Staff Biographies by Department

STUDENT AFFAIRS
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
CAREER SERVICES
CLINICAL COUNSELING
CAMPUS DINING

DISABILITY SERVICES
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
SPORTS AND RECREATION
UNIVERSITY HOUSING 

I am a proud graduate of Lawrence Technological University’s MBA program.  I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakland University.  I am a certified career coach and career development facilitator.  My professional experience includes working with government-funded employment and training initiatives for expanding companies, displaced workers and the economically disadvantaged.  I take great pride in helping people who are struggling with identifying their mission in life.

My passion is in creating and delivering programs and services that provides students with career planning resource materials and employment opportunities to meet the rapidly changing career needs for today’s global job market.  I accepted the position of Director of Career Services in 2001, and was promoted to the position of Executive Director of Career Services and International Programs in 2007.  My department is committed to helping our visiting students with their visas and paperwork, finding employment and enjoying the wonderful community of Metro Detroit.

Joyce Genat
Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs

I graduated from Moser Secretarial School, Chicago, Illinois, and have worked for 38 years as an administrative assistant in Illinois, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio and Michigan.  I have worked for various dental associations, an engineering firm, a supplier of medical equipment, and various other types of companies, such as the Toledo Jewish Community Center.  I have been an active member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals for over 15 years and received my Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) rating in 1994.

I’ve worked in the Office of the Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs, for over five years and have enjoyed being part of what the Division has accomplished during that time.  My love of working in the educational field, in addition to my late husband, Dr. Kevin Wolka, who worked as an adjunct professor in the Civil Engineering Department, brought me to Lawrence Technological University.  My job expertise for working at an educational institution includes three years in the Office of Minority Student Affairs at Iowa State University and ten years in the Placement Department at Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, Southfield.

Dorrie Frontera
Secretary, Office of the Dean of Students

I achieved an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Davenport University, formerly Detroit College of Business.  My previous work experience includes positions as an Administrative Assistant to financial planners, accountants, stock brokers, and insurance brokers.

I joined the Division of Student Affairs in June 2006 and work in the Office of the Dean of Students.  As the office secretary, I provide work on the University switchboard, as well as support various departments, which include Career Services and International Programs, and Student Activities.

I am an active member with the International Association of Administrative Professionals, (IAAP), Macomb Chapter.  Over the years I have been involved in different committees associated with the association.

Eula Muckleroy
Program Coordinator, KCP (King-Chavez-Parks) Initiative
Staff, Multicultural Student Support Services
Staff, Commuter Student Support Services

I attended Oakland Community College for 2.5 years before transferring to Lawrence Technological University.  In 2002 I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Power.  As a commuter student and to feel a part of campus, I involved myself with the National Society of Black Engineers.  Through a student employment position in the Financial Aid office, I found more opportunities to involve myself in social and academic activities on campus.

After graduation, I joined the Office of Student Affairs shortly as the Coordinator of the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) here at LTU.  For two years I ran this program, as well as helped the organization of another pilot program, Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST).  In 2004 I was given the opportunity to coordinate another great program on campus, the Students in Technology Achieving Results (S.T.A.R.) program funded by the King-Chavez-Parks Initiative.

I feel Lawrence Technological University offers students a unique educational experience and shows its concern for the well being of its community.

Margaret (Peg) M. Pierce, M.S, LPC
Director, Career Services

Margaret Pierce is currently serving as the Director of Career Services at Lawrence Technological University. Before she joined the Lawrence Tech Career Services team in August of 2008, she served as the Assistant Dean of Career Services at the University of Detroit Mercy for 6 years. Prior to UDM she served for 10 years as the Employment and Training Counselor for the City of Southfield, a Michigan Workforce Development program. Margaret has a Master of Science degree in Higher Education with a specialization in College Student Personnel Counseling from Southern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor through the State of Michigan, Board of Counseling. She is the Vice President for Colleges on the board of the Michigan Career Educator and Employer Alliance and served as the Chairperson for the Midwest Cooperative Education and Internship Association Conference, held in Detroit Michigan in October 2008. She is also a member of the Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA), and the American Society of Engineering Educators.

Jennifer Cunningham
Assistant Director, Career Services

I received my BA in communication (Public Relations/Sports Information) from the University of Toledo, and a M.Ed. in Career & Technology Education (Training & Career Development) from Bowling Green State University.  Prior to joining LTU I gained valuable hands-on experience in training and development at Standard Federal Bank, Bowling Green State University, and Penta County Career Center.  My experiences include training program development, instructional design/evaluation, career counseling, and student athlete support services.

