About Us
SEC is a program of SAGAMORE
Sagamore is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit, nonpartisan, public policy research organization–or think tank. We borrow our name from the Algonquin word sagamore, which refers to a trusted individual within the tribe to whom the chief would look for wisdom and advice on issues of public concern. It is thus our mission to research, analyze and respond to difficult issues, to serve as a meeting place for disparate groups, and to offer wise counsel for a world in progress. Our expert network of fellows provides independent and innovative research and analysis to public and private sector leaders, policy makers, practitioners, and the public.
Sagamore is headquartered in Indianapolis in a transformed space in the heart of Broad Ripple.
Our Team
Laurel Vanden Berg
Managing Director Educational Opportunities
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Laurel Vanden Berg has been the Director of the Scholarships for Education Choice program at Sagamore since 2014 and recently became the Managing Director of Educational Opportunities at Sagamore. Her background includes 10 years of teaching high school and helping schools with improvement processes and accreditation. She also provides fundraising training for nonprofits through Sagamore’s partner Mission Increase. Laurel has her BA in History and her master’s degree in Education.
Patty Buckhorn
Education Programs Assistant
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Patty Buckhorn joined Sagamore in September 2023 as the Education Programs Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Communications from Purdue University and has spent most of her career in the HR field as a Generalist and Recruiter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and keeping up with her four young children.
Rachel Houck
Education Programs Operations Manager
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Rachel Houck joined our team in 2021. She has experience working in a wide range of programs including serving homeless populations in Indianapolis, working with volunteers, and analyzing and applying state healthcare policy. Rachel has a BS in social work from Taylor University and an MSW from Indiana University.