Staff and Instructors

Jim Hernandez
Executive Director

Jim is a long time Starke County businessman. He is a volunteer for (CADA) Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, (CASA) Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children. Serves on the Starke County Chamber Board of Directors and has received a letter of congressional recognition of community service.

Linda Lewandowski
Administrative Assistant

Linda joined the SCILL staff as Administrative Assistant in February 2016. Prior to working at SCILL, she spent many years in office management for a local company. Her passion lies in the needs of children and teenagers of Starke County. In 2013, she established Kid’s Closet Ministry at the North Judson United Methodist Church and serves as the volunteer executive director. Linda was named Starke County's Schricker Award (service before self) recipient in 2021.

Jerry W. Gurrado
Coordinator of Student Services and Programs

Jerry Gurrado joined the SCILL staff as Director in July of 2011. On July 1, 2013, he became the coordinator of student services and programs, which allows him to be more active in promoting the growing array of training courses offered at SCILL. Gurrado returned to his Starke County roots after several years as a teacher and coach in both Indiana and Ohio, as well as an adjunct faculty member for Ivy Tech Community College. Most recently, he was a real estate salesman in Whitley County. He also served as the community health improvement coordinator for Whitley Hospital and as a district manager for Sprint Yellow Pages. He graduated from Knox High School and maintained close contact with many friends and family members while he was out of the area, thus keeping a pulse on the community. Gurrado earned his BS degree from Ball State University and an MS degree from Indiana University. Since returning to Starke County, Gurrado has become very active in several organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors and as the vice president of the Starke County Community Foundation, the Northern Indiana Community Foundation and the Starke County Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as a member of the Indiana Health Starke Advisory Committee.

Levi Schleg
1st Year Automotive Technology Instructor

Jacob Pearson
2nd Year Automotive Technology Instructor

Jacob is a SCILL Automotive Alum, graduating in 2014. He went on to University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH), earning an associate degree in Automotive, Diesel, and Agriculture Equipment Technology. Since graduating, Jacob has been employed in the automotive industry.

Gale Hawkins
Emergency Medical Services Instructor 

Rachel Moore
Welding Technology Instructor for CTE and the Adult Program