 Angi Beland
Vice President of Operations & Development
abeland@charterschools.org
517-999-4427
Angi Beland, VP of Operations and Development, directs the program development and financial operations for MAPSA. Angi's focus is not only on MAPSA's sustainability and adherence to best practices in budget management but also in identifying program and grant opportunities for MAPSA members.
Prior to joining MAPSA in 2007, Angi gained valuable expertise in building sustainability models and maximizing return on investment while working for other non-profit organizations. Angi also the keen ability to maximize opportunities when faced with limited resources. Angi holds a Master's of Business Administration from Northwood University.
Vivian
is a successful cross-industry educator and consultant with over
25 years of experience in personnel supervision, facility management,
and educational sales and training. She has developed, facilitated and
managed educational programs used to integrate technology into academic
programming. She has published educational text for use in K-12 Video
Teleconferencing Programs. Moreover, she has served as a board member
for several non-profit educationally based programs for today’s youth
and is an active board member of the Wayne State University, College of
Education Alumni Association. Her career and personal histories are
replete with rich experiences. She has been an instructor and technology
coordinator with the Detroit Public Schools for over 15 years. She
received her undergraduate degree in Education-Mathematics from
University of Detroit-Mercy, her Master’s degree from Wayne State
University in Instructional Technology and Design, and is currently
working on her Doctorate degree in Human Performance and Improvement.
Keri began working with MAPSA as an intern in the summer of 2008. Upon graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelors in Communication Arts, she rejoined the MAPSA staff and is currently working as Events Coordinator, and is excited to be a part of the charter school movement! Keri enjoys spending time with friends and family and loves camping, attending concerts, and watching movies.
Becky Carlton
Quality Schools Coordinator
bcarlton@charterschools.org
517-999-4429
Becky, Quality Schools Coordinator, works with interested founders in starting a charter school. With a passion for children, her community,
fine arts, and education, she has had previous experience with non-profits and
is an avid volunteer within her community. She enjoyed a career in early childhood
development for 5 years and has been a trained musician on cello and piano for most of her life. Becky is very
excited to be part of the charter school movement and looks forward to
supporting continuing efforts in the charter school community.
 Cameron Clark
Quality Schools Facilitator
cclark@charterschools.org
517-999-4432
Cameron Clark, one of MAPSA’s Quality Schools Facilitators (QSF), is a former public school academy leader with 14 years of charter school experience. In his former school leader position, he became well versed in the academic, business, cultural and political aspects of running a charter school.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Cameron began his career administrating residential facilities for teens in the Boston, MA area, later becoming a Court administrator back in Michigan before joining the charter education movement.
 Breanna Cope
Communications Coordinator
bcope@charterschools.org
517-999-4426
Breanna began her work with MAPSA in the summer of 2009 as an intern. After graduating from Michigan State University in the spring of 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising she began full time work with MAPSA. She is currently serving as the Communications Coordinator and looks forward to continuously improving MAPSA’s communication efforts both internally and externally. She enjoys attending and cheering for all Michigan State sports, mostly the men’s basketball and football teams. She loves to spend time with family and friends and travel to Chicago to see her young nephews whenever possible.
Our Vice President of Strategy & Planning, Lisa has worked with MAPSA since 2000, providing leadership with strategic planning, business development and grassroots initiatives. She became involved with the organization and movement because she believes all children deserve an opportunity to find the right educational environment for them to reach their highest potential. When she’s not working, she enjoys kickboxing, golf, sailing, downhill skiing and time with her husband Don and three sons Kyle, Ryan and Brady.
 Julie Durham
Director of Research & Grants
jdurham@charterschools.org
517-999-4419
Julie joined MAPSA in 2011 and serves as the association's Director of Grants and Research. She earned her master's in Public Policy from the University of Wisconsin and an undergraduate degree in Public Affairs from Central Michigan University. Prior to working at MAPSA, Julie was a project manager and researcher at the Center on Education and Work. She enjoys reading, biking and spending time with her husband, Jon, and their daughter, Quinley.
 Candace Embry
Administrative Assistant
cembry@charterschools.org
517-999-4413
Candace joined MAPSA in 2011 and serves as Administrative Assistant working closely with our Quality Support team and the T.E.A.M.S (Teacher Excellence And Milestones for Students) initiative to coordinate internal and external operations for both. Prior to excepting this position, Candace served as legal assistant at the Gallagher Law Firm. She has had a long and varied career in corporate industry as an executive assistant and project manager. A native of Lansing, Candace is an active community organizer and volunteer in various local organizations. Her demonstrated desire and excitement to serve the children of our future, education and the community is inspired by her daughter Danielle. She enjoys concerts, scrabble, traveling and spending time with her friends and family whenever possible.
 Kathleen Fox
Director of Human Resources
kfox@charterschools.org
517-999-4435
Kathleen serves MAPSA as the Director of Human Resources. Kathleen has managed service operations from the conceptualization of ideas, involving planning, process development, systems requirements and selection, and organizational and employee development. She has worked in both the private and public sector. During her career, Kathleen has worked in HR at Charlotte Public Schools and as the HR Director for the State Bar of Michigan and Vice President of HR for diversified financial service companies. These engagements have involved strategic employee and labor services planning, employee satisfaction measurement and development, competitive market analyses HR operations assessments, and the development of strategic recommendations for improving employee performance and customer satisfaction. In addition, Kathleen holds both a bachelors and masters degree in Human Resource Management.
