Learn. Grow.
Belong. Thrive.
We provide full day programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that promotes lifelong learning in a college-like atmosphere.
We provide full day programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that promotes lifelong learning in a college-like atmosphere.
Same As U is a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live the life they imagine. Same As U envisions a world where young adults with developmental disabilities experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Set in a college-like setting, they are filling a need for more meaningful activities and programming that often stop upon leaving the school system. Same As U is the only nonprofit in Indiana providing continuing education, recreational, social and life skill training while fostering friendships and a sense of community in a college-like setting.
The foundation of Same As U is based on 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Same As U is dedicated to equipping young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be able to enjoy the bountiful life God designed.
In-Person:
8:00AM to 3:00PM (Core Programming is from 9AM - 3PM) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Same As U is located at 19201 Promise Road, Noblesville, IN 46060
In-Person: the cost to attend Same As U in-person is $50 for one day a week and $85 for two days a week
Online:
Currently Suspended
The foundation of Same As U is based on 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Same As U is dedicated to equipping young adults with developmental disabilities to be able to enjoy the bountiful life God designed.
Schedule a phone or in-person meeting to discover if Same As U is a good fit.
This secondary meeting allows us to meet your young adult and begin to get a feel for his/her needs and how we can help.
As your young adult gets more comfortable with our staff and peers he/she will begin to
build relationships and new skills that will last a lifetime.
Do you have a child with intellectual or developmental disabilities? It is never too early to start planning for their future.
We have created a blog that includes questions & topics to begin thinking about now so your young adult will have the best chance of living an abundant and fulfilling life after high school.
Click an image to learn more!
Jennifer Sell is the founder and executive director at Same As U. Jennifer is an IU grad.
After many years in the business world, Jennifer made the leap from the for-profit sector to the not-for-profit sector. The concept of Same As U was a slow and steady process that started many years ago.
Jennifer could not shake what she refers to as a God-inspired passion to serve young adults with developmental disabilities. That prompting, along with the help of many amazing people, led to Same As U opening its doors in January 2020. As a parent of a young adult with a developmental disability, Jennifer understands firsthand what it is like to love and advocate for them.
She is committed to making sure Same As U continues doing an excellent job of helping these young adults live the life they imagine.
Sara MacGregor is the co-founder, Education Director, and Lead Teacher at Same As U.
Sara holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Special Education from Purdue University. Sara taught exceptional learners in two Indiana school districts and served as a Parent Guide for Indiana Hands and Voices, an organization that provides parent-to-parent support when a baby or child is diagnosed as Deaf or hard-of-hearing.
As a parent herself of a soon-to-be Same As U student, Sara is passionate about guiding young adults to become lifelong learners and teaching them a variety of subjects and skills that will enhance their lives.
Sara strives to make Same As U exactly what she would want for her own child in a best-case scenario.
Jennifer Blake graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English Literature. She worked in the book publishing industry before she and husband Jeff started their family. As a stay-at-home mom to their four children, she held leadership positions in school, church and community organizations.
After 18 years, she returned to the workforce as an instructional assistant for students with developmental disabilities and earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education with certifications in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University.
Prior to joining SameAsU, Jennifer worked as a Registered Behavior Therapist providing 1:1 ABA therapy and interventions in a clinic setting. She appreciates the unique way that God has wired each of us and is inspired by the students and staff at SameAsU.
Colleen grew up in Deerfield, a north Chicago suburb, with her parents and 4 siblings. In high school she was involved in Warrior Buddies, Special Olympics and was an inclusion counselor for many years. After high school Colleen attended Hope College in Holland, MI, where she pole vaulted for their track and field team. She met her husband on the pole vault team and they were married in October of 2020!
She graduated from Hope in 2020 with a double degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. After college Colleen taught elementary special education in Michigan before having to move across the country for her husband’s job.
