Meet The Village

Meet Alicia, the vibrant matriarch of three remarkable children who inspire her in each of their distinct ways. Their individual personalities serve as the compelling foundation of Michael B’s Café, a testament to their shared family spirit.

A dynamic community leader, Alicia is wholeheartedly dedicated to fostering opportunities for individuals with special needs. Her passionate involvement in this sphere doesn't stop there. She takes pride in her role as the Director of Community Services for the Grosse Public School System, the very same institution where her beloved children received their education.

Yet, Alicia's impressive portfolio doesn't end there. She deftly juggles her responsibilities, taking on multiple entrepreneurial ventures with unwavering commitment and zeal. Her growing business empire includes the lively Cabbage Patch Saloon, the dedicated service of Grosse Pointe Compassionate Care, and the co-ownership of the serene Sweet Dream Vineyards in Michigan.

Every endeavor Alicia undertakes is driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference, combining her entrepreneurial spirit with a heart for service. Whether she's managing her diverse business interests or championing the cause of special needs in her community, Alicia's passion and determination shine through.

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Step into the world of an impassioned educator and mentor, adeptly balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. As an esteemed Associate Professor at Oakland University, she enlightens countless minds in the Department of Organizational Leadership. Moreover, she plays a pivotal role as the Coordinator for the Central Office Certificate Program, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

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Her dedication to leadership extends beyond the university boundaries. As the Director of the Galileo Leadership Institute, she harnesses the potential of aspiring leaders, igniting in them a passion for making a difference.

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Her career is steeped in rich experiences, from empowering special education students at Grosse Pointe Schools to leading as the Principal of Pierce Middle School. The breadth of her leadership skills shines through her tenure as the Director of Special Education and as a Superintendent of Schools.

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She's also an active member of her community, with ties to the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club and the Junior League of Detroit. Her philanthropic endeavors include unwavering support for the Full Circle Foundation and the Family Center.

At the heart of her bustling life, she cherishes the joys of family, adoring her son and grandson, who are her pride and joy.

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Introducing Chris Fenton, an accomplished professional with a deep-rooted history in Grosse Pointe Public Schools. From his kindergarten days through high school graduation in 1969, Chris's journey was steeped in local education. Pursuing his love for learning, he earned a BA in Business from Hope College in 1973 and an MBA from the University of Detroit in 1976.

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His career has been marked by diverse roles, from a CPA firm to Fortune 500 tenure. Yet, the call of his alma mater was strong. For 37 enriching years, Chris served the Grosse Pointe Public School System, concluding his esteemed journey as the Deputy Superintendent for Business and Support Services.

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Retirement hasn't slowed Chris. Currently, as the Treasurer for Full Circle, he continues to drive their crucial mission. Simultaneously, his local influence is undeniable, serving pivotal roles on the Grosse Pointe Woods Planning Commission and Community Events Committee. This dedicated Grosse Pointe alum's ongoing commitment, from his educational roots to his post-retirement endeavors, embodies a lifelong service to his beloved community.

Meet Sue Banner, an educator with a distinct focus on special education, boasting a remarkable journey that merges academics, expertise, and a deep passion for change. Her foundation is grounded in a bachelor's in special education and a master's in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University, further enriched with an Education Specialist Degree in Special Education Administration.

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Sue dedicated nearly two decades to the Grosse Pointe Public Schools, navigating varied roles, from a Teacher Consultant for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Principal at Barnes Early Childhood Center. Her reach extended beyond traditional classrooms, serving Macomb County Community Mental Health and Detroit Public Schools, touching lives of individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Sue joined the Full Circle Foundation in 2009, working her way up from Director of Operations to President of the Board of Directors, impacting countless lives.

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Her rich expertise also enlightens Oakland Michigan University, where for 20 years, she's been an adjunct instructor and student teacher supervisor, shaping future educators. Sue continues to champion special education, leaving a lasting imprint through her commendable service.

Unravel the vibrant journey of Jenny Boettcher (Jennifer Boettcher), a proud fourth-generation Grosse Pointer and doting mother to five sons. As a staunch advocate for her community, Jenny has been diligently serving its business sector since 2010.

