30 And Under

Joylyn Faust

Whether helping communities flourish, supporting Jackson’s creative arts projects or excelling in her career, Joylyn Faust wears a smile as bright as a 100-watt bulb. “Everyone likes Joy, which makes her very effective,” said John Drake, retired CMS Energy executive. “She has an incredible can-do attitude.”

While working full time at Consumers Energy, Faust, 29, earned a master’s degree at Spring Arbor University. A transactions and regulatory strategy consultant, she helps ensure customers receive reliable energy service.

Faust supports the Filipino community in Jackson and the Philippines, serving as secretary for the Jackson Filipino-American Association and helping coordinate events for some 100 Filipino families in the Jackson area. She has volunteered with the Lingap Children’s Foundation, helping raise funds to build and support an orphanage in the Philippines. She also joined her family to raise money to rebuild a church parsonage, provide school supplies and household goods to Abuyog Leyte, the Philippine city where her mother grew up.

Dance, art and music are important in Faust’s life. Before joining Consumers Energy, she established dance and creative movement children’s programs at the YMCA and ran the program with her sister, Bethany Stover-Weems. A founding partner in her family’s Eco-Sonic Productions, which produces family-friendly music festivals, Faust is looking forward to bringing this art form to Jackson.

"The Armory Arts project, Blues Festival, Cascades Falls Family Nights, and Downtown Cruise Nights are great expressions of music, culture and family-oriented activities," she said. "It would be incredible to see Jackson host an art show for talented artists to showcase their work."

Bethany Stover-Weems

Bethany Stover-Weems, 26, participates in community events and enjoys Jackson’s rich blend of outdoor activities, including Falling Waters Trail, Cascade Falls Park and Ella Sharp Park. “Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth, Jacktown Connect and Questions also provide political forums and community-building activities that allow young professionals to make positive contributions,” she said. “Collaborating with our colleges to involve knowledgeable, creative people in local activities can attract more young professionals.”

An environmental advocate and laboratory technician for Consumers Energy, Stover-Weems gathers and analyzes oil samples to protect the environment and enhance the health and safety of communities.

With husband Brendan Weems, brother Peter Stover and sister Joylyn Faust, Stover-Weems formed Eco-Sonic Productions. The company produces family-oriented festivals that incorporate electronic digital music, performing arts and environmental consciousness.

A member of Rives Baptist Church, Stover-Weems sings in the choir, helps with the youth group and has chaired the church’s Halloween Trunk or Treat. With Faust, she ran a dance and creative movement program for children at the YMCA. The sisters also participate in running events that support scholarship programs and nonprofit groups. “Bethany always offers to help others,” said her supervisor, Emil Blaj.

The daughter of a Filipino mother, Stover-Weems champions the Lingap Children's Foundation, which operates an orphanage in the Philippines. She studied in the Philippines while learning about Filipino culture before earning her master's degree from Spring Arbor University.

"If we continue to model an environmentally conscious, artistic community, people will notice and find Jackson a wonderful place to live," she said.

Jessika Baier

A love of music brightened Jessika Baier’s life just as she brightened the lives of people in the Jackson community and beyond.

Many people knew Baier through her cheerful presence as morning show co-host and mid-day on-air talent on Jackson Radio Works’ K-105.3 station. “Jessika was always about having fun, no matter what she did,” said Jamie McKibbin, station manager. “I think that translated into her personality on the air.”

“She had a huge fan base here at the station,” added Shannon Parham, promotions and Internet sales specialist. “A lot of younger kids looked up to her.”

Baier often expressed her love of music through singing. She sang in the choir at Michigan Center High School, at the ceremony for fallen officers and at her grandmother’s Mountie High Malt Shop.

Her singing voice helped her win a number of competitions, including the Miss Jackson County Outstanding Teen Pageant and Jackson’s “Teen Idol.” Baier even participated in two seasons of American Idol and sang the national anthem at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

"She truly loved music and was a wonderful singer," said McKibbin. "She had a future as an artist and performer."

Jessika's family will be hosting two events in her memory: the Memorial Benefit Showcase in Jessika's Memory, 1:00 - 9:00 p.m., July 17, Cascades Park Bandshell, and the First Annual Jessika Leigh Baier Memorial Gala, Dec. 8, Commonwealth Center. Anyone interested in singing at the Showcase is invited to contact her uncle, AJ Moreno, at www.mpentertainment1.com.

