Staff Bio & Interview

Name: Dr. Ellen Retelle 

Position: Director

Number of Years @ IDCS:  This is my fourth year at IDCS.

What is the most inspiring part of your job?

The students, teachers, and staff. The most inspiring part of the job is the students because they are smart, funny, and caring. The teachers and staff are inspiring because of how hard they work to make sure IDCS is the best that it can be for our students. 

Family, Pets, Home: I have three dogs:

Atticus, Theodate, and Elijah. This past summer I saw 5 bears in my yard. One bear swam in the pond this summer. It was a surprise!

Hobbies, Skills, Talents OR what do you like to do when you are not working?

I like gardening, hiking, and traveling. I have traveled to all 50 states and about 40 countries. 

Who is someone you admire and why?  

I admire Ruth Sheehy; she was my mentor when I was a principal in Japan. She was very good at asking questions; she made me think and reflect on my job. Ruth was very influential in my life.  

What is something you want to learn more about?  

I want to learn more about playing an instrument, specifically the harmonica. My father played the harmonica for many years.

If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life what would it be? 

Indian food. The first time I ate Indian food was in Singapore and I have loved it ever since then. 

If you were a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?

I love bright colors. I would say a deep blue because of the sky.

Anything else?

IDCS is the best school!