Howell Public Schools

Speakers Bureau Directory

 

To view various speakers, simply scroll down.

 

Speakers are listed in order by category and include an address, phone number and brief description of their career area. 

 

To understand the activities in which the speaker is interested in participating, look underneath the address and phone number at the bold print.  Some speakers are interested only in speaking while others are willing to host field trips, participate in mock interviews and/or job shadowing activities.

 

For questions or comments about the Speakers Bureau Directory, feel free to email me:  emeryh@howellschools.com


 

 

ACCOUNTANT: 

 

Mr. Greg Clum

109 West Clinton Street

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-2130

 

Speaker

                             

 

This speaker will offer insight to careers in accounting and the opportunities available to students.

 

ADVERTISING:

 

Carolyn Sunday

2856 Shetland Court

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 545-9062

 

Speaker

 

 

This speaker will discuss her career in advertising and the many opportunities available in her field.

 

AQUATICS: 

 

Saralee Bloese

Director / Aerobics Instructor

Howell Area Aquatic Center

1200 West Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 548-6355

 

Speaker / Job Shadow / Interview

 

 

This speaker will discuss managing employees, planning and promoting the entire aquatic schedule for the community, and managing the facility’s budget.  She is also available to do mock interviews with classrooms when needed.

 

ARCHITECT

INTERIOR DESIGN

 

Sylvia Kowalk

229 E. Michigan, Suite 335

Kalamazoo, MI  49007

(269) 381-4880 (Mondays)

(574) 259-7714 (Tues-Fri)

Sylvia@kingscott.com

 

Speaker

 

 

Students will be faced with a puzzle of building spaces that they will have to put together in order to create a final architectural design (15 min).

Students will be exposed to different building materials that they will have to analyze in order to determine the correct interior finishes for determined spaces (10 min).

Students will discover the psychology behind color and will have the opportunity to apply these concepts through a power-point presentation “the use of color in interior spaces” (20 min)

 


 

 

ARMED FORCES: 

 

Richard Wesley

Gunnery Sgt.

U.S. Marine Corp.

204 West Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-6542

 

Speaker

 

 

The Marines are looking for a few good men and women.  Do you have what it takes?  This Gunnery Seargent will talk about opportunities available through a future in the U.S. Marines.

 

ARMED FORCES:

 

Sgt. Matthew A. Ploeger

Sgt. Jared E. Russell

U.S. Army Corp.

204 West Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-6511

 

Speaker

 

 

As representatives for the U.S. Army, these men will share experiences and give insight into careers with the armed forces. 

 

ARMED FORCES:

 

Reggie Chambers

U.S. Navy Corp.

204 West Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-7976

 

Speaker

 

 

Hear about careers in the U.S. Naval Services.

 

ATTORNEY:  General Practice

 

Edwin J. Literski

822 E. Grand River

Brighton, MI  48116

(810) 229-9340

 

Speaker

 

 

Mr. Literski will speak about his career in criminal and domestic law.  He is an active participant in the Livingston County SMILE program and has a background in teaching and mental health.


 

 

ATTORNEY:  Prosecutor

 

David Morse

Law Center

210 S. Highlander Way

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-1850

dmorse@co.livingston.mi.us

 

Speaker / Job Shadowing

 

 

Prosecuting Attorney David Morse authorizes and prosecutes all state criminal law violations occurring in Livingston County including:  criminal complaints, drafting search warrants, conducting criminal trials and hearings and speaking on the behalf of crime victims at sentencing. 

 

 

AUCTIONEER: 

 

Art Durocher

6427 Oak Grove Road

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 545-1075

(517) 202-6792

 

Speaker

 

 

Auctioneers donate their time and expertise to raise millions of dollars for charities each year.  Since the beginning of recorded history, auctions have been a major part of civilization.  This interactive speaker will talk about how we all benefit from auctions.

 

AUTHOR:

 

Denise Brennan-Nelson

239 Cornell Street

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 548-5121

 

Speaker

 

 

So, you like to write?  Ms. Brennan-Nelson is the author of “Buzzy the Bumblebee” and other children’s books.  She will discuss what it is like to be the author of an award-winning book.

 

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER

 

Scott Ries

30995 Lakeview Blvd. #7306

Wixom, MI  48393

(249) 960-0237

sries@ford.com

 

Speaker

 

 

This Mechanical Engineer will review the fundamentals of mechanical engineering and how they are used in the automotive industry.  On site vehicle demonstration to follow presentation.


