MEET OUR STAFF

Dr. Urminda Firlan - Director

Dr. Mindy Firlan earned her Associates Degree here at Grand Rapids Community College before transferring to Grand Valley State University where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Mindy earned her Masters and Doctorate in Developmental Psychology at Michigan State University with a specialized degree in Applied Developmental Science. Mindy engaged in University/Community Collaborative Research at MSU with the Institute for Children Youth and Families and the Black Child and Family Institute. She also worked within the Department of Family and Child Ecology at MSU to design and implement a service learning program that allowed students to engage with community partners to conduct meaningful service while applying course concepts.

Mindy volunteered for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) for six years prior to being hired as staff. She worked for the organization for seven years as the Director of National Programs, managing 25 corporate entities across the eastern portion of the country. Most recently Mindy served as the Clinical Director for Crisis Care Network, the largest critical incident response business in the United States. Since 2004, Mindy has taught psychology courses in GRCC’s Department of Behavioral Sciences. The common thread that runs through her past is making a positive difference in the lives of others!

Mindy lives in Lowell on a 15 acre horse farm and enjoys jumping horses cross country and equestrian camping with her partner, Seth and son, Bryce.


Michael Schavey - Community Liaison

Since 2005, Mike has been the Community Liaison of the Academic Service-Learning Center. His primary role is to collaboratively develop community partnerships, including long-range community partner projects and placements planning and agreements, and other civic-based reciprocal learning opportunities.

As a member of the Academic Service-Learning Center, Mike provides coordination, leadership, support, and training for: determining the logistics of service-learning projects and community placements, assisting individual students in placements which can link to their career goals and academic courses, performing needs assessment, data collection and management, reporting, and providing avenues for nonprofit organizations to connect and collaborate with the campus.

Mike has been working in the field of public and nonprofit administration for over 10 years. This work began as a Case Manager for the Workforce Investment Act assisting at-risk youth in Kent County. He has also worked in both Ottawa and Muskegon counties as a Community Organizer and Social Worker.

Mike is very involved in the community. He is on the Grand Rapids Community College Alumni Association Board, Grand Valley State University Young Alumni Council, Heart of West Michigan United Way Investment Council, and Co-Chair for the West Michigan Volunteer Managers Association Education Committee.

Mike acquired his Bachelor’s in Sociology, Master’s of Social Work, and Master’s of Public Administration all at Grand Valley State University.


Lizz Kelly - AmeriCorps VISTA Program Assistant

Lizz is a recent graduate of Ferris State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business, majoring in Public Relations with a Multi-Media Journalism minor. Prior to enrolling at Ferris, she earned her Associate of Arts degree in Communication Arts from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. Throughout school she was involved in many student organizations and volunteered as much as possible. Lizz is passionate about getting students involved in their community and is proud to be serving as the Michigan Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA at GRCC. In her free time, she likes meeting new people, being outdoors, and continuing her involvement in the community.


Amy Sprouse - Educational Support Professional

Being involved in one’s community is important to Amy, "It keeps your community strong while supporting the neighborly values that are so important to a healthy society." She has volunteered at the Humane Society of Kent County as well as at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and been involved with Creston Neighborhood Association.

An alumni of GRCC, Amy has her A.A. in Art & Design and is currently pursuing her B.A. in Graphic Design at Kendall College of Art & Design. She plans to obtain a M.B.A. with a Design & Innovation Management concentration.

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