30 And Under

Brigette Dagenais, DVM

Brigette Dagenais’ career path began with her love of medicine. “I always loved science, and I knew I wanted to practice medicine,” remembers Dagenais of her days growing up in Clark Lake and attending Columbia Central High School.

Dagenais volunteered at the MSU Wildlife Ward while in college, caring for injured wild birds, and went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University. She accepted a position at a veterinary hospital in Ann Arbor, where she gained extensive experience in small animal and exotic medicine and surgery.

However, Dagenais and her husband, who also grew up in the Jackson area, found that they missed many elements of their hometown communities. “I really missed the lakes and all the activities you can do around Jackson,” remembered Dagenais.

Dagenais contacted her mentor, Dr. Harshe, at Country Garden Veterinary Clinic; in February, Harshe sold the practice to Dagenais. Today, Dagenais loves the opportunities she has to offer free first visit exams for the local Humane Society, as well as interact with clients she worked with 10 years ago at the same location.

C.J. Perrine

Now in his third year as owner of CAP’S Nursery and Landscape on Lansing Avenue, 25-year-old C.J. Perrine is bringing back to life his grandfather’s 40-year-old business. Perrine worked at the business for 10 years while earning diplomas from Jackson Christian School and Spring Arbor University, graduating with honors from the school of business.

Perrine meets with clients, designs landscape projects and works on every project installation with pride and passion, whether it’s installing a fountain, waterfall, patio or sidewalk. He’s continuing to grow his skills with online courses in landscape design.

During colder months, Perrine trades his tools for a whistle and clipboard, coaching middle school basketball at Jackson Christian Schools and substitute teaching at Jackson Public Schools.

He’s spruced up the community by donating labor and materials to landscape Jackson Christian Schools’ nonprofit resale store, used his tractor to give free hayrides at Grace Church’s Fall Festival and participated in the Downtown Development Authority’s Summer Planting Day. Each year, he completes at least one pro-bono job for a nonprofit.

Cassandra Wilkins

Cassandra Wilkins’ chosen profession of economic development is closely intertwined with her community involvement. After all, the central premise of economic development is community improvement through such means as retaining local businesses and attracting new ones.

Wilkins’ first foray into the field of economic development was in Detroit, following her 2007 graduation with honors from Michigan State University. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and regional development, Wilkins worked with the city as an economic development consultant to restore and maintain historic buildings.

When she returned to Jackson, she gravitated toward events held by Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth (JCEG), and was thrilled at the initial proposal for QUESTIONS, the young adult affiliate of JCEG. “I jumped on board right away to get involved with it,” said Wilkins, who is currently a purchasing agent with Alro Steel. “If you become involved and engaged, you’ll get other people wanting to do the same. It’s contagious!”

Now, as QUESTIONS’ chair of economic development, Wilkins looks for economic development projects where young adults can make a difference. Earlier this year, Wilkins and other QUESTIONS members were instrumental in getting a three-day outdoor summer concert approved in Leoni Township. More recently, Wilkins joined JCEG’s High Speed Rail Task Force to help ensure that high speed becomes a reality for Jackson.

David Lawrence

David Lawrence has a passion for protecting the environment, and began advocating for recycling programs while attending Adrian College. Now, Lawrence is vice president at Recycling Jackson, a non-profit dedicated to increasing awareness about recycling efforts
Lawrence’s passion inevitably spills over into his workplace. He piloted a recycling education program for the membership and staff at American 1 Federal Credit Union, where he has worked since 2003. “Dave has volunteered his time and his skills to make Jackson a better place to live,” said coworker Kristi Latoszewski.

As senior communications specialist with American 1, Lawrence is responsible for leading communications and Web presence strategies and branding projects for the 43,000-member financial institution. He designs all print, advertising, newsletter, brochure and Web projects.

Volunteer activities are not limited to recycling for Lawrence. “I’ve been a member of the Jackson Breakfast Rotary Club since 2003,” he said. “I organize our Big Brothers Big Sisters skating party, have served as club president and helped organize a book drive for the Florence Crittenton Home.” Lawrence has also helped local non-profits like the Cascades Humane Society develop graphic design projects and logos.

Jackie Gregory

Jackie Gregory’s business students at Hanover-Horton High School learn that how a business gives back to the community is just as important as its bottom line.

