Andrew Hulbert is superintendent of Michigan International Prep School (MIPS) and co-founder of Reimagine Education. With 12 years of experience as the leader of two virtual schools, Mr. Hulbert brings proven leadership, innovation, and integrity to his role at MIPS. As superintendent, Andrew is committed to producing educational solutions that tap into the individual student’s intrinsic motivation to learn, preparing them for a lifetime of success and personal growth.
Mr. Hulbert began his career in sales while completing his Bachelors of Science with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Biology from Eastern Michigan University. He completed his first Masters degree from Marygrove College in 2010, and earned a Central Office/Superintendent Certificate from Oakland University in 2014. Mr. Hulbert taught Biology and Chemistry in Bloomfield HIlls from 2007-2011.
In 2011, Oxford Community Schools hired Mr. Hulbert to help revitalize Oxford’s struggling virtual program, Oxford Virtual Academy. Under his direction, the Academy grew to over 2,200 students, and logged the highest completion rates and test scores among Michigan virtual schools. He also established an Early College program in alliance with Rochester College, Macomb Community College, and Washtenaw Community College, allowing students to earn an associate’s degree and a high school diploma in a five-year program, free of all costs.
Since its inception in 2017, Michigan International Prep School has been a place where every student is seen and valued as an individual. Each student is unique, with individual needs, abilities, and interests. The committed educators at MIPS view it as their responsibility to continually shape and mold the learning experience to match the needs of the individual student, delivering an academically rigorous and standards-based curriculum in a way that keeps the student engaged and learning. Mr. Hulbert’s vision is to work with each student to help them tap into the things that make them uniquely excited to learn and grow. He is committed to cultivating a school environment where young people are engaged and actively preparing for a fulfilling and purposeful future in our 21st century global economy.
Under Mr. Hulbert’s leadership, Michigan International Prep School has introduced a plethora of opportunities and innovations in pursuit of this vision. Because of this commitment to the pursuit of innovation and excellence, MIPS has grown to serve more than 1,350 Michigan students from nearly every county in the state, and has produced graduates who have gone on to attend notable colleges and universities, including University of Notre Dame, Michigan State University, Wake Forest Academy, Madonna University, etc.
In 2018, MIPS partnered with Michigan Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (MICE) to provide MIPS students with practical, real-world training in Cybersecurity and Computer Science. The MICE pathway offers online courses like PC Repair, Ethical Hacking, and IT Fundamentals. MICE also interfaces with TestOut, a certification company, to prepare students for real-world, industry-standard IT and cybersecurity certification exams.
In 2019, Mr. Hulbert oversaw the introduction of the MI Prep School of Arts, the first comprehensive virtual arts program in the state. The School of Arts provides students with expert and engaging instruction from practicing arts professionals in the areas of Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
One of Mr. Hulbert’s most notable accomplishments as superintendent is the establishment of a partnership with Cleary University to provide MIPS students with two significant dual enrollment opportunities: (1) an Early Middle College program which allows students to remain at MIPS for a 13th year, earning a full year of free college credit through Cleary, and (2) the Enhanced Dual Enrollment program which allows students to begin college courses in high school, graduating from high school with an a completed associate degree through Cleary.
As an additional benefit of this partnership, MIPS has designed and launched the HIVE maker space on Cleary’s main campus in Howell. The maker space boasts three distinct labs: a Construction Lab, a Modern Tech Lab, and a Communications Lab. This 3,000 sq ft learning space contains equipment for rough construction, programming, computer building and designing, systems design, injection molding, robotics and much more. The HIVE and its corresponding courses are available to students from anywhere in the state.
As yet another example of Mr. Hulbert’s vision in action, MIPS has provided a uniquely flexible educational option for numerous student athletes whose demanding training schedule makes a traditional school schedule impractical. MIPS has ongoing partnerships with Total Package Hockey, and USA Hockey, two high-intensity youth hockey schools that function as feeder programs for college hockey clubs, the NHL, the USHL, and other major hockey leagues.
