Meet Our Board Members
John Castro
President
773.531.4797
jmcastro@munster.us
Board Member Since 2017
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
Vice President
219.718.8283
iswolf@munster.us
Board Member Since 2017
Ingrid Schwarz Wolf
Education: University of Iowa BS 1988, DDS 1994
Occupation: Dentist
Background: My husband Paul and I moved to Munster in 1998 when he joined Northwest Oral Surgeons. I practice dentistry in Chicago at The Magnificent Smile. We have four children who have attended the Munster schools - Henry ’17, Frank ’19, Hazel ’20, and Louie ’22. Before I joined the board, I spent 12 years volunteering in various school organizations - PTO, scouts, science club, WWMS Tennis, Teacher of Merit Award, and the broad-based planning committee that helped create our district's strategic plan. As a board member, I continue to give my time and energy to our schools and our children. I represent our board at the monthly PTO President's Meetings and I sit on the strategic planning committee. I am truly honored to serve my community. I believe we have a strong foundation of teachers, students, parents and community members and that together, we will continue on our path of excellence.
John Doherty
Secretary
219.776.0530
jjdoherty@munster.us
Board Member Since 2017
John Doherty
Education: University of Notre Dame BA 1981, University of Indianapolis MS 1984
Occupation: Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist; Vice President of Therapy Services, Sports Medicine, & Occupational Health at Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Munster, IN
Background: My wife Sue and I moved to Munster in 2004, where I had already established my physical therapy and athletic training practice in 1986. We have three children who graduated from Munster High School - Patrick ’08, Michael ’10, and Maureen ’15. I was the head athletic trainer at Munster High School from 1985-2015, and continued as an assistant until the end of the 2016 fall season. A long time member of the Munster Rotary Club, I am also a member of the Northwest Indiana Sportsmanship Committee, serving as its chairman since 2015. During my tenure as athletic trainer I was proud to be part of the finest school district in Northwest Indiana. My goal is to work with my fellow board members, The School Town of Munster administration, its teachers, staff, parents, and -- most importantly -- students to continue that excellence.
Kyle Dempsey
Member
219.384.3939
ksdempsey@munster.us
Board Member Since 2023
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 6th grader at Wilbur Wright and our daughter is a 2nd 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
Member
219.746.5288
klsmith@munster.us
Board Member Since 2023
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 in the Munster school system, Zuzu 16, Ruby 15, Daphne 14 and Stella 11. 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!