 

 

AVIATION: 

 

Maureen McGee

Livingston Flight, Inc.

3800 W. Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 552-1101

mmm@aapro.net

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This speaker will share opportunities available to students for flight school including earning an endorsement for the required FAA Knowledge Test.  She will explain training requirements for:  recreational pilot, private pilot, instrumental pilot, commercial pilot, flight instructor and flight instructor instrument.

 

AVIATION:

 

Nick Edgeworth

American Aces Aviation

3570 W. Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 552-8060

cell (734) 709-3536

easyflyer22@hotmail.com

 

Speaker/Job Shadow

 

 

This speaker will share opportunities available to students for flight school including earning an endorsement for the required FAA Knowledge Test.  He will explain training requirements for:  recreational pilot, private pilot, instrumental pilot, commercial pilot, flight instructor and flight instructor instrument and how weather affects flying.

 

BANKING

 

Carol Marsh
Marketing Specialist
LOC Federal Credit Union

cmarsh@locfederal.com

248-474-2502 Ext. 312

 

Speaker

 

 

LOC Federal Credit Union is available for classroom presentations which are grade-appropriate and customizable:

 

  • How to write and balance a checkbook
  • The importance of saving
  • Loans
  • Credit

 

BROADCASTING:  Commercial Editing

 

Dion Clark

1277 Parkway Drive

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-0860

 

Speaker

 

 

This speaker will include students in his production of a radio ad using the students as actors.


 

 

BROADCASTING: Radio

 

Reed Kittridge

WHMI - 93.5 FM

1277 Parkway Drive

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-0860

 

Speaker / Job Shadowing

 

 

This speaker will shed light into careers in broadcasting as they oversee the music programming, promotions and the on-air staff at WHMI.

 

 

BROADCASTING / Sports:

 

Mr. Chris McClure

Mammoth Oaks, Inc.

3362 Schafer Road

Pinckney, MI  48169

(734) 878-5958

 

Speaker / Job Shadowing

 

 

This speaker will discuss his experiences as sports broadcaster.  He has covered events for PASS/ESPN/PRIME and INDY 500.

 

 

BROADCASTING: 

 

Specs Howard School of

Broadcast Arts

19900 West Nine Mile

Southfield, MI  48075

246-358-9000

FAX:  (248) 746-9777

www.specshoward.edu

 

Speaker / Field Trips

 

 

Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts is looking for students who are interested in working in the Broadcast Industry.  They welcome the opportunity to speak to students about future demands in this field and invite you to tour their facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

BUSINESS OWNER:  DQ

 

Dave/Denise Day

Dairy Queen

112 E. Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-5030

 

Speaker / Field Trips

 

 

Speaking to classes or groups of students about various aspects of owning a business is just one of the many offerings of these Dairy Queen owners.  They will conduct tours of their store including making students making their own ice cream treats; donate gift certificates as rewards for various accomplishments; support fund raisers.


 

 

CATERER:

 

Cheryl Walthorn

Genoa Woods Executive Conference and Banquet Center

7707 Conference Center Drive

Brighton, MI  48114

 

(810) 227-4030

fax:  (810) 227-0725

 

email:  INNmw@aol.com

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This speaker will discuss with students the many opportunities available to them in the food service industry especially as it relates to her career as a caterer.

 

CHEF:

 

Michael A. Wilson

Genoa Woods Conference Center

7707 Conference Center Drive

Brighton, MI  48114

 

(810) 227-4030

fax:  (810) 227-0725

 

email:  INNmw@aol.com

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This Chef will discuss with students the many opportunities available to them in the food service industry especially as it relates to his career as a chef.

 

CHEF:

 

Scott Swamba

Ciao Amici’s

217 W. Main Street

Brighton, MI   48843

 

(810) 227-9000

 

ChefSwamba@Hotmail.com

 

Speaker

 

 

This speaker will explain the culinary industry and demonstrate different cooking methods.


 

 

CHILD CARE:

 

Jodie Beatty

Creative Kids Learning Center

801 Chestnut

Brighton, MI 

 

(810) 229-KIDS

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This Howell High School grad will discuss her career path to owning her own childcare facility and the rewards that come with it.

 

CHILD CARE:

 

Linda Manson-Dempsey

Little Country Kids

3076 W. Coon Lake Road

Howell, MI  48843

 

(517) 548-7271

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This speaker will discuss the management of a childcare center; finances, staffing, parent communications and the responsibility of children.

 

CHIROPRACTOR:

 

Ken Rakowicz, D.C.