"I'm really proud of everything that Jess did, but I'm most proud of the things she didn't get involved in," said Michelle Baier, Jessika's mother. "She was a good girl."

Jessica Barrow

Jessica Barrow’s roots have sunk deep into Jackson. “I like the personal connections of a small community where people know you on a first-name basis. Between the parks, golfing, the lakes and indoor activities, this is a great place to settle down,” she said.

And so she has, with a heart toward giving back to the very community that helped her blossom. Besides working as an accountant with Bond & Co., PLC, the 27-year-old Jackson resident regularly volunteers for the Relay for Life, Junior Achievement, and Great Lakes Hospice 24-hour race. Among her other contributions to the community is taking needy children shopping for Christmas presents through the Optimist Club.

She and her husband, Bill, also often serve as ushers at the Jackson Free Methodist Church, and she has participated with Big Brothers Big Sisters for several years. “My little sister and I attended Detroit Piston’s games, went shopping, and did arts and crafts projects. It was a rewarding way of giving back to the community,” she said.

Barrow credits area schools with paving a solid foundation for her career. After graduating from Vandercook Lake High School in 2001, she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Spring Arbor University in 2005.

Currently, she is studying for a master's in business administration degree at Walsh College in Troy. "Many college graduates are moving to cities that offer service jobs. If Jackson could continue to market to this demographic, we'd be in a better position to not only attract but retain young adults," she said.

Jesyka Beers

Jesyka Beers puts aside personal wants, needs and feelings to focus on the happiness and well-being of others. “Despite working three jobs, having rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, Jesyka keeps giving to others and volunteering to make the community better,” said Salon 820 co-worker Jessica Falahee.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 18, Beers, now 25, donates part of the proceeds from doing pedicures at Salon 820 to the American Diabetes Association to find a cure. The licensed cosmetologist also donates her services to help build the self esteem of women who complete the Center for Family Health’s Born Free program (a substance abuse treatment program) by styling their hair, applying makeup, and giving them nail treatments for free.

“It’s rewarding to help these women who have come so far,” Beers said.

When not at Salon 820, Beers can be found at Westwood Mall’s Bridal Beginnings, where she’s a bridal consultant, or the Academy of the Arts in Spring Arbor, where she directs the Irish Step Dance program.

Owner of a puggle (a pug-beagle crossbreed) named Tonks (after a character in the Harry Potter book series), Beers volunteers weekly to walk or groom dogs at the Cascades Humane Society.

"It's nice living in an area that I'm familiar with," said the Grass Lake High School graduate. "I enjoy taking out-of-town visitors to local restaurants, such as Schlenkers Sandwich Shop, the Parlour and Rozy Cafe, that have a history here. More locally-owned specialty shops would be a great addition to downtown."

James Bonneau

James Bonneau knew early on what he wanted to do with his life. He had dreamt of becoming a police officer since he was a kid, said his father, Marc Bonneau, who works as a civilian for the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division.

In college, he pursued his dream by completing a degree in criminal justice at Eastern Michigan University before joining the Jackson police department in 2007. He continued his education at Lansing Community College’s Mid-Michigan Police Academy, graduating at the top of his class academically.

It didn’t take Bonneau’s colleagues on the Jackson police force long to realize that he had the talent and temperament to be successful. “He was always professional, polite, in good spirits and eager to learn,” said Jackson Police Chief Matt Heins. “He was able to communicate with anyone, whether he was dealing with business owners or people on neighborhood streets.”

Eric Roth, a Jackson patrol officer who worked closely with Bonneau for two years, especially appreciated Bonneau’s ability to separate his personal life and really focus on the job. Once, that focus led from a simple traffic stop to discovering a gun and drugs at the car owner’s home.

“He really went the extra mile on that one,” said Roth.

In his short time on the force, Bonneau earned two commendations and a great deal of respect. "Jim showed the ultimate in community involvement," said KayCe Parsons, administrative secretary to Chief Heins. "He gave his life so that those in the city and in the community as a whole could live their lives in a safer environment."

Jason Cielen

Jason Cielen doesn’t see himself as just a public accountant; he’d like to think of himself as more of a dream enabler.

“Not being (someone’s) accountant that they pay money to do things, but being their friend who they can get honest answers from is what I want to be,” said the 30-year old, who graduated from Hanover Horton High School. “There are a lot of really good, honest people around Jackson who I enjoy helping.”

