About the MAC

Kathy Dewsbury-White

CEO

What she does 

As the MAC’s founding president and CEO, Kathy leads our staff and board in advocacy and support for high-quality assessment policy and practice among Michigan educators. Since 2007, she has served as the chief liaison between the Michigan Department of Education and other state and national partners in our collaborative efforts to expand assessment literacy among Michigan educators, policymakers, and students and their families. Kathy takes a calm and thoughtful approach to association leadership and provides an inspiring and steadying presence for the MAC staff and our expanding network of partners.  

What she enjoys  

In the rare moments Kathy is not working on MAC projects, she enjoys cooking, reading, (more reading) and connecting with family and friends.  After raising two fine sons she is enjoying two granddaughters. 

What inspires her 

Kathy’s assessment mentors have included Rick Stiggins, Jane Bailey, Carol Commodore, Ken O’Connor, Jay McTighe, Margaret Heritage, Jim Pellegrino and Ed Roeber. Consulting with superb expertise and continuing to learn from and grow with colleagues who become friends fuels her work in education. 

Background 

Kathy brings to her leadership role more than twenty-five years of experience in curriculum development, professional learning programming, and state and national networking.  Before launching the MAC in 2007, Kathy served most recently with the Ingham Intermediate School District in Mason, Michigan. She holds a B.A. in political philosophy and secondary education from Michigan State University (James Madison College), along with an M.A. in reading and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, both from MSU College of Education. Kathy has also earned a Reading Endorsement on her professional credentials.  

Ellen Vorenkamp

Professional Learning Director

What she does

Ellen serves as Professional Learning Director  where she contributes to the development of professional learning opportunities for the MAC as well as related course materials, including facilitation guides, learning maps, and other instructional resources. She serves as coordinator for MAC’s Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) program, as coordinator and faculty for the Assessment Learning Institute, co-coordinator and faculty for the TLAS Program, and leads the MAC Reads statewide book studies. Ellen is a frequent presenter at various statewide and national conferences on assessment, and she has contributed to the Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME) and served as a Lead Coach for 17 years.

What she enjoys

Ellen is an assessment enthusiast who enjoys working with educators as they deepen their understanding of assessment and assessment related practices.

Much of her free time is spent tending to her ever-growing succulent collection and playing with her dog Loki.  Ellen enjoys reading, hiking, biking, kickboxing and step classes, spending time with her family and exploring new places.

What inspires her

Educators who are making a difference through the positive impact they have on children and our educational systems.

Taryn Hurley

Business Operations Director
thurley@michiganassessmentconsortium.org

What she does

Taryn joined MAC as the Business Operations Director in March 2025, helping to ensure the behind-the-scenes pieces of the organization run smoothly so the MAC team can stay focused on our mission and impact. Taryn brings strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and a practical, solutions-focused approach to managing the many moving pieces that keep an organization moving forward.

Throughout her career, she has had a long-standing passion for supporting educators and the important work they do. She continues that work at MAC alongside talented, dedicated people who are doing great things for educators and students across Michigan. And while she appreciates a good process and an organized spreadsheet more than most people probably would, it’s the people and the purpose behind the work that make it especially meaningful to her.

What she enjoys

When not planning the MAC Annual Golf Outing or making sure her desk goose is appropriately dressed for the occasion, you’ll likely find Taryn spending time with her dog, Gracie Lou Freebush, and cheering on MSU sports or the Cincinnati Bengals. She enjoys a good mix of great people, a little fun, and plenty of team spirit—both at MAC and outside of work!

What inspires her

“I’m inspired by people who genuinely care about others and use their time and talents to make a difference. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Your rewards in life will always be in exact proportion to the care you show to others.’ That idea has always resonated with me. Whether at work or in life, I believe how we treat people, support one another, and show up for those around us matters. I’m especially inspired by people who lead with kindness, work with purpose, and leave things—and people—a little better than they found them.

Background

Before coming to MAC, Taryn supported educational leaders at the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA), where she fostered meaningful relationships with educational leaders and contributed to the development of valuable programs and resources for the education community. Her passion for supporting school leadership drove her work in member services, grant development, and event coordination.