Last fall, as part of a chapter on social responsibility, she challenged her students to find a cause they could support. They settled on helping end the genocide in Darfur, a cause close to Gregory’s heart because her cousin, a doctor, once worked in the region. “She took it upon herself to get students excited about giving back to a cause,” said Gregory’s husband.

To help the people of Darfur, the students designed and sold buttons for $1 with slogans like “You don’t have to be Superman to save a life,” “Ask Me About Darfur” and “Do the right thing and the right thing will happen.”

They set a sales goal of 500 buttons, but within the first hour they had already sold 250. Soon, other schools, including the University of Michigan, were asking for buttons. Word of their project reached as far as Nevada when their promotional video was shown at a Las Vegas film festival. The students also heard about the problems in Darfur first-hand when Dr. Ashis Brahama, a doctor who had worked in the region, visited their class.

Gregory’s students far exceeded their original expectations, selling 2,500 buttons and raising $5,000. “The students were really excited that they did something that people actually cared about,” said Gregory, who has taught at Hanover-Horton High School since 2002. “They saw that when you have an idea, you can really make it work.”

Jennifer Smith

A graduate of Jackson High School and Eastern Michigan University, Jennifer Smith is a real live wire at Consumers Energy. Coworker Lori Stratton described the business support consultant as “one of the company’s most dedicated and active employees.” Smith supports the utility’s Web applications, “Contact Us” Web site and resolves online issues.

At 29, she’s vice chair of the utility’s Minority Advisory Panel, a group that promotes diversity awareness, leadership, mentorship and community partnering, and is past chair and a member of the Hispanic Outreach Team.

Smith has led Consumers Energy’s participation in The Big Read project, organizing book drives that netted more than 800 books for Aware, Head Start and the Sacred Heart Hispanic Community Center. This year, she organized The Big Read Food and Toiletries Drive, raising $1,000 and more than 100 boxes and bags of food and toiletries for The Salvation Army.

Smith has volunteered for Jackson’s Historic Home Tour to benefit Aware, Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s, Junior Achievement Crazy Bowl, United Way and the Jackson Multicultural Expo.

Jessica Falahee

Thanks to Jessica Falahee, Jackson is a more beautiful place.

“I love helping women look their best, whether they’re walking down the wedding aisle, dressing for success at work, or in everyday life,” said Falahee, manager of Salon 820, a full-service salon at 820 W. High St.

Falahee, 25, is in charge of day-to-day operations at Salon 820, including managing personnel, purchasing products and coordinating promotions. She also regularly participates in the annual Jackson Bridal Expo and Women’s Expos.

“Jessica is very dedicated, and she’s not afraid to try new things,” said her nominator. As a case in point, Falahee recently changed from a commission-based business to a booth rent salon to increase profits during a tough economic time. “I’m glad I took the risk,” said Falahee. “It’s working out really well.”

In spite of working 55 hours per week, Falahee also finds time to participate in the annual American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk and volunteer at the Cascades Humane Society.

Jessica Beckman

Jessica Beckman realizes that some people may think living in the same area for one’s whole life could feel stifling. “But all I think about is how lucky I am,” said Beckman. “I have visited the big cities and I enjoy my vacations, but I am always relieved when coming home. I appreciate being more than just a number in a huge city; I prefer walking into a store and seeing many familiar faces.”

Graduating from Napoleon High School and then Adrian College, Beckman has always been very active in the community she loves. In college, she volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, and was accepted to do an internship with a substance abuse and sex offender counselor at Catholic Charities of Lenawee County. Although her current schedule doesn’t allow for it, she also looks forward to once again coaching girls’ volleyball.

Beckman now holds two jobs, both of which demonstrate her care and compassion. First, she works on the Adult/Geriatric Behavioral Inpatient Health Unit as a Psych Tech at Allegiance Health, where her duties include providing a supportive, safe and therapeutic environment for patients.

Second, she is a direct care worker at Renaissance 3 Community Homes, an adult foster care home in Leoni Township. There, she works as life skills builder, taking patients into the community and facilitating their daily living functions. “These two jobs are both in the mental health field,” said Beckman. “I’m building my skills and knowledge, and altogether it’s been a great experience.”

Jill Raymond

The daughter of Salvation Army ministers, Jill Raymond, 22, grew up in four states. She chose Spring Arbor University for her degree in social work and fell in love with Jackson.