Under Mr. Hulbert’s leadership, MIPS has been able to maintain a financially responsible fund balance, providing the MIPS students and staff with a bedrock of security for growth and innovation, and the ability to introduce a host of unique educational resources and opportunities to MIPS students.
In an effort to address the growing tide of emotional and mental health needs among Michigan young people, Mr. Hulbert forged a partnership with Wellspring Lutheran Services to make professional counseling services available to MIPS students as an additional support. MIPS also functions as the academic provider for Wellspring Academy, Michigan’s first public recovery high school.
Leslie Bragdon
Director of Special Education
Leslie Bragdon has worked in special education for over 30 years serving as a special education transition teacher, center-based building principal, and special education supervisor/monitor in the mid Michigan area.
Leslie completed her undergraduate and masters degree for special and general education teaching from Michigan State University. She received her special education supervisors approval from Saginaw Valley State University.
Leslie and her husband have four boys that live in Michigan. She and her husband recently moved north to Thompsonville, Michigan with their dog Otto.
Through her career in education, Leslie has embraced the responsibility of assisting in providing special education students with a free, appropriate education, providing equal opportunity for all students to develop as individuals according to their intellectual and social potential. During her work as a special education monitor, her path crossed with MIPS administrators and special education teachers. She witnessed first-hand the commitment that MIPS has in working cooperatively with parents of students who are identified as needing special education and related services.
Why Leslie chose MIPS:
“In working with MIPS when I was a monitor for CCRESA ISD, I was impressed with the MIPS administration and special education staff and their commitment to providing instruction of grade level curriculum to all student with IEPs to meet the rigorous state standards, as well the ability of the staff to individualize the academic and emotional needs of the special education student. I am so excited to be a part of the MIPS team, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with others in order to provide effective educational programs and services to children and youth with educational disabilities.”
christopher card
Director of the Arts
Mr. Christopher Card is an accomplished singer, pianist and veteran educator that has led and grown school music programs for the past 26 years. Performing groups under Mr. Card’s direction have received high honors at state and national festivals and competitions and have held an international reputation as a program of excellence. On four occasions Mr. Card’s ensembles were selected to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City and twice have represented the United States in performance tours in Europe. Over recent years Mr. Card’s performing groups have received six grand champion trophies at music festivals in the United States. The YouTube channel for Mr. Card’s performing groups has a worldwide audience with over 1.5 million views.
Mr. Card has directed numerous theatrical productions that have earned a reputation for bringing amateur actors to professional standards of performance. His shows are known for creative and artistic excellence which has led to record-breaking attendance with sold-out showings.
As Director of the Arts and department head of the Michigan International Prep School of Music, Mr. Card’s vision is to offer MIPS students (regardless of experience level) a premiere music education that cultivates a passion for the arts and develops students into well-rounded musicians.
Mr. Card’s approach to education is to infuse a high level of energy and enthusiasm into his teaching, while incorporating humor to keep things light. His former schools have recognized him as a master teacher who excels at drawing maximum potential out of all of his students in a caring environment.
Mr. Card holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL.
Mr. Card is happily married to his wife of 22 years, Christine. Together they enjoy raising their two children, Cullen and Ceana. He is excited to be taking on the adventure of implementing an arts program at MIPS.
Why Christopher chose MIPS:
“I am excited to be joining the phenomenal staff at MIPS with the purpose of creating an innovative online School of the Arts for MIPS students! Over the past 26 years I have discovered the potential of music to develop a student both as a person and as a performer. I am convinced that EVERY student can benefit from studying music and the arts, regardless of their prior experience or level of talent. Our exclusive music program will provide unparalleled opportunity for students to learn to create and appreciate music more than they ever thought possible.
An exciting aspect of my work at MIPS will be in creating a supportive community of peers that meet virtually and in person for social interaction and peer support. This is an element that is not always found in online education. Our extracurricular opportunities (a MIPS Rock Band, a Choir, and Theatrical productions) will provide further opportunity for students to benefit from being part of our wonderful MIPS music family of students!”
Charlie Carver
Director of Human Services
As the Director of Human Services, Charlie oversees the department here at MIPS making sure our staff has everything they need to flourish and achieve greatness for both themselves and the students they serve. Making MIPS a leading workplace in the state of Michigan is a passion of his.