Karrie LaFave

Office Operations Director

Karrie LaFave is the Director of Office Operations for the Michigan Assessment Consortium.

Karrie has a background in education with a bachelors degree from Eastern Michigan University in K-8 Special Education, with a focus on Emotional Impairments. Most of her career has been spent supporting  classroom and building teams that work with students with disabilities, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Karrie’s contributions to the MAC include overseeing the daily administrative, operational, and organizational functions of the Michigan Assessment Consortium. She enjoys contributing to the multiple initiatives of the MAC, and continuing to enhance her knowledge about assessment practices.

Kathy Humphrey

Director of Project Management

What she does 

Kathy serves as project manager for various MAC initiatives, including components of the Michigan Arts Education Instruction and Assessment (MAEIA) project, and she has provided significant oversight to website development, project proposals, grant applications, surveys, and other technical services. Kathy is a skilled writer and editor and contributes to the MAC’s growing library of publications and newsletters. The MAC team especially appreciates Kathy’s willingness to roll up her sleeves and learn whatever it takes to advance the mission of the MAC. 

What she enjoys 

Kathy is a life-long learner who enthusiastically embraces the diverse challenges presented by her clients. Kathy enjoys reading, hiking, walking on nature trails, and international travel. 

What inspires her 

“There is untapped potential in all of us that can be nurtured through education and emotional connection. I believe all students deserve the opportunity to grow and excel in life.” 

Background 

Kathy was previously employed at Ingham Intermediate School District for 23 years. In that role she designed and managed evaluation projects for various educational initiatives. She now is self-employed as an educational consultant with expertise in survey design and analysis, focus groups, facilitation, project management, and writing. Her primary clients have been the Michigan Assessment Consortium and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)

Linda Wacyk

Communications Director

What she does 

Linda oversees all communications for the MAC and its projects. She writes and edits content for MAC and project websites, oversees development of publications, and coordinates content development and distribution of newsletters for the MAC and its projects. She serves on several project management teams and serves as a liaison with the Michigan Department of Education and other organizations in the development of assessment literacy and communication about assessment policy and best practices.  

What she enjoys 

Linda loves to spend time on Michigan’s waterways, a paddling the shoreline in a kayak, cruising the inland waterway on a pontoon boat, or sailing on Lake Michigan. She especially enjoys hanging out with her nine grandchildren and supporting their unique and entertaining journeys through life.  

What inspires her 

“Learning can be one of life’s greatest joys, and I believe all children deserve the opportunity to start strong in pre-school and beyond. I believe the MAC’s work to improve assessment has tremendous potential to improve learning for Michigan’s students.” 

Background 

Linda has provided strategic communication services to the education and non-profit community for nearly 30 years. She owns LKW Professional Communications, Inc.; her clients include the MAC, MDE, and Western Michigan University’s HIL Project.  She is a graduate of Western Michigan University and of Michigan State University’s Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP). She is a life-long learner engaged in ongoing continuing education in communications, education policy, and non-profit management.

Jacklyn Chadwick

Assistant Director of Communications

What she does

As Assistant Director of Communications, Jacklyn helps support all communications and marketing for the MAC and its projects, working closely with the Communications team to write and edit content for MAC and project websites, contribute to publications, and help coordinate member engagement and marketing for the MAC and its projects.

What she enjoys

Outside of work, Jacklyn enjoys spending time with her husband and her two incredible children. She loves cheering on Spartan basketball and soaking up everything MSU’s campus has to offer. When she’s not on campus, you’ll find her reading, traveling, running, spending time outdoors, playing euchre or Catan, or out with her golf league. Northern Michigan and the beaches of Charlevoix are her happy place.

What inspires her

” I believe that at the heart of education is people, and I am inspired by the potential that each person can bring to the table. I care deeply about teachers feeling masterful in their craft and students feeling successful in their learning. I believe all students can learn, grow, and achieve when supported by high-quality instruction, meaningful assessment, and clear communication.”

