Safety Zone Monticello
800 W Fisher Street
574-583-9663
Office Hours
M-W-F Noon-5pm

Mike Harter has been teaching Driver’s Education since 1983. He is a graduate of Hagerstown High School, has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University, and a Master’s degree from Indiana University. Mike's teaching career has included Norwell Middle School, Pioneer High School, Northwestern High School, Lewis Cass High School and recently retired from West Central High school. He has been a US History, Economics and Physical Education teacher, as well as a Varsity Head Football and Wrestling Coach. Mike has been employed by Safety Zone Driving Academy since 2012.

Mike Rennier, Instructor for Safety Zone, has been teaching driver education since 1977.  He received his BS and MS degrees in education at Ball State University and later completed a degree in Elementary Administration.  Mike retired in 2014 from North White School Corporation, Monon, IN, after 38 years as a 4th grade teacher, driving instructor, and Monon Elementary principal.  He has been with Safety Zone Driving Academy since 2014.  Mike has found that teaching is most fulfilling when you help someone learn something new that will benefit them for a lifetime of driving.

Rachel is a Logansport graduate, a pre-school teacher, and an Ivy Tech graduate. She previously worked in the mental health field for almost 10 years before taking a 4 year break and working at Tyson. Rachel is currently a pre-school teacher of the 2 1/2  year old room. In her free time, she loves spending time with her big blended family. She looks forward to helping students in the community feel comfortable and knowledgeable behind the wheel! 

Ethan Shannon brings a unique blend of experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic and driving instructor to Safety Zone Driving Academy. With a career built around safety, precision, and helping others, Ethan is passionate about teaching new drivers how to navigate the road with confidence and skill. Through his work as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Ethan has learned the importance of quick thinking, staying calm under pressure, and always prioritizing safety values that he incorporates into his driving lessons. These experiences have shaped his approach to teaching, ensuring that every student not only learns how to drive but also develops the knowledge and skills necessary to stay safe and confident on the road. Ethan is committed to guiding students every step of the way, ensuring they’re fully prepared for the road ahead. His goal is not just to help students pass their driving test, but to make sure they feel safe, confident, and capable behind the wheel. Ethan looks forward to working with each student and helping them become the best driver they can be!

Jeff Massura has been a science teacher at Twin Lakes High School since 2007. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Valparaiso University and his Master's Degree from Purdue University. He looks forward to helping new drivers gain the knowledge and skills they need to be safe and responsible drivers.

Kim has a diverse background with over 30 years of Administrative, Project Management and Business Development experience. She worked at NIPSCO for 20 years in administrative and project management positions. She was the Facility Manager at their corporate headquarters in Merrillville overseeing custodial, security and space planning projects. After 20 years with NIPSCO, she changed her focus to Health Care and was the Business Development Director for a residential treatment center for children with mental health issues. Upon her retirement, she purchased a local Monticello business, Radical Graphics and signs. She and her son applied many of the graphics on the vehicles for Safety Zone Driving Academy. As the Office Manager, my role will be to assist everyone in a supportive role to make sure our students get the best possible experience and confidence in learning to drive.

Hello. My name is Brenda. I grew up in the Monon and Monticello area and graduated from North White. I have an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Ivy Tech. I spent the last 21 years as a licensed property and casualty insurance professional. I am a mother of two and a grandmother of a wonderful grandson. I enjoy spending time with my family and love summertime to get outdoors. I am thankful for this opportunity to get to know new people and help new drivers gain experience in this exciting stage of their lives!