A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, Ms. Michals began her career in 2005 as a corps member with Teach For America in Atlanta. Since then, she has served as a teacher, dean, principal and senior network executive in New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York. Most recently, she was Senior Managing Director of Schools at Ascend Public Charter Schools, where she led instructional and leadership initiatives across a 17-school K–12 network serving approximately 6,000 students. She holds two Master of Education degrees from Mercer University and Columbia University Teachers College.
Ms. Michals is known for building strong instructional systems, developing high-performing teams, and using data thoughtfully to fuel continuous improvement. She believes deeply in cultivating collaborative school communities where students, families, and educators feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
As Assistant Superintendent, she collaborates closely with principals, staff, families, and community stakeholders to turn vision into action and strategy into results. Her focus is clear: every Pennsauken student will graduate prepared for college, career, and life. With urgency, purpose, and deep respect for the community she serves, Ms. Michals is committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening outcomes, and ensuring excellence is not an aspiration but a reality for every student in Pennsauken.