Charlie also maintains close relationships with various charter school and school choice organizations and advocates for the vital need for online learning options and parental choice in education with legislators in Lansing often.
Charlie also works directly on the attainment and usage of all state and federal grants. (31a, 31o, 35a(5), Title I, II, IV, FCC ECF, ESSER I, II, III, as well as several other Covid era funding opportunities)
In previous roles here at MIPS, Charlie spearheaded the attainment of NCAA and AdvancED/Cognia accreditations along with being deeply involved in many facets of school compliance to both the state and federal departments of education.
Charlie has an extensive educational background, having served in various advising, teacher, and administrative roles. Charlie served as the Principal at NexTech High School of Lansing from 2012-2018 where he led the school from its inception and for six school years thereafter.
Charlie's favorite day of the year is graduation – there are few things as rewarding as seeing the look of accomplishment on a student’s face as they’re handed a diploma.
Charlie resides in Howell with his wife Kallie, and their children, Maverick, Callahan, and Poppie. In his free time, Charlie passionately follows Big Ten athletics.
Education:
Indiana University - Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, 2008
Purdue University - Master of Science in Educational Leadership, 2011
Central Michigan University - Master of Arts in Educational Technology, 2016
Why Charlie chose MIPS:
“I joined Michigan International Prep School because I am a big believer in school choice and that a highly engaging and effective school program can make all the difference in a young person’s life. Your zip code should not determine your education and MIPS lives and breathes that everyday by serving students and families all across our wonderful state! The flexibility and freedom of a program such as this provide students such wonderful avenues to use their time to pursue a musical or athletic interest, work, volunteer, intern, or even start their own business! When students are given autonomy and ownership of their learning and time, amazing things happen.”
Logan Dean
Director of Mentoring Services and Technology
Logan is passionate about connecting with students and helping them to bring out the best in themselves. He has a bachelor's in Education Studies from Western Governors University, and is certified to teach Earth and Space Science, as well as Business. He also has a BBA concentrated in operations management and worked for 8 years in the automotive industry at General Motors. This helped him learn a systematic approach - a skill set he hopes to instill in students with regard to their educational goals.
Logan’s favorite leisure activities are grilling, cooking, playing/watching sports, and most of all spending quality time with his wife and son. He believes the most important things in life are family and having passion in everything you do.
Why Logan chose MIPS:
“My reason for joining the MIPS team is that their vision on education aligns with mine. I have a strong belief that education should be personalized for every student. Having a unique learning style myself, I know that every student learns differently and their education should reflect that. I’ve seen MIPS make this a reality with personalized education. Every interaction at this school is personalized. I’ve seen MIPS unlock a higher potential in students by giving them learning flexibility and tools they’ve never had. I believe in this approach to education and my passion will make the students believe in themselves too.”
Danielle Dias
Director of Adult Learning and Student Support Team
Danielle is passionate about providing every student an opportunity to
succeed and improve their quality of life. In 2010 she earned her
Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Central Michigan
University. She is certified to teach English and history. Danielle has
taught in diverse environments and in various states that included
students ranging from sixth grade to adult learners. In 2015, she earned
her Master's in the Art of Teaching with a focus on Curriculum,
Instruction, and Assessment before continuing on to earn her
administrator certification. She spent many years as a teacher in an
alternative high school creating opportunities for students to have
enriching experiences while preparing them for life after graduation. The
last position held was as an Adult Education Supervisor, overseeing
programs for adult learners to improve their quality of life. She is a
proud bonus mom of two kids with their many interests and loves
supporting her husband's coaching career. During her quiet time you can
find her outside completing crosswords or cuddled up with her cat reading
a good book.
Why Danielle chose MIPS:
"I chose to join Michigan International Prep School because their values
and approach to education align with mine. I believe that every person,
if provided the opportunity and environment, will be able to achieve
success through intrinsic motivation. I'm excited for the opportunity to
enhance lives by removing barriers, fostering partnerships, and preparing
students for success after graduation. I believe that working for
Michigan International Prep Schools will align with the values and ethics
of myself and my family."
