About us
Fostering Connections
Founded in 2019, the Community Learning Center in Kendallville strives to advance the self-sufficiency of all residents through collaborative, multi-generational programs and offerings. The Community Learning Center is a center for learning.
Our core beliefs further our community in the areas of Health and Wellness, Work Force and Economic Development and the Performing and Fine Arts to support Social and Emotional well-being.
The Community Learning Center, Inc. is firmly committed to diversity and equity in all areas of life. In this center, we will work to promote an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.
The Community Learning Center, Inc. admits and does not discriminate against community members of any sex, race, age, color, religion, nationality and ethnic origin or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to community members.
History & Mission
Founded in 2019, the Community Learning Center in Kendallville strives to advance the self-sufficiency of all residents through collaborative, multi-generational programs and offerings.
The center is made possible by the passion and dedication of local champions and organizations who sought to create a place where individuals of all ages can increase their knowledge, skills, abilities, artistic talents, and health. In particular, the strong partnership between East Noble School Corp. and the City of Kendallville has provided the foundation for the facility, which originally was constructed in 1915, to serve residents of Kendallville, Noble County, and Northeast Indiana for generations to come.
A nine-person Board of Directors, with members representing organizations that supported the formation of the Community Learning Center, governs its operations. It is led by an executive director charged with furthering the center’s mission of: Connecting Communities. Strengthening Lives. Securing Futures.
Non-profit organizations that align with the Community Learning Center’s mission are eligible to occupy space within the facility and offer programs and services. They will also be expected to embrace and model the center’s spirit of collaboration and multi-generational approach to offering programs and services.
Our Staff
Julia Tipton
Director
Julia Tipton retired after 36 years as a public educator. She taught for 25 years at East Noble Schools, beginning as a Kindergarten teacher in 1983 - in the same building that now houses the Community Learning Center (CLC.)
Julia worked as a strong advocate for public education as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum director and principal. Along with working for East Noble Schools, she had the good fortune to work for Fort Wayne Community Schools and ended her career as a principal at DeKalb Central in 2019.
She is excited about the work that is happening at the CLC and is using her skills to build out programming that meet the needs of the community in the areas of Workforce Development, Health and Wellness, and the Arts, with a focus on social and emotional support.
Julia and her husband, Tracy, have five children and seven grandchildren. They are happy to work, live and play in Kendallville and to call this community their home.
Board of Directors
The Honorable Judge Robert Probst
President
Robert C Probst has served for several years as a member of the Board of Directors, the Investment Committee, and the Audit and Finance Committee of the Community Foundation of Noble County. He serves on the Board of Directors of The ARC Noble County Foundations, Inc. which serves physically and mentally handicapped individuals in Noble County, Indiana.
Robert served as the Judge of the Circuit Court of Noble County, Indiana for twenty-four years. He retired on December 31, 1998. He then served, for the following seventeen years, as a Senior Judge by appointment of the Indiana Supreme Court.
He graduated from Kendallville High School, Albion College, Albion, Michigan and received his Law Degree from Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana.
Vice President
Casey Weimer
CEO, Cole Center Family YMCA
Casey is the CEO of the Cole Center Family YMCA where she has served since 2011. Prior
to serving in her current capacity, she was the Human Resources Director for the YMCA of
Greater Fort Wayne where she developed a passion for the work of the YMCA. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy Management from Indiana
University in Bloomington. She volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and serves on the
Oak Farm Montessori School Board and the Kendallville Library Foundation Board.
Secretary
Lance L. Waters
Mayor, City of Kendallville
Mayor Lance L. Waters was elected to office in November of 2023 and was sworn in as Mayor on January 1, 2024. Prior to being elected Mayor, Waters was with the Kendallville Police Department for 23 years. He served as a Detective Sergeant for 18 of those years and was Chief of Police his last 4 years prior to retiring. Mayor Waters has worked in Public Safety since 1993. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marian College. Mayor Waters also serves the community by sitting on multiple boards and commissions, Be Noble Board of Directors, AIM Mayor’s Public Safety Policy Commission, Historic Downtown Kendallville Board of Directors, and Northeast Indiana Solid Waste District Board of Directors to name a few.
Treasurer
Tom Leedy
President, Dekko Foundation
Tom Leedy is the president of the Dekko Foundation, a private foundation located in Kendallville, Indiana. The foundation’s mission is, “To foster economic freedom through education.” The foundation focuses on the developmental needs of young people ages 0-18.
Tom has served his community through board and committee membership on the local and state level. He has engaged at the local level with the chamber of commerce, library foundation, YMCA, Freedom Academy and Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Board Member
Jordi Disler
President, Parkview Noble
As president of Parkview Health North, Jordi Disler leads both Parkview LaGrange Hospital and Parkview Noble Hospital and their respective counties. Disler also serves on the board of directors for Farmers State Bank and Northeast Indiana Works. Disler earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Marian College in Indianapolis, later earning a master’s degree in nursing administration/executive nurse from Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Board Member
Candice Holbrook
Head of School, Oak Farm Montessori
Candice is the Head of School at Oak Farm Montessori School located in Avilla, Indiana. Candice is a Noble County native, dedicated to the development of youth and has a passion for enhancing Noble County as a desirable place to raise a family, work, and play. Candice obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from Purdue University, followed by her master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Candice is currently obtaining her Montessori Leadership credential through Seton Montessori Institute.
Board Member
Brian Leitch
CFO, East Noble School Corporation
Brian was born and raised in the Kendallville area and is a 1995 graduate of East Noble High School. Brian went on to attend Manchester University where he earned his degree in Accounting. After college, he worked in the home improvement industry for 15 years. In 2013, he made the decision to leave Menards and bring his experience back home to East Noble where he has served the past nine years as the Chief Finance & Operations Officer. He is also certified as a Chief Business Official and a School Safety Specialist. Brian is also involved in the community as a member of the Kendallville Lions Club and serves on the Cole Center Family YMCA Board of Directors.
Board Member
Dawn McGahen
Director, Kendallville Park Department
Dawn graduated from East Noble High School. She followed in her father’s footsteps by being a public servant as a police officer for the City of Kendallville. She continued to work in public safety for the City of Fort Wayne for 18 years and then realized she missed her hometown and the closeness of the community. She currently serves as the Recreation Director and Park Director for the Kendallville Park and Recreation Department. She obtained her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and her Bachelor of Arts from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne.