Experts in Out-of-the-Box Learning

AMPed Hybrid Academy is led by its founder, Anne Marie Palazzolo, whose vision for a highly personalized, human-centered school came to life in 2023. Anne Marie brings over twenty years of dedicated experience working with children and adolescents across private instruction, community-based programs, and specialized educational and residential settings. She is a passionate advocate for students whose needs are not fully met in traditional school models — whether they require greater challenge, more flexibility, or simply a learning environment that sees and responds to them as individuals.

Anne Marie holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Michigan University, with majors in Elementary Education (K–8) and Special Education (Emotional Impairment, K–12), as well as a minor in Mathematics. To further enrich the AMPed experience, she holds specialized training in project-based learning, nature-based science curricula, and professional crisis management. Beyond AMPed, Anne Marie is actively engaged in shaping the future of education more broadly. She serves on the advisory board for Schoolcraft College’s Alternative Route to Teacher Certification program, contributing to how the next generation of teachers is prepared to meet the needs of today’s diverse learners. She is also an Allies for Radical Collaboration fellow through the Henry Ford Learning Institute, a program that brings together educators across Metro Detroit to examine how identity, community context, and instructional design intersect — and to build schools and systems that work better for everyone.

Her leadership ensures that our daily practices remain fiercely aligned with our mission to provide a premium, highly individualized education where every learner thrives.

Lori is the Assistant Principal and an Upper Elementary teacher at AMPed Hybrid Academy.

She is the parent of three neurodivergent children (ages 12–18) and considers herself their strongest advocate. Lori earned her BFA from the University of Michigan and has completed extensive coursework toward a Master of Arts in Teaching at Wayne State University.

Her work in education began out of necessity—supporting her own children when their needs were not fully understood or met within traditional school settings. That experience has shaped her commitment to ensuring students have access to educators who are both knowledgeable and responsive to how they learn best.

At AMPed, Lori brings together her background in art and teaching with a deep focus on social-emotional development, helping students build confidence, connection, and the skills needed to engage meaningfully in their learning.

Patti holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and brings over ten years of experience across early childhood and elementary settings. Her career has spanned classroom teaching, curriculum development, and instructional leadership, giving her a well-rounded perspective on what helps young learners grow and thrive. Along the way, she has developed a particular depth of experience working with gifted and neurodiverse students — and a genuine appreciation for the unique ways different minds learn.

Patti has extensive experience providing targeted instruction in reading, math, and executive functioning, and is deeply trained in evidence-based literacy practices, including Orton-Gillingham phonics instruction. She brings a structured yet individualized approach to her teaching that helps every student build confidence and skill at their own pace.

Patti is passionate about creating classrooms where children feel seen, supported, and set up for success — and is thrilled to bring that commitment to the AMPed community.

Finn is an Associate Teacher at AMPed, supporting students across Lower Elementary and Middle School through faculty-guided learning beyond campus.

He leads daily virtual check-ins and provides structured academic support, helping students stay engaged, accountable, and progressing toward mastery. His work includes small-group instruction, support in core subjects such as mathematics, and virtual office hours for individualized guidance.

Finn collaborates closely with faculty to ensure all learning remains aligned to each student’s goals, projects, and standards-based expectations, creating continuity across learning environments.

He is currently pursuing studies in cosmology, with a strong interest in understanding the universe. His enthusiasm for math and real-world application shapes how he supports students in making meaningful connections in their learning.

Cecily is a Teaching Assistant at AMPed Hybrid Academy, supporting students in the Lower Elementary cohort.

She works closely with lead faculty to help facilitate daily learning experiences, provide individualized support, and ensure students remain engaged in both collaborative and independent work. Cecily plays an active role in maintaining a calm, structured classroom environment where students feel supported in taking academic risks and building confidence.

She is passionate about working with children and is exploring a future in education or social work. Her thoughtful, consistent presence helps create a classroom where students feel comfortable, capable, and ready to learn.

Alex is a Teaching Assistant at AMPed Hybrid Academy, supporting students in the Middle School cohort.

He works alongside faculty to facilitate daily learning, support students in both independent and collaborative work, and help maintain a focused, structured classroom environment. Alex provides additional guidance during projects and academic work, ensuring students stay engaged and continue progressing toward mastery.

Alex is currently a student at Oakland University, majoring in political science, with an interest in how business and public policy can work together to positively impact communities. His perspective brings real-world context into the classroom, particularly as students explore complex topics, develop their thinking, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Beth is the Administrative Assistant at AMPed Hybrid Academy, supporting the day-to-day operations that keep the school running smoothly.

She manages communication, keeps systems organized, and helps ensure that both families and faculty have what they need to stay focused on learning. Beth is known for bringing structure to busy days, solving problems behind the scenes, and keeping things moving without missing the details.

A twin mom to two energetic 5-year-olds, Beth understands how to balance a lot at once. She brings a steady presence, a strong sense of organization, and just the right amount of humor to keep things running—one task (and snack refill) at a time.