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At Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan, every student has a story—and John’s is one of connection, purpose, and finding a place to belong. Getting to Know John John keeps life simple and grounded in what matters most to him. He enjoys going to church on Sundays, spending time with animals, and playing video games. Whether it’s exploring a zoo or relaxing with a game, he values the things that bring him joy and peace. When asked to describe himself, John didn’t hesitate: kind, loyal, and honest—three words that reflect both his character and the way he shows up for others. Looking to the Future John’s goals after graduation are practical and focused. He hopes to get a job, whether that happens before or after he finishes school. What keeps him motivated through challenges? “I’ve got friends and family who need me,” states John. Finding the Right Fit Before coming to Success, John describes his previous school experience as “okay,” but it wasn’t where he felt he truly belonged. He was looking for something different—a safer, more supportive environment. That’s exactly what he found. “This one feels like another home.” John shares that his experience at Success has been “a blessing from the Lord,” and that the relationships he’s built here have made a lasting impact. “It’s like having another family,” says John. Support That Makes a Difference From staff to mentors, John has felt supported throughout his journey. While he keeps it simple when talking about specific moments, his message is clear—he knows he’s not alone here. The flexibility of the program has also played a big role in his success – it’s what he says has helped him the most. That flexibility, combined with consistent support, has helped John stay focused and on track toward graduation. A Message to Future Students For anyone considering Success Virtual Learning Centers, John says, “This place is like a family you never met but have finally found.”

With over 20 years in education—much of it in Career and Technical Education—Brooke Sano-Lubbers brings both experience and heart to her role as MTSS Coordinator at Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan. Having helped build MTSS and PBIS systems from the ground up, she understands what it takes to create meaningful support systems that truly impact students. At the core of Brooke’s work is a passion for connection. She believes that student success starts with relationships—those moments when a student gains confidence, makes progress, and begins to see their own potential. That “aha” moment is what drives her every day. What is MTSS? MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) is a proactive framework designed to support the whole child. Rather than focusing only on academics, MTSS looks at students holistically—academically, behaviorally, and socially. Using data like grades, progress, and engagement, educators can identify when a student may need additional support and respond early. What does MTSS look like at Success? The answer: it depends on the student. Because every learner is different, supports are individualized. Some students may benefit from academic interventions, while others may need help with engagement, scheduling, or building routines. Tools like Check-In/Check-Out, behavior coaching, and increased communication with families all play a role. What remains consistent is the goal—ensuring no student falls through the cracks. A Team Approach Brooke emphasizes that student success is a partnership. Strong communication between families and local centers is key. Parents are kept informed when additional supports are introduced, and their input is valued every step of the way. Transparency is especially important. When families understand where their student stands and how habits like attendance and engagement impact graduation timelines, they are better equipped to support success at home. Student Voice Matters A unique strength of MTSS at Success is flexibility. If a support isn’t working, adjustments are made. Students are part of the conversation, helping shape what works best for them. At Success, MTSS is about staying ahead. Through ongoing monitoring and data-driven decisions, staff can intervene early—whether a student needs extra support or additional challenges to stay engaged. Proactive, Not Reactive Brooke’s message to students is simple: “What do you need?” That question reflects the heart of MTSS at Success—meeting students where they are and helping them move forward with confidence. And when she’s not supporting students? Brooke is a busy mom of four, cheering on her kids from first grade through college—bringing that same dedication and care into everything she does.