1600 Town Commons Drive

Suite 104

Howell, MI  48855

(517) 540-6780

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This speaker will talk about the importance of living healthy, active lives by participating in a lifetime of Wellness Care.  He is also willing to allow students to job shadow. 

 

COMMERCIAL ARTIST:

 

Cathy Blight

Creative House

1319 Lakeside Drive

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-8920

 

Speaker

 

 

This local artist will speak about her career as a commercial artist and the opportunities available for students.

 

COMPUTERS (Various Careers)

 

Craig Colston

Associate Professor

Cleary University

Howell, MI  48843

517-548-3670, ext 2241

email:  ccolston@cleary.edu

 

Job Shadowing / Speaker

 

 

This speaker will introduce students to the world of careers involving computers from a Computer Technician to Computer Engineer.

 

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

 

Jerry Smith/Chuck Wilks

May & Scofield

Fowlerville, MI  48846

(517) 223-2400, ext 6752

 

Speaker

 

 

Designers will go through the process of using the computer to design a product from concept.  This will be a 3-D presentation.

 

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER:  Web Design

 

Shawn Paige

120 Granite Drive

Williamston, MI  8895

(517) 655-4009

shawn@web-paige.net

 

Speaker

 

 

How does the internet work?  What does a computer programmer do every day?  If you would like to learn the answers to these questions (an more!) this presentation is for you.  This speaker will discuss his profession and educational computer experiences, various career paths available in the fast growing computer industry, and give will give an overview of how the internet works as well as create a basic web page with the audience.

 

CONSTRUCTION: Homes

 

Julie Fielek

Livingston County Home Builders Association

132 E. Grand River

Brighton, MI  48119

 

(248) 437-2728

 

Speaker

 

 

This speaker represents the home building trade and will discuss opportunities in the field of construction.

 

CONSTRUCTION:  Women

 

Nola Lee, President

National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)

Detroit Chapter

nlee@aluminumsupply.com or (313)491-5040

 

Speaker / Local Field Trips

 

 

This speaker will discuss the variety of careers that exist for women in the construction industry including:  painting, carpentry, electrical work, landscaping, masonry and building maintenance. 

 

CONSTRUCTION:  Management

 

Bob Eastley

Ferris State University

901 S. State Street

Big Rapids, MI  49307

 

(231) 591-2152

 

Speaker

 

Bob Eastley is Construction Trades Chairperson at Ferris State University and will discuss technical opportunities available to students including Construction Management, Surveying, and Architectural Technology.

 

 

CONSTRUCTION: Women

 

Kelly Taylor, President

National Association of Women in Construction – Chapter 183

Biz-Net Marketing

30783 Grandview, Suite 101

Westland, MI  48186

(734) 722-5144

fax (734) 722-5304

 

Speaker

 

 

This speaker will discuss her non-traditional role in the field of construction emphasizing on the variety of careers that exist for women in the construction industry including:  painting, carpentry, electrical work, landscaping, masonry and building maintenance. 

 

CONTRACTOR:

 

Victoria Gotts

Director of  Education & Training

General Contractors of America

23999 Northwestern Hwy, Ste 150

Southfield, MI  48075-2579

(248) 948-7000  fax:  (248) 948-7008

email:  vgotts@agcdetroit.com

 

Speaker

 

This speaker will discuss careers in general contracting as well as her position as Director of Education and Training for the Associated General Contractors of America.

 

COSMETOLOGIST:

 

Kim Lutman

Howell College of Cosmetology

2373 W. Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-4155

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This speaker will discuss both hair and nail technology and the rewards of working in a salon.

 

COURT REPORTER:

 

Rebecca Callow

Michigan Association of Professional Court Reporters

11126 Argentine Road

Linden, MI  48461

810-735-6744

 

Job Shadow / Speaker

 

 

This speaker provides a hands on experience for students to see exactly what court reporters do in a court room.  She will also allow students to job shadow.


 

DANCE INSTRUCTOR:

 

Maria Hines

1066 Purdy Lane

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 404-7492

hines_m@hotmail.com

 

Speaker

 

 

Learn about starting up and operating your own dance studio.  Find out the differences between a dance teacher and a dance studio owner.  Learn a little about the different types of dance and try a few fun dance steps!

 

DENTIST: 

 

Dr. Gary DiStefano

112 W. Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-8983 or 8984

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This speaker will discuss the wonderful opportunities available in Dentistry from becoming a dental hygienist, dental assistant or a dentist.


