Susan Le Vay and Ruth Padgett, mothers of boys with autism, have long recognized the need for a school designed specifically for middle and high school children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders and other learning differences. They envisioned a staff of qualified and dedicated educators using effective practices in special education; a small community of students learning daily life and social skills; and a curriculum that would meet the needs of those students. They chose a name that reflects their mission to help students achieve their highest level of independence and academic success,  "The Independence Academy."

Susan Le Vay, Director
Susan earned a bachelor's degree in English Education from Michigan State University with a license in Secondary Education. She earned a master's degree in English from Colorado State University. Susan's teaching career has included an internship at The International Senior School in Copenhagen, Denmark; a position teaching high school English  at Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers, Florida; a lectureship in English at Colorado State University where she developed curriculum, assisted in training and evaluation of other teaching staff, served as student advisor, and taught courses in writing. Susan has taught autistic students of all ages over the last five years. Susan, her husband, and their two sons, who have autism, live in Fishers, Indiana.

Ruth Padgett, Administrator
Ruth graduated with a bachelor's degree from DePauw University. She entered the health care industry and was employed as a senior clinical research associate (CRA) with Abbott laboratories. She continued as a CRA with Boehringer Mannheim,(now Roche Diagnostics) when she moved to Indianapolis. Clinical research work allowed Ruth to develop her project management skills and administrative and people skills. She began her own business as an independent contractor arranging clinical research studies at various health care facilities before deciding to be at home full time. For the past ten  years, Ruth has held a variety of roles within  her church and her children's schools, including being a parent advocate for her son William, who has autism. She  held a three-year term on her church council and has led the Parent Teacher Organization at her son's school.  Ruth, her husband, and their three children live in Indianapolis, Indiana.