This month, we are excited to recognize Kelliann Rheaume, our Lansing West Center Director, as Staff of the Month! Since joining the team in 2017 as a teacher and stepping into the Center Director role in January 2020, Kelliann has continued to lead with dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to student success. As Center Director, her days are anything but predictable. From managing daily operations and supporting staff to helping students, families, and community members, she wears many hats with grace and determination. She also plays a key role in supporting corrective conversations, tracking and evaluating data, and ensuring her team has the tools and support they need to thrive. One thing that stands out most about Kelliann’s leadership is her deep appreciation for her team. She shared that what she enjoys most about working at Lansing West is the opportunity to grow alongside a group of people who continually inspire and challenge one another. She values the honesty, transparency, and collaboration within the team and appreciates how everyone comes together not only professionally, but personally as well. When asked what accomplishment she is most proud of, Kelliann immediately pointed to the staff and their willingness to go above and beyond during times of need. She is also incredibly proud of the many graduates who have completed their educational journey over the last nine school years — a reflection of the dedication and care poured into students every day. Her recent work with the state testing team has been especially meaningful. This is her second year serving in an administrative role related to state testing, and she credits the hard work and preparation that began in fall 2025 as a major reason for this nomination. Collaborating with the state testing team has become one of her favorite parts of the job. Outside of work, Kelliann enjoys binge-watching TV, spending quality time with her family, and attending sporting events. Her advice to her fellow Success team members, and really anyone: be open-minded and remember that everyone’s experiences, stressors, setbacks, and successes are valued differently. When she needs to stay productive, she relies on making daily lists and setting small goals for herself. And to start the day on the right note? A cup of coffee with flavored creamer and “Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder playing in the background. Thank you, Kelliann, for your leadership, positivity, and commitment to the Lansing West team and the students you serve every day. Congratulations on being named Staff of the Month!

Success Virtual Learning Centers is excited to recognize Laurel Claybaugh as our April Staff of the Month! Laurel wears a lot of hats at Success, but if you ask her, her favorite one is simple: the one where she gets to take care of people. Currently, Laurel serves as Student Services Coordinator and Regional Director for the Muskegon and Grand Rapids centers, supporting staff so they can focus on what matters most—supporting students. If you’ve worked with Laurel, you know her role is all about strengthening the foundation. She describes the best part of her work as having the opportunity to serve a large number of people, making sure the staff who do the important work of caring for students feel cared for, too. It’s leadership that’s practical, human, and grounded in the day-to-day realities of education—especially within the world of special education, where no two days ever look the same. As Laurel puts it, “I don't think there are any typical days within the world of special education.” This is Laurel’s 9th school year with Success, and her path here reflects both experience and growth. She began in December 2017 as a Special Education Teacher, and her role has adjusted and transitioned several times since then—shaping her into the leader she is today. When asked what she’s most proud of, Laurel didn’t point to a single project or milestone. Instead, she highlighted something even bigger: the team. She’s proud of the Student Services team they’ve built together—especially because, in special education, high turnover is often the norm. At Success, Laurel says that’s not the case. The team is “an eclectic bunch” who truly care about helping students achieve their goals, advocating for their needs, and supporting their teammates along the way. Recently, Laurel enjoyed an experience that reflects what she values most: connection. She shared how meaningful it was to have 11 teammates attend the CEC Conference, especially because much of the team works remotely. Getting together in person created space for relationship-building and new learning—two things Laurel is always moving toward. If you had to summarize Laurel’s approach in a phrase, you could borrow from her own: “Always moving forward.” She’s known for saying “it’s a great day to be human” and “we can figure that out together,” reminders that people deserve to be seen and heard, and that growth includes the freedom to try, learn, and not get it perfect the first time. Outside of work, Laurel spends as much time as possible with family. When she’s on her own, she enjoys paper crafting—card making and scrapbooking—and she’s looking forward to gardening again this year. Congratulations, Laurel! Thank you for the way you care for people, strengthen teams, and help Success keep moving forward—together.

