Niccole Caan
Press Secretary

Niccole is responsible for communications regarding the agency’s three annual statewide campaigns.  She serves as spokesperson, promotes education issues on multimedia platforms and develops media events.  She has worked to establish relationships with media outlets across the state.  Niccole earned a BA from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.  She spent a decade as a broadcast journalist focusing on education issues across the state of Indiana before joining Learn More Indiana’s team.
Contact Niccole:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 138

niccole.caan@learnmore dot org

Sara Hess
Public Relations & Policy Advocacy Manager

Sara Hess joined Learn More Indiana in May 2011 to provide practical writing and communications expertise as well as direction for policy decisions. She brings her background in journalism and public relations to Learn More Indiana’s media and outreach efforts, and assists in the coordination of the three statewide campaigns. Additionally, her interest in Indiana education policy, particularly issues of school choice and educational quality, augments the policy guidance and strategic planning she provides for Learn More Indiana. Sara graduated from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a Master’s in Public Affairs, and also holds a BA from Purdue University.

Contact Sara:
 
(317) 464-4400 ext. 139
 
sara.hess@learnmore dot org

Doug Lintner
Design & Digital Media Manager

Doug Lintner has been on the Learn More Indiana team since 2009. As a Design & Digital Media Manager he is actively involved in developing and maintaining design standards for Learn More Indiana. He supports the development and distribution of marketing materials, print publications, promotional displays, presentations and multimedia content along with the production of video and other multimedia products. He manages, and maintains the Learn More Indiana website to enhance Learn More Indiana’s online presence and usage. He also collaborates with the Public Relation and Marketing Manager for all creative material related to statewide public relations and marketing campaigns led by Learn More Indiana. He holds a BS degree from Purdue University's College of Technology.

Contact Doug:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 137

dougl@learnmore dot org

Tatum Miller
Operations Manager

Tatum Miller officially joined Learn More Indiana staff in May 2011 after an internship with the Commission for Higher Education. Tatum’s experiences with the Indiana Senate Education Committee and education research for other elected officials prepared her for her role as Operations Manager, which includes coordination of campaign materials to promote college access and success, overseeing the budget of Learn More Indiana and managing day-to-day operations. A community volunteer and passionate supporter of college access, Tatum brings a wealth of insight to her strategic position on the Learn More Indiana team. Tatum graduated from IUPUI’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a BS in Public Affairs and minors in Latin and Political Science.

Contact Tatum:
 
(317) 464-4400 ext. 140
 
tatum.miller@learnmore dot org

Michelle Mitchell
State Level Outreach Manager

Michelle Mitchell is the Community Outreach Director (Statewide/Central Indiana)for Learn More Indiana.As Community Outreach Director (Statewide/Central Indiana) of the strategic communications team, Michelle's focus is on improving college access and success for students; supporting student learning P-16; and realizing the state’s goal of raising the educational attainment of Hoosiers. She maintains partner relationships with policymakers and stakeholder organizations, which include: early learning agencies, K-12 schools, public and private colleges and universities, apprenticeship programs, workforce development systems, school counseling associations, college admissions associations, youth serving organizations, etc.  Her areas of expertise are strategic planning, program development, management and training, and building community partnerships.  She presents at workshops, retreats and conferences state wide.  She also serves on several educational planning boards and committees.  Michelle holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. 

Contact Michelle:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 141

michellem@learnmore dot org

Susan Tharp
County Coalition Outreach Manager

Susan Tharp began working for Learn More Indiana in December of 2008, as the College Success Coordinator working in the southern region of the state.  Susan’s responsibilities include partnership development, networking with community and faith based organizations, managing volunteers and  supporting college access programs.  Her background includes sales and marketing and over 15 years of experience in the student loan industry.  She has experience working with guidance counselors, families and students to assist them with the college planning process.  She has a passion for helping students get to college and enjoys sharing resources and information that assist them in that process.  Susan graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in English and a minor in Counseling Psychology. 

Contact Susan:

(317) 464-4400 ext. 142

susant@learnmore dot org