Colleen and her husband have moved a couple times before settling in Noblesville with our two dogs, Sumba and Nylah. They love to travel, play games, and hang out with family and friends! Colleen says she is blessed to be a part of Same As U and is excited to be on this journey with the students and other teachers!
Cathy Graves resides in Carmel, IN, with her husband Jamie, their three children, and their Labrador, Red. She is a servant-leader in her church, enjoys anything outdoors, Sunday afternoon naps, and Chick-FIL-A! A love for children and a passion for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities grew while she was in college. Cathy had the opportunity to work for organizations such as Easterseals and the YMCA where she helped children and young adults increase their independence and provided respite services to caregivers. One of her favorite roles was producing audio-assisted readings of required course materials for students with accommodations!
Cathy’s most important role has been that of a mom and she’s grateful for the time she was able to be home with her children. Once her kids were school aged Cathy enjoyed leadership roles within her church including being the Director of the 0-5 children’s ministry. This role led her into elementary education where she realized her passion for teaching. It was then that she became inspired to pursue a Transition to Teaching program through Indiana Wesleyan University, earning her certification in Special Education and her IN teaching licensure.
Since becoming licensed she has worked heavily with 3rd-7th grade students. She most enjoyed advocating for student needs within the public education setting and building partnerships with families in her community. Cathy feels incredibly grateful that God has placed her at Same As U. She is thankful to be using her God-given gifts to positively impact the lives of young adults in such a vibrant and intentional community.
Megan is a Board-Certified Music Therapist who graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in Music Therapy. Megan started her career as a music therapist serving individuals with disabilities, where she had the opportunity to serve people of all ages. Megan loves working with young adults, as it is an exciting time to become more independent and discover passions! She loves to use music to teach skills and foster social and emotional growth.
Megan’s love for music began from the time she was old enough to sing, and throughout her life she has explored many different musical opportunities. Sharing music with others has always been a huge part of Megan’s life! She loves the Christian foundation at Same as U, because her faith has been the foundation of her own life as well.
Megan lives in Indianapolis with her husband Evan and their daughter Lucy. They love spending time playing games together, being silly, and cuddling up on the couch with their dog Pepper.
Catherine grew up in the Fishers area. She has two sisters, one of which has Cerebral Palsy. Catherine grew up tagging along with her sister at Special Olympics and Carmel Dads Club. She graduated from Ball State with a double major in special education, including mild and severe interventions. She worked a summer at Bradford Woods, experiencing several camps like Camp Hi-Lite and United Cerebral Palsy. She worked as a special education teacher in Yorktown, taught preschool in Muncie, and held leadership roles at her church including children’s ministry. Catherine and her husband have three daughters. She resides in Fishers to be near her older sister and loves to paint, draw, craft, play board games, and hike. She loves what Same As U offers and looks forward to teaching, getting to know the students and staff, and overall being involved in a wonderful ministry.
Dana Lawrence graduated from Ball State with a bachelor's degree in education in 1982. She married in 1984 and have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren. Dana taught preschool at St. Mark's United Methodist Church before beginning a 23 year career in teaching at Carmel Clay Schools. While at Carmel, Dana sponsored Best Buddies and United Sound. After retiring in December of 2022, she found Same As U in March of 2023 and believes this is the best job ever!
Kylie received a degree in psychology from Indiana University. After seven years teaching as an instructional assistant for students with developmental disabilities in Washington Township, she become a Case Manager for individuals with developmental disabilities receiving services on the Medicaid Waiver.
Kylie loves serving in her church and community and currently leads a small group of freshman girls, which has been such a blessing to watch them grow in their faith.
She and her daughter, a freshman at North Central, along with their two cats, live in Westfield. In her spare time, she enjoys going to her daughter's volleyball games, spending time with family, and traveling.
Kylie has a passion for serving and helping others advocate for themselves and is very excited to join the Same As U team and use her God given gift of teaching!