Background

Jacklyn earned a B.A. in English with a minor in Psychology from Michigan State University, followed by a Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum through MSU’s MATC program, with a Reading Specialization (BT Endorsement). She spent 10 years as a classroom teacher, working with students from 6th grade through AP Literature and Composition. That classroom experience gave her a practical, ground-level understanding of assessment and its importance and sparked a passion for supporting the work teachers do. She also served as an editor and mentor for student writers. She’s drawn to the MAC because of the practical, collaborative ways it helps educators across the state strengthen instruction and support student learning, and she’s excited to bring her teaching background to help communicate MAC’s mission statewide.

Bex Henry-Dicken

Event Coordinator

What she does

As event coordinator, Bex supports MAC’s online and in-person learning experiences. This includes assisting in event planning, webpage management, hosting online sessions, and shuffling around conference centers to ensure our speakers’ and learners’ needs are met so they get the most out of their experience with us.

What she enjoys

When not coordinating MAC events, Bex is found most frequently in her garden—planning or cultivating, and watching the pollinators. She loves learning, taking workshops, writing, creating art in myriad mediums, and spending time with her pets and partner.

What inspires her

“Community builders! Those around us who offer acts of care, work in often unsung ways, show up without being asked,  prioritize the humanity of our neighbors, and who demonstrate the balance of caretaking within and without themselves.”

Background

Bex brings to her role nearly 10 years’ experience in creating online learning experiences, starting in support and continuing to grow into user experience (UX), copy, and design.

Teddy Hodge

Project Assistant

What they do

Teddy provides support to MAC’s Executive Assistant through the FAME project and helps put together different events the MAC hosts. They bring technical,  communicative, and active listening skills to the team as a social worker. Their background also provides the MAC team with a different/fresh perspective on various tasks. 

What they enjoy

Teddy is currently learning American Sign Language from a Deaf tutor and enjoys the expansive and expressive nature of ASL. When not working or being tutored, they enjoy cuddling with their 2 rabbits, and foraging for recipe inspiration throughout Michigan. Teddy is also passionate about social justice work and educating themselves on anti-oppression, anti-racism, and pro-community work. Furthermore, they are a disabled, proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and use their experiences to view their work through an empathetic lens.

What inspires them 

“You never know what someone’s had for breakfast”- a quote from Teddy’s mother they heard everyday in childhood. It means that we don’t know what someone’s life experiences are or what their home life is like, therefore they try to approach everyone with patience, empathy, and an open mind.

Background 

Teddy has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. Before joining the MAC, Teddy worked in various social service industries including homeless shelters, classrooms, and disability employment. They have also volunteered at many different organizations related to physical/emotional disabilities and continue to use those experiences to influence their work.

Tara Kintz

TLAS Co-Director and ALI faculty

What she does

Tara Kintz connects research, practice, and people to strengthen assessment systems, educator learning, and student agency. She leads programs, research and evaluation, resource development, and professional learning that translate assessment research into practical support for educators.

Tara brings to her role expertise in formative assessment, research and evaluation, program leadership, professional learning, and resource development focused on balanced assessment systems. She is skilled at building collaborative relationships, managing complex projects, analyzing evidence, synthesizing ideas in writing, and promoting assessment literacy. In addition to her roles for MAC, Tara also serves as MAC’s Program Manager and Senior Research Associate for the Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME) program.

What she enjoys

At MAC, Tara enjoys collaborating with others, learning from different perspectives, and turning research and ideas into practical resources that benefit educators and students. In life, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, being creative, cooking, crafting, exploring the outdoors, and continuing to learn.

What inspires her

“I am inspired by educators and students who are willing to learn, take risks, and grow; by collaborative work that brings people and ideas together; and by the mountains, beautiful sunsets, and simple gestures of kindness.”

Background

Tara’s 30 years of experience comprises work across classrooms, schools, universities, and educational organizations as a teacher, coach, administrator, instructor, professional learning facilitator, and researcher. Beginning as a bilingual special education teacher, helping open a service-learning charter school, and working in Waldorf education gave her a broad perspective on the complexities and possibilities of teaching, learning, and assessment. Her research areas include educational leadership and policy, formative assessment, student engagement and agency, educator professional learning, and equitable instructional practices.