AMy Dunlap
Director of Family Engagement, Marketing, & Legislative Advocacy
Amy Dunlap is the Director of Family Engagement, Marketing, & Legislative Advocacy. She comes to Michigan International Prep School with a wealth of experience in event planning, marketing organizations in a positive light, and fighting for equity in education at both the state and federal levels.
Amy is first and foremost an educator who realized that the one size fits all approach to education is not acceptable. She was ready to leave education until she found her perfect fit. During her career she has taught in many different settings including inner-city, rural, charters, traditional public, and fully online schools. After teaching for several years she moved into an instructional coach role. During this time, she also coordinated events for the organizations that she worked for, worked closely with their marketing teams, and spent lots of time at the State and National Capitol fighting for equity in education. She has been a resource for many districts looking to improve their school image as well as helped to establish online learning for traditional schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, Amy was named the 2022 Michigan Charter School Teacher of the Year. She made history with this award being the first virtual educator to ever receive it. Amy believes building relationships is the fundamental necessity to success in any part of your life and strives to ensure all families in the school have a personal connection to those they work with.
Amy is also the Outreach Director with P.A.C.E. (Parent Advocates for Choice in Education), an organization who helps parents find the perfect fit for their child(ren)’s education. She is also active with the National Coalition for Public School Options organization, as the Michigan Chapter President, who promotes virtual learning and choice for all. Amy prides herself on giving a voice to all children to ensure they have the best education possible to ensure the next generation is prepared to lead.
Amy has a Bachelors Degree from Western Michigan University in Elementary Education. She has a Masters Degree from American Public University in Educational Leadership.
When she is not working, Amy enjoys spending time helping with her son’s school and sports activities, being on their family farm, and taking pictures. Amy is married to her husband, Brad, and they have a son, Snyder.
Why Amy chose MIPS:
"I believe that all students (and educators) should be afforded the opportunity to find their perfect fit in education. Michigan International Prep School’s innovation sets us apart from other full-time virtual programs. I am excited to promote the innovation and well-being of all students while providing lots of great opportunities for social interaction and advocacy."
Teresa Kellerman
Interim Elementary Principal
Teresa is a dedicated mother and teacher who is passionate about early
childhood education. She enjoys learning more about behavior and
classroom management. Teresa has three children entering the young adult
phase of life. Her oldest is a nursing student, her middle child is a
gymnast at Michigan State University studying elementary special
education, and her youngest is a senior in high school. She lost her
husband to cancer in the fall of 2021. Prior to her years as his
caregiver, Teresa enjoyed running and competing in triathlons. She
continues to enjoy quilting and sewing projects. Teresa's most recent
endeavor is becoming the owner of Freedom Run Acres as a Siberian Husky
Dog Breeder.
Why Teresa chose MIPS:
"The last ten years of my life have taken me on a journey from the high
points of fitness and parenting while delighting in my career dreams as a
first-grade teacher among an excellent staff. Then we encountered some
parenting challenges and opportunities for me to learn more about
behavioral modifications on a personal level that would also benefit my
role as an educator. After coming out of that valley with my son, my
husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and we began a journey of ups
and downs surrounding his illness and caregiving. He was diagnosed in
February 2019 and passed in October 2021. Transitions with Covid, moving
for Jayson's health in 2020, Jade graduating in 2021, Sage graduating in
2022, Jayson's passing, sending Jade and Sage to college fall of 2022,
and working on transportation to school for Lars has been quite a
whirlwind. As I work to define my next chapter, I was given the
opportunity to take over my friend's dog breeding business. This has
been a dream of mine for several years. To be the best I can be at my
business and maintain my ability to continue my teaching career, a
virtual job is perfect and I was very impressed with the MIPS team!"
David Pilgreen
Secondary Principal
Mr. Pilgreen is a Secondary School Principal at Michigan International Prep School. He has worked in both virtual and in-person classrooms, and written curriculum for his former district. He started his career at his alma mater, Garner High School in North Carolina, before moving to Austin, Texas where he taught at a small charter school. For the past three years, he has worked at MIPS as a high school social studies teacher, Secondary Instructional Coach, and a member of the Academic, Support, and Engagement team. .
