About
Attack the Gap
About the Team
We are a team of experienced educational consultants led by Patrick Mies, Ph.D., with expertise spanning special education, general education, instructional systems, and organizational leadership. We partner with educators and leaders to close achievement gaps and deliver measurable improvements in student outcomes.
Working with school districts, charter schools, homeschool networks, and parochial schools across Michigan, we strengthen instructional leadership and build systemwide capacity. Our approach focuses on implementing targeted, research-based strategies that enhance student achievement, improve climate and culture, increase organizational efficiency, and elevate teacher effectiveness.
We also collaborate with nonprofit housing organizations serving adults with developmental disabilities, supporting leadership teams in strengthening organizational performance. Our work includes improving staff morale, optimizing hiring processes, developing stakeholder feedback systems, and addressing operational gaps that impact service delivery.
Across all engagements, we deliver strategic, results-driven solutions designed to create sustainable impact.
About Dr. Mies
Dr. Patrick Mies brings more than two decades of experience as a special educator, high school assistant principal, principal, and special education director. He currently serves as an instructor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he prepares pre-service general educators to implement research-based instructional strategies for students with exceptionalities in general education settings. Dr. Mies is a strong advocate for building and sustaining meaningful relationships with students and families as a foundation for improving student achievement.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. His dissertation, An Investigation of How IEP Teams Function in Select Michigan High Schools When Developing a Course of Study Decision for Students with Disabilities, reflects his commitment to strengthening special education systems and improving outcomes for students.
In addition to his work in K–12 and higher education, Dr. Mies is passionate about supporting nonprofit housing corporations that provide services to adults with developmental disabilities. Through this work, he focuses on enhancing organizational efficiency and effectiveness, with a primary commitment to improving the quality of life and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Mies is dedicated to advancing outcomes for students, educators, families, and leaders through strategic leadership, evidence-based practice, and a deep commitment to educational excellence.