Our Team

I am Michelle Shawver, School Leader at Pathways Academy.  My background includes more than twenty years of work experience in the educational setting, with fifteen of those years being in a leadership/administrative role.  I earned my bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ferris State University. I earned my master’s degree from Mercer University in Early Childhood Education and my Educational Specialists Degree (ABD) from Capella University, in K-12 Educational Leadership and Administration. I hold valid Michigan certifications for Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School Teaching and K-12 Leadership and Administration.

I believe education is about more than the core subjects.  I believe it is an educator’s responsibility to also teach social skills and help students develop a love of learning.  I believe it is important to help students discover their gifts and their passion, which are generally two different areas, and to help them develop both.  My gifts are patience and seeing the value in people and situations. My passion is helping young people set and achieve goals and inspiring others to grow personally and professionally.

Success isn’t just what I accomplish, it’s what I inspire others to do.

I graduated from Wayne State University with the following degrees; a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Arts in Teaching (K-8,) and a Master of Education in School Counseling. I have 24 years of experience in education and counseling.  I hold several licenses and certifications; a Professional Education Certification (K-8), with an endorsement as a Guidance Counselor (K-12), Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, and Certified Relationship Specialist.

I am a Certified Diplomate Psychotherapist, a Fellow Status Psychotherapist, and an Adjunct Professor in the Teacher Education Program at Wayne County Community College District.  I am a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling. Academic and Professional Honor Society International. I am a Guidance Counselor and Senior Advisor/Planner at Pathways Academy.  I have expertise in educational consulting.

Hello, my name is Alfred Greene. I was educated in the Detroit Public School system and went on to earn my Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Howard University in Washington D.C. I’ve worked in the field of education for roughly 15 years prior to coming to Pathways. Previously I’ve had experience in both the not-for-profit and profit business sectors and now fortunate to have been with Pathways for 8 years now.

I started as a Home School Advocate and now I serve as Director of Pupil Accounting, Marketing and Recruiting. I am primarily responsible for state aid funding and marketing activities and programming. One of my current exciting programs is the development of our “Pathways Boutique and Resource Center.” The goal of this program is to effectively and efficiently distribute diapers, baby clothes, and personal care items etc., to our population as well as to those who are intreated in enrolling at Pathways. Lastly, it is my hope and desire to continue to be part and influence the lives at Pathways through service, modeling, determination and the pursuit of excellence.

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Cheryl S. Holcomb-Golden was born and educated in Detroit Michigan. Cheryl went to Wayne State University for 3 years then IBA State College of Beauty. She went on to do hair and be self employed for 30+ years and retired in 2021. Cheryl now is a member of the staff at Pathways Academy as the Baby room Lead.

My name is Darryl L. Lynk. 
I am a Security Guard for Pathways Academy.

Good day! My name is Debra Meadows-Brown MBA, and I am the Director of the Michigan Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program (MI-APPP) here at Pathways. I’ve held this position since 2022 however I have been a part of the Pathways Academy family since 2017.  It is my goal and mission to make a positive impact on the lives of the students we serve.

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My Journey Down Pathways

My name is Judith Bell. I am a retired school secretary from the Detroit Public Schools. I joined Pathways Academy in 2014 when the building opened in its current location. Since I had experience with tracking student records, I was glad I could do my job.

I also had circumstances that I overcame regarding being a young parent and believe everyone has some words of wisdom and acts of kindness that will help in the lives of Pathway Academy students.

Julie Kordyban is a high school Math teacher with sixteen years’ experience teaching Math and Computers. “Ms K’s” previous career as an architect gave her lots of real-life experience for helping students to understand Math concepts. She is excited to bring her experience with bringing innovative ways of engaging students in succeeding at Math. Her varied experience has taught her how to adapt to individual student’s needs and their learning styles. Ms. K’s goal as an educator is to help students get past road blocks and experience that “yes, I can!” attitude in studies.

Karen Minard is a native Detroiter who has been an educator for the past ten years. Prior to that she worked in Health Care as well as Human Resources. Here at Pathways, she serves as a Reading Interventionist. She is also an Equity actor, published poet and essayist, and an award-winning playwright.

Marie Henry was born and raised in Detroit.  She was one of the seven children of Carlene and William Henry.  Marie was educated in both parochial and public schools and graduated from Cass Technical High School. She went on to graduate from Mercy College of Detroit with a Biology major and minors in Natural and Social Science. 

Outside of teaching, Marie enjoys bowling, golf, tennis, writing, and cooking for family and friends. Marie has written and published two poetry books.

My name is Nicolas Flowers I am a parent teacher advocate at Pathway Academy. I have a bachelor’s in human services and associate in biblical studies. My goal here at Pathways Academy is to help students achieve their dreams of getting a high school diploma and going on to college.

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I have over twenty-five years of experience working with youth – as a youth retreat director, English Language Arts high school teacher, and certified Reading Specialist. I received my Bachelor of Arts from Franciscan University and Master of Arts in Literacy Education from Madonna University. My passion is to fan the flame of literacy. I teach students to be skillful readers and passionate writers. As Pathways’ instructional coach, I lead our team of teachers in best practices for the classroom.

I enjoy being one of the bridges that leads the students to Pathways. It is a joy to be a part of their growth experience.

My name is Tierra Campbell, I am the Student Support Specialist, Homeschool Advocate, and I assist in enrolling and recruiting. I began a position at Pathways in 2014 that helped me to become the Student Support Specialist. I was also a teen parent that attended Catherine Ferguson Academy. I can relate to some of the things that the students may feel as a teen parent. Students come to see me before things get out of control.

My name is Tieshia Dawson, and I am the School Social Worker at Pathways Detroit. I graduated from Madonna University with a Master of Social Work degree and a minor in School Social Work and Community Leadership. As the school social worker, my primary responsibility is to promote the students’ academic, personal, and social emotional development by providing direct and consultative social work services. I assist with mental health and behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic and classroom support, consultations, as well as provide individual and group counseling. I have over 9 years of social work experience and I absolutely love the work that I do.

Hi. My name is Tonya Donald. I have been a driver for Pathways Academy for over 5 years. I find myself not only to be a driver with safety always being first, but also a listening ear. I am greatful to be that for these amazing students.

I Verne Cohens started at Premium Services in 2015. Fast foward 3 yrs., I go to Pathways Academy in 2018 as the custodian. 3 yrs later, the babyroom as #2.