 

 

DENTIST:

 

Dr. Joyce Kim

1250 Byron Road

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-3330

smilmkr@ameritech.net

 

Speaker

 

 

The speaker will discuss the different areas of dentistry and do some hands-on activities involving food experiments.

 

DENTIST

 

Walter Goodell, D.D.S.

600 W. Grand River

Suite 4A

Brighton, MI  48116

(810)  227-2121

 

Speaker / Field Trip / Job Shadow

 

 

This dentist office will send their entire staff at your request.  Students get hands-on look at how to clean teeth and other aspects of this career.

 

Dental Hygienist also available.

 

EDITOR:  Newspaper

 

Maria Stewart

Livingston County Press

323 E. Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 548-2000

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

As the newspaper editor for the LCP, Ms. Stuart will be able to discuss her experiences running a newspaper, meeting deadlines, coordinating stories, and share career opportunities available within the industry.

 

ELECTRICIAN: 

 

Susan McCormick

7403 Earhart Road

South Lyon, MI  48178

(248) 486-9383

Speaker

 

 

This electrician will discuss her non-traditional role as a woman in a man’s world and how she got there.  She will discuss the scope of work, working conditions, apprenticeship requirements, wages, benefits, safety, and tools used in the trade.


 

 

ENGINEER:  Civil

 

Mr. Mike Boss

Boss Engineering

3121 E. Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

517-546-4836

 

Speaker

 

 

This speaker will discuss his job of sales and marketing for the corporation as well as civil engineering.

 

ENGINEER:  Mechanical

 

Arnold Kromberg

2290 Tooley Road

Howell, MI  48855

(810) 923-7850

akromber@ford.com

 

Speaker

 

 

Students will be presented with interactive activities demonstrating gravity effects, forces and motion, energy and computer aided design.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

 

James Justice

9311 Groh Road

Grosse Ile, MI  48138

(734) 692-7687

justice.james@epa.gov

 

Speaker

 

This speaker will present photos and video of the work the EPA does to clean up hazardous chemicals.  He will demonstrate how oil spills are cleaned up and show what special kinds of clothes and equipment are needed to work with chemicals.

 

FINE ARTS:

Motivational Speaker/Author

 

Laron Williams

3080 Whisperwood, Apt. 468

Ann Arbor, MI  48105

734-665-0857

 

Speaker

 

 

This phenomenal speaker will mesmerize you as he discusses a career in the fine art.  He has performed at the Arc Theater in Ann Arbor and has presented story hours for schools, churches and various other organizations.  He will reduce his fee for multiple schools and/or multiple performances.


 

 

FINE ARTS:  Music and Dance

 

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

527 E. Liberty, Suite 208B

Ann Arbor, MI  48104

(734) 994-4801

 

Speaker

 

 

This team of speakers will present the highlights and realities of a career within the arts.  You will hear about the daily challenges of managing an urban symphony along with education and marketing of the symphony.

 

FINE ARTS:  Theater

 

Beth Toney

Purple Rose Theatre

P. O. Box 220

Chelsea, MI  48118

(734) 475-7902

 

Speaker

 

 

Jeff Daniel’s Purple Rose Theatre Company is dedicated to the belief that there are creative and revelatory voices in America’s heartland to hear and explore.  The speaker will discuss careers in acting, production, management, promotion and costume.

 

 

FIREFIGHTER: 

 

Drew Johnson

Howell Fire Department

1211 W. Grand River

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-0560

 

Speaker

 

 

This speaker will intrigue students with information about becoming a firefighter and the many rewards that come with this career.

 

GRAPHIC ART:  G-Graphics

 

Dan Gasparotto, C.E.O.

G-Graphics

2155 Pless Drive

Brighton, MI  48116

(810) 229-8003

fax:  (810) 229-6427

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This speaker will discuss the industry of graphic art and all that it entails including his duties as C.E.O.


 

 

HEALTH:  Allied

 

Karen Tiano

Carnegie Institute

550 Stephenson Hwy #100

Troy, MI  48083

(248) 589-1078

fax: (248) 589-1631

carnegie47@aol.com

 

Speaker / Field Trips

 

 

This Carnegie Institute speaker will assist students in learning about the growing career opportunities in the Allied Health Field.

 

HEALTH CARE: Home Health

 

Steve Schelnost

Friman Home Care Agency

2035 Hogback Road

Ann Arbor, MI  48105

(734) 975-0755

fax:  (734) 975-0761

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

This speaker will share information about careers in nursing and home health care.