At Success Virtual Learning Centers, our team is dedicated to helping students discover their potential and confidently plan for the future. In this edition of Meet the Experts, we're highlighting Ashleigh, our College & Career Coordinator, who works closely with students to turn their goals into actionable plans. Ashleigh plays a vital role in helping students plan for life after graduation by guiding them through both college and career pathways. Her days are filled with connecting students to opportunities-whether that's coordinating college visits, organizing field trips, building partnerships with businesses and unions, or supporting students through applications and the Financial Aid process. With a background in psychology and a Master's in School Counseling, Ashleigh brings over a decade of experience working directly with students. Her passion for this work began early, driven by a desire to help young people discover their potential and build meaningful futures. What makes Ashleigh's role especially impactful is her commitment to all students. While many assume her focus is solely on college-bound individuals, she equally supports those pursuing skilled trades, certifications, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. She believes success looks different for everyone and works to ensure each student finds the path that fits them best. Ashleigh is known for helping students find clarity, especially when they feel unsure about their future. Through tools like interest inventories and one-on-one conversations, she helps students connect their passions to real-world careers. Her favorite moments are those "aha" breakthroughs when a student begins to see a future that excites them. She encourages students to stay open-minded, avoid "tunnel vision," and remember that career paths don't have to be linear. Her advice is simple but powerful: start early, explore often, and take small steps forward. Whether it's a campus visit, job shadow, or conversation, each experience builds confidence and direction. For Ashleigh, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing students thrive beyond graduation, finding fulfillment, success, and purpose in their own unique journeys. Coordinator Spotlight "I always tell students it's okay if you don't know what you want to do yet. There are so many opportunities out there, we just have to explore how your interests connect to them." "Career planning isn't about having everything figured out at 18. It's about taking small steps, staying curious, and being open to where your path might lead." "Success looks different for everyone. My goal is to help each student find a path that truly fits them." Get to Know Ashleigh Go-to coffee order: Dunkin' Blueberry Muffin coffee with sweet cream creamer Favorite way to recharge: Camping and traveling with her family Favorite trips so far: Upper Peninsula, Maine, and Yellowstone (with Pennsylvania next on the list!) Hobbies: Reading fantasy novels (she's a big Harry Potter fan!) and sewing clothing and bags Fun fact: She's even taught her daughters how to sew! Connect with Ashleigh Connect with Ashleigh If you'd like to follow up with Ashleigh or learn more about college and career planning opportunities, feel free to reach out directly at (231) 527-9080 or adroste@shamrocks.us . She's always happy to support students and families as they explore their next steps!

At the Grand Rapids Success Center celebration, Class of 2025 graduate Celeste Johnson shared a journey defined by change, responsibility, and a growing sense of purpose. Moving often made stability hard to find, and school did not always feel like a priority. Everything shifted when she learned she was expecting her daughter. That moment sparked a decision to focus, show up, and build the future she wanted for both of them. Graduation Speech by Celeste Johnson, Class of 2025 – Grand Rapids Center When I first started high school, I was constantly jumping from school to school due to having to move a lot. I'd never really had stability and high school hadn't been much of a requirement or priority for me. I had pretty much lived my life on the wild side, so to say. In 11th grade I got pregnant with my daughter and that was when I knew things needed to change, if not for me than for her. I began to focus more and attend daily in school and I also began to make more connections with people and be more outgoing. I began to put my all in my schooling and I got really good grades. A year and a half ago I moved up here to Michigan and was reunited with my family after 13 years. They were my biggest, most important support system throughout the rest of my time in high school. They had pushed me to be the best person they knew I could be. Shortly after moving up here I got my first job and I was also in the process of enrolling into Success. When I first started at Success, I struggled a lot with completing assignments on time and having time management. It took a while but I was able to find ways to help me. I found that doing more than the bare minimum helped me to stay ahead and not fall behind. This helped me to be able to go to work, do school, and prepare for my daughter. In January my daughter was born and I started to struggle again with managing my schooling and time management. I was trying to juggle school, work and my new life as a mom. Eventually I fell back into my routine and started to catch up and get ahead again. I pushed myself to be the best and although there were some bumps in the road, I ended up graduating early in February. I'd always planned on going to college straight after high school, but I found a new passion, the National Guard. While in the Guard, I still plan on attending college and getting a degree in law. I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me on this journey and I can't wait to make everyone proud, but most importantly myself and my daughter proud. Congratulations to all the graduates of 2025 - may you be the best you can be and be the change you wish to see.  Finding Your Way at Success Celeste’s story captures the spirit of Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan: personalized support, flexible paths, and students who keep going even when life is complicated. To every graduate balancing work, family, and school, we see you. Keep taking the next step. Your future is in motion.