David earned his B.S. in History Education from East Carolina University, and is a diehard ECU Pirates football fan. He loves exploring the country with his wife, Kendall, and rescue goldendoodle, Mosey. He also enjoys watching and playing sports of any kind, cooking large meals for friends and families, and frequenting any historical monuments, museums and National Parks.
Why David chose MIPS:
"I chose MIPS because we are in a time where education can take shape in many forms and in many locations. Preparing students for the work opportunities that are ever changing and increasingly virtual is an area at which MIPS excels. The skills that students learn at MIPS, especially because of our virtual nature, will undoubtedly prepare our students for their post education careers. It is exciting to be a part of an organization that realizes that school should be personalized to the wants and needs of each student, and does so while promising to provide a world-class education along the way."
Pam Sovis
Director of Operations
Pam has worked in both K-12 and higher education settings, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role here (including pupil accounting, AR/AP, enrollment management, research, and marketing). Prior to joining the MIPS team, Pam helped design and implement a state-wide initiative in Arkansas to provide quality education options to students and educators during the pandemic. This challenged her because of the need for schools to have online options as well as provide a quality education to students who had no access to internet in rural areas of the state. Because of this experience, Pam advocates for education options that are flexible to meet students where they are, acknowledging that each student’s experience and needs are different.
Pam served as the Online Learning Facilitator for Genesee ISD for several years. As part of this role, she worked with a web designer to create an enrollment portal that is still used by schools across the State of Michigan to offer online courses to their students. During this time, she was also Vice President of MIPS' Board of Education for two years. While she loved working with educators across the state to serve students, Pam is especially excited to return to MIPS and be part of this organization on a day-to-day basis.
Pam is married to Roy, and they have 3 married sons and one granddaughter. She loves spending time with family, traveling, and reading. She also enjoys playing euchre and board games like Terra Mystica.
Why Pam chose MIPS:
"I chose to join the MIPS team because I believe in the mission of this organization. “Putting students first” is not just a phrase. Here at MIPS, we embrace that as the heart and soul of our school, and it drives all decision making and actions. I’m proud to serve the families who put their trust in us to help them provide the best possible education for their children."
Roy sovis
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Roy Sovis is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Michigan International Prep School (MIPS). He has a passion for leading and fostering relationships that increase our collective capacity to improve student achievement. He is committed to the development of curriculum and effective instructional practices that teach students to learn how to learn, learn how to think, and begin to successfully navigate the complexities of life.
After completing his undergraduate work at the University of Michigan-Flint, he spent seven years as a classroom teacher and department chair. During that time, he earned a Master's Degree from Michigan State University in Instructional Design and Educational Technology which equipped him to become a Coordinator for Instruction, serving and leading numerous school districts in Mid-Michigan as well as others across the state. As part of that position, Roy was the State Coordinator for the National Student/Parent Mock Election and received 2 National CNN Awards for Utilization of Media and/or Technology in Voter Education, 2 American Association of School Administrators Awards for Outstanding Leadership in Voter Education, and was the recipient of the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for dedicated service and teamwork.
His expertise includes curriculum development, instructional design, and summative assessment development. For eleven years, he taught a Formative Assessment series which he co-authored which led numerous districts to “level up” their assessment systems in order to improve student achievement.
Having earned a second Masters Degree online through the University of Phoenix in Administration and Supervision, which required projects with students from other countries, Roy brings to MIPS a great deal of experience with online education. He is a certified cognitive coach and has experience Cognitive Coaching™ superintendents, curriculum directors, support staff, and classroom teachers, helping them hone their skills as self-monitoring, self-directed learners and leaders.
Roy was very excited to join the MIPS team because of our philosophy of being a “school of one” that believes every student matters, is unique, and has potential to do great things. He thoroughly enjoys doing whatever it takes to customize services so families and their students can thrive!
Roy has been married to his best friend Pam for almost 30 years. They have three children, one granddaughter, and four cats. They love spending time with their family, traveling, and hosting family and friends in their home.
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