Meet the TeenQuest Facilitators
Each year, TeenQuest prepares hundreds of Flint & Genesee high school students to stand out to employers and get the jobs they want. This high-quality program has been as successful, in large part, thanks the people who lead the program at each site.
“Our TeenQuest facilitators come from a variety of professional backgrounds and have the experience needed to engage and inspire our students,” said Brianna Mosier, executive director of Flint & Genesee Education & Talent. “They bring a wealth of knowledge and a diverse set of skills that enrich the program, helping our participants develop not only their job readiness but also their confidence for the future.”
As we approach the 2024-25 school year, the Talent Connections editorial team recently connected with these facilitators to get to know them a little better. Here’s what we learned.
Deanka Culbreath’s first job was for McLaren Health Care. Her favorite TeenQuest memory is leading the program in 2008 at International Academy of Flint. “I had 108 students with four facilitators – and they all graduated. We had a great rotation plan and a great bunch of kids. It made my heart smile.
Mike Greer’s first job was working in stocking and shipping at Toys R Us. His favorite movie is “The Five Heart Beats” and his best piece of career advice is, “Stay motivated, focused, and humble.”
Richard Hatcher’s first job was working in a neighborhood park. His favorite TeenQuest memory is serving as the facilitator for his grandson’s TeenQuest cohort at Carman Ainsworth High School. His best piece of career advice is, “Go to work early, smile often.”
Jamall Merritt’s first job was at Little Caesars. His favorite podcast is “Club Shay Shay.” When asked what he loves most about TeenQuest, he says, “It’s always exciting to watch all the hard work come together and to see the excitement and confidence the teens experience once they complete mock interviews.”
Bonnie O’Neal’s first job was as a painter at her parents’ family business, Krupp’s Novelty Shop. Her favorite TeenQuest memory was working and learning from her late husband, Keith O’Neal. “He was a facilitator for over 10 years and had an amazing ability to love students – even the most difficult ones. He helped them believe they deserved better.”
Ellie Sevick’s first job was as a telephone solicitor during high school. It ended up being her first – and only – time getting fired! She says it’s too difficult to narrow down a favorite book, but a favorite recent is “The Covenant of Water,” by Abraham Verghese.
Tamitha Taylor’s first job was working at the AutoWorld theme park during high school. Her daughter participated in TeenQuest and now teaches high school English. “She remembers the lessons she learned and what the program meant to her. I’m so excited to now be able to provide that inspiration to other young people!”
James Richardson’s first job was as a bagger at A&P grocery store. His favorite part of TeenQuest is seeing the transformation that happens in students between week one and graduation. “There’s just so much growth and empowerment that happens in that five-week time span.”
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