Meet Our Board
Simon Anderson Schelling (he/him) Board Chair
Simon is a mental health professional. Having started transitioning twenty years ago, he has seen the growth in the LGBTQ+ community and knows there is still room to grow. As the Chair of LGBTQ Outreach of Porter County, he strives to meet the mission statement by working with the board and community to promote an affirming and safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and adults through empowerment, advocacy, opportunity, and support.
He lives in Valparaiso with his family.
Ezra Burke (he/him) Secretary
Ezra is a long-time public school teacher who comes to the LGBTQ+ Outreach board with a background in youth programming, team building & challenge education, curriculum development, and work in social justice activism.
He has been involved in LGBTQ education and advocacy work since the mid-1990s and is passionate about ensuring equal treatment, equal rights, supportive spaces, and inclusive community.
Ezra has a Master’s Degree in Special Education. He lives in Valparaiso with his family.
Carrie Sovola (she/her)
Carrie is a Lutheran deaconess whose ministry is advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
An LGBTQ Outreach Board Member At Large since January 2021, she also co-chairs the LGBTQ Business Resource Group at her place of employment and volunteers with local area PFLAG chapters.
Carrie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and is trained in Family Systems Theory as it relates to organizational conflict resolution.
She lives in Schererville, IN.
Hannah Hammond-Hagman (she/her)
Hannah is the Executive Director of the Chesterton Art Center. She joins us with a variety of non-profit board experience. She currently sits on the Chesterton Branding & Leadership Corporation as well as the Regional Arts Council. Hannah formerly served on the Valparaiso Creative Council and the Valpo Human Relations Committee.
Hannah has been a part of LGBTQ+ community work and advocacy for over 30 years!
Ash Christoff (they/them)
Ash is a IT support specialist with the majority of their professional career spent working in public education. Engaging and supporting staff and students alike with technology needs gives them a unique perspective on collaborating with folks of all ages. They’ve worked for advocating for the LGBTQ community in the Northwest Indiana area for many years with various organizations.
If you can’t find them helping the LGBTQ community they are likely volunteering their time as an Indiana Master Naturalist restoring the unique habitat of the dunes. They strongly believe in leaving our area a better place for people and nature
Ari Francis (she/her)
Ari created a connection with Outreach during her time as an undergraduate student at Valparaiso University as former President of the LGBTQ+ student organization on campus and has since been involved following graduation in 2022.
She has a history of supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ youth both through previous work experience and community involvement. Her goal is to provide resources and spaces for queer joy to be embraced and celebrated.
She has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and currently works as a Registered Behavior Technician in Valparaiso.
Megan Lane (she/her) Treasurer
Megan is a construction consultant and manager for over 53 years and has traveled across the world overseeing projects to help eliminate weapons of mass destruction. She started her transition some thirty years ago and has seen the growth and changes within the LGBTQ+ community and knows that much still needs to be accomplished.
As a board member she strives to help the community and board to promote and provide a safe place for LGBTQ+ youth and adults through empowerment, advocacy, opportunities, and support.
Tara Morgan (she/her)
Tara is a self-employed salon owner in Lake County providing haircuts to the LGBTQ+ community, Tara has experience leading presentations and discussions on a variety of topics. She has been a huge help with planning and leading tailored educational workshops for various organizations.
Dr. Mark McMurtrey (he/him) Community Consultant
Dr. Mark McMurtrey is a family medical doctor in Valparaiso. He is also the medical director of the Valparaiso University Student Health Center and advisor for the PRISM youth group. One of Outreach’s founding members, Mark is an outspoken community ally and organization volunteer. He has recently been appointed to the board of ACLU of Indiana.
Former Board Members
Ronny Stillman
Scott Saporiti
Mark Fesenmyer
Supporting Organizations
Alliance (VU student org)
Geminus
HealthLinc
Michigan City PFLAG
Trinity Lutheran Church, Valparaiso
Valparaiso PFLAG
Valparaiso Public Library
Valparaiso University