Even though I was born and raised in a small town in Western NY, when I moved to Perry Township in 1997, it soon felt like home.  I love the close knit community and friendly vibe.  I have been fortunate to have started my counseling career in 1999 at PMHS and currently serve as the School Counseling Director.   I met my wife at the University of Dayton while working on my undergraduate degree and have since earned a Masters degree in School Counseling from IU and later obtained an Educational Specialist Degree. Although I have many administrative duties, such as building the master schedule, I enjoy my time most when working with students and families. I have been fortunate to have both daughters graduate from PMHS.  High school can be daunting, exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time, but I love being a Falcon and my blood runs blue!

Hi Falcons!

My name is Christy Vance, and I am excited to serve as the school counselor for Team 28!  My goal as a school counselor is to be part of the support system for families and students as they navigate the high school years. Whether you need support with academics, emotions or social situations, I hope to be a resource and advocate for you.   I think it is important for families and students to feel welcome and heard and will do all I can to facilitate that.

I graduated from Center Grove High School and then attended Ball State for Art Education. I was an Art teacher for many years at Rosa Parks Elementary.  During that time, I attended Butler University for my Master’s in School Counseling.  After teaching, I became a school counselor at Perry Academy for 11 years and served at Southport High School for one year.  So, I’ve been in the Perry family for over 20 years and I have one daughter who attends PMHS! Outside of the school day, I enjoy being outside, taking on creative projects, and spending time with friends and family.  I love music, vintage markets and planning adventures.

I look forward to helping Team 28 feel connected and confident during their time at PMHS!

Hello Falcons!

I am so excited to join the counseling team at PMHS! I have lived in Perry Township since 2005, and I have two children who attend Perry schools. I grew up in northwest Indiana and graduated from East Chicago Central HS. I was a 21st Century Scholar and a first generation college graduate, so I understand the importance of a quality education.

I am passionate about supporting students and helping them reach their personal and career goals. I have worked in education for 20 years.  At the postsecondary level, I have worked at Trine University and the University of Indianapolis. At the secondary level, I have worked at Brebeuf Jesuit and Warren Central HS. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, grilling, attending Perry sporting events, and coaching basketball. I’m looking forward to having a great year and working with the students & families in the Class of 2027!

Yassou! That is Greek for “Good Health” which is a common way for Greeks to greet each other, wishing the other person the best of health instead of saying “hello.” My father was born and raised in Greece, and moved here when he was 14 years old. You have him to thank for my mouthful of a name, Mr. Magdalinos. Students have found it easier calling me Mr. Mags, Coach Mags, or Mr. M.  I attended college at Franklin College, majoring in Psychology and received my Masters in School Counseling from IUPUI.  I have been happily married for 11 years to my high school sweetheart, Shelby, and we have two amazing little boys, Easton and Bennett, a dog and 2 cats.  This is my 10th year at PMHS where I currently serve as the Team 2025 School Counselor and the Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach.  I also work with all of our Student-Athletes as our contact person for NCAA/NAIA Eligibility and assist with our Falcon DNA program. I pride myself on my student-centered approach to School Counseling.  Students need support, they need to know someone understands where they are coming from, and they need someone to advocate for them to make their high school experience the best it can possibly be while growing as young individuals.  For Team 2025, and any other student that comes across my path, I intend on doing everything I can to be that person.

Hello! My official title may say Mr. Cottingham, but you can just call me Mr. C.  I grew up on a farm in southern Indiana with a strong faith upbringing and eventually married my college sweetheart. We have lived in the Indianapolis area for over 10 years, and we have been blessed with 2 wonderful children Kylie and Logan.  I love spending time with my family especially as we take our annual road trips to other states!  I initially obtained my Bachelor’s from Indiana University and then my Master’s in Counselor Education from IU, as well.  I’ve taught full-time and helped students as a teacher’s aide in the past.  I have been working for Perry for almost 10 years and currently serve as School Counselor to most of the Senior class.  It is so important to stay busy and be a connection for students, and it really is about showing them the life skills they need and linking them with the resources that will further help them on their journey. I always try my best to be a good listener and to collaborate with staff, families, and students. Go Team 2026!!!

