Katie Cavanaugh is an Okemos native and 1994 Okemos High School graduate.  She and her husband, Dr. Bill Truluck, have a 10th grader and an 8^th grader in the Okemos schools.  Katie has served on the Okemos Public Schools Board of Education since 2018.

Katie has a BA in English and Anthropology from Albion College and a MA in American Studies from George Washington University.  For many years, she was Assistant Director of the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame.   Currently she splits her time as Practice Manager for her husband’s medical practice, acting as a personal Uber service for her kids (or so it seems), and caring for her family’s horse farm.

Katie has a longstanding commitment to community service.  She has volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, served as a Board Member of Michigan Capital Council Girl Scouts, served as a Board Member of the Michigan Women’s Studies Association, and, with her husband, has donated to Okemos Education Foundation, school fundraisers, Protect the Pack, and various other district programing.  Katie was a regular volunteer in her kids’ elementary classrooms (she misses those days!).  She coached both of her kids’ soccer and t-ball teams for several years.  Before being elected to the Board, Katie founded Secure Our Schools (SOS) to engage and promote discussion among OPS parents about school security and to lobby the Board and the administration for security improvements.  In 2022, Katie co-created Protect the Pack and continues to co-chair the yearly event. 

As an OPS Board of Education Trustee, Katie has served as the Parliamentarian, Secretary, Treasurer, and is the current Vice President.  She serves on the Policy Committee, the Advocacy Committee, and the Executive Committee. 

Her term expires December 31, 2028.

Jillian Winn has lived in Okemos with her family since 2009 and has three children, including two in Okemos schools and a toddler who will join in the future. Her life’s work has been in education and technology. She is an entrepreneur, educator, and technology strategist. She co-founded Signing Savvy, a Deaf-Owned and Women-Owned Business that provides accessible American Sign Language (ASL) learning tools used by over 35 million learners. Previously, she was faculty at Michigan State University and taught web design and development, overseeing courses and programs that engaged students from middle school, high school, and college.

Jillian is deeply committed to community advocacy and service. She has volunteered extensively in Okemos schools, taking on roles such as PTO Secretary, fundraising chair, and was a member of the OPM Facilities Committee. Beyond Okemos schools, she supports families with babies in the RNICU through her volunteer work with Sparrow Health System and serves on the RNICU Parent Counsel (also known as P.A.L.S. Parents as Advocates, Listeners, & Support), and has also served on the Patient Experience and Community Needs (PECN) Committee. She also champions women in technology and entrepreneurship, contributing throughout the years to organizations like the Michigan Technology Network and serving on the State of Michigan 21st Century CIO Advisory Council.

A third-generation Spartan, Jillian holds a Master’s degree in Media Arts and Technology and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Telecommunication and Political Theory from Michigan State University. Her passion for education, technology, and community well-being drives her continued advocacy for Okemos students, families, and staff.

Her term of office expires December 31, 2026.

Andy Phelps and his wife Amanda purchased a home in Okemos in 2009 because it was the perfect place to start a new family. They were excited to be part of a community that highly values the educational experience of all students.  Andy and Amanda have since had two children, who currently attend Bennett Woods Elementary. 

Andy and Amanda have been frequent volunteers at their local school including service on the Bennett Woods Family Council where they help with events throughout the year.  Andy was proud to be a member of the 2019 Okemos Bond Committee, presenting to the public and helping spread the word about the important and fiscally responsible bond proposal.  He is also a volunteer coach for youth softball and basketball.   

Before coming to Okemos, Andy attended Dearborn Public Schools and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Political Science and Economics.  He has been a proud employee of the State of Michigan since 2004, currently the Manager of the Policy/FOIA/Offender ADA Section within the Department of Corrections.  Andy’s wife, Amanda, is a hairstylist in Meridian Township. He currently serves as Secretary to the board. 

His term of office expires December 31, 2028.

My name is Leeni Shrestha. I immigrated from Kathmandu, Nepal in 1997. I have lived in Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan. Living in Okemos, Michigan, I finally felt I was home again. So, my husband’s and my decision to raise our two children in Okemos, Michigan was a very easy one. My daughter attended Hiawatha and is a Senior this year. My son attended Okemos Montessori and is continuing with the program at Chippewa as a seventh grader. 

I received my undergraduate degree in Middle Grade Education from Eastern Kentucky University and Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Serving our community has always been important to me whether I am volunteering for a school event or in OPS’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Coalition. In Greater Lansing area, I have worked for Refugee Services as an interpreter, foster care worker, family advocate and now, I am a Parent Family Community Engagement Manager and Dual Language Resources Coordinator for Capital Area Community Services Head Start Programs. She currently serves as a trustee to the board. 

Her term expires on December 31, 2028.