About the MAC

Kathy Dewsbury-White

President and 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.  

Ed Roeber

Director of Assessment

What he does 

Since 2007, Ed has provided research and leadership for such efforts as the development of Michigan’s Assessment Literacy Standards, the Michigan Arts Education Instruction and Assessment (MAEIA) program, Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME), and most recently the Michigan Collaborative Scoring System (MI-CSS). He has authored numerous white papers, articles, Learning Points, and other publications for the MAC, and he provides support and guidance for MAC initiatives such as the Assessment Learning Network and Michigan Learns Assessment credentialing program.   

What he enjoys 

When not jetting between assessment events and his homes in Florida, San Antonio, and Haslett, Michigan, Ed enjoys listening to music, especially bluegrass and folk music.  

What inspires him 

“I am energized by the belief that all children can learn, so long as educators not only believe this but also act tirelessly and effectively on this belief.”  

Background 

Ed brings to the MAC a long and distinguished career in educational measurement and evaluation, serving such organizations as the MDE Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability, Measured Progress, Council of Chief State Schools Officers (CCSSO), Assessment Solutions Group, and Wisconsin Center for Education Research/WIDA. He also has held instructional roles at Michigan State University and University of Michigan Ann Arbor.  Dr. Roeber holds a B.A. in psychology and political science; an M.A. in educational psychology; and a Ph.D. in educational measurement, all from the University of Michigan. 

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.

Jason O'Donnell

Director of Business Operations

What he does 

Jason brings a passion for excellence and eye for detail to his position as Director of Business Operations. Jason oversees budget, finance, and recordkeeping for the MAC and its multiple grant projects. He facilitates communication and archival of grant activity and documentation across projects, and he serves as the chief liaison with the MAC accountant. Since 2012, Jason has made significant contributions to the quality and integrity of all MAC’s initiatives, including Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME), Michigan Arts Education Instruction and Assessment (MAEIA), and Michigan Collaborative Scoring System (MI-CSS).  

What he enjoys 

Jason has traveled extensively, both to tucked-away watering holes in his hometown of Detroit and to remote corners of the world—most recently Iceland. He is an avid reader, fisherman, and movie buff. He enjoys spending time with good friends and is a devoted and doting uncle.   

What inspires him 

Jason is a life-long lover and supporter of the arts, who is proud to support, in his small way, a “Whole Child” education for Michigan’s children through the MAEIA project. Jason was drawn to the MAC through a continued sense of service, and the chance to lend support to an association constantly engaged in positive projects and activities.  

Background 

Jason’s skills in communication, organization, systems thinking, technology, and financial management have been developed through diverse professional experiences and avid self-study. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, with Interdisciplinary Humanities Bachelor’s Degrees in History and History of Art.  Jason also studied, at the Graduate level, Comparative Theology, with an International Diplomacy cognate, at Saint Louis University.

Sara Clark

Certified Public Accountant

What she does 

Sara has served as the MAC’s accountant since 2012. She provides all accounting and tax services for the MAC and its projects. She is especially appreciated for her clear and entertaining (no, really!) reports to the MAC Board of Directors.  

What she enjoys 

Sara is an avid gardener and active public servant. She spends increasing amounts of her free time on the road, visiting her seven young grandchildren, who are spread across the country.   

What inspires her 

People who turn sandboxes into classrooms. 

People who turn classrooms into sandboxes. 

People who speak up when others are silent. 

Background 

Sara is a certified public account who works with the Michigan Department of Treasury. Sara has a long history of public service supporting a variety of mid-Michigan not-for-profit organizations, and has served as a local and educational service agency school board member. Sara holds a degree in economics from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Northeastern University in Boston. 

Linda Wacyk

Director of Communications

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.

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.  Much of her free time is spent as a personal assistant and chef for her pampered kitty, Mei-Mei. 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)

Karrie LaFave

Executive Assistant

Karrie LaFave is the Executive Assistant 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 support to project teams as well as MAC Executive Director and Director of Business Operations. She enjoys learning about the multiple initiatives of the MAC, and continuing to enhance her knowledge about assessment practices.

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, Ryleigh enjoys working as a color guard instructor for multiple mid-Michigan high schools. She is currently enjoying life as a Spartan alumni and loves cheering on fellow Spartans in all sports, especially football and basketball. 

