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.

Phone: 269-888-3073
Email: shargens@michiganonlineschool.com

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.

Phone: 269-993-4841
Email: astirling@michiganonlineschool.com

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.

Phone: 616-600-4684
Email: tburt@michiganonlineschool.com

Kate Diehl is the SECONDARY ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL for Michigan Online School, stepping into the role in 2024. She began her career in education in 2009 as a high school math teacher and transitioned to virtual education in 2016, continuing to teach high school math. Kate joined Michigan Online School in 2020 as a teacher and later served as a department lead and instructional coach before becoming assistant principal. She brings years of expertise and a strong commitment to supporting both students and teachers.

Kate holds a degree in Mathematics and a master’s degree in Learning and Teaching. She focused her masters research on the power of lesson study and instructional design. She is passionate about fostering student success and empowering teachers to take thoughtful risks that encourage deeper thinking in their classrooms. Building strong relationships with students and staff is central to her work.

In her free time, Kate enjoys outdoor adventures, sporting events, and sharing a love of music with her husband and kids.

Phone: (269) 601-7696
Email: kdiehl@michiganonlineschool.com

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.

Email: shull@michiganonlineschool.com

As the 2024-25 school year marks her third year as OPERATIONS MANAGER for Michigan Online School, Kim’s aim is to create and maintain a functional environment where both teachers and students thrive. She is laser-focused in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement. Having served as Operations Manager in virtual education for 8+ years, and in the education field for over 13 years, she continues to leverage her expertise in process optimization and team leadership to contribute to an ever-growing and dynamic school.

Customer satisfaction and service is extremely important to Kim, and she strives for excellence for herself and her team as they work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop, support, and implement school policies. Her team is entrusted with efficiently handling administrative aspects, which allows school educators to focus on providing a quality learning experience for students.

Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Davenport University with minors in Communications and Administrative Services.

Kim’s strong intention of helping others is demonstrated by her volunteer work at a local food pantry each month. Outside of work she enjoys cooking meals for her large family, reading, hiking, kayaking, trail walking, and spending time up north. Connecting with nature is Kim’s Zen.

Phone: 616-765-4511
Email: kbush@michiganonlineschool.com

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.

Email: kmohney@michiganonlineschool.com

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.

Email: grivera@michiganonlineschool.com