Matthew, Executive Director of the J. Kruse Education Center, has been a cutting-edge figure in education for many years, being one of the first principals in the country to match curriculums with focuses on specific careers.

For years, Matthew has helped facilitate career changes at all age levels. He also coaches entire school faculties on innovative ways to educate while building healthy teams along the way.

He has taught at Fort Wayne Community Schools, and after obtaining his masters in educational administration he transitioned to DeKalb Central Schools as an administrator at the high school level before eventually serving as principal.

Matthew is looking to impact the future in a big way by helping individuals discover and mesh their God-given talents with their passion in a specific career field.

Brandy DePriest joined the J. Kruse Education Center in July of 2020 as a grant writer. After 15 years as a college professor, she decided it was time to switch gears and join a team of people with the common goal of strengthening the community. Brandy’s cultural studies background and Ph.D. in global leadership taught her the value of empowering youth to create a better future. She is passionate about social, economic, and environmental sustainability, and is very active in her community. Her professional interests are extensions of her personal life, as she loves to both get out in the community and get into the woods with her three daughters, who share her passion for people and the planet.

Austin has had a passion for developing others throughout his entire life and has a deep desire to find unique ways he can help improve the education system.

Austin has spent years coaching individuals and students in a wide variety of settings and was an immediate fit for J. Kruse Education Center and fell in love with our mission immediately. Now, he has made it his mission to help younger students discover their unique talents and passions so they can confidently step into careers later on in life.

Austin has a Master’s in School Psychology and is currently finishing his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a focus on Workforce Development in an effort to better prepare the next generation.

Jackie desires to guide individuals to utilize their passions and help them gain confidence to take the next step into their journey toward a fulfilling career path. She believes in coaching others through the self-exploration process and encourages lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

For the past 15 years, Jackie has worked with high school students as a school counselor. She has guided students through career exploration, academic planning, and the college admissions process. She has extensive knowledge and expertise on adolescent mindsets, growth, development, social emotional well being, and future systems thinking. Jackie is dedicated to her craft and professionally establishes trust, rapport and credibility with all clients. She is excited to focus on the individual and help them to apply their values, interest, personality, and strengths to discover a rewarding career path.

Jackie has a background in Applied Health Sciences, Education, and a Master's in School Counseling. She understands the importance a satisfying career plays in an individual's overall health, happiness, and lifestyle. She is very approachable and excited to help clients unveil their talents and potential.