Welcome to our website for speech & language services at

Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools!

Here you can meet the district's SLPs and, using the tabs in the upper right corner, explore the different areas of speech and language. You will find resources and practice materials for at-home use.

Ms. Lori James

Bright Elementary School

email: lajames@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

My name is Lori James and I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist since 2001. I have two teenage boys, Nathan (18) and J.T (16). I enjoy the outdoors, exercising, gardening, spending time with my family, snuggling with my dog Ace, and watching Bengal or Buckeye football. I received my bachelor's degree from Ohio State University and my master's degree from the University of Cincinnati. I have spent my entire career working in the elementary public school setting....its where I was meant to be.

Mrs.LaurenDeFranco

East Central Middle School & East Central High School

email: ledefranco@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

My name is Lauren DeFranco, and I am the Speech Language Pathologist at East Central Middle School and East Central High School. I am entering my 18th year as an SLP, and this is my second year at East Central. I live in Cincinnati with my husband and 4 children. I received my bachelor degree from Ohio University and my masters degree from Miami University. I have extensive background in the adult medical setting including hospitals, rehab, outpatient (including young adult/teen), skilled nursing/rehab, and home health.

Mrs. Tamela Monhollen

North Dearborn Elementary School

email: tmonhollen@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

My name is Tamela Monhollen. I am originally from Sunman and currently live in Guilford, Indiana with my husband and our two sons. I have been an SLP for 30+ years! Most of those years have been at NDES:) I received my bachelor's and master's degrees from Ball State University.

Mrs. Jenni Bill

North Dearborn Elementary

email: jlbill@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

My name is Jenni Bill. I currently live in West Harrison, IN with my husband, daughter, Ainsley (who is in the 4th grade this year at NDES) and our 2 dogs. I have been an SLP for 14 years, but this is my first year as a school based SLP. I worked with adults in several different settings and decided to make for a change, as I missed working with kids! I am excited for this new opportunity! I attended school at Indiana University (undergrad) and University of Cincinnati (grad school).

Mrs. Amber Morris

North Dearborn Elementary

email:atmorris@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

My name is Amber Morris. I have been an SLP for 16 years. I am starting my 3rd year full time at North Dearborn. Before then I worked in a variety of full-time, part-time, and PRN (as needed) settings. When I was not working my time was spent at home raising my 4 children. I live in St. Leon with my husband Dan and our 4 children; Emma 13, Grace 11, Amelia 9, Jack 5 We love spending time together as a family traveling and enjoying our boat.

Mrs. Sarah Pickerill

Sunman Elementary School, St. Nicholas School, & Walk-in Preschool

email:

My name is Sarah Pickerill and I am the Speech Language Pathologist at Sunman Elementary School, St.Nicholas School & Walk-in Preschool. I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana and just moved to Batesville, Indiana with my husband and our son. I received my bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College and master’s degree from Andrew’s University. This will be my 3rd year as an SLP but this will be my first year with Sunman Elementary! I was previously working at an all memory care nursing home.

Mrs. Angie Batta

North Dearborn Elementary

Email: ajbatta@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

My name is Angie Batta. I am the Speech Language Pathology Aide at North Dearborn Elementary. I live in Sunman, Indiana with my husband, Doug. We have two children, Derrick and Cassie. They are both married. I have three grandchildren. I have many years of experience as a teacher assistant at North Dearborn. I am very excited about the opportunity to aide the Speech Language Pathologist this year.