Kendra is originally from Elkhart, Indiana. She attended Ball State where she got a degree in Psychology, and returned to northern Indiana to work with children and teens in the mental health field before meeting her husband Jason and moving to Noblesville. Kendra then worked with the elderly in long term care and then as a Waiver Case Manager for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Little did she know that God was preparing her for her favorite role: Mom.
Kendra was a stay-at-home mom to her 2 sons and then to her daughter who happens to have Down syndrome. Kendra was a founding board member for GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis and has continued to volunteer for gala events for GiGi’s and most recently, with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Kendra has a hobby of finding new hobbies. She loves antiquing, sewing, and, most recently, trying to keep house plants alive.
Julia enjoyed working with students and adults with disabilities at the Arc of Wabash County. She has a passion for this ministry that God has placed on her heart. Also a student at Liberty University Online, Julia studies Christian Leadership and Business Management with two minors in Christian Ministries and Special Education. She hopes to continue to teach and serve people with disabilities as she fulfills God’s will for her life. She considers working at Same As U a huge blessing and honor, loves learning from and with the students. Originally from Peru, IN, Julia and her husband now lives in Noblesville. Julia loves going on adventures with her husband, reading, exercising, being with family and friends, and also being with her church family.
Mary Ellen Stuber graduated from Anderson University with a degree in Marketing and worked in customer service and marketing. When she became a mom, she was blessed to be able to stay at home with them. Volunteering at church and in the kid's schools over the years gave her the chance to work with people of all ages.
When her kids were older, Mary Ellen taught preschool for five years and loves the energy of a classroom full of learners. She is excited to be back in a classroom again.
Mary Ellen lives in Fishers with her husband Jamie and three teenagers. They love serving in their church and with various mission organizations around the world. She loves traveling, reading and playing games.
Jamie Williams graduated from Southern Illinois with a degree in Dietetics. She and her husband Nate have two children and live in Noblesville. She loves being mom and being present for all those important milestones. After volunteering in her son's classroom, she realized how much she enjoys teaching.
Jamie is also very involved at her church volunteering in the special needs ministry. She aspires to use her gifts to make a difference in the lives of the Same As U students and help them reach their full potential. She is quickly seeing how much they too can teach her!
Kristi Baker is owner of CSi Advisory Services & Compensation Systems, Inc, since 1993. Kristi holds a BS in Finance from Illinois Wesleyan University and lives in Carmel with her husband Bryan and has two adult children.
Kristi works with corporate retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), Defined benefit plans) and helps families and individuals reach their financial goals. Her strengths are in planning, organization, thought leadership, investments, and financial management.
Kristi is committed to serving and providing an opportunity to students and young adults of all abilities to pursue their future. Same As U’s commitment to helping their students learn, grow, belong, and thrive thorough meaningful programing is the reason Kristi is excited to support and grow with the organization. She has been blessed to have many friends with disabilities that have enriched her life.
Kim has enjoyed working in the beauty industry for the better part of 32 years, making women look and feel beautiful. She holds a B.A. degree in communications from Butler University and is happily married to her husband Ray. They live in Fishers and together they share 5 amazing grown children and two beautiful little granddaughters.
Kim and her husband are longtime members of White River Christian Church in Noblesville. She has determined a couple of her spiritual gifts to be cooking and caring for friends and family. Other hobbies include gardening, Pilates and fashion.
Kim attributes her affection towards Same As U students to her children Kyle and Ellie who both lovingly, from a young age, volunteer to work with and befriend those who just need a little extra help and love to feel included. Her children are her inspiration.
Joe recently retired after a 33 year career in the pharmaceutical industry. He worked for both big and small pharma, most recently as the head of manufacturing and supply chain for a start-up pharmaceutical company in Indianapolis. He and his wife moved to Fishers in 1992 and have 4 children. Their third son is currently a student at Same As U. Seeing his son's excitement to go to school and his continued growth, both academically and socially, motivated Joe to get more involved with this organization -- leading him to joining the board. "I want to help ensure that the growth my son enjoys will be available for others in the special needs community." In addition to supporting Same As U, he is also involved with the Hamilton County Special Olympics Track and Field team.
