principal, Roachdale Elementary School
JP Olsen
Director of the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media, DePauw University
Jim Ensley
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Putnam County
Brian Hatton
Partner, QVentures and Flywheel Fund II
Tom Kixmiller
Licensed Therapist, Cummins Behavioral Health
Kathryn Dilworth
Professor of Practice for Philanthropy and Executive Director of Strategic Relations, Purdue University
Ashley Magdaleno
Strategic Relations Coordinator, Purdue University
Kate Skirvin
Ag Educator, 2022 Indiana and National Associations of Agricultural Educators, District VII and Region IV Teacher of the Year
Our Partners
Our Network
Our Sponsors
Our Inspiration
