---
title: Folio Collaborative blog | Michael Russell
description: "Michael Russell is the Founder and Managing Director of Tinker With Purpose, LLC. He spent two years as a professional engineer before transitioning into his true passion, PreK-12 education, where he has served as classroom teacher, department chair, director of studies, STEM coordinator, and principal. \n\nMichael is an innovator and systems-thinker committed to helping others realize their full potential. He is adept at developing organizational cultures that value relationships, honesty, creativity, and continual improvement through a ‘growth mindset’. A servant leader and fast-processing problem solver, Michael is comfortable quickly and accurately assessing client needs, developing systems to support change management, and providing insights for navigating complex, ‘wicked’ problems.\n\nHe earned his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester, and his Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati."
image: https://blog.foliocollaborative.org/hubfs/Icons/Folio_ColoronWhite_Icon.png
---

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# Michael Russell

##### Michael Russell is the Founder and Managing Director of Tinker With Purpose, LLC. He spent two years as a professional engineer before transitioning into his true passion, PreK-12 education, where he has served as classroom teacher, department chair, director of studies, STEM coordinator, and principal. Michael is an innovator and systems-thinker committed to helping others realize their full potential. He is adept at developing organizational cultures that value relationships, honesty, creativity, and continual improvement through a ‘growth mindset’. A servant leader and fast-processing problem solver, Michael is comfortable quickly and accurately assessing client needs, developing systems to support change management, and providing insights for navigating complex, ‘wicked’ problems. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester, and his Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati.

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[![](https://blog.foliocollaborative.org/hubfs/Stock%20images/Large%20Stock%20Images/1280-4%20teachers%20having%20conversation%20and%20laughing.jpg)](https://blog.foliocollaborative.org/teacher-support/employee-onboarding-for-next-year-its-already-started-are-you-ready)

### [Employee Onboarding: Are You Ready?](https://blog.foliocollaborative.org/teacher-support/employee-onboarding-for-next-year-its-already-started-are-you-ready)

May 7, 2024

 By Michael Russell & Meredith Monk Ford [Read More](https://blog.foliocollaborative.org/teacher-support/employee-onboarding-for-next-year-its-already-started-are-you-ready)

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