Cielen currently is on staff at Gross, Puckey, Gruel & Roof, P.C. and he hopes to become a certified public accountant by this summer. He said the accounting field is a good fit for him because when the economy is struggling he finds ways to alleviate fears and set budgets, and when the market is strong he helps people realize their biggest dreams.

Cielen also takes time out of his busy schedule, which includes raising a three-year old daughter with his wife, to give back to the less fortunate. He has been active with St. Stan’s and St. Mary’s churches, helping with food drives and fundraisers, and he has also done some work with the Knights of Columbus. In addition, Cielen has served as the treasurer for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson County, a nonprofit organization that coordinates, plans and advocates for arts and cultural experiences.

"What drives me is that I just want to see Jackson and all of Lower Michigan become better," he said.

Katie Clevenger

For Katie Clevenger, who grew up in the small village of Camden, Mich., Jackson is a big city full of potential and she is enthusiastically making her mark here.

She started her college days with an eye toward a career in athletic training, but fell in love with business. After graduation, she landed a job at Alro Steel as administrative assistant to the CEO and the director of sales and marketing. That meant moving away from her comfort zone, but the new job came with enough variety and familiarity to ease the transition.

“I see the values I grew up with in use at Alro,” said Clevenger, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College in 2006. “I really appreciate those types of values in a business environment.”

Since moving to Jackson, Clevenger has immersed herself in her new community. She joined The Exchange Club, where she serves on the board as well as the child abuse prevention committee.

Child abuse is a subject close to her heart after seeing a relative’s experiences fostering abused children. In April, Clevenger helped The Exchange Club and others plant blue pinwheels in a Jackson park, with each pinwheel representing a local family receiving child abuse prevention services.

Clevenger is also a member of QUESTIONS Young Professionals. She believe Jackson needs to support groups like QUESTIONS to help young adults cultivate meaningful connections and take a stake in Jackson.

"Pride in your community is contagious," said Clevenger. "I was proud to show off the community where I grew up and now I'm proud to show off Jackson."

David Furnas

David Furnas, 28, has seen a lot of the world, from the arid mountains of northern China to the sparkling streams in the Northwest. No matter where he travels, he always tells people about his home town.

“When overpaying for a few rounds of golf in Florida, I told everyone about the courses within a few miles of my parents’ home at $20 a round,” said Furnas, who enlisted in the US Air Force after graduating from Jackson High School in 2001.

After earning several medals of commendation from the Air Force and serving admirably for five years, Furnas was faced with the choice of re-enlisting or settling down when his tour of duty ended. “I spent a few wonderful summer weeks on Clark Lake thinking it over and I realized there’s no place like home. This is where I want to raise a family.” He and his wife, Erica, have an 18-month-old daughter and another child due this summer.

Jackson is all the better for Furnas’ choice. Colleagues say he has successfully parlayed his military accomplishments, including participating in one of the largest airborne operations since Normandy, into noteworthy accomplishments on the home front. In his four years at the Walton Agency, he has advanced from personal sales to commercial insurance accounts.

Besides spending time with his family, Furnas also coaches youth sports, participates in Junior Achievement and helps oversee the Sgt. Matthew Soper Scholarship Foundation. "David is an all-around wonderful young man and an asset to Jackson," said Robert Wrozek, County National Bank Horton Road branch officer.

Amanda Gaston

Amanda Gaston loves Jackson so much she was willing to trade the possibility of a cushy desk job for a life full of fur balls and wet dogs.

The 24-year old Lumen Christi High School graduate earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Grand Valley State in 2007. But instead of searching the country for a job in the banking industry, she decided to follow a newspaper ad to her spot as the admissions coordinator for the Cascades Humane Society.

Now, she is helping animals find safe homes and making plenty of friends in the process.

“Amanda’s love of animals is evident in the work she does,” said Tina Heap of Bond & Company. “Recently, a pregnant cat was left at the Humane Society and Amanda could find no foster family, so she brought it home and it gave birth in her home.”

Gaston said she has always adored animals, and even considered being a vet when she was younger, but she never knew how much she would be interacting with them. She handles the admission process and foster program for CHS, making sure animals are healthy and that good candidates are found to take them home.

It is all part of a job that allows her to stay in a place she never wants to leave. She's excited to see Jackson reach its potential as local people continue giving back to the community.

