Sean formerly served as the Assistant Superintendent for Early Learning at Livingston Educational Service Agency.

She was the past Co-chair of GELN's Early Literacy Task Force. Her other roles include elementary principal, assistant principal, classroom teacher at Pinckney Community Schools, and preschool teacher at the University of Michigan.

• Oakland University, Education Specialist, Educational Leadership and Administration

• Marygrove College, Master of Arts, Teaching

• Eastern Michigan University, Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education and Teaching

Syndee has served most recently as the Associate Executive Director of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA). Other areas of significance include Leadership Development Consultant and School Improvement Facilitator at Wayne County RESA, elementary school teacher, principal, and Central Office in South Redford Schools, Owosso Public Schools. She has been an adjunct professor at Eastern Michigan University, Madonna University and Davenport University. Wayne State University, Ed.S.

Syndee serves as a Student Teacher Supervisor for Northern Michigan University. Syndee loves to learn, read, garden and travel, especially in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

• Eastern Michigan University, MA in Curriculum and Instruction K-12

• Central Michigan University, MS in Education

• Galileo Leadership Consortium

Carra Molinare is a recent graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. With a passion for visual storytelling and design, they contribute to the Literacy Leader Network by producing podcasts and creating a range of digital graphics. Outside of LLN, Carra manages a screen printing shop and is currently illustrating artwork for an upcoming board game. They are excited to continue growing as a creative professional through collaborative, mission-driven projects.

Dee Molinare brings over two decades of experience in educational governance, having served as both a board of education member and a trainer for district leadership teams. She offers deep expertise in board governance, equity, and team development, with a strong focus on building trust and fostering collaborative relationships.

Dee is a Trust Edge Certified Trainer through the Trust Edge Leadership Institute and holds a certificate in Effective Facilitation from Leadership Strategies. She has also completed equity and inclusion training through Bea Young & Associates and has facilitated related sessions regionally and nationally. Additionally, as a registered parliamentarian, she enjoys supporting districts with governance structure and process.

Her passion for education is grounded in a lifelong love of learning and a deep respect for the teaching profession. Dee’s career spans classroom instruction and leadership, including roles as an early childhood teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master’s in Education from Saint Xavier University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis.

Nichole’s work roles include the Technical Assistance Coordinator at the Michigan Department of Education in the Office of Special Education, Director of Special Services at Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, and Wayne-Westland Community School District.

She has been a leader in schools as principal and assistant principal. Her teaching experiences include being a graduate program director and assistant professor at Grand Valley State University.

• University of Michigan, Ed.D.

• University of Michigan, Education Specialist

• Grand Valley State University, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology/Special Education

Vicki instructed and mentored elementary students for 14 years before moving into instructional leadership where she served 16 years as a principal. 

Her passion is leading instructional improvement through systematic instructional rounds, professional learning communities, professional development around research-based instructional practices, and innovative approaches for today's learners.

• University of Michigan, Master of Arts, Public/General Administration

• Wayne State University, Master of Arts, Elementary Education

• Easter Michigan University, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education

Janice Zielinski began her public relations career at Cardinal Health, a Fortune 50 company, where she provided marketing support to hospital clients and senior sales leaders. After nearly a decade of extensive work in the healthcare sector, she transitioned to education marketing, assisting K-12 and higher education organizations nationwide.

Throughout her career at Battelle for Kids, in agency roles, and now with Bluebirds Marketing, Janice has offered counsel and implementation support to clients across over half of the United States, including California, D.C., Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. With nearly 20 years of experience, her contributions have earned her several accolades, including the Central Ohio Public Relations Society of America PRism Award, the American Marketing Association Achievement in Marketing Award, and the Ohio School Public Relations Association Mark of Distinction.

• Ohio University, College of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing

• Professional Certified Marketer through the American Marketing Association.

Dr. Kristin Everett is the founder of Everett Evaluation and will serve as Project Director. She will co-lead LLN interviews and process documentation alongside Dr. R. Sam Larson. With over two decades of experience overseeing state and federally funded evaluation projects, Dr. Everett specializes in K-16 educational and systems-building evaluation. A Michigan-based evaluator, Dr. Everett has a deep connection to Michigan schools and programs, working extensively on statewide evaluations to improve educational outcomes. She is currently the external evaluator for the MiSTEM Collaboratives and a convener of statewide leaders in education, business, and communities throughout Michigan. She has been evaluating literacy coaching in Newaygo County since 2017. She has also extensively evaluated professional development programs across Michigan. Her evaluation work has emphasized partnerships with schools, ISDs, and educators to enhance teaching and learning. A former elementary classroom teacher, Dr. Everett holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Evaluation, Measurement, and Research from Western Michigan University, bringing a practitioner’s perspective to her evaluation work.

Dr. R. Sam Larson will serve as a consultant on the project. Dr. Larson will conduct and analyze ISD, principal, and literacy coach interviews. She will co-lead the LLN interviews and processes with Dr. Everett. Dr. Larson is the founder and director of Diffusion Associates, a consulting group that works with social innovators and sponsors committed to designing and scaling out effective interventions. She has led and collaborated on numerous evaluations and studies of education, health, and social service programs. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Teacher Development Group, The Wallace Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the State of Michigan, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have funded her work. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University.