SPARKS Team
Sparking Growth, Advancing Leaders
Great leaders take shape by learning the skills to inspire teams, make decisions, and drive business success.
The training team of Andrew, Mike, and Sarah turn knowledge into action, helping future leaders grow with confidence and purpose.
Meet the Training Team behind SPARKS below!
The SPARKS Training Team
Great leaders aren’t born — they are built through dedication, practice, and the right guidance. Leadership takes shape when individuals commit to learning the skills that inspire others, foster collaboration, and drive results. From communication and decision-making to strategic thinking and accountability, these skills lay the foundation for leading teams and running a successful business. With the right training and mentorship, high-potential team members transform their spark of ambition into the strength and confidence needed to lead with purpose and impact.
Meet the Training Team behind SPARKS — the mentors who make this growth possible.
Andrew Blanchette
Andrew began his career by serving 10 years in the United States Marine Corps. His first 4 years were in the Infantry, and he deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he gained experience leading teams. Afterward, he made a lateral move into aircraft maintenance, specializing in electronics and quality management, where he earned a 4-year Journeyman Electronics Mechanic certificate. While working full-time, Andrew earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management. In his final year of military service, he was part of the unit’s core Lean Six Sigma (LSS) team and earned a Master Black Belt Certificate in LSS. His personal military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM).
Andrew entered the packaging industry in 2014, joining New England Sheets as a Process Manager and LSS specialist. During this period, he earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management with a specialization in Project Management and multiple certifications in data analytics. He participated in numerous continuous improvement projects across multiple sites and co-created the company’s Rollstock Management System (RMS). Since 2018, Andrew has been in his current role as Training Director, developing and organizing technical and leadership training programs. He has supported five Schwarz startups and counting. Andrew is passionate about Learning and Development and is committed to helping others access the information, tools, and experiences needed for success in their careers and lives.
Andrew lives in Massachusetts with his two awesome teenage children and their two cats. He is enthusiastic about health and wellness and took a course to become a Certified Personal Trainer just for fun. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading and learning about American history and Greek philosophy, playing chess, and hiking.
Mike Storm
With more than 15 years of experience across multiple roles, Mike currently serves as a Manufacturing Services Group Trainer at Schwarz Partners. Since joining New England Sheets in 2010, Michael has built a career centered on training, process improvement, and operational excellence. In his current role, he develops and delivers training programs, supports plant start-ups, and administers key systems including MVPOne and Safety Culture, ensuring smooth implementation, training, and reporting across multiple facilities. He also leads initiatives in continuous improvement through Power BI data collection, automation, and asset communication.
Prior to this position, Mike spent six years at New England Sheets as both an equipment operator and maintenance coordinator, where he gained hands-on experience with corrugated manufacturing equipment and was responsible for plant purchasing, work orders, asset management, and data analysis. That foundation has shaped his ability to train others while fostering a culture of professional growth and development throughout the company.
A graduate of Fitchburg State College with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, Mike was recognized with the Arthur E. Purington Award for academic achievement and technical excellence.
Sarah Leverton
Sarah is a Learning & Development Specialist with a background that blends the best of both worlds: classroom teaching and human resources. She started her career as an educator and trainer, where she learned how to make complex concepts stick, keep people engaged, and adapt on the fly — skills that now fuel her passion for creating impactful, learner-focused programs in the workplace. She delivers engaging learning experiences that create meaningful change, whether it’s through leadership development, upskilling, or rolling out new tools and processes.
With her HR background and SHRM-CP certification, she brings a strategic lens to L&D, aligning learning initiatives with business goals, partnering with stakeholders across departments, and making sure people feel seen, heard, and set up to grow. She believes in learning that’s practical, personalized, and FUN! If it helps people thrive and makes the organization stronger, she’s in.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys reading, interior design, event planning, and vacationing anywhere with sunshine and palm trees. While she is deeply passionate about her career, nothing brings her more joy than being a mom. Her happiest moments are the ones she shares with her daughter, and she treasures each adventure together.
Behind the Training
Our trainers bring deep knowledge of the content and the experience to teach it effectively, but they go beyond the basics. Each session is designed to be engaging, interactive, and memorable — making training not only informative, but also fun. Their goal is to ensure that every lesson resonates and sticks with participants long after the training ends.