“I had no clue what a wonderful community was neighboring me,” Raymond said. “My last year of college, I interned at the Jackson Nonprofit Support Center, now the Nonprofit Network, where I met people who breathed love and compassion for their community.”

Since joining Big Brothers Big Sisters as a match specialist in 2008, Raymond has matched 72 children with caring adults, including matching herself as a Big Sister with a Jackson High School teenager. “She is committed to making matches that are built to last and will benefit the kids and the community,” said Erica Vogel, the agency’s executive director in Jackson.

A lifelong volunteer, Raymond has volunteered for Backpacks for Kids, Toys for Tots, disaster relief, soup kitchens and food pantries. She has raised money for Thanksgiving dinners, adopted families for Christmas, and done intake work for The Salvation Army of Jackson. After Hurricane Katrina, she helped move a family from New Orleans to Jackson.

A facilitator for Jackson’s Challenge Day, Raymond met with Northwest Middle School students before and after the event. She also mentored three young girls in the Partnership Park After-School Program. She volunteers for the Jackson County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Mentor Collaborative of Jackson and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative.

Joe W. Smith Jr.

Few 29-year-olds are as dedicated to the city of Jackson as Joe Smith Jr. The father of two works as a code enforcement officer and inspector for the city, serves as a reserve officer for the City Police Department and as a commissioner on the city’s Human Relations Commission, among other activities.

“I was raised to give back to the community from which you benefit, and Jackson comes with a lot of benefits,” he said. “It’s a great place to raise children; it has lots of free family activities, affordable housing and great park system.”

While Smith has a special fondness for the city, his contributions extend well beyond that sphere. He has coached a soccer team at the YMCA and a football team at East Jackson Middle School. He currently volunteers as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters and is a frequent volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Reaching out to help others not only helps the recipient, it benefits the giver, Smith added. “When you invest your time and energy in other people, you improve the general quality of life in the community – and that’s something that benefits everyone.”

Kim Gamez

In 2002, Kim Gamez got married, bought a business and became a mother. Then 21, she climbed into the saddle as owner of one of Jackson’s most vibrant restaurants – The Crazy Cowboy. She was named Jackson’s Small Business Person of the Year in 2005.

Now expecting her third child, Gamez spends more time at home with her children, Hugh Jr. (6) and Max (4), and volunteering at their school. She often pops into the business and is there all day Fridays and Saturdays. With her husband, Hugo, Gamez also owns a leasing company. The busy mother, entrepreneur, licensed cosmetologist and real estate agent still finds time to teach Zumba, a Latin-style exercise classes, and Latin dance classes.

An on-call Spanish interpreter at Allegiance Health, Gamez said of her work, “It’s one of the most rewarding things I could ever do. Allegiance Health and Jackson Community College offer wonderful opportunities for young adults to learn, volunteer and work.”

A December fund-raiser for Toys-for-Tots at her business draws some 300 students, while proceeds from a “ladies only” event help the needy during the holidays. Gamez also sponsors an art camp and raises money for books for residents in her husband’s hometown in Mexico.

Kit Wingle

When Kit Wingle started Wolverine Sealcoating at the tender age of 17, he was a junior at Northwest Community High School. Today, the Jackson native’s successful business provides commercial and residential asphalt repair and maintenance in Ann Arbor, Jackson and Lansing, and has four employees.

“I had the drive to start a business, the willingness to work hard and the skills from previous employment,” said Wingle, who graduated from Northwest High School in 2004. He’s also taken two years of business and marketing classes at Jackson Community College.

Wingle’s initiative has not only scored a home run in the business world, it has helped youth score home runs in the athletic arena. Wolverine Sealcoating is the proud sponsor of the Northwest Little League Team. “I used to be on a Little League team when I was young, and I loved it. This is my way of giving other kids that same opportunity,” he said.

He has also served as a volunteer firefighter for many years, and currently acts as a 4-H Club Leader in Tompkins Township. “I was involved in 4-H for nine years. It was such a great experience, from learning how to groom animals to developing leadership skills,” he said. “I wanted to help make it possible for today’s youth to benefit from that same type of experience.”

Lindsey Psychas

Lindsay Psychas brings passion and a strong sense of service to her career and volunteerism, both here and abroad.

