The people behind iCare Pathways.

iCare Pathways is led by a team of experienced educational leaders who care deeply about the individual student — helping them work through barriers to learning, being attentive to their whole-person needs, and preparing them for a future that genuinely inspires them.

Our Story

From consulting practice to full-service partner.

iCare Pathways began as an educational consulting practice, helping schools design frameworks for resilience, data-driven decision-making, and alternative learning models — the kind of support schools need but rarely have in-house.

That work surfaced a bigger opportunity. Many boards didn't just need recommendations; they needed a partner who could run the school itself — the budgets, the staffing, the compliance, the day-to-day. So we built that capability, using the same team, the same whole-child philosophy, and the same evidence-based systems that shaped our consulting work from the start.

Today, full-service school management is our core focus. Consulting remains part of who we are, for boards that want our framework and expertise without a full management partnership.

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Meet the Team

The people leading iCare Pathways.

An experienced and passionate team of educational leaders with a shared focus on running great schools and empowering individual students.

Laurel Capobianco

Laurel Capobianco

Founder + CEO

A seasoned executive and passionate “edu-preneur” dedicated to transforming the education landscape.

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Laurel Capobianco is a seasoned executive and passionate “edu-preneur” dedicated to transforming the education landscape. Her commitment to making a positive difference is unwavering. With a diverse background spanning education, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and leadership in community-based nonprofits, she has also successfully launched and led two companies focused on global K-12 education in the United States and Asia.

As an edu-preneur, Laurel's dedication to educational equity and equal access to healthcare and human services shines through everything she builds at iCare Pathways. Her impact extends beyond her entrepreneurial ventures: she serves as a Governor-appointed Commissioner on the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC), where she advocates for the rights, well-being, and educational opportunities of Asian American communities statewide.

Within the local community, Laurel is respected for her leadership with the Ann Arbor YMCA, where she served as Board Chair and continues to serve as an active board member — driving strategic planning initiatives and fundraising efforts across multiple committees and task forces.

Educational Background

  • Master of Social Work, Nonprofit Management — The University of Michigan
  • Bachelor of Science, Child Development, Mental Health — Cornell University
Bill Simms

Bill Simms

Senior Advisor

More than 30 years of experience in education, from the principal's office to public-private micro-school partnerships nationwide.

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Bill Simms is an experienced educational leader committed to developing innovative solutions that foster high-quality academic outcomes tailored to each unique learner. With over 30 years of experience in education, Simms retired as principal of a high school in metropolitan Detroit. His passion for innovation and commitment to reaching and teaching every student formed the foundation of his work throughout his career — and led him to advocate for and lead the development of an innovative blended learning program that has gone on to successfully serve hundreds of students in the Metro Detroit area.

Following his retirement from the school system in 2018, Simms has become a leading figure in education by forging successful public-private partnerships that have revolutionized access to high-quality education for students throughout the United States. Through these micro-school partnerships, students are able to pursue their passions and interests while earning a high-quality, college-preparatory education accepted by tier-1 universities.

At iCare Pathways, Simms continues to advise schools and educational organizations on high-quality academic outcomes, and provides academic advising to individual students and families throughout North America, with a focus on customizing the educational experience for each student.

Educational Background

  • Master of Public Administration, The University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School
  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, The University of Michigan – Dearborn
Drew Hulbert

Drew Hulbert

Senior Advisor

Nearly two decades building schools designed around the whole child, including founding a statewide virtual charter school.

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Drew Hulbert is a visionary K-12 education leader, driven by a deep passion for transforming education and empowering students in the 21st century. With almost two decades of experience, he has consistently embraced innovation and nurtured a growth mindset to bring about meaningful, positive change.

As the founding superintendent of Michigan International Prep School, a statewide virtual charter school, Drew focuses on serving the whole child through the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Previously, he established a virtual school within a local district that now serves over 2,000 students annually. Drew has also served as Executive Director of Innovative Programs at a K-12 school system, implementing forward-thinking initiatives to enhance educational outcomes. As co-chair of the Innovation Council for the Michigan Department of Education, Drew advocates for adapting traditional systems to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century learners.

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Biology — Eastern Michigan University
  • Master of Education — Marygrove College
Jenny Lawson

Jenny Lawson

Executive Director of Operations & Finance

Nearly two decades in education, more than 10 years of it in leadership roles.

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With over 17 years of experience in education and more than 10 years in leadership, Jenny Lawson is a passionate and dedicated professional committed to helping others succeed. Her extensive experience in both virtual learning and brick-and-mortar settings has equipped her with a unique ability to support individuals in both personal and professional growth.

Jenny thrives on building relationships by providing guidance and mentorship, offering both innovative, out-of-the-box solutions and practical strategies to overcome challenges. Her ability to view issues from multiple perspectives allows her to approach problems creatively, ensuring the best possible outcomes for those she leads.

Jenny's leadership style is built on empathy, collaboration, and empowerment, fostering environments where individuals feel valued and capable of reaching their full potential. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering success — whether working with students, educators, or teams — and remains a steadfast advocate for lifelong learning and development.

John Ward

John Ward

Director of Technology

Technology built to support teaching, not get in the way of it.