 

HEALTH CARE:  OT

 

Donna Heine

Eastern Michigan University

324 Marshall

Ypsilanti, MI  48103

(734) 487-3221

donna.heine@emich.edu

 

Speaker

 

 

Occupational Therapist:  Students will be provided with an overview of occupational therapy:  definition, who needs services, where services are provided and career outlook.  The role of OT with PT and other health care professionals will be explored.  Students will have a hands-on experience in setting up a comfortable computer work station.

 

HEALTH CARE:  PT

 

Suzanne M. Hemond

203 Gay Street

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-0215

shemond@cac.net

 

Speaker

 

 

Physical Therapist:  This speaker will provide hands-on information about her profession using balance beams, tiltboards, walkers, and braces.  She will discuss Michigan Universities who offer PT degrees and the curriculum involved.

 

HOSPITALITY:  Culinary Arts

 

Roger Holden

Oakland Community College

2480 Opdyke Road

Bloomfield Hills, MI  48304

(248) 471-7770

 

Speaker

 

 

Learn about careers in culinary arts and see the speaker create a sugar sculpture.

 

HOSPITALITY: Tourism

 

Barbara Barden

Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Director - Visitors Bureau

123 Washington Street

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 548-1795

 

Speaker/ Job Shadow

 

 

This dynamic speaker will speak with students about the many opportunities in the fastest growing industry in the country, Hospitality.

 

HOSPITALITY: Food Service

 

Brent Rolli, Managing Partner

Outback Steakhouse

7873 Conference Center Drive

Brighton, MI  48116

(810) 225-2109

fax (810) 225-2173

 

Speaker / Field Trips

 

 

This speaker will talk about his expectations of an employee and is available to answer any questions students might have about going into the food service industry.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN:

 

Fowlerville Lumber

The Decorating Center

P. O. Box 352

Fowlerville, MI  48836

(517) 223-9174

 

Speaker

 

 

Learn about the career of in-home and in-store consultations, along with the field of marketing interior design.


 

 

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE

 

Carrie Bonofiglio

Director of Student Recruiting

Cleary University

Howell, MI  48843

517-548-3670, ext 2213

email:  cbono@cleary.edu

 

Speaker

 

 

This speaker will use her expertise through student recruitment to explain proper interview technique including tips on how to make a great first impression.

 

JOURNEYMAN:  Heavy Equipment Operators

 

Bill Nelson / Gary Gaston

Operating Engineers Local 324

275 E. Highland

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 546-9610

 

Speaker / Field Trip / Job Shadow

 

 

These speakers will educate students about the various career opportunities at Operating Engineers Local 324 including heavy equipment operator.

 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

 

David Ries

1184 Palmer Street

Plymouth, MI  48170

(248) 233-0002

dlries@harleyellis.com

 

Speaker

 

 

Students will be introduced to Landscape Architecture, see a brief video and other images of landscape architecture (skate parks, Disney, resorts).  Each participant will be given an opportunity to create their own design.

 

LAW:  Judicial

 

Honorable Judge Frank DelVero

District Court

300 South Highlander Way

Howell, MI  48843

(517) 548-1000

 

Speaker

 

 

Hear Judge DelVero discuss his experiences and challenges of meeting the ever increasing demands of a district court official.

 


 

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT:  F.B.I.

 

Gil Montez, Special Agent

F.B.I.

U.S. Courthouse

600 Church Street

Flint, MI  48502

 

Speaker

 

 

This speaker will intrigue students with the career as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT:  City

 

Police Officer Matt Kelleher

Howell City Police

Howell, MI  48843

 

Speaker

 

 

This Howell City police officer will speak about his career in law enforcement and what opportunities are available for students.

 

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT:  County

 

Officer Rick Rodden

Officer Mark Kline

Livingston County Sheriff

Howell, MI  48843

 

(517) 546-2440

 

Speaker

 

 

Livingston County Sheriff’s Department Officer Rick Rodden will discuss his career in law enforcement and traffic safety.  Officer Mark Kline will discuss working with the K-9 Unit.

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT: State

 

Michigan State Police

State Trooper Mario Gonzales

2409 Chestnut Bend

Howell, MI  48855

(810) 923-7916

gonzo887@sbcglobcl.net

 

Speaker / Job Shadow

 

 

Trooper Gonzales will discuss all aspects of a state level law enforcement official.  He will bring either a patrol car or motorcycle and show some of the tools of his trade.