Presently, as the Assistant Director of Career Services, I coordinate the Co-Op program for the College of Engineering and the Department of Math and Computer Science, as well as provide career guidance and preparation for students’ first professional experiences.  I am a member of Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers, Midwest Cooperative Education and Internship Association, and Michigan Council for Internships and Cooperative Education.

Amanda Bretti
Career Services Advisor

Hello Blue Devils! I am very excited at becoming a part of the Blue Devil Family. A little educational history on me seems like a logical place to start. I received a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology from Eastern Michigan University in 2007. I continued my education to gain a Master of Arts in Counseling and graduated in 2010. I am currently licensed by the State of Michigan as a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) and  I'm accumulating requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Recently, I received my certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC) and will continue to expand and develop my educational development. I am very proud to become a Blue Devil and am delighted to help students discover and develop their own career path.

Jing Sellers
Clerical Assistant
Career Services and Student Activities

I received my A.S. in Information Technology from Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills, Michigan.  After graduation I worked for the Program for Academic Support Services of Oakland Community college at the auburn Hills campus.  following this I entered the banking profession where I remained for several years winning several awards for customer service.  I left the working world for a few years but I returned in the fall of 2007 as a clerical assistant in the Office of Career Services and International Programs at LTU.

Being a native of China, I bring a very unique skill set and perspective to my role as an employee in the Office of Career Services and International Programs.  I have been through many of the same experiences in having come to this country.  I feel that I fulfill a very valuable and necessary role for our students from foreign countries who are beginning the LTU experience.

Cyndi McMichael
Director, International Programs

I received my Master of Education degree (M.Ed) in Higher Education from the University of Toledo. My graduate degree was preceded by a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Communications. I joined the Lawrence Tech family in 2005 and I enjoy my work immensely. I am currently the Director of International Programs, which provides me with the unique opportunity to welcome students from abroad to our community.

I am responsible for the administration and management of the Office of International Programs. As the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for the university, I am responsible for resolving student compliance issues with Homeland Security and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). My office advises international F-1 and J-1 students on government regulations, status maintenance, and work authorization.

I provide guidance and structure for a range of student support services offered by International Programs, which includes a comprehensive orientation program and presentation of workshops covering a myriad of topics. I am also responsible for updating faculty, staff, and students on government regulations and issues impacting international students studying in America.

Prior to coming to Lawrence Tech, I worked for the Provost Office at University of Toledo where I completed extensive work to support the university in preparation for their North Central Association (NCA) accreditation visit. I am currently a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA), The Michigan Association of International Educators (MAIE), and the Michigan College Personnel Association (MCPA). I am also a member of Pi Lambda Theta, an international honor society and professional association in education.

I believe that a vibrant international academic community enriches the Lawrence Tech campus and is paramount to a better understanding of the global world we live in. Students are at the center of my work, so whether you’re are a new international student or the U.S. has been your home for years, I am happy to help! I am pleased to be a part of the warm, diverse, and collegial environment at Lawrence Tech. I look forward to meeting you soon, so stop by and say hello anytime!

Laura Affer
International Student Advisor, International Programs

I received my Bachelor of Arts in English from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio.  After graduation, I worked in customer service before joining the staff of the President’s Office at LTU in July 1998.  In January 2000, I began working as the Housing Coordinator in the Office of University Housing.  I applied for the position in University Housing so that I could work more closely with students and help develop the Community Leader program at LTU, which had only begun the previous semester.  I worked in University Housing for 5 ½ years, during which time I enjoyed seeing the positive changes in the Residence Life Program and developed close relationships with my residents and student staff.

In August 2006, I began working in my current position.  I am learning a great deal from LTU’s international students, and I hope they are learning from me, as well.  The Office of Career Services and International Programs is at the start of a new era of development and growth, just as University Housing was when I started.  I am looking forward to once again being a part of developing a program that is such an integral part of our campus community.

Jeffrey Betman Ph.D.
Psychologist, Clinical Counseling Services

I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed a post-doctoral program at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA.  I continued on staff at McLean Hospital, then was a staff psychologist at Dean Medical Center in Madison, WI.  I have over 20 years of experience providing mental health services and am currently publishing a book aimed at middle school readers.

Currently, I work as one of two part-time psychologists here on campus and also have my own private practice in Farmington Hills, MI.

Lusine Hambardzumyan, M.S., MA., LLP
Clinical Counselor, Clinical Counseling Services

I received my M.S/ B.S. in Psychology from Yerevan State University, with postgraduate training and specialization in Medical Psychology and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy. I successfully completed the three stage advance PTSD training “Helping Children in Distress,” organized by UNICEF (September 1995, October 1996 and October 1997).  I have previous clinical, teaching, and research experience working at Yerevan State University in the department of Psychology, and at Yerevan State Medical University in the department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology.  I have published 13 professional articles in Armenia, Russia and Switzerland.  One of the articles was presented at the Sixth European Congress of Psychology (Italy, July 1999).