Her role is far more than professional – it's personal. Jenny's deep-seated passion for Grosse Pointe and its surrounding neighborhoods propels her to go beyond the expected. She acts as a crucial link between various facets of the community, bridging the business sector, government, education, philanthropic leadership, and religious organizations.

Her dedication to fostering a robust and thriving Grosse Pointe is unwavering. She tirelessly promotes the community's strengths, orchestrates collaborations, and champions initiatives that help ensure Grosse Pointe's growth and prosperity.

Jenny's tireless work shines a light on the values she cherishes — unity, collaboration, and the power of community. Her contribution to Grosse Pointe is more than a career; it's a legacy

 she is building for generations to come.

Meet Terry Cramer, a true Michigan native and proud resident of Grosse Pointe for over four decades. Terry's lifelong drive for achievement and growth is as diverse as it is persistent, mirroring the ever-evolving world around him.

Educated at the prestigious University of Michigan, Terry has woven a rich tapestry of success and impact. He's carved a niche for himself as a guiding force for entrepreneurial spirits, helping them scale the heights of success while simultaneously scaling his own.

Terry's career as an attorney spans more than 35 years, a testament to his commitment and proficiency. During this time, he has donned many hats with an unwavering dedication. As a trial attorney, he has fought battles in the courtroom with fervor and acumen. As the managing attorney of multi-state law firms, he's showcased exemplary leadership skills. Serving as General Counsel for a group of companies, he's safeguarded their interests with a keen eye for detail and sharp legal expertise.

Terry Cramer is not just an attorney; he's a mentor, a leader, and a beacon of success, making a difference one legal triumph at a time.

Meet Mary, a woman of resilience and vision, whose life extends beyond her accomplished tenure as an art teacher from Grosse Pointe Public Schools. Her dual degrees in education and administration hint at her commitment to knowledge, but there's more to her narrative.

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As the mother of a special needs daughter, Mary experienced firsthand the monumental challenges confronting these individuals while aspiring to independent living. This experience sparked an idea—an alliance between schools and communities that could provide much-needed transitional support for families with special needs children.

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Driven by her ambition and determination, Mary's idea evolved into reality, birthing the Full Circle Foundation. This foundation embodies Mary's heartfelt dedication, seamlessly merging educational and community resources to smooth the transition of special needs individuals into adulthood and independent living.

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Mary's journey, echoing her steadfast commitment, continues to fuel transformative change within the special needs community. Through the Full Circle Foundation, Mary's enduring legacy has morphed countless lives and instilled hope in numerous families. Her inspiring story embodies the power of compassion, vision, and unwavering dedication.

Step into the world of Allan Kochanski, a seasoned expert in financial services who brings over 30 years of industry experience to the table. His credentials speak volumes, with designations such as CPA, CMA, ABV, and CFM standing testament to his vast expertise.

Allan's specialty lies in a broad spectrum of critical financial areas, including due diligence, corporate restructuring, turnaround and crisis management, IT integration, and supply chain advisory. These skills have positioned him as a trusted advisor, helping businesses navigate complex financial landscapes.

Not limiting himself to advisory roles, Allan has also proven his leadership mettle. He held senior management positions within the industry, most notably serving as the co-executive for the North American operations of a $1.5 billion German-based automotive supplier. In this role, he showcased his aptitude for strategic leadership on a global scale.

Allan's educational background is equally impressive. He holds a BS in Accounting from Arizona State University, topped off with an MBA from the University of Detroit. With such a multifaceted career, Allan Kochanski continues to inspire in the realm of financial services.

John and Terry Minnis are not just ordinary individuals; they are the visionary trailblazers behind the inception of the highly respected Grosse Pointe Magazine and its equally noteworthy counterpart, Detroit River Living. Their publications grace the homes of those residing along the scenic Jefferson corridor, stretching right into the vibrant heart of downtown and the bustling Eastern Market.

Recently, they wore the honorary mantle of co-chairs at the celebrated Full Circle Foundation Gala, adding yet another feather to their already adorned hats.

Dig a little deeper into their story and you'll find John's three-decade-long dedication to the special needs community. His journey began in the 1980s and '90s when he started following the incredible stories of these inspiring "kids" as they were nurtured by the Foundation for Exceptional Children. His commitment didn't waver over the years, even as he waved goodbye to a fruitful career at the Grosse Pointe News this year.