As a water safety instructor with Jackson Parks and Recreation, her passion for children floated to the surface and led her to pursue an education degree. She chose two student teaching assignments, one in Michigan and the other in Ghana, West Africa, where she had to learn to teach physical education within a completely different culture.

After graduation, Psychas’ role as a health educator at the Center for Family Health’s Teen Health Center at Parkside got her involved in several important projects for local teens. For the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative, she is on the planning committee for kick-off events to promote the “I Wish” video, which includes testimonials from local teens on how pregnancy affected their lives. She also represented the Teen Health Center on the Jackson County Substance Abuse Coalition.

In addition to her current position as a physical education teacher in the Jackson Public Schools, Psychas is also assistant coach for the Jackson County Aquatic Club. And last summer she joined her church on a mission trip to Guatemala, where she helped build cooking stoves and assisted in a medical clinic.

Matthew J. Curfman, CFP

One of the youngest candidates to become a certified financial planner, Matthew Curfman earned his securities licenses before graduating from Eastern Michigan University.

The 29-year-old senior vice president of investment services at Richmond Brothers Financial Management Specialists, Inc. enjoys helping people achieve their retirement dreams while co-managing more than $500 million for some 300 clients in 23 states.

As part of the community he loves, Curfman actively supported the Jackson YMCA’s Partner for Youth Campaign, served on the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Tony Open Golf Tournament committee and joined an ACS Relay for Life team. He sponsors the Lingap Center, a safe haven for 100 abandoned, abused or neglected children in the Philippines. Curfman also serves meals at the First Church of the Nazarene and helps needy families during the holidays.

“I appreciate all the biking and running trails and the city’s first sushi restaurant,” Curfman said. “I had a great time at the Michigan Theatre watching the NCAA Final Four tournament with friends. I’d like to see Jackson continue to add diverse dining choices, promote local gyms, fitness facilities, parks and outdoor activities and publish specials at local restaurants and bars online.”

Michelle Holmes

The homeless animals of Jackson County have a tireless champion in Michelle Holmes. “In 2001, I picked up my first stray dog,” remembered Holmes. “Finding the perfect home for that poor, previously unwanted puppy was the best feeling I’d known. From there, I made it a point to always have at least one foster pet in my care.”

The animals at Jackson County Animal Control quickly became Holmes’ main concern. In addition to her volunteer activities there, she opened her own rescue, Take Paws-Holmes for Pets. Thanks to Holmes’ efforts, more than 100 dogs and cats are now in loving homes.

A commitment to community service is part of what led Holmes to Good Earth Real Estate, LLC, where she was promoted to office manager last year. “They appreciated the volunteer activities on my resume, as this company is very community-service oriented.”

Holmes shared that volunteering in Jackson opened her eyes to the beauty of the community spirit that exists here. “Individuals that are willing to sacrifice their time and energy for the greater good abound in this community,” reflected Holmes.

Robert Wrozek

For Robert Wrozek, an interest in money management weaves its way through his personal and professional life.

Wrozek always liked the idea of business, sales and talking to people face-to-face, so a career in banking seemed like a natural fit. After joining County National Bank in 2004 and completing their management training program, he was soon tapped to become branch manager at the newest office on Horton Road.

“Under his capable leadership that office is quickly growing,” said Spencer Swank, CFO and executive vice president of County National Bank. “He’s one of our up and coming young people.”

When Wrozek’s attention turns to community service, he likes to get involved in fundraisers for nonprofits, such as the Exchange Club and Junior Achievement, which raise funds for local youth programs. He has also participated in Junior Achievement’s reading event, going out to local schools to help children improve their reading skills.

To increase his community involvement, Wrozek joined the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, where he helps with fundraisers and attended their year-long leadership academy. “I want to get out and meet the people of Jackson and show that I care about the community,” said Wrozek.

Sarah Shannon

Ever since she was a college freshman, Sarah Shannon has donated her time and energy to breast cancer awareness events throughout the state of Michigan. “In 2007, I was ecstatic to hear the American Cancer Society was bringing an event and fundraiser to Jackson County,” said Shannon. Shannon shared that the amazing stories of breast cancer survivors encourage her to continue participating in events like these.

Shannon also appreciates the opportunities she has to serve through her employer, Eaton Aerospace Group, as a member of their Community Involvement Team. With this group, she participates in fundraising and community events for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, United Way and more.

