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| Sandra M. Gonzales, Director |
| Bio: I have worked with youth from middle school on up to college as a youth specialist for runaway teens, a middle school teacher, a Coordinator for Big Brother Big Sister at Columbia University, a Social Services Director for a community health organization and as a cultural consultant through a consortium with the State of Washington. I have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University, a Master's Degree in Psychology from Antioch University in Seattle, Washington, a second Master's Degree in Education from Columbia University in New York and a Doctoral degree in International Education, also from Columbia University. In addition to my work with Upward Bound, I also co-chair the Latino Advisory Council of staff and faculty at EMU.
Personal Information: I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children, Julian and Xiomara. Being a mom and Upward Bound keep me pretty busy, but I do love to read, garden and cook in my spare time. I also enjoy traveling off-the-beaten path and have been to every continent in the world except for Australia/Oceana.
I love my job because: I was the first in my family to earn a college degree and I know how hard, confusing, frustrating, overwhelming and scary the college process can be. As a result, I enjoy creating programs that will help young people persist and succeed in reaching their goals. I also enjoy celebrating every unique person in our program — we have an amazing group of students and families. Serving them is one of the best parts of my job!
Email: sgonzal3@emich.edu |
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| Florence Andrews, Associate Director |
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Bio:
I worked fifteen years in information technology before starting
work as an Upward Bound secretary in 1995. I have an Associates Degree in Business Information, a BBA in Business Administration and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Man
agement and Organizational Development. I recently earned my Master's Degree in Education.
Personal Information: I am an avid reader and admitted computer geek. I am trying to develop a more physical exercise regime. I walk in the woods near my house and am trying to cook healthier. I would love to learn to ride a horse.
I love my job because: I love watching youth develop right before my eyes. Parents are with their students everyday and growth is somewhat gradual. With us the transformation over the years from eighth to twelfth seems more apparent. I especially enjoy seeing the students come back after they achieve their academic goals.
Email: florence.andrews@emich.edu |
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| Julia Hutchins, Program Specialist |
Bio: Working with young people is the greatest adventure of my life: as a youth group leader, as a high school teacher, martial arts instructor, and now as the Program Specialist for Upward Bound. A Michigan Resident for most of my life, I graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors in Language Arts, received a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College, Detroit, Michigan, and began my post graduate work with the University of Northern Arizona. I’m looking forward to completing my PhD in reading and cognition and specializing in adolescent and adult literacy.
Personal Information: A single mother and teacher, I spend much of my time working with young people. At home I enjoy working with animals. My daughter can literally say that she was “brought up in a barn”, as we spend most of our time there training horses and dogs. I even play “Tai Chi” in the barn and the horses seem to enjoy it! When the weather brings me inside, I love to cook for my extended family using simple, home grown ingredientsand weave using the many native motifs collected during my years in Arizona.
I love my job because: It allows me to mentor our youngsters. I believe that it incumbent on each generation to embrace and nurture the next. Working with Upward Bound as the program specialist allows me to connect with a wonderful group of young people and their families; to support their incredible journey, everyday.
Email: jhutchi7@emich.edu |
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| Kim L. Rankins, Senior Secretary |
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Bio: I have worked a total 6.5 years at Eastern Michigan University in the Nursing Department and The Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Communities before starting with Upward Bound in 2008. I have Associate Degrees from Washtenaw Community College in Administrative Technology, Administrative Medical technology and a Certificate in Computer Applications. Currently, I am attending Eastern Michigan University and working toward completing my Bachelors degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology.
Personal Information: I have two beautiful daughters and a wonderful grandson. I enjoy several activities with my family such as swimming, biking and traveling. My hobbies include crocheting and taking care of my flowers and plants. My participation in church is also very important to me.
I love my job because: The environment is very friendly. The staff and student workers work together in meeting the goal of Upward Bounds mission statement. I enjoy watching the hard work the students of Upward Bound do to excel as high academic achievers. It is an honor to be a part of this team.
Email: krankins@emich.edu |
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