Rick Schaffner has over 17 years of experience in public education in Michigan and 13 years of experience as a central office school administrator at the district and county level in Michigan Schools. He has served as math and science teacher, math consultant, Director, Executive Director, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum in schools and has been responsible for multiple areas of leadership experience Including. His specific areas of expertise are in curriculum and program design development, S.T.E.A.M. /S.T.E.A.M. programs, program resource design and development, new school concept design, teacher and school leader professional development, school improvement facilitation, grant writing, and school partnership building.
Rick began his international work serving on a team to assist in the design and staff development of a new school in Zunyi, China, and led and co-developed staff professional development for visiting teachers from China, South Korea and Great Britain. Rick currently oversees multiple projects in mainland China and is working with new clients from around the world. Rick serves as the leader of the organization with a hands-on approach where needed and commitment to customer service.
Dr. Les Sharon has 30 years of experience in education in Ohio and Michigan as an elementary teachers and reading specialist (17 years), elementary principal (13 years), and curriculum director (3 years). Les’ specific expertise includes: teacher and program evaluation research and design, curriculum research and design processes, professional development leadership, school improvement, data analysis, school culture and community building, S.T.E.M/S.T.E.A.M. programs, and school leadership design. Les is also a guest lecturer for Eastern Michigan University for beginning teachers and is also known for building partnerships between school and community and developing high-quality plans to meet the needs of even the most underserved students. Les has worked in Michigan and abroad for Michigan International Education Services providing leadership and design skills, school partnership building and program design over the last few years.
Don Goven has over 13 years of public school leadership experience in public education in Michigan as early childhood program specialist, assistant principal, and principal at both elementary and the secondary levels. In addition to his numerous years working with public schools Don also has experience in working with children and families for local and state government agencies serving the best interests in students. Don’s specific areas of expertise include: team building and development, school turnaround, parent relations development, staff evaluation, Title I programs and school improvement facilitation.
Don is a certified Leadership and Learning Data Teams trainer, and started working with Michigan International Education Services in 2017. His relationship building and participation in the international programs in his schools bring him full circle to the work with us. Don serves as the point person for all of our teacher and leader recruitment efforts for positions schools need for us abroad, and also serves as a team member on our summer programs in China.
Lisa Nickel has over almost 30 years of experience in public education in Michigan as a special education teacher (10 years), elementary principal (16 years), and Director of Special Education and Special Programs (4 years). Lisa’s specific expertise includes: Instructional Consultation Teams, special programs development, parent and community relations, data analysis, teacher evaluation, school improvement, IEP design, early childhood program development, ESL program design and oversight, customized program design for students, team, building and school consolidation and reconfiguration.
Lisa has a passion for serving students and community members of all needs, and has multiple project management skills that help all aspects of our operation run smoothly. Lisa is has designed professional development and programs both for school and community and has a desire to serve students and educators globally.