Board & Staff

Welcome from our Director

Welcome to Neighbors’ Educational Opportunities. I know that I speak for the entire NEO family when I say that we will do everything we can to support you on your journey to achieving your educational goals. Our programs are designed to provide you with multiple opportunities and support systems to reach your destination.

Neighbors’ New Vistas Alternative High School and Neighbors Adult Education are built on the “Golden Rule” – Treat others as you would have them treat you. With this principle as our guide, we pledge to recognize, respect, and celebrate the unique value of each member of our school community. We look forward to getting to know each one of you. Learning is maximized when a school culture is rooted in respect, responsibility, and commitment to learning. At New Vistas, we provide a relevant and rigorous curriculum delivered in a way that allows each student to find success during the school year and along the path following graduation. Individualized learning plans are an important part of the process.

I am here to assist you in your pursuit of the skills needed for success in this school, home, workplace, and in the community. Please feel free to speak with me about any questions or concerns. Once again, welcome to your new school. I am so glad you are here.

– Rebecca Reiner, Executive Director NEO New Vistas HS and Adult Education

Board of Directors

Francis Vega

President

I serve on the Board of Directors to support initiatives that resonate with me. It provides an excellent opportunity to positively affect change while supporting what I am passionate about. I am able to share my knowledge and expertise to really make a difference in the community in which I live. Ultimately, I serve to support efforts in achieving the goals that aligns with my passion for education. It is a uniquely rewarding experience.

Amelia Boggess

Vice President

Isaac Carr

Treasurer

Isaac is a local Attorney who believes that education is the best way to change our community for the better. His passion is driven by his personal experiences with poverty which pushed him to gain the skills and knowledge to help others who seek to rise above their circumstances to reach their dreams. The path to reaching those dreams begins with access to quality education and the opportunities to apply that education. NEO, through its adult education program and New Vistas High School, provides such possibilities to change our community for the better.

Mark Lutze

Secretary

Based on a career that spanned forty years in education, I am aware that there are students whose educational needs are not well served in the traditional educational setting. I am excited to work with fellow board members and the staff to provide an option for those students, complementing the good work done in the public schools. I believe that NEO serves to fill an important need in our community, and I look forward to work with the board to set direction and develop policies and that will help in making the organization thrive.

Wynton Jones

I joined the board because I understand and support the need to educate the world equitably. NEO is doing something no one else in the NWI region has addressed, and it’s a blessing to serve along such a noble cause. I’m eager to get involved and learn more about the Energy Academy Initiative as I have always had personal career interest in building a conglomerate in the solar industry. As a Valpo alum, I plan to connect our resources, opportunities and expertise to advance the mission of the school. My passion and drive to make the world more efficient through renewable energy creates a lot of synergy for us. I also find fulfillment in assisting others in reaching their greatest potential in life. Overall, my deepest desire is to create positive energy, opportunities and equity for my community. Being on the board here turns those dreams and desires into reality.

Shawn Massa

It is an honor to be asked to join the NEO Board of Directors. NEO fills a void in our Northwest Indiana community through Adult Education courses and an alternative approach to the traditional high school experience. Access to quality education, promoting lifelong learning and the support to reach personal goals are something that I believe in and hope to promote as an active board member. The leadership at NEO have defined a mission and created a learning environment that I am proud to be a part of.

Rachel Scanlon

Paul Schreiner

Secretary

NEO is cutting edge in addressing issues of inequality through the medium of education. With an emphasis on diversity, individuality, and an effort to understand each student’s personal strengths and obstacles, NEO works to provide each student a toe hold on a better future. I find that mission very appealing. While I was recruited to provide my construction experience to advise during the remodeling of the new NEO building, with that work is largely done, I continue to see a role in helping to assure the success of the mission.