Amy Lynne Pobanz

MI Creative Potential Director of Regional Arts Education Networks

What she does

Amy Lynn Pobanz brings creativity, curiosity, and a passion for educational practices that create authentic learning experiences and foster lifelong learning. She does this through the MI Creative Potential initiative, where she works with educators, teaching artists, and arts and community organizations to expand access to quality arts education. Amy also serves as events coordinator for the FAME program, supporting professional learning and advancing MAC’s commitment to formative and balanced assessment.

What she enjoys

Amy enjoys being part of MAC’s ongoing commitment to improving educational experiences and outcomes for students through balanced assessment and assessment literacy. She appreciates that MAC continually seeks input from learning experts and creates thoughtful resources designed to support educators and strengthen the education system.

What inspires her

“I am inspired by the arts and by nature. Curiosity, creativity, and the capacity for human growth continue to inspire me.”

Background

Amy brings to her role more than 25 years of experience as an educator, teaching artist, visual artist, and arts education leader. Her work bridges creative practice and education through visual arts instruction, curriculum and assessment development, professional learning, and partnerships that expand opportunities for learners and educators.

Ryleigh Scott

Project Assistant

What she does 

Ryleigh provides administrative and management support to selected MAC projects, as needed. She brings to that role an attention to detail and a “can-do” attitude to every challenge. Her positive approach and problem-solving approach have made her a valuable asset to the MAC team. 

What she enjoys 

When she isn’t working for the MAC, Ryleigh teaches secondary English and enjoys working as a color guard instructor for multiple mid-Michigan high schools. She enjoys life as a Spartan alumni and loves cheering on fellow Spartans in all sports, especially football and basketball. 

What inspires her 

“I value the effort to improve learning conditions for students and teaching conditions for educators. My students and colleagues inspire me to continue working for the learning communities we share, and their experiences motivate me to advocate for meaningful, lasting improvements in education.”

Background 

Ryleigh joined the MAC as a college intern in 2018, and in that role provided outstanding general administrative support to MAC staff and project managers. She joined the MAC as a full employee following her graduation in 2019. Ryleigh holds a B.A. in Social Relations and Policy, with a minor in Educational Studies, from Michigan State University (James Madison College). Ryleigh successfully earned an alternative teaching certificate in 2020 and is currently serving as a secondary English teacher. 

Rebecca Stevens

Administrative Assistant

What she does 

Rebecca provides administrative and technical support to the MAC Executive Assistant. She brings to this role meticulous attention to detail and excellent problem-solving, computer, and organizational skills. Rebecca provides behind the scenes contributions to the various MAC initiatives.  

What she enjoys 

Rebecca enjoys exploring Michigan. She especially loves hiking in northern Michigan, kayaking, and exploring along the Great Lakes.  She also enjoys spending time with and training her two Golden Retrievers and fostering dogs for Great Lakes Golden Retriever Rescue.  

What inspires her 

“I believe that all children have the right to a quality education and that this can be achieved through the MAC’s mission.” 

Background 

Rebecca has a bachelor’s degree in allied health sciences from Grand Valley State University. For the past three years, she has worked as a remote essay rater for Educational Testing Service. She also has experience working in different capacities as an administrative assistant.  

Heather Vaughan-Southard

Director, MI Creative Potential

What she does

Heather Vaughan-Southard is the architect of MI Creative Potential, which promotes equitable access to quality arts education for all of Michigan’s students. This work features arts education policy, pedagogy, and partnerships. She brings to this role cross-sector field expertise, creativity, systems thinking, and emotional intelligence.

What she enjoys

Heather enjoys the commitment to excellence and creativity that MAC embodies in programming, practice, and organizational culture. The MAC centers the whole person, promoting a felt sense of safety, belonging, and dignity in the working practices but also in the products developed and the processes it guides. It is a privilege to be a part of this team.

What inspires her

“I am inspired by other peoples’ genius. I am insatiably curious so being able to read, watch, view, feel, taste, and a sense another person’s point of view, lived experience, expertise, and creativity fills me. The arts and education, especially, but also philosophy and psychology, culture and craft, help me feel a part of something bigger than myself. It is my duty to help create for others the opportunities to thrive that have been afforded to me.” 

