Administration

Stephanie Hargens is an accomplished educational leader and the current SUPERINTENDENT of Michigan Online School. With 29 years of experience spanning classroom teaching and educational administration, Stephanie has worked across a broad range of educational settings—including traditional public schools, online learning environments, charter schools, and private institutions—both in the U.S. and abroad.

Her career includes leadership roles in multiple states, and Great Britain, where she also served on the Board of Governors for a British primary school. Stephanie brings a global perspective to education and is deeply committed to student success and innovation in learning. She is a passionate advocate for educational choice and a firm believer in transforming education through innovation for students and families.

Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from California State University. Her leadership style is grounded in results, collaboration, and a dedication to excellence. She is widely recognized for her achievements, including receiving the K12 Spirit Award twice, the Bright Idea Award for innovations in virtual instructional models, and the Accel Schools Influencer Leadership Award. She was also a Top 5 Finalist for Charter School Administrator of the Year in Michigan.

Known for her strategic vision and strong operational skills, Stephanie excels in driving student achievement, financial stewardship, and organizational development. She is highly skilled in establishing structure, ensuring academic quality, and delivering outstanding stakeholder engagement.

Outside of her professional work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. Her hobbies include traveling, rowing crew, cooking, and learning languages.

Amy Stirling is the PRINCIPAL for Michigan Online School, having taken on the role in the fall of 2019. She has been dedicated to the field of education since 2007, serving in various capacities such as assistant teacher, high school science teacher, instructional coach, science department head, assistant principal, and finally principal. She holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing Management from Hillsdale College with a minor in biology, during which she also played NCAA Division II college volleyball, and served as the team captain. Additionally, she obtained her secondary teaching credential in biology, and integrated science from California State University, Northridge, where she earned the honor of “Student Teacher of the Year.” Amy furthered her education with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University in 2018.

Amy’s passion for education is driven by a desire to serve the public and instill a love of learning through excellent teaching. She has extensive experience as a virtual education program consultant for Muskegon Intermediate School District and has taught virtual pedagogy to pre-service teachers at Grand Valley State University, as well as to science teachers throughout Michigan. She has consulted with “Modeling Instruction in Michigan” facilitators, guiding them on how to adapt Modeling Instruction to virtual learning environments.

Amy also contributed as a collaborating teacher to the Concord Consortium’s ConnectedBio project, specifically the “Deer Mouse Fur Color: From the Field to the Beach” STEM resource. She is an alumna of the Education Policy Fellowship Program through Michigan State University and has presented on topics such as artificial intelligence in education and neurodivergent learners to local intermediate school district educators.

In her spare time, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Her hobbies include coaching, reading, crafting, cooking, and playing volleyball.

Terasa is honored to serve as the ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL for Michigan Online School, bringing a rich and diverse background in education and leadership to the school community. Terasa joined the MOS team in 2020 as a science teacher, committed to fostering a vibrant and dynamic learning environment where every student could thrive, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. In 2021, Terasa transitioned to the role of operations manager, blending a passion for teaching with experience in efficient school management. This combination of roles continues to drive her efforts as a principal, ensuring that the school remains a place where all students are empowered to reach their full potential.

Teresa’s teaching journey began in 2006, and in 2013, she discovered a true passion for virtual education, transitioning to online teaching and inspiring students through innovative digital platforms. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University, with a major in General Science and a minor in History, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Furthering her commitment to educational excellence, she completed the Education Policy Fellowship at Michigan State University in 2023.

Beyond the classroom, she is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the bond between schools and families, ensuring a supportive and collaborative environment for student success. In addition to her role as principal, Terasa proudly serves as a councilperson for her local city and sits on the county’s development board, advocating for community development and educational initiatives.

Terasa is married and blessed with two wonderful sons. In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking, biking, reading, baking, and gardening. Her family is an avid group of adventurers, especially when exploring new trails in their Jeep.

Colleen Kayl serves as the SECONDARY ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR Michigan Online School, bringing more than a decade of experience in online education. She joined the MOS team in 2024 as a science teacher, where she enjoyed bringing the outdoors into the virtual classroom and creating engaging, innovative learning experiences for students. After successfully leading the Michigan Online School Summer School Program for two consecutive summers, Colleen stepped into her leadership role as Secondary Assistant Principal in 2026.