James joined MAPSA in 2011 as a Quality Schools Facilitator. He is a proud graduate of Michigan State University's College of Education and completed his Master of Arts Degree in School Principalship from Central Michigan University. He served the past seven years as the Chief Academic Officer at Cole Academy in Lansing. When he is not working, James enjoys spending time with his family, friends, traveling and watching sporting events. James looks forward to advancing quality and promoting choice in education through chartered public schools.
Kelly joined MAPSA as the director of professional development in 2005, having spent most of her career in event planning. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University in Commercial Recreation and Facility Management. Kelly also earned her certificate as a Certified Meeting Professional in 2006.
Brian May
Vice President of School Initiatives
bmay@charterschools.org
517-999-4423
Brian May serves as the Vice President of School Initiatives. Brian has over 15 years experience as an educator and strategic business manager. As VP of School Initiatives, Brian oversees the organization's efforts to advance the quality of charter school performance ranging from new schools to those seeking reauthorization.
A graduate of San Jose State University, Brian began his career as an urban high school teacher in California. He joined MAPSA as a Project Manager in 2009 after eight years as General Manager for the world leader in test preparation. At MAPSA, Brian has successfully led grant proposal teams awarded over $25M to research and implement innovative school reform models and best practices.
Buddy joined MAPSA in 2011 as Director of Communications. A native of Ypsilanti, Buddy graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in Communications. A veteran of the newspaper industry, Buddy worked for 26 years as an editor for the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, where he won numerous state and national awards for his writing. In 2009, he was named the top newspaper columnist in Michigan by the Associated Press. More recently, he has worked in public relations and documentary production, and received an Emmy nomination in the category of Best Historical Documentary for "The Legend of Pinky Deras," a film about the greatest Little Leaguer of all time. Buddy and his wife Kathy have four children. His hobbies include biking, magic and traveling with his family to his daughter's gymnastics meets.
Frank joined MAPSA in 2011 and serves as a Quality Schools Facilitator. In 1997, Frank joined the founding faculty for Dove Academy, a K-8 Public School Academy in Detroit. He proudly served as a Teacher for 4 years, the Assistant Principal for 3 years and the Principal for his last 7 years at Dove Academy. Frank currently serves on the national Principal Advisory Board for Scholastic Book Fairs and he is an Associate for TurnAround Schools. Frank is the author of two children's books, "We Love the Dove" and "After High School Comes College...," both published by Mascot Books. In 2007, he was honored as a finalist for MAPSA's Administrator of the Year Award. Phi Delta Kappa recognized him as a 2009-2010 Emerging Leader in Education. He is also the recipient of the 2010 Geneseo Alumni Association's Excellence in Education Award. He resides in Livonia with his wife, Shana, and two daughters, Annalin and Callie. Originally from Plattsburgh, New York, Frank earned his Bachelor of Science in Education at the State University of New York College at Geneseo. He earned his Master of Arts in Literacy Education at the University of Michigan. He is completing his research for his Ed. Specialist in Administration and Supervision at Wayne State University.
Dan Quisenberry, serves as the President of MAPSA. Dan is a veteran communicator with more than 20 years experience in governmental affairs, policy development, and business management. As President, Dan oversees all aspects of the association that promotes, protects and represents Michigan Charters.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Dan began his career working at the State Chamber of Michigan. He joined MAPSA in 1997 after six years as General Manager and Legal Administrator for a leading Michigan Law firm. MAPSA currently represents more than 90% of charter schools in Michigan and is recognized as the leading advocacy organization on behalf of charter schools in the state.
 Heather Risner
Director of Membership Services
hrisner@charterschools.org
517-999-4421
Serving as the Director for Membership Services, Heather has a long history of working in the charter movement. Her work began at the Central Michigan University Charter Schools Office and then moved to MAPSA in 1995. A graduate of Central Michigan University holding a degree business management.
Holly joined MAPSA in 2000 and now serves as Executive Administrative Assistant. She enjoys her job because she likes knowing she can make a difference in people's lives every day and because she loves the innocence of children and their wide-eyed approach to life. A photographer by training, she spent her previous work experience at a photography studio. Spend a little time with Holly and you’ll learn just how creative she is. In addition to changing her look and hairstyle often out of inspiration, she loves traveling, concerts, photography, dreaming and time with her family.
 Chris Thompson
Director of New School Development
cthompson@charterschools.org
517-999-4442
Chris joined MAPSA in 2011 as the Director of New School Development. Chris has spent the last twelve years as a School Leader for National Heritage Academies serving as an Assistant Principal at Linden Charter Academy in Mt. Morris, MI and at Windemere Park Charter Academy in Lansing. Chris went on to become the founding Principal at Fortis Academy in Ypsilanti in April of 2004 and five years later opened Lansing Charter Academy in 2009.
 Alicia Urbain
Vice President of Government & Legal Affairs
aurbain@charterschools.org
517-999-4416
Alicia joined MAPSA in 2011 as the Vice President of Government & Legal Affairs Alicia received her juris doctor degree in 2000 from Michigan State University-Detroit College of Law and her bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan. Prior to coming to MAPSA, Alicia worked for the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Michigan (Oakland County). Alicia has also worked as legal counsel for the Michigan House Republican Policy Office, Governor Engler’s Legal Division, the Michigan Senate Majority Counsel’s office, and the office of United States Senator Spencer Abraham. She has also taught political science and administrative law as an adjunct professor. Alicia grew up in West Michigan, but she currently resides in Brighton, Michigan with her husband and three children.
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About Us 
Vivian Bonner
Lisa Diaz
Kelly Lambert
Buddy Moorehouse
Frank Nardelli
Dan Quisenberry
Holly Simons