What inspires her 

Ryleigh enjoys working at the MAC because she values the effort to improve learning conditions for students and teaching conditions for educators. Her parents have served as educators for her entire life, and she admires their dedication to improving the lives of all of their many students. 

Background 

Ryleigh joined the MAC as a student intern in 2018, and in that role provided outstanding general administrative support to MAC staff and project managers. She made herself so valuable that following her May 2019 graduation from Michigan State University we sabotaged her student teaching and grad school enrollment and lured her back to the MAC with promises of wealth and fame. Ryleigh holds a B.A. in Social Relations and Policy, with a minor in Educational Studies, from Michigan State University (James Madison College). In addition to her studies at Michigan State, she participated in the Spartan Marching Band Color Guard, various service organizations, and followed the men’s basketball team across the country during their NCAA Tournament journey as part of the student Izzone. Ryleigh plans to participate in an alternative teaching certification program starting in 2020 with the goal of becoming a secondary social studies 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.  

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.

Kathy Dewsbury-White

President
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 president and 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.”

Ed Roeber

Board Secretary
Assessment Director, Michigan Assessment Consortium

Edward Roeber has served the MAC since 2007, first as co-founder (with Kathy Dewsbury-White and Kim Young), then as Board Secretary and  Assessment Director. Ed previously served on the Development of the State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards (SCASS) program for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). He also has had a long career at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), contributing to the development of the employee wellness program, the creation of an employee child care program (Education Child Care Center or EC3), and to development and support for learning about formative assessment. Ed also has developed and delivered a three-course sequence on educational assessment for practitioners at Michigan State University.  

Ed’s extensive contributions to the MAC include the development of Michigan’s Assessment Literacy Standards and support for the Michigan Learns Assessment learning and credentialing program. As chair of the Research and Development Committee, he has overseen the development of a wide variety of resources for the Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME) program.  

Dr. Roeber holds a B.A. in psychology and political science; an M.A. in educational psychology; and a Ph.D., in educational measurement, all from the University of Michigan. 

Why he serves as a MAC Board member: “I think the MAC is using a variety of strategies to increase understanding about student assessment and promote the use of assessment—especially assessment for learning—to improve student instruction, learning, and achievement. I am energized by the belief that all children can learn, so long as educators not only believe this but also act tirelessly and  effectively on this belief.” 

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.” 

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. “

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.”

Jim Gullen

Board of Directors
Retired

Jim Gullen has served on the MAC Board of Directors since 2013, participating on the Resources Development Committee. He also chairs the MAC’s Assessment Learning Network and serves as treasurer of the Michigan Educational Research Association (MERA).  Jim brings to the board a wealth of experiences from his career as an educator in diverse settings, including local and intermediate school districts and the Michigan Department of Education. Jim is especially skilled in helping educators understand technical measurement concepts and develop a critical view of mandated uses of data.  

Jim has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics education, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in educational evaluation and research, all from Wayne State University.  

Why Jim serves as a MAC Board Member: “I am most interested in promoting better understanding of assessment concepts, generally  and measurement concepts more specifically. Increased understanding of assessment and measurement by professional educators will make their already difficult jobs a bit easier by improving their efficiency.” 

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
Executive Director, Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA)

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. Most recently, his leadership led to the creation of OK-2-SAY – a hotline built for students to anonymously report safety concerns.  

As the current executive director of the Michigan Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals (MEMSPA), Paul represents over 1,000 school principals across Michigan. His political advocacy and professional learning initiatives often 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. 

Lisa Lockman

Board of Directors
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. 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. As a member of the MAC Board, Lisa also chairs the nomination committee and provides social media support. 

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.” 

Stan Masters

Board of Directors
Consultant

Stan Masters has served as a member of the MAC Board of Directors since 2018. He has provided leadership for assessment at the local, regional, and state level for over 30 years, including data analysis and use, classroom assessment, and social studies. Stan serves as a representative and treasurer for the Michigan Council for the Social Studies. Stan served as the data steward for the Lenawee Cradle to Career Partnership, a cross-sector collective impact initiative to increase educational outcomes. Stan is a co-author of a chapter in the book The Contemporary Relevance of John Dewey’s Theories on Teaching and Learning; Deweyan Perspectives on Standardization, Accountability and Assessment in Education. Stan’s focus is on the use of multiple measures that create a photo album of student achievement.

