Meet Our Board Members

Kyle Dempsey

Education: Indiana University BS in Education 2001

Occupation: State Farm Agent

Background: I grew up in Munster and completed all 12 grades in the Munster School System.  My wife, Jen, and I moved back to Munster in 2013.  We have two kids currently in Munster schools.  Our son is a 6^th grader at Wilbur Wright and our daughter is a 2^nd grader at Frank Hammond.  Since moving back I’ve always had the desire to be involved in our community and our schools.  I am a past Booster Club Member, one of the original members of the Teacher for Merit Award Committee, past member of the Munster Education Foundation, Munster Basketball Club President, and Munster Little League Board Member.  My goals are to work with the rest of the board, along with our school administration, teachers, and parents to improve student achievement in our schools and to offer a second to none educational experience at all grade levels.   

Kristen L. Smith, CAE

Education: Purdue University BA English and Political Science

Occupation: Non-Profit Management

Background: Bob and I have been married and resided in Munster for over 20 years.  We have four daughters, three of which are in the Munster school system, Zuzu 18, Ruby 17, Daphne 16 and Stella 13.  I currently hold the position of Executive Director for the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors as well as my own personal fitness business.  I previously served as the Vice President, Treasurer and President of Elliott PTO, chaired numerous Fun Fairs and other special events, served as the Vice President and President of the Wilbur Wright PTO, served as the Secretary, Treasurer and Chair of the Grants Committee on behalf of the Munster Education Foundation, served as a Board member of the Munster Booster Club and also an active member of Westminster Church.  I have also also been an active volunteer in Girl Scouts for the last ten years, coached soccer and girls’ basketball.   My husband has also been a long-time softball coach.  Bob and I met at Purdue, so we are loyal Boilermakers!  Our family loves this community!

John Castro

Education: Wabash College BA 1997

Occupation: Institutional Stock Broker

Background: My wife Renee and I moved to Munster in early 2013. We have two daughters currently enrolled in Munster schools - one at Wilbur Wright Middle School and one at Munster High School. I was a member of the Munster Community Financial Advisory Committee, or CFAC in 2015, and I am a past president of the Security Traders Association of Chicago. My wife, Renee, taught Spanish at Wilbur Wright Middle School from 2002 – 2005, and more recently served on the FHH PTO board before returning to teaching full time in 2017.  As a board member, I am excited to be part of an energetic group working with an administration dedicated to continued success while embracing the strong sense of community that is so prevalent here. Together, we will continue our pursuit of strong leadership and responsibility for the future of our schools.  

Ingrid Schwarz Wolf

Education: University of Iowa BS 1988, DDS 1994

Occupation: Dentist

Background: 

My husband, Paul, and I have called Munster home since 1998 when he joined Northwest Oral Surgeons. I practice dentistry in Chicago at The Magnificent Smile. Together, we’ve raised four children—Henry (Class of ’17), Frank (’19), Hazel (’20), and Louie (’22)—who have all attended Munster schools. Before joining the school board, I dedicated 12 years to volunteering in various school organizations, including PTO, Scouts, Science Club, WWMS Tennis, the Teacher of Merit Award program, and the broad-based planning committee that contributed to developing our district's strategic plan. 

For the past eight years, I’ve proudly represented the board on the strategic planning committee, and I am excited to now serve as the legislative liaison. Ensuring a strong voice for public education and the School Town of Munster in Indianapolis is a responsibility I take seriously. As a board member, I remain deeply committed to supporting our schools, students, and community. It is an honor to serve and make a positive impact in Munster.

Amy Sinder

Education: University of Central Missouri, BS in Speech pathology & audiology; MS in Audiology

Occupation: Director of Operations

Background:  

I am honored to serve as a member of the School Town of Munster Board of Trustees. I am deeply committed to driving continuous improvement in our schools. My professional background, which includes serving on the board of a public university and advocating in education and healthcare, provides valuable experience that I bring to this role to support meaningful progress for our district.

For more than 15 years, my family and I have called Munster home. During that time, I’ve been actively involved in our schools and community—volunteering with PTOs, coaching Little League, teaching at St. Maria Goretti Parish, and leading as a Cub Scouts den leader. My children attend Munster schools, and my husband proudly serves as a special education teacher at Munster High School.

I strongly believe that public education is the foundation of a vibrant community. By continuing to invest in our schools, we can ensure that students, teachers, and staff have the resources they need to succeed. As a participant in the We are Munster Community Ambassador Program, I’ve gained an even deeper appreciation for our district and encourage others to explore this opportunity.

I’m honored to serve alongside dedicated board members and look forward to collaborating with them to make a positive impact on our schools and community.