Staff

Jamey Fitzpatrick

President & CEO

Jamey Fitzpatrick, President and CEO, Michigan Virtual serves as a catalyst for change and a champion of innovation in education. Mr. Fitzpatrick provides strategic leadership for Michigan Virtual, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization focused on advancing both learning and teaching through research, practice, and partnerships. In addition to his previous leadership roles at the Michigan Department of Education and Saginaw ISD, Jamey also worked in the private sector for Pitney Bowes Corporation. Mr. Fitzpatrick serves on the Board of Trustees for Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan.  He is also a Board member for the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA), a nonprofit association of some of the most innovative K-12 virtual programs in the US.

Raymond Batt

Vice President of Business Strategy

Before coming to Michigan Virtual, Ray spent more than 25 years in sales, service delivery, operations and general management in the business services industry and has broad experiences in strategic planning, service delivery excellence, business development and innovation. He joined Michigan Virtual as vice president of business strategy in 2016 after previously holding leadership positions at Bowne & Co., Inc., and RR Donnelley. He has a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and a JD from St. John’s Law School. When not working or spending time with his family he can be found boating on the Great Lakes.

Alicia Ganaway

Human Resources Officer

Alicia comes to Michigan Virtual with 20 years of experience in human resources from both profit and non-profit organizations. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in science and arts from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Alicia is an avid reader.

Joe Freidhoff, PhD

Vice President

Joe serves as a vice president for Michigan Virtual. He earned his Ph.D. in educational technologies from Michigan State University and is a nationally recognized researcher in the field of online and blended learning. He has taught in both face-to-face and online settings as well as at the secondary, undergraduate and graduate levels. Outside of work, Joe, his three boys, and his wife, Laura, do taekwondo together. Learning how to kiteboard is next on his list. Curriculum Vitae →

Sarah Cook

Finance Officer

Sarah earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northwood University with a major in accounting. Sarah is a certified public accountant and worked in public accounting for over seven years, auditing not-for-profit organizations and school districts. Sarah loves to travel, cook and spend time with her family.

Ken Dirkin

Officer of Innovation & Technology

For over 15 years, Ken Dirkin has been innovating in education by creating technology solutions to help humans be better humans. Today, Ken serves as the senior director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute. Working with virtual worlds, mobile apps, and new technology, Ken is driven to decrease physical barriers in education and make learning more engaging and equitable. Ken’s energy is generated by work in education technology and the possibilities of unlocking human potential through innovation. He lives with his awesome wife (Hi Kathy!), his #girlpower daughter, son, and happy dogs.

Kristen Crain

Senior Director of Technology Operations

Kristen is the Senior Director of Technology Operations at Michigan Virtual. She is responsible for enterprise systems, applications, and security operations. She collaborates with organizational leaders on integrations, improvements, and new tools to meet their teams' needs. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and is currently participating in COSN's CTO Academy For K-12 Early Career and Aspiring CTOs. 

Scott Watkins

Senior Director of Business Strategy

Scott provides the Michigan Virtual team with leadership in market analysis, process improvement, new product development, and strategy development and implementation. He is a proud Spartan, holding bachelor’s degrees in international relations and marketing, and an MBA, from Michigan State University. Prior to joining Michigan Virtual, Scott was involved in several start-ups and was a consultant and executive with Anderson Economic Group.

Shannon Smith

Senior Director of Student Learning

Shannon is a dedicated educator who believes learning opportunities are found in every experience. As the Senior Director of Student Learning, she has the opportunity to utilize her knowledge and skills as a teacher, counselor and administrator. Shannon earned a doctorate in educational leadership at Eastern Michigan University and has over 15 years of experience in all levels of education. Aside from education, Shannon is an avid flower gardener, dystopia reader and loves spending time with her husband and dogs.

Stacey Schuh

Senior Director of Professional Learning

Stacey is the Senior Director of Professional Learning at Michigan Virtual. She is responsible for planning and implementing professional learning experiences and works directly with teachers and administrators to ensure personalized professional development. Stacey is a former classroom teacher, national presenter and is an instructor for the Master of Educational Technology program at Michigan State University.

Walt Sutterlin

Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Partnerships

Walt is a compassionate, analytical, and experienced servant leader. With a background in EMS as well as quality and project management, he spent many years as a successful public-school educator and award-winning school administrator. Walt has enjoyed building a diverse career path creating humane relationships and developing skills in leadership, education, communications, and personnel coaching. His personal mission is to learn and serve. Walt and his wife love traveling, spending time with their two young-adult offspring, and cuddling with their two dogs.

Shanna Henderson

Executive Assistant & Administrative Manager

Shanna Henderson joined Michigan Virtual in 2015 and supports the President & CEO and the executive office. She is a Cornerstone University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management. She loves spending time with her friends and family in the sun, on the slopes, or around the dinner table. She is also passionate about mentoring teenagers and is a leader in her church's youth group.

Karle Delo

Senior AI Strategist

Karle is a Senior AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual with over 14 years of experience in public education. She holds a Master’s in Educational Technology and has experience as a science teacher, technology integrationist, and curriculum director. Recognized as one of the top 30 IT influencers to follow in 2023 by EdTech Magazine, Karle is a seasoned presenter and has shared insights at both state and national conferences.