Success Virtual Learning Centers is excited to recognize Joe Rudelic as our March Staff of the Month! Joe serves as the Center Director at SVLC–Flint, where he helps keep the center running smoothly while making sure students and families feel supported from the moment they walk through the door. In his role, Joe facilitates the day-to-day work that keeps learning moving forward—meeting with students and families, gathering information for enrollments, and coordinating with staff to ensure everyone has what they need. If you’ve ever wondered what a “typical day” looks like for a Center Director, Joe sums it up perfectly: check the calendar, check in with staff, connect with students in the center, attend meetings, call students, and document interactions. In other words: a steady mix of organization, relationship-building, and always being ready for whatever the day brings. Joe is in his third year with Success, and his journey shows a continued commitment to growth and leadership. He began his first year as a TOR at the Lansing West Center, then stepped into the Center Director role—spending the past two years leading at the Flint Center. That evolution reflects what many of his coworkers already know about him: Joe is dependable, steady, and always focused on helping the team and students succeed. When asked what accomplishment he’s most proud of, Joe didn’t hesitate: helping students graduate who otherwise may never have had the opportunity. That’s the heart of Success—and Joe’s work helps make those outcomes possible. He shared how rewarding it is to witness the hard work students put in, and to see staff rally around them with encouragement, consistency, and care. Joe is also energized by the future. Recently, he’s enjoyed being part of the Credit Recovery team, and he’s excited to see how that work will benefit students. Looking ahead, Joe plans to complete the Path to Leadership training to earn his Administrator’s certification. If you spend time around Joe, you’ll quickly understand the culture he helps create—he describes it in three words: kind, caring, dedicated. He’s also quick to give credit where it’s due, sharing that he believes being selected as Staff of the Month comes down to his awesome staff, who motivate him daily to keep getting better. Outside of work, Joe enjoys time with his family, golfing, and hunting. He also loves extremely spicy food (the spicier, the better!) and has an unexpected hobby: collecting CDs—so if you’re cleaning out a drawer, you know who to call. Congratulations, Joe! Thank you for your leadership, your steady support of students and staff, and the impact you make every day at our Flint Center.

At the Waterford Success Center’s Class of 2025 celebration, graduate Annalisa Valdez-Page shared a message that felt true for every student in the room: we grow because we do it together. Her words honor the people and moments that shaped this journey—and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward. Graduation Speech by Annalisa Valdes-Page, Class of 2025 – Waterford Center Standing here today looking at all the 2025 graduates, I can't help but think about how fast time moves. One day, we're walking into this school for the first time, unsure, nervous, wondering where we'll fit in or how it’s going to be. And now, here we are, at the end of this chapter, looking back on everything - everything that brought us here. We've had moments of doubt, when we felt unstoppable, and moments of failure when we thought we'd never make it through. We've laughed until we cried, and cried until someone reminded us that we weren't alone. Because that's the thing, isn't it? We were never alone. Even when it felt like no one understood, there was always someone who did. A friend, a teacher, a quiet nod around the building that said, "I see you." Today, we stand here not just as individuals, but as a family, shaped by every moment, every challenge, every lesson - not just from textbooks, but from each other. And as we step forward, into whatever comes next, I hope we remember this life isn't about never falling. It's about getting back up. It's about trying, failing, and trying again. It's about believing, even when it's hard. So let's leave today with gratitude, with courage, and with the knowledge that no matter where we go, we carry this place, these people, and these memories with us. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025! Finding Your Way at Success Annalisa’s message is a powerful reminder of why Success exists: students lifting one another up, finding strength in community, and taking the next step with purpose. Congratulations to Annalisa and to the entire Waterford Success Center Class of 2025—we’re proud of your hard work and excited for what comes next.