Colleen earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and secondary teaching certifications in Biology/Chemistry from Oakland University in 2007. She later completed a Master of Arts in Educational Technology at Michigan State University in 2014, and an Educational Leadership Certificate through Adrian College in 2026. After more than 13 years in the classroom, Colleen transitioned into a non-instructional lead teacher role, where she served for five years and discovered her passion for educational leadership. She is committed to fostering innovative instruction, supporting educator growth, and building strong, positive relationships with students, staff, and families to create a thriving school community.

Outside of work, Colleen enjoys spending time outdoors, horseback riding, particularly jumping and equitation, and making memories with her husband and two children on their world travels.

Stacey Hull is the COUNSELING and STUDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR for Michigan Online School. Stacey’s belief that every student can succeed and that every student should have equitable access to academic, career and developmental resources fuels her desire to see every Michigan Online School student graduate. She has been working in public education for the greater part of 28 years. Stacey has served not only as a School Counselor, but as a Social Worker, Women’s Advocate and Group Therapist across several U.S. states. Stacey holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. Her future endeavors include opening her own private counseling office for marginalized populations and better serving her community. Stacey is married to her husband, Lee and has two young adult children and a dog.

Liz Adams is the OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR MICHIGAN ONLINE SCHOOL. She joined the team in the summer of 2024 as a Data Analyst where she enjoyed using school wide data to provide valuable insights. Prior to joining the MOS team, she spent 5 years working in many different facets of school operations. Since joining the MOS team, she has enjoyed working cross-functionally with various departments but always felt a calling to return to her origin of operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central Michigan University and a Pupil Accounting Specialist certification from the Michigan Pupil Accounting and Attendance Association. In her spare time, Liz enjoys spending time with her husband, Jerod, and her two fur babies, Meg (pitbull mix) and Stewart (tuxedo cat). She has many crafty hobbies and loves to curl up with a good book on a rainy day.

Katherin Mohney is the STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS MANAGER for Michigan Online School. She joined the team in the summer of 2022 and has been serving students and families since 2001 as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, consultant, and superintendent. Kathy strongly advocates for each student, understanding that a high-quality education is the foundation for having more opportunities beyond their K-12 education. Kathy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University. In her spare time, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, son-in-law, son, and her two fur babies.

Grisela Rivera is the SPECIAL EDUCATION MANAGER FOR MICHIGAN ONLINE SCHOOL bringing over a decade of experience supporting students with exceptionalities in both traditional and virtual learning environments. A Navy veteran and passionate advocate for inclusive education, she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University and teaching credentials from Polk State College. Grisela is certified in both Florida and Michigan, with an endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder from the University of South Florida. She is deeply passionate about special education and committed to creating equitable, individualized supports that help every student thrive. Outside of work, Grisela enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé and three children, going to the movie theatre, and cooking for the family as well as staying active together through sports and weight training.

Matt Rische serves as the SPECIAL EDUCATION COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR for Michigan Online School, bringing more than a decade of experience in special education across classroom, center-based, and administrative settings. His career has included roles as a Special Education Teacher, Teacher Consultant, Behavior Coach, Transition Coordinator, Center-Based Program Principal, and Special Education Supervisor. Matt is dedicated to supporting students with disabilities by helping schools maintain strong systems for compliance, documentation, and service delivery. He has extensive experience working with students with complex behavioral needs and supporting staff in the use of trauma-informed, evidence-based practices that promote safety, student success, and positive school culture. Prior to joining Michigan Online School, Matt served as a Center-Based Program Principal, where he helped lead a significant reduction in the use of Emergency Seclusion and Restraint to a historic low for reported events through a whole-child, trauma-informed approach. Matt is committed to ensuring that students, families, and educators are supported through clear communication, collaborative problem-solving, and equitable access to appropriate special education services. Outside of work, Matt enjoys reading, photography, travel, and spending time with his partner and their three pets.