MAASE history

Supporting Leaders.
Advancing Special Education.

The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is a statewide professional association dedicated to strengthening leadership, advancing equitable educational systems, and improving outcomes for students with disabilities across Michigan.

Our Story

MAASE was established to provide a collaborative statewide network for leaders in special education. Over the decades, the organization has grown into one of Michigan’s leading professional associations focused on advocacy, leadership development, and systems improvement for students with disabilities.

Through professional learning, statewide engagement, and strategic partnerships, MAASE supports educational leaders in navigating complex challenges while promoting equitable opportunities and positive outcomes for every learner.

Leadership

Supporting educational leaders through mentorship and professional growth.

Advocacy

Advancing systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Collaboration

Strengthening statewide partnerships and shared learning.

Student Impact

Keeping equitable student outcomes at the center of every decision.

Former Presidents

A history of those who have served and led the association as President.

1987–88
Marge Joslin
1988–89
Michael Dombrowski
1989–90
Don Bollinger
1990–91
John Shinsky
1991–92
Sharon Prislipsky
1992–93
Shirley Young
1993–94
Todd Bingaman
1994–95
Claudia Werner
1995–96
James Shaw
1996–97
James Royle
1997–98
Nancy Card
1998–99
William O’Neill
1999–00
Linda Fink
2000–01
Anthony Thaxton
2001–02
Cynthia Smith
2002–03
Scott Hubble
2003–04
Donna Tinberg
2004–05
Kathy Fortino
2005–06
Cindy Shinsky
2006–07
Eleanor White
2007–08
Mark Moody
2008–09
Mark King
2009–10
Diane Heinzelman
2010–11
Teri Johnson
2011–12
Janis Weckstein
2012–13
John Bretschneider
2013–14
Carolyn Smith-Gerdes
2014–15
Dawn Bentley
2015–16
Donna Jones
2016–17
Eric Hoppstock
2017–18
Andy Claes
2018–19
Brenda Tarsa
2019–20
Abby Cypher
2020–21
Nichole Moore
2021–22
Renee Thelen
2022–23
Derek Cooley
2023–24
Concetta Lewis
2024–25
Lauren Eardley

The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is a statewide network of educational leaders advancing equitable outcomes for students with disabilities through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.