At Success, relationships are at the heart of everything we do—and few people embody that more fully than Havah Roussel, our February Staff of the Month. As a Behavior Coach, Havah plays a pivotal role in supporting students as they define their goals, align their actions with their values, and build lives they’re proud of. Havah recently celebrated her first anniversary with Success on February 3, 2026, marking a year of growth, innovation, and meaningful connection. She was hired as part of the very first group of Behavior Coaches when the program launched, joining at a time when the role itself was still taking shape. From the beginning, Havah helped build and implement the program, contributing to the creation of coaching modules designed to help students develop lasting life skills through experiential learning. It’s work she describes as a highlight of her time at Success so far. On any given day, Havah’s work is as dynamic as it is impactful. She connects with students, facilitates one-on-one coaching sessions, completes Educational Development Plans, collaborates with colleagues and community partners, supports PBIS initiatives, conducts home visits, and even designs flyers and presentations—earning her the unofficial title of graphic designer at her center. Through it all, her focus remains clear: helping students feel supported, accountable, and empowered. The accomplishment Havah is most proud of speaks volumes about her approach. She has built strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and coworkers—so much so that many students ask to meet with her more often than required. That trust, she says, confirms that students see real value in the work they’re doing together. Havah credits her selection as Staff of the Month to being a team player who both offers and asks for support. She describes the culture at her center as grounded in care, authenticity, and respect for boundaries—values she actively brings into her work each day. She also shares deep appreciation for Rebekah Galea, who supported her early on and helped her acclimate to Success’s mission-driven approach. Outside of work, Havah’s creativity continues to shine. She reads, performs, and directs improv shows, and produces an immersive theatrical experience called The Havah Experiment—a dark, edgy storytelling series that reflects her love of meaningful, human-centered stories. Looking ahead, Havah hopes to pursue certification in coaching and dreams of creating opportunities for students to share their own stories through oral storytelling and performance. It’s a vision that feels perfectly aligned with who she is and the impact she’s already making. Congratulations, Havah, and thank you for showing up as your full, authentic self—for our students, our teams, and our community.

At the Lansing Success Center’s Class of 2025 ceremony, graduate Jordyn Hubble stepped to the podium with a message that felt both personal and universal: milestones matter, but momentum matters more. With warmth, honesty, and plenty of encouragement for classmates charting different paths, Jordyn reminded us that graduation isn’t an end so much as a beginning—especially for those balancing school, work, and parenting. Graduation Speech by Jordyn Hubble, Class of 2025 – Lansing Center Good evening, friends, family, and fellow graduates. My name is Jordyn Hubble. First and foremost, congratulations to the Class of 2025! Even though I may not know all of you personally, I want to say great job—you finally did it. After four long years—and maybe a little longer for some, and that’s perfectly okay—you’ve reached one of life’s biggest milestones. It wasn’t easy. It took late-night study sessions, stressful quizzes, and countless exams, but here we are. We made it. Tonight, I want to talk about future goals—figuring out what’s next for us and for some, the incredible journey of parenthood. To everyone graduating today who already has children: I want to remind you that your dreams and aspirations are still very much alive. Yes, parenting brings great responsibility, and at times, it may feel like a barrier to chasing your goals. But it’s also a source of incredible strength and resilience. You’re not just a parent—you’re a role model, a multitasker, a source of inspiration. Your children look up to you, and by continuing to follow your dreams, you're showing them it’s possible to do both: nurture a family and pursue personal growth. Graduates, your goals can evolve. Whether it's going back to school, starting a trade, or picking up a new hobby, there's still room to grow. Graduating isn’t the finish line—let it be your launching point. Explore life. Travel the world. Get that degree you’ve always dreamed of. Because with time, determination, and the support of those around you—you can achieve anything. Remember: it’s all about balance and prioritizing what matters most. With a little creativity, you can shape the life you want while showing your children, parents, friends, and families that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Let’s lift each other up. Let’s share our experiences. And let’s keep reminding ourselves—we can have it all. I want to give a huge thank you to Abby and the entire Success team for giving me this opportunity. To my family and everyone who supports me daily: You’ve helped make today possible, and I’m forever grateful. A special shoutout to my Aunt Jenny—the woman who held my hand, pushed me forward, and taught me how to rise after every fall. You’ve shown me that it’s okay to cry, but that I shouldn’t stay down forever. Thank you for being the person I’ve always needed. There are so many others I’d love to thank—but I know we don’t want to be here all day! To my fellow graduates, let me say this: Life is hard. It doesn’t come with instructions. But it’s not about what you face—it’s about how you respond. When life knocks you down, it’s not about what hit you, it’s about how you get up, grow, and rise stronger than before. So from the bottom of my heart: Good luck on your new beginnings—and God bless you all. Thank you. ________________________________________ Finding Your Way at Success Jordyn’s words echo what we see across Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan every day: students taking ownership of their futures, leaning on trusted adults, and finding a path that fits. Whether you’re balancing school with work, parenting, or other commitments, your story matters—and so does what comes next. Congratulations, Jordyn, and congratulations to the Lansing Success Center Class of 2025. Your journey doesn’t stop here. This is your launch.