Background

Heather began her career as a professional dancer and choreographer in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. She returned to Michigan to earn an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Michigan, drawing on thesis research that included the impact of dance/movement on trauma resolution. She has directed I went on to direct dance programs in K-12, higher education, and community settings emphasizing dance, and the arts, as a vehicle for belonging, community, and personal growth. I have been a full-time K-12 arts instructor, teaching artist offering school residencies and conducting out-of-school time programming with a special focus on self-care, rehabilitation, trauma healing, and polyvagal training. She is completing a graduate degree for a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Central Michigan University. 

Lisa Lockman

President
Director of Operations, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA)

Lisa Lockman  joined the MAC Board in 2010 and serves on MAC’s Professional Learning Committee and as President of the Board. Lisa also chairs the nomination committee and provides social media support. A former coach for the Formative assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME) project, Lisa has worked with local districts and her intermediate school district service area to create both common assessments and assessment plans. She has received training in assessment for learning from Tom Hierck, Nicole Vagle, Spence Rogers, Rick Stiggins, and Robert Marzano. 

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University and a Master’s degree in education technology in instructional design from Michigan State University.  She has earned a Ph.D. in education leadership, also from Western Michigan University. 

Why Lisa serves as a MAC Board Member: “The work MAC does to provide teachers with quality profession learning centered on balanced assessment practices.” 

Ellen Vorenkamp

Vice President
Assessment Consultant

Ellen Vorenkamp is retired from her position as an Assessment Consultant for Wayne RESA, where she provided consulting and presentation services to Wayne County schools and districts on the topics of Assessment Development, Balanced Assessment Systems, Formative Assessment Process and Use of Evidence to Impact Student Learning. She is the owner of MKJ Educational Consulting, LLC, which provides professional learning opportunities and consulting services to schools and districts outside Wayne County. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Concordia University.  

Ellen currently serves as the MAC Director of Professional Learning and contributes to the MAC’s Professional Learning Committee. She also serves as a Lead Coach for the Michigan Department of Education’s FAME program (Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators). Previously, she spent 13 years teaching English language arts and social studies to high school and middle school students in both El Paso (Texas) and Detroit (Michigan).   

Ellen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Baylor University, a Master of Arts degree in curriculum from Lesley University, and an Education Specialist and Doctoral degree in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. 

Why Ellen serves as a MAC Board member: “At the core of the MAC mission is the improvement of student learning.  In order to accomplish this, we must balance assessment systems within our educational systems.  This requires us to spend as much time, energy and money on the formative assessment process and practices.  Without this crucial process, embedded in teaching and learning, we will never have a coherent, comprehensive assessment system that works for all students.” 

Linda Wacyk

Treasurer
Consultant, LKW Professional Communications Services, LLC.

Linda serves as Board Treasurer and contributes to the MAC Knowledge and Practice Committee. She brings to the Board a history in early childhood education and parent engagement as well as 20-plus years of experience as a strategic communications professional, primarily serving education and non-profit organizations. In her role as the MAC Communications Manager, Linda collaborates with state and local leaders on developing assessment literacy among educators and other stakeholders and communicating about assessment policy and best practices. She has served on evaluation and assessment workgroups since 2009 to shape and communicate education policy and practices regarding assessment, educator evaluation, and data metrics and analysis.  She serves as a communications consultant for clients that include the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Assessment Consortium, and the High Impact Leadership project. 

Linda is a graduate of Western Michigan University (B.A. in communications, with a focus on education and community concerns) and of Michigan State University’s Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP). She is a life-long learner engaged in ongoing continuing education in communications, education policy, and non-profit management. 

Why Linda serves as a MAC Board Member: “I believe that Michigan’s vision for creating equitable access to high-quality learning can only be achieved by ensuring all students learn within a comprehensive system that balances assessment for learning and assessment of learning. In addition, tenure reform initiatives compel school leaders to look for new solutions to measuring student and staff growth. These are big issues that can only be addressed through the kind of collaborative effort the MAC leads and to which it is committed.” 

Steven Snead

Secretary
Supervisor of Curriculum and Assessment, Oakland (MI) Schools

Dr. Steven Snead joined the MAC Board of Directors in 2017 and contributes to the Assessment Resource Development Committee.