And speaking of the Grosse Pointe News, Terry wasn't just a bystander to the thriving publication; she was instrumental in its success. Serving as vice president and co-owner alongside John, Terry's leadership has been pivotal in steering the newspaper's direction.

John and Terry Minnis are more than just publishers; they're community leaders, advocates for special needs children, and powerhouses of inspiration. Their retirement this year marks an end to one chapter, but their enduring legacy will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.

John and Terry Minnis are not just ordinary individuals; they are the visionary trailblazers behind the inception of the highly respected Grosse Pointe Magazine and its equally noteworthy counterpart, Detroit River Living. Their publications grace the homes of those residing along the scenic Jefferson corridor, stretching right into the vibrant heart of downtown and the bustling Eastern Market.

Recently, they wore the honorary mantle of co-chairs at the celebrated Full Circle Foundation Gala, adding yet another feather to their already adorned hats.

Dig a little deeper into their story and you'll find John's three-decade-long dedication to the special needs community. His journey began in the 1980s and '90s when he started following the incredible stories of these inspiring "kids" as they were nurtured by the Foundation for Exceptional Children. His commitment didn't waver over the years, even as he waved goodbye to a fruitful career at the Grosse Pointe News this year.

And speaking of the Grosse Pointe News, Terry wasn't just a bystander to the thriving publication; she was instrumental in its success. Serving as vice president and co-owner alongside John, Terry's leadership has been pivotal in steering the newspaper's direction.

John and Terry Minnis are more than just publishers; they're community leaders, advocates for special needs children, and powerhouses of inspiration. Their retirement this year marks an end to one chapter, but their enduring legacy will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.

Introducing Patricia Sunisloe, a health and human services veteran and a devoted resident of Grosse Pointe for the past three decades. Her career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly those underserved in our communities.

As the Project Development Director for MORC Inc., Patricia harnessed her expertise to secure federal, state, and local foundation grant money. These funds were instrumental in creating therapeutic programs tailored for people receiving mental health services and other marginalized groups, thereby bringing much-needed relief and opportunities to those in need.

 

One such grant led to the inception of the innovative “We’ve Got Horsepower” program. This initiative allowed Patricia to establish a therapeutic horseback riding program, a testament to her creative thinking and her ability to forge strong partnerships. This endeavor was the result of a successful collaboration with The Grosse Pointe Hunt Club, the Grosse Pointe Community Schools, and the Ray Laethem Dealership.

 

In every endeavor, Patricia Sunisloe exemplifies how determination, creativity, and a deep-rooted sense of community can lead to significant changes in the lives of others.

Meet Erik Heiderer, the dynamic principal of a renowned full-service architectural design firm that flawlessly merges interior and architectural design. This family-owned business stands on a solid foundation of over 60 years, boasting a rich legacy of successful home designs and renovations.

 

Under Erik's astute leadership, the firm has thrived. It offers comprehensive services, encompassing everything from the initial consultation to the final construction documents. The firm's impressive portfolio includes a wide array of commercial and residential projects, reflecting its versatility and ability to adapt to varying client needs.

 

Erik's educational background complements his professional prowess. As a graduate of Lawrence Technical University, he brings a robust mix of technical knowledge and creative vision to every project.

 

With Erik Heiderer at the helm, the firm continues to build upon its family legacy, transforming spaces one successful design at a time, and making a lasting impact in the world of architectural design.

 

Meet Jeffrey Russel, a seasoned general contractor whose hands-on approach and commitment to excellence have shaped the landscape of Detroit and the Grosse Pointes for over 30 years. Jeffrey's expertise spans across the spectrum of commercial and residential properties, breathing life into buildings through innovative construction and meticulous remodeling.

 

Jeffrey's portfolio showcases a range of projects, from intimate home renovations to large-scale commercial builds. Notable among these is the creation of the vibrant Park Place Market on Charlevoix in Grosse Pointe Park, and the masterful remodeling of the iconic Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit. Each project reflects his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality.

 

Under Jeffrey's leadership, JL Russell & Associates has earned a distinct reputation as the leading contractor for 3-D printed houses in Michigan. This innovative approach underscores Jeffrey's dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.

 

With every project, Jeffrey Russel continues to redefine expectations, transforming the built environment one construction project at a time.