For her part, Gaston recently started volunteering at the Ella Sharp Museum, where her mom is on the board. She said she wants to continue getting involved in the community she loves.

Barry Hicks

As the elevator ascends to Barry Hicks’ office in Jackson City Hall, his mind is already spinning with ideas on how to improve economic conditions in his hometown. His job and his passion for redeveloping older cities are one, making him ideally suited to his position as economic development project manager.

A large part of Hicks’ job involves retaining local businesses and recruiting new companies to the city. He especially likes connecting business owners with existing programs that will help their company thrive, or developing new programs when the need arises.

“He has worked diligently in recruiting companies as well as providing incentives for their decision to bring their businesses to the City of Jackson,” said a co-worker. “His ability to promote Jackson is unmatched.”

Hicks is also responsible for overseeing the redevelopment of the city’s brownfield properties – sites that once held active industrial or commercial facilities.

“Every site that comes through is different and challenging,” said Hicks, 28, who earned a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University in 2004. “I like coming up with creative solutions.”

To foster his belief that Jackson needs to make itself a "place" where young adults want to be, Hicks co-founded the Jacktown Connect young professionals group last year. "It gets people out and talking," he said. "Then they realize there are other young people out there doing fun things and making friends and business connections."

Hicks also serves onthe board of directors of the Jackson County Arts and Cultural Alliance, where his planning and musical abilities both come into play.

Afaf Humayun

Afaf Humayun, 24, may well be one of Jackson’s biggest supporters. “Family-owned businesses, a thriving arts community and a wonderful small town feel you don’t get in big cities. These are some of the assets I’m dedicated to promoting and some of the characteristics that make Jackson shine,” said Humayun, a 2004 graduate of Jackson High School.

“Businesses like Hinkley Bakery and Furnival’s Flowers & Gifts provide that personal touch you don’t get in franchises,” said Humayun, who resides in the Armory Arts Apartments with her husband, Kyle Johnson.

To support Jackson’s assets, Humayun and her husband are in the process of developing a young adult think tank. “Jackson has many talented and skilled young adults who have a lot to offer, whether as liaisons on the City Council or as young entrepreneurs. The more young voices are heard, the more their peers will be inspired to get involved and remain in Jackson,” she said.

The couple is also in the process of starting their own business, which they hope will attract entrepreneurs.

Humayun fits many other activities into her busy schedule. She has been involved with the American Learning Institute for Muslims, is working on a screen play entitled “Wake up America,” and writing a book of poetry. She also regularly volunteers for charitable organizations.

In addition, Humayun, who attended Jackson Community College and Eastern Michigan University, works full-time as a receptionist at Greenwood Pediatric Clinic. "Her computer savvy skills have helped us immensely," said a clinic co-worker.

Elizabeth Knoblauch

A bright, spirited and determined dynamo, Elizabeth Knoblauch is an inspiration to her co-workers at LifeWays, where she’s a quality management specialist. The 29-year-old works to improve processes that will positively impact the way mental health services are available and provided in the community and monitors the outcomes of consumers receiving services.

“Spend two minutes with Elizabeth and you will be taken in by her winning personality, sense of humor and respect for others,” said LifeWays CEO Joanne Sheldon. “She’s a self-motivated team player who is driven to excellence.”

Knoblauch was honored with the company’s LifeStar Award for going the extra mile and being a role model for co-workers. A member of Toastmasters, she is a talented facilitator and strategic planner, who volunteers her skills for nonprofit groups, such as the Jackson Suicide Prevention Coalition.

She attends Trinity Wesleyan Church, where she serves on the Worship Ministry Administrative Team, Planning Team and Praise Team. She volunteers for the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, monthly fund-raising activities at LifeWays to benefit local charities, and events that impact LifeWays’ consumers.

Larry Lloyd

Not many people can say their job title fits their life ambitions to a tee. Count 30-year-old Larry Lloyd among the select few.

Lloyd is the community empowerment director for the South Central Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, and his words and ways speak to a life of service and commitment to enabling others.

The Albion College graduate spent more than four years as a U.S. Army Sergeant, leading the heavy weapons section of an air assault infantry company, and he currently serves as a reserve.

In Jackson, he is also focused on changing and saving lives. He identifies sponsors and sites for blood drives, manages Red Cross volunteers, and trains local businesses on life-saving skills and techniques.

“My work with the Red Cross has continually shown that if Jackson has a challenge put before it, the community will overwhelm you with its response,” Lloyd said.

