Board of Directors

Master’s degree in Education with concentration in adult learning theory and public policy, Bachelor’s degree in English, both from the University of Michigan.  Currently director...

Master’s degree in Education with concentration in adult learning theory and public policy, Bachelor’s degree in English, both from the University of Michigan.  Currently director of the Office of Innovative Projects for the Clinton County (Michigan) Regional Educational Service Agency; nonprofit experience includes membership on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Division for Early Childhood as Professional Development Chair, membership on the Board of Directors for the Greater Lansing Ballet Company, and membership on the Board of Directors for the DeWitt Downtown Development Authority.

Work as Director of the Office of Innovative Projects includes management of federally-funded grants, state-funded grants, and in-house development projects such as MichiganPreschool.org.  Areas of focus include improving systems to best serve the needs of infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, as well as systems that serve preschool-aged young children, including children with delays and disabilities.

Rachel is the Director of Special Education for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD). With a background that includes human services work in child protection; teacher c...

Rachel is the Director of Special Education for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD). With a background that includes human services work in child protection; teacher certification and degrees from both Lake Superior State University (BA) and Northern Michigan University (MA), Rachel has dedicated her professional life to strengthening supports for families in rural Northern Michigan. Rachel believes that it is essential to fulfill the commitment to provide a high quality education and provide equity in educational investment for all of Michigan’s children.  Rachel currently co-chairs the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education Finance & Legislation Committee and is a member of the board of the MI Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders.

Dawn Koger has 25 years of accomplished and visionary systems-level experience providing leadership to the development, implementation and evaluation of early childhood initiatives that promote chi...

Dawn Koger has 25 years of accomplished and visionary systems-level experience providing leadership to the development, implementation and evaluation of early childhood initiatives that promote child development, family capacity and school readiness.  Her diverse skill set includes direct service with children and families, supervision of staff, designing and delivering professional learning, all aspects of grant administration, budget management, and curriculum development.  Currently she is an Early Childhood Consultant at Oakland Schools, an educational service agency in Southeast Michigan.  Her responsibilities include serving as the Part C of IDEA Coordinator, implementing and monitoring a system of supports and services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or established health conditions. She hopes to serve the Early On Foundation by engaging in strategic planning, systems-level thinking and problem solving to strengthen Michigan's system to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.  Dawn has a BA in Child Development from Central Michigan University, an MSW from Wayne State University and a PhD in Human Ecology from Michigan State University.  

Bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s and doctoral degrees in urban studies and administration from the University of Texas’s Austin and Arlington campuses; now professor i...

Bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s and doctoral degrees in urban studies and administration from the University of Texas’s Austin and Arlington campuses; now professor in the Department of Political Science (College of Liberal Arts) and director of the Center for Urban Studies (Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs), Wayne State University; previous academic appointments at Western Michigan University and the University of Texas; extensive research, consulting, and publication history, memberships in academic associations, and service in civic organizations.