Hello Falcons! My name is Mrs. Rebecca Shull. I am the Early College Counselor and I am also a College and Career Specialist. My main goal is to help my students prepare for life here at PMHS and for life after high school. I offer many activities in the College and Career Room that are geared towards informing students of their options post secondarily. My door is always open to any student who needs assistance. I am from Columbus, Indiana. I have lived in Indiana all of my life. I graduated from Columbus North High School. Went to IUPUI where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. I went on to get my Master’s Degree for School Counseling also from IUPUI. I have worked in Perry Township for 15 years. I started at the 6th Grade Academy and transferred to Perry Meridian High School fews years later.  I am married with two children who attend PMHS. I love the students in Perry Township. I think we have a wonderful student body that cares for each other. I am happy to call PMHS my home! Go Falcons!!

Hello 21st Century Scholars. I am your counselor for all 4 years of high school.I come from a family of educators who know that great joy in life comes from serving others. I am the oldest of 4 children and the only female. I was the first in my family to attend and graduate from college. I graduated from Taylor University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, attended IUPUI to earn my Teacher’s Certification and earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Indiana University. I am fortunate to have completed my student teaching in Perry Township, taught Social Studies for over a decade and now for over 2 decades served as a School Counselor. My husband and I were high school sweethearts and married after I graduated from college. We have 2 sons, one is a high school science teacher and football coach and the other works in Orthopedic Medicine. My 2 daughters-in-law serve in the medical field. Outside of school my passions are family, football and Disney. My student-centered approach to counseling is founded on the importance of team. When students, family, teachers and school support staff work together the possibilities are unlimited. I am here to help you utilize resources to achieve your dreams and to advocate for you to have opportunities now and in the future.

Hi, I am Mrs. Kappel, your School Social Worker.  I bet some of you did not even know you had a School Social Worker…well, you do!  I am actually starting my 14th year here at PMHS.  I worked as a School Social Worker in the Indianapolis Public School System (IPS) for 7 years before coming here. I had the privilege of working with kids and families in a couple different roles as a Social Worker prior to working in schools. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work from IU!  Go Hoosiers!!!  And before that, I graduated from Ben Davis, “back then”, as a good friend of mine’s son refers to the year I graduated!  I have been married for 26 years, and we have two beautiful children. I was actually born in New Jersey, but was raised here in Indianapolis.  This is home.  I have lived on 3 of the four sides of town, including the Southside. My role as the School Social Worker is to help our students be successful in the classroom by helping them to alleviate barriers that may be preventing them from finding that success. I look forward to another great year!

Hello Falcons!

I am so excited to be joining the Perry Meridian High School team. I have worked for Perry Township the last 7 years as a  special needs instructional aide in the private schools in the township. I am a graduate from North Putnam High School. My family moved around a lot when I was young but I have always felt at home in Indiana.  I have been married for 31 years to a Perry graduate. We have raised our two kids in the township. Our son played football and really enjoyed his time while attending PMHS.  Our daughter will graduate this year from R.I.S.E. Learning center. I love the family feel in Perry Township. When new students come to our school I am the first person many of them have contact with.  I want to help them and make the families feel as comfortable as I can during the enrollment process. I work with the counselors on scheduling  meetings with our new students and families. I also help Mrs. Lawless and Mr. Miller as much as I can.  My desk can be really busy at times but I always want to make the new families feel that they have my attention when I am helping them. My background may be with special needs but my goal is to see all kids be successful.

Hello! I’m Sheila Lawless and I have the honor of working directly with all of the counselors here at Perry. I am your behind the scenes gal that helps with a little of everything but mostly, working directly under Mr. Miller. I just completed my first year here at PMHS. Before coming to Perry Township, I worked as an office manager in Franklin Township for 5 years. All together, I have been involved in some capacity with education for 16 years. From PTO President to substitute teacher, I’ve done it all. Prior to, my career was with the federal government working directly with the military through DFAS. I married my high school sweetheart Michael, and together we have two daughters. Our oldest Cassandra, is currently a Junior in college studying psychology. Our youngest Michaela, is in 8th grade and will be attending our great PMHS next year with goals of becoming a veterinarian. As a family, we enjoy camping, boating, outdoor family sports, and our favorite is sitting around a fire watching movies in our backyard. When the weather doesn’t permit this, we are big card and dice players! I feel truly blessed with the opportunity to serve PMHS and look forward to many more years of being a part of the Perry Meridian Family!​