Stan graduated from Adrian College in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in history.  He holds a Master of Arts in Common Learnings (K-12 Curriculum) from Eastern Michigan University. He is certified as a Michigan professional educator and Michigan school administrator. 

Why Stan serves as a MAC Board member: “Educators must be assessment literate to improve educational results. Too often we treat assessment separate from the written and taught curriculum.  I work to develop attitudes toward embracing assessment as a positive tool to guide teaching and learning. Through the MAC’s Assessment Literacy Standards, I can assist educators and other stakeholders in improving assessment literacy dispositions, knowledge, and performance.” 

Emily McEvoy

Board of Directors
Data and Assessment Consultant, Macomb ISD

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 participation in MAC’s Assessment Learning Network and the Michigan Assessment Learning Facilitators Association. In her role at Macomb ISD, she coordinates supports and learning opportunities for Macomb County districts and schools to support implementation of  balanced assessment systems. She is passionate about fostering cultures that promote formative assessment in every classroom. She supports educators in their use of data to support learning and with meeting the reporting requirements for state and federal accountability systems. She has served as a member of the GELN SAT task force since Michigan’s adoption of the SAT in grade 11. In that capacity she has trained district personnel and MDE consultants and presented at the National College Board Forum in 2019. She is a frequent presenter at the Michigan School Testing Conference, and serves on the MSTC executive board and planning committee as well as the board of the Michigan Educational Research Association (MERA).

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 consultant. I would love to help MAC continue to strengthen their relationship with the Michigan Department of Education and other state organizations to provide professional learning on sound assessment practices, the importance of balanced assessment systems, and the necessity of having formative assessment in every classroom!“

Steven Snead

Board of Directors
Supervisor of Curriculum and Assessment, Oakland (MI) Schools

Steven Snead joined the MAC Board of Directors in 2017 and contributes to the Assessment Resource Development Committee. In his role at Oakland Schools, Steven leads a team of consultants and project assistants responsible for supporting educators with professional learning, resource development, and consultation related to early literacy, mathematics, social studies, science, curriculum development, English language learners, K-12 assessments, research and evaluation.  

Steven began his career as an English teacher in the Detroit Public Schools, helping to grow integrated instructional practices across technology literacy, reading, and writing. He later joined the Oak Park School District where he was an English and social studies teacher, and also led a variety of high-school improvement and reform efforts. As a part of a School Improvement grant, Steven created and held the position of Data Specialist to help school stakeholders understand student data in order to support improved academic achievement. While in this role, he discovered a true passion for the work of supporting effective practices in high quality assessment, and the power it can have to transform teaching and learning.  

Steven is a product of the Detroit Public Schools, having graduated from Cass Technical High School. He holds a B.A. degree in secondary education (English and political science) from the University of Michigan and a M.A. in educational leadership from Wayne State University. 

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.” 

Ellen Vorenkamp

Board of Directors
Assessment Consultant at Wayne RESA

Ellen Vorenkamp currently serves as an Assessment Consultant at Wayne RESA, where she provides 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 contributes to the MAC’s Professional Learning Committee and also currently 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.” 

Amelia Gotwals

Ex Officio Higher Education Advisor
Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education, Michigan State University

Amelia Wenk Gotwals brings to the MAC board a rich background in science education and assessment. Her research examines the ways that students learn to engage in science practices with core ideas in science and the ways that curricular and assessment materials interact with teacher instruction to support this learning. She specifically focuses on researching the learning progressions students take as they develop more sophisticated understandings and ways of assessing this complex learning.  

In addition to her work with the MAC Board, Amelia has served as the co-principle investigator (PI) for two National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded grants that support coordinated systems of assessment practices and materials, curricular resources, and professional development. She is the co-editor of the LeaPS book that emanated from national conference on learning progressions. She was also the PI of Michigan’s Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME) project that explored how a statewide professional development program can support teachers in developing formative assessment practices. 

Amelia holds a B.A. degree in biology from Brown University as well as a M.S. degree in ecology and evolutionary biology and Ph.D. in science education, both from the University of Michigan.