Julie Kiffmeyer is the president/owner of WSI, a digital marketing firm located in Fishers, Indiana. Prior to joining WSI, Julie held several management and executive positions with Eli Lilly and Company over a span of 18 years. Julie is blessed to be on the Board at Same As U. Her son with special needs started attending Same As U in the spring of 2021 and has wonderfully thrived at the school. As a parent, the school is an answer to prayers, providing her son an opportunity to continue learning and to enjoy his own social environment. She has a passion for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is excited to be part of Same As U’s mission. Same As U is fulfilling an unmet need for these amazing young adults, and she looks forward to helping Same As U achieve its goals.
Joe has been in sales and marketing for the past 30 years. In addition, he has served in Church leadership for over 40 years from both sides of the table, lay and Pastoral. Joe is married to his lovely wife Belinda of 46 years. She is the love of his life. Together, they have two adult sons, five amazing grandkids, four beautiful little girls, and one handsome little boy.
Joe works for S&B Construction Group in Indianapolis, Indiana. He leads the Church division of the company, designing and building churches. Joe also serves on the Genesis Fund board. Genesis Fund is a national church planting organization planting churches in cities where no one else will go.
Joe helped with the first annual golf outing for Same As U. Spending time with the leadership of Same As U preparing for the golf outing, he realized Same As U was an organization he wanted to serve. He counts it an honor and privilege to serve Same As U.
Bio Coming Soon
Shanna Tsimerakis resides in Noblesville, IN with her husband and two children. The family lived in Greece from 2006 to 2011. Shanna has been in healthcare since 1996. Her career started in geriatrics and then moved to orthopedics in 2000, where she continues in the field today.
Shanna is passionate about SAU’s mission as she has been touched by people with disabilities throughout her life. As a child, she remembers her Aunt Debra who had Down syndrome. There were few opportunities for Debra to make educational advancements, as well as engage in social activities beyond her family. She would spend hours writing her letters and numbers on notebook paper and then organizing her papers in binders. SAU would have been the perfect setting for Debra to expand her love of writing and develop long lasting friendships.
As an adult, Shanna’s daughter, Xanthe, became involved in various programs through school allowing her to become friends with teens with disabilities. This enabled Shanna to also develop friendships with the students and their families which has been so rewarding.
Shanna is committed to seeing Same As U continue to grow strong and serve these young adults who need an environment they can thrive in beyond high school.
Curt was Senior Vice President of Supply Chain for Mattel, Inc. in Los Angeles, California for 13 years before retiring and moving to Indiana with his wife Linda and daughter Maggie. Prior to joining Mattel, Curt worked for the Pillsbury Company in Minneapolis, MN and Del Monte Foods/Nabisco Corporation in San Francisco, California. Curt received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. He has served on the Board of Directors for Morningside University as Chairman, Chair of Institutional Advancement, and was a member of the Presidential Search Committee.
He also serves on the Board of St. Mary’s Children Center in Indianapolis. Curt’s daughter Maggie attends Same As U and feels so blessed to have her be a part of this wonderful program. As a Board member, Curt hopes to grow SAU now and in the future.
Linda and her family moved to Indiana from California in 2016 to be closer to her family and return to their Midwestern roots. She attended Ohio State University and worked in marketing positions for an aseptic packaging (juice box) company in Columbus, Ohio and a legal firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She stepped away from the work force when their daughter Maggie was born. Her family are members of Carmel United Methodist Church. Linda enjoys playing golf, gardening, walking their dog, Gus, and trying to help her husband (who is the chef of the house) cook. She also spends a lot of time driving her daughter to SAU, HomeGoods, Special Olympics, Best Buddies and other activities.
Linda’s daughter attends Same As U and has witnessed the impact that Maggie’s “college” has made on her life. Linda is committed to the mission of SAU and empowering these young adults with “a sense of purpose and fulfillment”.
