Leadership Matters

The Legacy of Leadership Matters

Over 300 school leaders have participated in MEMSPA’s Leadership Matters program over the years. In 2026—MEMSPA’s 100th anniversary year—we will launch Cohort 16 of this transformational learning experience.

Past participants frequently describe Leadership Matters as “the best learning experience they have ever had.” We are proud to have graduated hundreds of school leaders from this impactful program!

Leadership Matters is a powerful cohort-based learning experience designed specifically for school leaders eager to grow, connect, and lead with purpose. Through dynamic in-person sessions, inspiring facilitation, and a strong network of peers, Leadership Matters empowers 

Why Join Leadership Matters?

Leadership Matters is grounded in real-world school leadership challenges and experiences.  The learning within this program aims to build leadership capacity through reflective practice and collaboration. Leadership Matters connects leaders with a statewide network of dedicated school leaders.

Participants also receive ongoing 1:1 coaching support from facilitators throughout the program.

Quotes from Leadership Matters Alumni

"Leadership Matters is like standing on the shoulders of giants. The content from the facilitators and the collective experience in the room with fellow educational leaders in the State of Michigan is a tremendous boost of confidence to engage in our work to the best of our ability." - Jonathan Swegles, Principal, Eastern Elementary, Traverse City Area Public Schools

"Leadership Matters had a profound impact on me. It taught me the importance and skill of having tough conversations, the power of leading with heart, and the responsibility of fully supporting teachers so they can do their best work for kids. Between the laughs, tears, friendships, and learning; it was truly the best professional learning experience I’ve ever had." - Stacey Douglas, Assistant Principal, Meridian Elementary, Meridian Public Schools

"Leadership Matters reminded me that strong leadership is rooted in living out your values and brought to life through the ways you build culture, empower people, and strengthen systems. The program equipped me with strategies I put into practice every day and connected me with a network of colleagues who continue to challenge, support, and inspire me on my leadership journey." - Jennifer Bookout, Assistant Superintendent, Milan Area Schools

“Attending Leadership Matters challenged me to grow as a leader by equipping me with strategies to have the hard conversations, to lean into staff development, and to hold myself accountable to my own values and the shared values of our building.” - Lindsay Guenther, Assistant Principal, Saline Middle School, Saline Area Schools

Meet the Facilitators

Kimberly Gillow joined the MEMSPA staff as the Associate Executive Director in 2024. Prior to working with the MEMSPA team, she worked as a public school educator for 27 years in the roles of a speech-language pathologist, a teacher, a literacy interventionist, a K-12 instructional coach and an administrator. Kimberly graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor's degree, double majoring in Elementary Education and Speech-Language Pathology and masters' degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Educational Leadership.  Kimberly is a MEMSPA Certified Mentor/Coach and also co-facilitates MEMSPA's Mentoring/Coaching Certification Program. She aims to empower, support and celebrate our school leaders, while representing MEMSPA at the state and national level in a way that promotes continuous improvement in our schools. Kimberly is a Leadership Matters alumni (cohort 9) and is honored to have the opportunity to partner with Jon to continue sharing this valuable experience with our leaders.

Jon Wennstrom is the proud principal of Riley Upper Elementary in Livonia Public Schools, servicing 650 fifth and sixth grade students. He has just finished his 30th year in education and most recently served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) for three years as the Zone 6 Director (Michigan, Wisconsin & Iowa). Prior to that he served as the state representative for NAESP. Jon has been involved with MEMSPA for many years and served on the board of directors as the Region 1 representative, before serving as MEMSPA president in 2020-2021. He is also a Leadership Matters alumni and is excited to partner with Kimberly to continue the tradition of excellence that has been established through this program!