 Dr. Snead serves as the Supervisor of the Curriculum & Assessment Unit at Oakland Schools Intermediate School District. In this role, he leads a team of Education Services Consultants, Specialists, and Project Assistants to provide educators across the 28 districts and 24 Public School Academies of Oakland County with professional learning, resource development, and consultation to support deep learning for all students. Signature projects of his team include the MAISA Units of Instruction, Project Literacy Essentials Oakland, Renaissance DnA, the Atlas Curriculum Management System, Math Recovery, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Student Support (MTSS). He also leads the Oakland Schools Research, Evaluation, and Assessment team, which provides assessment development and data analysis support to all county educators. 

Outside of Oakland Schools, Dr. Snead is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Assessment Consortium, helping to promote assessment literacy across the state of Michigan. He is also on the Executive Planning Committee of the Michigan School Testing Conference and the Building a Better Assessment Future Conference. He’s given numerous local, statewide, and national presentations on assessment focused practices, including district assessment design, formative assessment, MTSS, educator evaluation, and equitable assessment practices. Nationally, he has presented at the National Blue Ribbon Schools Conference, the National Conference on Student Assessment, 2025 Reidy Interactive Learning Series from the National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment. Dr. Snead was also recently appointed by the Farmington City Council to serve a 4 year term on the board of trustees for the Farmington Community Library.

Dr. Snead is a proud graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri. The focus of his doctoral research was exploring the utility of interim benchmark assessment data in classroom teacher instructional decision-making.

Why Steven serves as a MAC Board Member: “In a world full of testing, assessment literacy can be a compass to help navigate the waters of deep, enduring student learning and well-being. When we empower students, families, educators, and policy makers to become assessment literate, we can and will deliver on the promise of high-quality learning for all students.” 

Kathy Dewsbury-White

Ex Officio-Board of Directors
CEO, Michigan Assessment Consortium

As a founding member of the MAC, Kathy Dewsbury-White co-created an outlet for promoting balance and quality in assessment practices as they support a comprehensive curriculum and instruction program. Kathy brings to the MAC 25-plus years of experience in curriculum development in local and intermediate school districts. She has coordinated professional learning around classroom assessment practices, and development of district assessment systems. Kathy’s assessment mentors have included: Rick Stiggins, Jane Bailey, Carol Commodore, Ken O’Connor, Jay McTighe and Margaret Heritage. Kathy currently contributes to MAC’s Knowledge and Practice Committee focusing on examination of policy designed to support promotion of quality assessment practice and balanced assessment systems. As CEO she cultivates and maintains the many partnerships and relationships necessary to propel the priorities of the organization forward. 

Kathy holds a B.A. in political science and secondary education from Michigan State University (James Madison College), along with an M.A. in reading and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, both from MSU College of Education. Kathy has also earned a Reading Endorsement on her professional credentials. 

Why Kathy serves on the MAC Board of Directors: “In the MAC, we have a small tribe committed to faithfulness of purpose.  We are committed to promoting the notion assessment done well should both support and certify learning. We faithfully promote the imperative role of assessment in the teaching and learning cycle.  Assessment practice used to support learning builds the life-long learners our society needs.”

Lindy Beckman

Board of Directors
MTSS Director, Alma Public Schools

Lindy Beckman has served on the MAC Board of Directors since 2017 and contributes to the Professional Learning committee. She brings to the Board a valuable perspective and career-long experience in special education. The MAC has benefited, especially, from her contribution as a reviewer for the MAC’s Michigan Learns Assessment online modules.  

Lindy holds a B.S. in special education and physical science from Central Michigan University; she has earned a Master’s degree in education leadership, and an Education Specialist degree (central office), through Saginaw State University. She also has earned endorsement through the MI-ASCD Curriculum Leaders Institute.  

