The 5th Annual Teacher/Counselor Externship Awards Program was held at the Align Center on Tuesday, September 23.
The externship program connects employers with local teachers and counselors who spend two weeks of the summer as an extern to gain hands-on experience in the workforce. The participating educators gain an understanding of workplace policies and practices, and learn more about available career opportunities. This first-hand experience helps them when teaching and advising their students. This program is made possible by the Align Center for Workforce Development, Lenawee Now and Lenawee Intermediate School District.
This year, 22 educators participated in the program at 17 host sites. Participating employers: Align Center for Workforce Development, Anderson Development, Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, Cambrian Senior Living, City of Adrian, General Broach Company, Emmy’s Kitchen, Holen Family Chiropractic, Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee County Medical Examiner, Lenawee County Mental Health Authority, Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office, Meijer, Michigan Agricultural Commodities, PT Link Physical Therapy, Red Letter, River Raisin Watershed Council and W2 Fuel.
The 22 educators that participated this year:
- Molliey Ameno-Gill, Sand Creek
- Sarah Benard, Adrian
- Dani Beschoter, Adrian
- Lauren Birt, Clinton
- Kirk Brackelmam, Adrian
- Nicole Chaney, Blissfield
- Elizabeth Connor, Tecumseh
- Christa Graham, Blissfield
- Christine Grondin, Morenci
- Shelly Hoard, Hudson
- Carley Kratz, LISD
- Joyce Lammers, Tecumseh
- Danyelle Matthews, Madison
- Ryan Neesam, Adrian
- Dan Nickles, Addison
- Lindsay Patton, Adrian
- Scott Ricker, Blissfield
- Amber Scouten, Hudson
- Rachel Sholl, Hudson
- Victoria Silva, Sand Creek
- Dakota Suiter, Sand Creek
- Mary Walters, Onsted
In addition to these externs, Wraiya Davis, a junior from Onsted High School, was recognized for completing an internship at the Lenawee County Courthouse.
For more information on the externship program and how to participate in the summer of 2026, reach out to Chuck Chase, chuck@alignlenawee.org.