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As Director of Technology at iCare Pathways, John brings a growth mindset to every system he touches. He has spent many years working in education, driven by a desire to leverage technology to promote learning and engagement rather than add friction to it.

John oversees the technology infrastructure behind the schools we manage — from student information systems to the real-time data dashboards school leaders and mentors rely on — working closely with school teams to make sure every tool serves teaching and student support first. He's a hands-on problem-solver, equally comfortable integrating a new platform, troubleshooting for staff and families, or thinking through how a system should work before it's built.

Outside of work, John serves at his church, where he shares his passion for music.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver

Director of Human Services

A veteran school leader who believes every student deserves that moment of accomplishment.

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Charlie Carver brings a strong foundation in education and school leadership to his work at iCare Pathways. He served as principal of NexTech High School of Lansing from 2012 to 2018, bringing hands-on experience leading a school day-to-day into his work supporting the schools we manage.

Charlie and his wife, Kallie, live in Howell, Michigan, with their sons, Maverick and Callahan, and their daughter, Poppie. His favorite day of the year is graduation — there are few things as rewarding as seeing the look of accomplishment on a student's face as they're handed a diploma. In his free time, Charlie passionately follows Big Ten athletics.

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education — Indiana University
  • Master of Science in Educational Leadership — Purdue University
  • Master of Arts in Educational Technology — Central Michigan University
Ben Hoppe

Ben Hoppe

Director of Marketing

Comprehensive digital and traditional marketing built to drive real enrollment growth.

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Ben Hoppe leads marketing for the schools iCare Pathways manages, specializing in the design and execution of multi-channel marketing funnels that drive enrollment growth. Alongside his marketing expertise, Ben brings a strong technical background, supporting schools with digital strategy and hands-on technical implementation.

Ben is committed to helping schools define, build, and promote a unique, lasting brand that resonates with their communities, while using digital tools to strengthen engagement and enrollment outcomes.

Educational Background

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Candidate) — Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Master of Business Administration — Purdue University Global
  • Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance — Cornerstone University
  • Digital Marketing Professional Certification — Arizona State University
Jamin Jones

Jamin Jones

Director of Special Education & Student Support

More than 15 years in education, over a decade of it leading special education programs.

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Jamin Jones is an accomplished educator with more than 15 years of experience in education, including over a decade in special education leadership. She began her career teaching in a brick-and-mortar school in Pontiac, Michigan, working with students in both general and special education settings, before expanding into virtual teaching and, later, administration.

For the past 10-plus years, Jamin has overseen special education programs and supports, ensuring students receive the resources and individualized services they need to thrive. At iCare Pathways, she leads efforts to design and deliver high-quality, student-centered support systems across the schools we manage.

Jamin enjoys spending time with her husband, three daughters, and their family dog.

Educational Background

  • Bachelor's Degree, Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education — Spring Arbor University
  • Master's Degree, K-12 Administration — Michigan State University
  • Special Education Supervisor Certification — Saginaw Valley State University
David LeBeau

David LeBeau

General Counsel

Strategic legal counsel, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance for every school we manage.

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David LeBeau serves as General Counsel of iCare Pathways. In this role, Dave leads the organization's legal affairs, providing strategic legal counsel to the management team, overseeing regulatory compliance, and advising on corporate governance for the boards and schools we partner with. He is also the founder and principal of LeBeau Law, PLC.

Educational Background

  • Bachelor's Degree — Michigan State University
  • M.B.A. — Indiana University
  • J.D. — Indiana University
  • Admitted to the Michigan Bar, 2016
Want the philosophy behind the people? The values that guide this team — how we think about resilience, culturally responsive support, and whole-child readiness — now live on our School Management page, alongside the services built on top of them.
Our Support Model

A dedicated coach for every function.

Every school we manage gets more than a services list — it gets a named point of contact for each function below, embedded in the day-to-day work of running your school.

Leadership, Governance & Compliance

Vision & Direction Setting Sets the strategic vision and priorities that guide every other function.
Governance, State Compliance & HR Support Keeps board governance, HR practices, and state compliance requirements on track.
General Counsel Provides legal counsel across contracts, compliance, and governance matters.
Finance & Budget Oversight Manages budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal stewardship.
Legislative Advocacy & Cognia Tracks legislative changes and guides schools through the Cognia accreditation process.
Pupil Accounting & Enrollment Oversees state pupil accounting requirements and enrollment strategy.

Academics & Instruction

Curriculum Implementation Ensures curriculum is implemented with fidelity across classrooms.
Instruction & Classroom Management Supports teachers with instructional coaching and classroom management.
English Language Learners Ensures ELL students receive the services and support they're entitled to.
Special Education Oversees IDEA compliance and individualized support for students with disabilities.

Student Support

Mentoring & Student Engagement Builds the mentoring relationships that keep students engaged and on track.
Student Supports (Non-Academic) Coordinates the non-academic supports students need to show up ready to learn.
Student Success Support & Virtual Mentor Provides dedicated, ongoing support for students learning in virtual settings.

Operations & Technology

Safety, Security & Facilities Oversees school safety, security protocols, and facilities management.
Technology & Data Systems Manages the technology infrastructure and data systems schools rely on.
Marketing & Communications Builds and promotes the school's brand to support enrollment.

Want to talk with our team?

Whether you're exploring a management partnership or just have questions, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Us