Why Lindy serves as a MAC Board Member: “Strong assessment practices and policies need to address the needs of all students and all educators.  By providing a voice for special learning populations, I hope to influence the work of the MAC. Assessments within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) is critical in supporting all learners. Being part of a collective group of experts in the field has improved my focus and ability to support assessment at the regional and local levels. “

Amy B. Colton

Board of Directors
Director, Center for Collaborative Inquiry

Amy B. Colton, Ph.D., joined the MAC Board in 2026 and serves on the Professional Learning Committee.  She has been involved with the Michigan Assessment Consortium for more than a decade as a writer, champion, professional learning partner, program developer, consultant, and Board member, supporting statewide efforts to strengthen assessment systems and practices. Most recently, Amy has contributed to MAC’s Early Literacy Assessment Systems That Support Learning, a guide that helps districts develop and sustain assessment systems that support literacy and informs MAC’s policy, resources, and professional learning. She has also facilitated MAC’s strategic planning process, helping shape the organization’s future direction.

Amy holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Michigan, and brings to the MAC Board academic and professional expertise in collaborative inquiry, student learning, student voice, and educator professional learning.

Why Amy serves as a Board Member

“I share MAC’s belief that assessment should advance—not simply verify—student learning. I am especially passionate about helping educators engage in collaborative inquiry around student learning, using multiple sources of evidence— including student voice—to inform instructional decisions. When assessment is viewed as a tool for learning rather than merely measurement, it strengthens educator practice, keeps students at the center of improvement efforts, and ultimately leads to better teaching and learning for all Michigan students.”

Gregg B. Dionne

Board of Directors
Assistant Professor, Central Michigan University

Gregg Dionne joined the MAC Board in 2022 and serves on MAC’s Knowledge and Practice Committee. During his tenure at CMU, he has worked with internal and external partners to advance a research agenda that bridges the gap between PreK–12 and higher education. Hi has worked at local, state, and national levels on career and college readiness initiatives. I is currently the assessment chair for the department of educational leadership and chair of educational preparation advanced committee at CMU. Prior to his work at CMU, he led a dynamic team of experts at the Michigan Department of Education coordinating with assessment professionals to advance and support implementation of state standards.

Why Gregg serves as a MAC Board Member: “I look forward to putting my 20 years of experience collaborating in various settings to work in supporting the MAC in creating more collaboration with institutions of higher education.”

Patricia Farrell-Cole

Board of Directors
Organization Innovation & Learning Manager, Van Andel Institute

Patricia L. Farrell-Cole has served as a member of the MAC Board of Directors since 2012. She contributes to the MAC’s Compensation Committed and serves on the Knowledge and Practice Committee, which works to develop strategies and resources through which the MAC contributes to informed assessment policies and enhanced assessment practice in the field.  

Patty has worked to develop students’ career and college readiness in collaboration with Michigan’s 15 public universities, the Michigan Department of Education, and the 28 community colleges, focusing on Common Core and next–generation assessments. This work focused on the alignment of course objectives/outcomes, assessments, and more between K-12 and post-secondary education. She served as co-lead for Smarter Balance in Michigan. Her current work with the Van Andel Institute Science Academy (SA) and graduate programs focuses attention on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). 

Patti holds Bachelor (economics) and Master (organizational and adult learning) degrees from the University of New Mexico and a Ph.D. in higher, adult and lifelong education from Michigan State University.  

Why Patti serves as a MAC Board member: “I am proud of the tremendous strides the MAC has taken in becoming the go-to assessment experts for Michigan, and of the outreach work through the Assessment Learning Network (ALN). I’m particularly gratified by the collaboration accomplished by our Executive Director with the Michigan Department of Education, other education associations, and state and local policymakers.”

Omar Hakim

Board of Directors
Vice President of Education for Detroit PBS/Michigan Learning Channel

Omar Hakim, Ed.D., joined the MAC Board in 2026 and serves on the Assessment Resource Development (ARDC) Committee.  His academic and professional work has focused on instructional leadership, curriculum, assessment, literacy, and continuous improvement across PK–12 education. Throughout his career, he has worked to advance assessment as a tool for learning rather than simply measuring learning. Omar currently serves as Vice President of Education for Detroit PBS/Michigan Learning Channel, where he shares MAC’s commitment to using assessment as a tool for learning rather than simply accountability. He is especially proud of building systems that elevate student voice, engage families as authentic partners, and help educators use meaningful evidence to improve instruction and create coordinated supports that enable every learner to thrive. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from Oakland University and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University.

