Michelle is the founder and Executive Director of The Franklin School of Innovation. Prior to joining Franklin, she and her husband founded Arroyo Research Services, Inc., a national education research and evaluation firm. Ms. Vruwink has a diverse background of education and health policy, government service, and nonprofit management expertise.  She initiated the community effort to create The Franklin School of Innovation, with primary responsibility for organizing local support, obtaining charter approval, and opening its doors. She has led the school from this original vision through to its full implementation, overseeing growth from 250 to over 700 students and the construction of its permanent facilities.  Ms. Vruwink  is  a passionate supporter of excellent public education as a pathway to equity and social justice. She firmly believes that all students can and must learn at high levels, and that skills and traits such as persistence, innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving can be taught. Ms. Vruwink earned her Master’s in Public Administration from the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, NYU.