Meet The Village

Inspired by her son Michael B, Alicia is the visionary mother behind Michael B’s Café, a place that celebrates individuals with special needs. As the mother of three children, each with their own unique personality, Alicia is driven to create opportunities for those who are often underserved. She serves as the Director of Community Services for Grosse Pointe Public Schools, where her children were educated. A passionate entrepreneur, Alicia also owns Cabbage Patch Saloon, Grosse Pointe Compassionate Care, and co-owns Sweet Dream Vineyards Michigan.

With a lifelong passion for education and leadership, Suzanne Klein serves as Vice President and an Associate Professor at Oakland University’s Department of Organizational Leadership. She leads the Central Office Certificate Program and directs the Galileo Leadership Institute. Her career in Grosse Pointe Schools spanned roles as a Special Education Teacher, Principal, Director of Special Education, and Deputy Superintendent. Committed to community service, she supports the Rotary Club, Junior League of Detroit, Full Circle Foundation, and the Family Center. She cherishes her role as a mother and grandmother.

Deeply rooted in the Grosse Pointe community, Chris Fenton is a proud graduate of Grosse Pointe Public Schools, Hope College (BA in Business, 1973), and the University of Detroit (MBA, 1976). His career began in accounting, working in a CPA firm and a Fortune 500 company before dedicating 37 years to the Grosse Pointe Public School System, retiring as Deputy Superintendent for Business and Support Services. Passionate about community service, he currently serves as Treasurer for Full Circle and contributes to the Grosse Pointe Woods Planning Commission and Community Events Committee.

Sue Banner has dedicated her career to special education, earning degrees from Eastern Michigan University and an Education Specialist Degree in Special Education Administration. She served 19 years as a special education administrator in Grosse Pointe Public Schools before retiring. Since 2009, she has been actively involved with Full Circle Foundation and now serves as Board President. Additionally, she has spent 20 years as an adjunct instructor and student teacher supervisor at Oakland University, continuing her passion for education and advocacy.

​A fourth-generation Grosse Pointer, Jennifer (Jenny) Boettcher is a dedicated community advocate and mother of five sons. Since 2010, she has worked closely with businesses, government, education, philanthropy, and religious organizations to strengthen and promote Grosse Pointe and its surrounding areas. As a primary advocate and spokesperson for the business community, she is committed to fostering connections that drive economic and social growth, ensuring a thriving future for local businesses and residents alike.

Terry Cramer, a Michigan native and Grosse Pointe resident for over 40 years, has always embraced change and innovation. A University of Michigan graduate, he’s built a reputation for helping entrepreneurs succeed while achieving success in his own career. With more than 35 years as an attorney, Terry has worked as a trial lawyer, led multi-state law firms as managing attorney, and served as General Counsel for a group of companies, leaving a lasting impact on both the legal and business communities.

​With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Allan Kochanski, CPA, CMA, ABV, CFM, specializes in due diligence, corporate restructuring, turnaround and crisis management, IT integration, and supply chain advisory. His expertise extends beyond consulting, having held senior management roles, including co-executive of North American operations for a $1.5 billion German-based automotive supplier. A graduate of Arizona State University with a BS in Accounting, Allan also earned an MBA from the University of Detroit, further solidifying his leadership in the financial and business sectors.

​John and Terry Minnis have long been pillars of the Grosse Pointe community, known for their leadership as founders and publishers of Grosse Pointe Magazine and Detroit River Living. Their involvement with the Full Circle Foundation runs deep, with John’s connection to special needs advocacy dating back to the 1980s and '90s through the Foundation for Exceptional Children. The Minnis duo recently served as honorary co-chairs for the Full Circle Foundation gala. Terry co-owned the Grosse Pointe News and served as vice president until their retirement this year.

​John and Terry Minnis have long been pillars of the Grosse Pointe community, known for their leadership as founders and publishers of Grosse Pointe Magazine and Detroit River Living. Their involvement with the Full Circle Foundation runs deep, with John’s connection to special needs advocacy dating back to the 1980s and '90s through the Foundation for Exceptional Children. The Minnis duo recently served as honorary co-chairs for the Full Circle Foundation gala. Terry co-owned the Grosse Pointe News and served as vice president until their retirement this year.

A dedicated Grosse Pointe resident for over 30 years, Patricia Sunisloe has made a lasting impact in Health and Human Services. As Project Development Director for MORC Inc., she secured essential funding through federal, state, and local grants to create innovative therapeutic programs for underserved populations. One of her notable achievements, the “We’ve Got Horsepower” program, established a therapeutic horseback riding initiative in collaboration with The Grosse Pointe Hunt Club, Grosse Pointe Community Schools, and the Ray Laethem Dealership, benefiting those receiving mental health services.

With over 60 years of experience, this family-owned architectural design firm has become a trusted name in both residential and commercial projects. Erik Heiderer, the principal, specializes in interior and architectural design, offering expert consultation in design and construction documents. A Lawrence Technological University graduate, Erik has dedicated his career to creating custom homes and renovations that blend function, style, and enduring quality. His firm’s success is built on a deep understanding of design and a commitment to client satisfaction.

 

With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Jeffrey Russel has built and remodeled both commercial and residential properties, primarily in Detroit and the Grosse Pointes. His impressive portfolio includes projects of all sizes, from the creation of Park Place Market in Grosse Pointe Park to the renovation of the Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit. As the owner of JL Russell & Associates, Jeffrey is also leading the way in Michigan’s innovative 3D-printed housing projects, bringing cutting-edge technology to neighborhoods across the state.