Annie Kim Sytsma

AI Strategist

Annie Kim Sytsma is an AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual with over 13 years of on-the-ground K-12 education experience. She holds dual Master's degrees in Educational Technology and Instructional Design, combining deep theoretical knowledge with practical implementation expertise to deliver balanced, ethical, and effective approaches to AI integration.

Annie's background as an English and Psychology teacher, District Technology Specialist, District Intervention Coordinator, and school administrator provides her with comprehensive instructional and operational knowledge across all levels of school systems. She is committed to empowering both teachers and students to grow in knowledge and engage in the meaningful practice of emerging AI technologies—always keeping the human element at the center of teaching and learning.

Dr. Alexandra Lee, Ph.D.

AI Strategist

Dr. Alexandra Lee is an education technology leader with deep expertise in applied research, instructional innovation, and AI product development. She brings classroom experience at the middle school, high school, and post-secondary levels, along with extensive experience partnering with school administrators and educators to design and implement AI-enabled instructional tools. Alexandra specializes in translating advanced quantitative research and design thinking into practical solutions that improve teaching and learning outcomes. Her work focuses on ensuring that emerging AI technologies are thoughtfully implemented to drive meaningful, measurable impact for all students. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology from Michigan State University.

Mike Maksimchuk, EdD

AI Strategist

Mike Maksimchuk, EdD, is an AI Strategist with Michigan Virtual, focusing on the thoughtful, intentional, and ethical use of artificial intelligence to support teaching, learning, and organizational innovation. Dr. Maksimchuk holds an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction, Michigan teacher and administrator certifications, and has spent 15+ years in the secondary classroom, teaching physics, chemistry, and engineering. As an educational leader and co-author of several academic texts, Mike focuses his work around organizational understanding of emerging technologies and practices to make informed decisions and strengthen teaching and learning for all students.

Thomas Soria

Director of School Partnerships

Thomas is Michigan Virtual's director of school partnerships. He has a demonstrated history of working with school districts, educators, students and parents. He has vast experience in online learning, conference networking, customer service, account management and professional development. Thomas is a strong sales professional with a Bachelor of Arts in education from Michigan State University, a former school teacher and professional paintball player. Thomas and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Diego and Aster.

Angela Shields

School Partnership Representative

Angela possesses over 15 years of experience as a sales and marketing professional armed with strong communication and interpersonal skills. She has broad sales experience from careers within the pharmaceutical, publishing and educational organizations supported by a Bachelor of Arts in advertising from Hampton University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Angela is adept at creating well-designed solutions for clients to address complex problems, along with excellent analytical and organizational skills that support risk-taking and new business development. She excels at creating and managing business relationships ensuring mutually beneficial results for her clients and the company. Angela is also a dynamic speaker with strong presentation skills to deliver maximum impact to any audience.

Brandon O'Shell

School Partnership Representative

Brandon is passionate about helping schools and students reach their full potential, which is why being the western region sales representative is so rewarding. Prior to Michigan Virtual, Brandon worked in the telecommunications field as well as healthcare staffing. When the workday is over, you can find him spending time with his wife and chasing around his two wonderful kids, taking dogs for walks or spending time up north during the summer.

Michael Boggs

School Partnership Representative

Michael Boggs is a proud Michigander and Metro Detroit native who graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a minor in Marketing. Michael brings more than 15 years of sales experience, with a strong passion for connecting with people and building meaningful relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, sports, spending time with family, and experiencing everything Michigan has to offer.

Michael Dahlinger

School Partnership Representative

Mike is an enthusiastic leader who is committed to educational excellence and building strong relationships with students, staff and stakeholders. He has a wealth of experience, including a background in business prior to entering education. Mike holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and business education from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University. He has over 25 years of experience in public education as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and as a high school principal. Mike and his wife, Missy, have two daughters, Danielle and Hayden, and they all enjoy spending time skiing on the water and the slopes in their free time.

Tovah Sheldon

School Design Strategist

Dr. Tovah Sheldon is a School Design Strategist for Michigan Virtual.  For 20+ years, Dr. Sheldon has served pK-12 and higher education as a dynamic leader and educator driving positive change.  Her expertise ranges from instruction to capacity building to systems change.  She has a passion to cultivate relationships, bring innovation to spaces managing complex change, and promote equity and opportunities for ALL. Additionally, Dr. Sheldon serves on various boards while enjoying time with her family and going on adventures.

Andrea Kistler

Mentor Support Manager

Andrea is Michigan Virtual's Mentor Support Manager, and was previously a German instructor with Michigan Virtual since 2008. She has taught German and Spanish at Gladwin Community Schools since 1998. Prior to beginning her teaching career, Andrea lived in Germany for three years. Andrea graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in German, Spanish and marketing, and earned a secondary teaching certificate from Saginaw Valley State University. She most recently completed a Master of Science degree in international relations from Troy University and holds a certificate in distance education from Indiana University.

Niki Wiederman

Career Pathways Specialist

Niki enjoyed 32 years in public education as both a teacher and guidance counselor. She first joined Michigan Virtual as a part-time instructor before stepping into her current role as Career Pathways Specialist. Niki is passionate about helping students discover meaningful career pathways that lead to long-term success, and she believes that building strong connections with people is essential to that work. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Science and Social Science from the University of Michigan–Flint and later completed a Master of Arts in Counseling at Oakland University. Outside of work, Niki enjoys adventuring to craft shows and food truck festivals with her children and grandchildren, as well as attending concerts and sporting events with her husband.