MEMSPA Staff
The MEMSPA staff is here to support your leadership journey.
Dr. Shanna Spickard
Executive DirectorPhone: (517) 694-8955
Email: shanna@memspa.org
Dr. Spickard has dedicated over 25 years to education, spending nearly two decades serving as a building and district leader. Having served as MEMSPA President (2015-16), she returns with deep institutional knowledge and an unwavering commitment to supporting school principals through leadership development, advocacy, and collaboration.
Dr. Spickard most recently served as Chief Communications Officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina and previously as Superintendent of DeWitt Public Schools. Her leadership journey also includes serving as a building principal for 15 years.
She earned her Doctorate and Educational Specialist degrees in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, Master’s degree in Communication from Michigan State University, and Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Communication from Ohio University.
Kimberly Gillow
Phone: (517) 694-8955
Email: kimberly@memspa.org
Kimberly joined the MEMSPA staff as the Associate Executive Director in 2024. 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.
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, an instructional coach and an administrator. In 2023, she retired from the public schools as the Principal of North Creek Elementary in Chelsea. 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. She worked as a literacy consultant for National Geographic Kids and held many MEMSPA positions in her region including: President, President-Elect and Treasurer.
Sarah Bentley
Phone: (517) 694-8955
Email: sarah@memspa.org
Sarah Bentley retired in June 2024 after a distinguished career in education, most recently serving as principal of Spring Mills Elementary, a K-5 school in Huron Valley Schools. Prior to her work in HVS, she led Heritage School in Stockbridge as principal, bringing dedication and vision to each role. Sarah began her career in her hometown of Chelsea, Michigan, where she spent 22 years teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grades. Throughout her career, she was an active leader in the educational community, serving as Vice-President in Region 8 and as Professional Development Chair and board member in Region 7.
Now retired, Sarah continues to reside in Chelsea, where she works as the Director of Early Childhood and Community Learning. She is very excited to be part of the MEMSPA team to support our leaders throughout Michigan.
J Moore
Phone: (517) 694-8955
Email: alice@memspa.org
J. Moore is MEMSPA’s joined MEMSPA in October and the new Membership and Partnership Specialist. He studied Early Childhood Development at Columbia College and has served as a middle school teacher, recruiter, and board president. His career has been enriched through developing programs in talent and workforce development, as well as career and college readiness for students K–12. J. has also worked in the non-profit sector overseeing and designing education and workforce initiatives at both the district and regional levels.
Syndee Malek, Ed. S., LHS
Phone: (517) 694-8955
Email: syndee@memspa.org
Syndee Malek is a semi-retired educator who continues to stay active in the field she loves. With a deep commitment to supporting education and leadership development, she has worked tirelessly to help school leaders, aspiring administrators, and early-career teachers rediscover their joy in the profession.
Throughout her distinguished career, Syndee has held numerous leadership roles, including building and central office administration, RESA Leadership Development Consultant, Associate Executive Director for MEMSPA, and most recently, Interim Executive Director for MEMSPA. Her passion for leadership and professional learning has remained the driving force behind her work.
Syndee has also contributed her expertise to several boards, including MASFPS and the Galileo Leadership Consortium. Academically, she holds Elementary and Secondary Administrative Certification, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Development with a focus on Leadership, and an Education Specialist degree in Leadership Development.
Jessa Bye
Phone: (517) 694-8955
Email: jessa@memspa.org
Jessa Bye joined MEMSPA as the Office and Communications Specialist, bringing a rich background in both education and communications. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Writing from Columbia College, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Christian Brothers University, and completed a graduate certificate program in Strategic Communications at Michigan State University. She also served as a Teach For America corps member in Memphis, TN.
Before joining MEMSPA, Jessa spent her career weaving together her passions for writing, learning, and leadership. Her professional experiences include literary and textbook publishing, classroom teaching, teacher training, curriculum development, corporate training design and nonprofit communications. She’s excited to bring her creative energy and communication expertise to support MEMSPA’s mission and connect with school leaders across Michigan.