If you’ve noticed Success showing up more often in your feed lately—with more real moments, more personality, and more reasons to smile—you’ve probably already experienced the work of our January Staff of the Month: Nastasha Shupe, our Marketing Assistant. Nastasha has been with Success for about eight months, and in that short time, her role has grown in a big way. While she supports the Marketing Director on a range of projects and helps update and develop marketing materials, one area where she’s made a major impact is social media—taking on responsibilities that were previously handled by the Marketing Director. But what many people don’t see is how much of Nastasha’s day is spent doing something just as important as creating content: connecting with prospective students and families. She often serves as the first point of contact for individuals who are considering Success—responding to enrollment inquiries, explaining who we are and what we offer, and helping families take the next step by scheduling enrollment appointments. In other words, she’s not just sharing the Success story online—she’s helping families step into it. When asked what she’s most proud of so far, Nastasha points to the growth in Success’ social media presence. Engagement and views have steadily increased as she’s focused on showcasing the “human side” of Success—highlighting real people, real centers, and the real community behind the work. It’s a style that feels genuine because it is genuine, and it’s helped more people understand what Success is all about. One recent project that stands out for Nastasha was creating holiday videos that featured each center, along with messages from our leadership team. She shared that it felt meaningful to help strengthen that connection with our community during a season when encouragement and warmth matter even more. Nastasha is also quick to recognize the people who have helped her grow—especially Marketing Director April Davis, who she describes as a huge source of inspiration and support. Nastasha appreciates April’s energy, her willingness to listen, and the way she creates space for Nastasha to bring ideas to life and be included in decision-making. Outside of work, Nastasha spends time with her family and dives into crochet projects—so seriously, in fact, that she runs a small hobby business on Etsy. She’s also a former substitute teacher who loved working with students at both the elementary and high school levels—an experience that still shines through in the way she communicates with families today. Whether she’s answering enrollment questions, building materials, or posting content that helps our community feel connected, Nastasha shows up with a steady, positive presence—helping keep Success supportive, collaborative, and welcoming every day. Congratulations, Nastasha and thanks for being a part of the Success team!

At Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan, graduation represents more than earning a diploma—it symbolizes determination, second chances, and the power of support. For many students, the journey isn’t simple or straightforward. Yet with the right encouragement and resources, they find their way toward success. At the Taylor Center, one 2025 graduate shared a deeply personal story of resilience and gratitude. Her words capture the heart of what Success stands for: the belief that every student has the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Graduation Speech by Phoenix Wizinsky, Class of 2025 – Taylor Center A year ago, I made the decision that graduating was unattainable for me. School was an obstacle far too big and impossible to overcome – so I gave up. I convinced myself that I would gain nothing from this. After all, it’s just a piece of paper. But this piece of paper emphasizes your ability to finish what you started and I was determined to show the world that I can achieve great things. After countless hours, days, weeks, months, and years of unwavering dedication, patience, encouragement and attempted discipline from the beautiful, strong and driven leaders at Success, finally, I showed up one last time knowing it was my last chance at proving to myself and everyone around me that I am made for greatness. Regardless of my stubbornness and inability to listen, the team at Success stood by my side and welcomed me back with open arms four times. I stand here today humbled and honored to be another great success story. Thank you to God who led me here, carried me through each season and led me in, through and out of this season. Thank you for being my strength when I was weak. Thank you to Ms. Lynne, Ms. Rebekah, Ms. Corianne, Ms. Chelsea and all of my teachers for your patience, understanding, guidance, encouragement, and commitment to me and my future. Thank you to Bryan for cheering me on, hyping me up, sticking with me through my trials and tribulations, your patience, understanding and for loving me like no one has before. You all mean the world to me and I am so thankful for and to all of you. Finding Your Way at Success This graduate’s story is a reminder that persistence pays off and that every student deserves the chance to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Even when the journey is difficult, Success offers guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to keep moving forward. At Success Virtual Learning Centers, we believe in every student’s potential to reach milestones once thought impossible. With patience, persistence, and support, students like this Taylor graduate prove that they can find their way—and in doing so, inspire others to do the same.