Why Omar serves as a MAC Board Member: “Throughout my career, I’ve believed that students and families should be active partners in the assessment process, using evidence of learning to guide growth and strengthen support systems. By advancing high-quality assessment practices across Michigan, the MAC helps educators make informed instructional decisions that ultimately improve outcomes for every learner.” 

Amy Hodgson

Board of Directors
Education Consultant/Advisor/Coach

Amy Hodgson joined the MAC Board in 2022 and serves on MAC’s Professional Learning Committee. She retired after serving for the last 12 years of her career as superintendent, curriculum director, and district special education coordinator for Dansville Schools.  Assessment has been her passion for many years and is at the heart of the work she’s engaged in with Dansville staff, who made tremendous progress in developing systems and tools to make their work effective and sustainable, including publishing of K-12 standards-based report cards. She is currently working as a leadership consultant and is also currently serving part-time as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Stockbridge Community Schools, where she is guiding the staff on a brand new assessment journey.

Why Amy serves as a MAC Board Member: “I am focusing on areas in which I am passionate, and assessment is one of these areas. For that reason, it makes sense to explore the work of the MAC in more depth and to support and potentially enhance it.”

Paul Liabenow

Board of Directors
Educational Policy Consultant

Paul Liabenow contributes to the Knowledge and Practice Committee and brings to the MAC board a sincere dedication to Michigan’s youth and a richly diverse career in education. After earning degrees from Michigan State University and Central Michigan University, Paul joined the Cadillac Area Public Schools, where he worked his way through the ranks of teacher, building leader, principal, and superintendent – a position he held for nearly a decade. During his time in Cadillac, Paul developed a passion for building safe communities. His work in the areas of bullying prevention and suicide prevention made him a leader across Michigan. His leadership led to the creation of OK-2-SAY – a hotline built for students to anonymously report safety concerns.  

In his work as executive director of the Michigan Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals (MEMSPA), Paul represented over 1,000 school principals across Michigan. His political advocacy and professional learning initiatives continues to address assessment issues and the need for assessment literacy among school leaders. In addition to his role on the MAC Board,  Paul currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan United Way and the Michigan After School Programs. 

Emily McEvoy

Board of Directors
Director of Data and Assessment, Anchor Bay School District

Emily McEvoy joined the MAC Board in 2022 and serves on the Assessment Resource Development Committee. She has participated in many learning opportunities offered by MAC, including the MAC’s Assessment Learning Network and the Michigan Assessment Learning Facilitators Association. In her role at Anchor Bay School District, Emily supports the implementation of competency-based education and a balanced assessment system. She is deeply committed to fostering classroom cultures that prioritize formative assessment and empower educators to use data to drive student learning and growth. Emily also served as a co-chair of the GELN SAT task and on the board of the Michigan Educational Research Association (MERA). She is a frequent presenter at the Michigan School Testing Conference, where she also serves on the executive board and planning committee.

Why Emily serves as a MAC Board Member: “I am honored to give back to the organization that has helped me learn and grow as a data and assessment professional. I love being part of an organization that supports and provides professional learning on sound assessment practices, the importance of balanced assessment systems, and the necessity of having formative assessment in every classroom!“

Joe Orban

Board of Directors
Director of Assessment & Data Analysis for Wayne-Westland Community Schools

Joe Orban joined the MAC Board in 2025 and serves on the Assessment Resource Development Committee (ARDC). His membership in the MAC Community began around 2016. Since that time, he has participated in the first two Assessment Literacy Institutes, has attended and presented at MAC’s Building a Better Assessment Future (BBAF) conference, and has worked as a MAC consultant for Macomb ISD. In his position as Director of Assessment & Data Analysis for Wayne-Westland Community Schools, Joe developed a Balanced Assessment System for his district using the District Assessment System Design Toolkit developed by the MAC in partnership with Center for Assessment, Wayne RESA, and Oakland Schools. Joe earned a Masters of Arts degree in Educational Leadership. 

 Why Joe serves on the MAC Board: “MAC’s efforts to promote balanced assessment to inform effective instruction is essential to improving teaching and learning in Michigan.”