Currently, I hold positions as the Counseling Psychologist in Counseling and Support Services at University of Michigan (Dearborn) and I am also a part-time Clinical Counselor here at LTU.  I use my clinical experience and knowledge to provide mental health professional services to students who experience different emotional, personal, developmental and cultural issues and problems.  When working with students, I help them develop and implement effective coping skills and strategies to have healthy and meaningful personal growth.

Katherine Charbeneau
Specialist, Student Affairs

I am a proud graduate of Central Michigan University, “Fire up Chips.”  I completed my undergraduate work in Sports Studies, Business Administration, and Coaching, followed by a graduate degree in Sports Administration.  Sports have always been a very big part of my life.  I have played everything and anything.  While in College I participated in intramural sports, as well as a barrage of other sports activities, including flag football, basketball, softball, floor hockey, and golf.  I was lucky enough to have participated in three national tournaments in flag football and one in basketball, while attending college.  I still play in leagues for basketball, softball, and golf when I’m not enjoying time fishing or relaxing on the lake.

I joined the staff of Lawrence Tech in January 2002 as the Assistant Director of Student Recreation.  My responsibility is to oversee all intramural, extramural, club sports, fitness, facility, and management of the Student Recreation Department.  Prior to joining LTU, I worked in Sports Marketing and Advertising as an Assistant Manager.  I also spent some time as a substitute teacher for junior high school students.  I received two honored awards while working at LTU, Staff Member of the Month and the Marburger Administrator of the Year.  Through hard work, a great attitude, and great colleagues, I hope to keep improving Student Recreation at Lawrence Tech for years to come

Athletics, fitness, and recreation are a great way to interact with fellow students.  The experience I gained from getting involved outside the class is why I enjoy working in the field.  I want everyone to experience the most of college life while getting a great education.  Students will remember things they did outside of the classroom and the people they interacted with more than the tests they took during college. 

I am a very proud graduate of both Central Michigan University and The University of Southern Mississippi. I have a Bachelor's degree from CMU and a Master's from Southern Miss both in Sport Management. I have worked in Student Recreation and Student Affairs for 4 years now.

I started my Recreation career as an intramural sports official at CMU. My last job was as the Intramural Sports Graduate Assistant at USM. I joined the Lawrence Tech team just recently and I am currently the Assistant Director of Recreation, Athletics, & Wellness. Here at LTU I am responsible for overseeing the intramural, extramural, club sport, fitness, wellness, and athletics here at Student Recreation.

Student Recreation is an integral part of any university. Through quality programming and dedication from the staff I believe we can make the student experience just that much more enjoyable.

Kim Osantowski
Director of Residence Life
University Housing

I graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with my B.A. in History and Women's Studies. After graduation I realized my passion was working with students and became the Graduate Resident Director for the First Year Experience Residence Hall at UDM. After a short time I became the Interim Resident Director. I am excited to work at LTU and hope to get the students involved because I want every student to get the most out of their college experience.

Tamara Braswell
Secretary, University Housing

I graduated from Cass Technological High School in Detroit, MI, and went on to complete an Associate’s in Accounting at the Detroit College of Business (Davenport University).

I have over 14 years experience as an administrative assistant, working for such companies as the Internal Revenue Service and General Motors.

I enjoy working in the Office of University Housing.  No two days are ever the same!
It is my desire to impact students by assisting in providing an environment in University Housing that helps students gain the “true college experience.”

VaNessa Thompson

I was raised in Lathrup Village, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a focus on Interpersonal Communication as well as cognates in Psychology and Sociology in 2008.  While at MSU, I was heavily
involved on campus.  In 2004-2007, I was a Resident Mentor.  While serving as a Resident Mentor, I also participated in MORHA (Michigan Organization of Residence Hall Association) as an Entertainment Conference Chair (2005) and the Chair of Issues and Diversity (2006-2007); I was a McNair/SROP Scholar 2006 and 2007.  My final year at MSU I served as the Night Receptionist Coordinator for Brody Complex.  Upon graduation, I have worked for Wayne State University as the Assistant Community Director in 2008-2009.  Most recently, I was an Undergraduate Admissions Counselor for Marygrove College, in Detroit, MI.   I will be completing my Masters of Science in Technical and Professional Communication here at LTU while serving as the Residence Hall Coordinator for South Housing.  Go Blue Devils!