At Eaton, Shannon serves as a human resource generalist. Her primary responsibilities at the Jackson East Avenue plant include employee relations for UAW Local 475 and lending human relations (HR) support to other Eaton locations. This past year, she was instrumental in the implementation of a new software program which reduced HR reporting process times by 50 percent. Currently, Shannon is working towards her MBA at Spring Arbor University.

Teresa Boone

Teresa Boone is driven to make people feel good about themselves. And by all accounts, the 28-year-old co-owner of Salon Breathe & Spa, a full service salon on 145 S. Mechanic, has done just that.

Boone, a graduate of the Douglas J. Aveda Institute in East Lansing, has volunteered her services for the Dress for Success program. She has also donated her hair styling services at local events such as American 1 Teen Idol, the Spring Fling Fashion Show and the Jackson High Pre-Prom Fashion Show charity event for the past two years.

“Teresa helped build the fashion show from a small event to a huge production this year,” said Maggie Burke, Boone’s business partner and one of her nominators. “This is just one example of how she works tirelessly to make Jackson a better place.”

In addition to her 50 hour per week job, Boone also finds time to serve as a Midtown Association Board member, be an active member of the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church and travel with church groups on mission trips.

Tina Wright

Tina Wright likes to look on the bright side, which shows in the way she approaches her job and her community involvement.

As an employment advisor at South Central Michigan Works, Wright sees the devastating effects of the economy on the Jackson community as she helps people search for jobs. She pours her energy into helping job seekers complete resumes and linking them to new job opportunities.

“It gives me a sense of pride to assist our job seekers and empower them in the job search process,” said Wright, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Central Michigan University in 2006.

Wright’s optimism also extends to the greater Jackson community. After graduating from college, she became active in Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth (JCEG), serving on the marketing committee and as a young adult representative on the board of directors.

Last year, Wright’s involvement with JCEG led to the creation of QUESTIONS, a young professionals group which she co-founded with Cassandra Kramer and Dr. Robert Rando. The group is dedicated to retaining young adults in Jackson and helping them have a positive voice in community decisions that will affect them for years to come.

Tyler Colton

Tyler Colton is dedicated to lending a hand – and sometimes even his eyes – to the community around him. As president and CEO of the Jackson-based Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund, Colton helps produce Braille materials for the educational needs of the blind and visually impaired.

“This job is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done,” said Colton, 25, of Jackson. “The materials we provide, from high school and college textbooks to legal contracts, have opened a new world for those who could not read without them.”

As a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Colton also extends a helping hand to his “little brother” Joey Hackworth. “I’ve been a mentor for over a year and I enjoy every moment of it, from playing Nintendo games to attending a Pistons game,” Colton said, adding that he plans to introduce Joe to golf this summer.

In addition to work and play, Colton also found time to join the Vandercook Lake Lions Club. “The Lions have traditionally helped the visually impaired; in fact, they started our organization in 1962,” said Colton. “Becoming a member is my way of giving back.”

Zarina Gail Riker

“She has continually risen, and exceeded every challenge presented,” said nominator Marcy Miller of Zarina Riker. “She works as our weekend triage nurse, triaging a patient census of over 1,500, and does a phenomenal job,” continued Miller, who is vice president of clinical operations at Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice.

After graduating from nursing school, Riker accepted a full time position with Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice as a home health care LPN. Ask Riker what she loves most about her job, and the answer comes quickly: “definitely the patients.”

When she’s not caring for patients or attending classes, Riker enjoys giving back to the community. She participates each year in the Relay for Life, and helped raise funds to support the initiation of the Relay. Another annual race, the Hanover-Horton 4th of July Firecracker Run/Walk, also consistently benefits from her involvement. “In my recent work, I have come in contact with many people who demonstrate honesty, respect and generosity,” said Riker.

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Quickly find the profile of our 30 under 30 with this list:

Brigette Dagenais, DVM
C.J. Perrine
Cassandra Wilkins
David Lawrence
Jackie Gregory
Jennifer Smith
Jessica Falahee
Jessica Beckman
Jill Raymond
Joe W. Smith Jr.
Kim Gamez
Kit Wingle
Lindsey Psychas
Matthew J. Curfman, CFP
Michelle Holmes
Robert Wrozek
Sarah Shannon
Teresa Boone
Tina Wright
Tyler Colton
Zarina Gail Riker