In his free time, Lloyd is on the board of the Gerald Ford Institute at Albion College, a group which ensures that future generations strive to give back to the community, and he is active on the Catholic Charities Senior Issues Advisory Council.

He also dabbles in politics as a member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee and he enjoys being chairperson of the Michigan Theatre's Fund Development Committee.

Lloyd said he loves Jackson because of the arts community, its parks and its blue-collar attitude, but more people need to develop an entrepreneurial spirit. "We need a community that cries out for people of ambition and sets a framework, through nonprofits and government action, which encourages ambition."

Jaime Merritt

Through the unique powers of music, Jaime Merritt brings out the best in many people in both her personal and professional lives.

As owner and lead therapist of Harmony Garden Music Therapy Services, Merritt helps children and adults with special needs develop their full potential. She uses fun, interactive activities with musical instruments and songs to improve her clients’ skills in socialization and communication as well as gross and fine motor skills.

Merritt loves seeing her clients make progress, whether it’s something small, like playing with two hands for 30 seconds, or something big, like a 3-year-old client who stood for the first time. She’s even had clients who don’t speak a single sentence, but can sing an entire song.

“It’s so exciting to see them reach those milestones,” said Merritt, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music therapy at Michigan State University in 2006. “It brings hope to the families.”

In memory of a little boy with cerebral palsy who she worked with at the Michigan State University Community Music School, Merritt started the Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp. Since 2003, she has dedicated countless hours to organizing the annual 3-day camp for children, including coordinating 85-100 adult volunteers and providing music experiences in everything from movement to song writing to boomwhackers.

She also offers free music therapy demonstrations to a variety of special needs groups.

"I am always striving to have a more active role in this community," said Merritt. "I want to be able to to give back to Jackson with music, while also educating and further developing the field of music therapy."

Brian Montague

Not many 28-year-olds work as directors of local engineering departments. Fewer still have helped their employers win multi-million dollar contracts. Such are the accomplishments of Brian Montague.

In 2000, Montague joined SeaLandAire Technologies, Inc., a local company that produces advanced technology surveillance and alternative energy prototypes, as an intern after graduating from Western High School. The company allowed him to continue his internship throughout his undergraduate studies at Cedarville University in Ohio.

When Montague completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2004, he stepped into a tailor-made full-time job at SeaLandAire and immediately put his skills to use. “Several of us volunteered time writing proposals for funding and ended up winning the largest contract SeaLandAire has ever been awarded,” said Montague, adding that most of their contracts are research and development efforts for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Montague was promoted to director shortly after being hired, and currently oversees a staff of eight. “It’s a big responsibility, especially for someone so young. But our team has a wealth of experience and helped me grow into the position,” he said.

Montague and his wife, April, are active in their church - Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church - where they serve in the junior high program as small group leaders on Sunday nights. They also participate in fall and winter weekend retreats and mission trips with students. "The church and ministry have allowed us to become connected to our community and grow spiritually," he said.

Heather Castle, the church's young teen director, said the couple is an asset to the community. "The Montagues are phenomenal people with amazing servants' hearts," she said.

Joshua Moskal

Joshua Moskal helps people get their bodies to function to their fullest potential, but he’s also a key functional member of the body of Jackson.

The 27-year-old Lumen Christi graduate is the owner and lead chiropractor at Associated Chiropractic Services, a place where he says he can connect with the people that make the area so special to him.

“It has been a wonderful journey being able to treat patients in the community and watch families grow in health due to the benefits of chiropractic,” he said.

Moskal moved back to Jackson from Florida in 2008, after getting the offer to take over the business, and quickly planted firm roots in his hometown. When he’s not assessing the aches and pains of patients, he’s finding ways to improve the quality of life around the area.

As treasurer for QUESTIONS Young Professionals of Jackson, he helps bring together some of the county’s brightest young minds for discussion, networking and planning. Recently, Moskal helped lead a QUESTIONS seminar called “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” for 94 middle school and high school students.

He is also on the board of the JacksonHigh Speed Rail Committee, working to further modernize Jackson's transportation system.

Moskal said downtown Jackson should ideally be a hub that young professionals want to be a part of, and in between working, fishing and boating he will do his best to help that transformation take place.

"Jackson isn't just a place to lay your head and work 9-5, Jackson is a place to raise a family," he said.

Adia S. Oliver

As Eaton Aerospace’s top cheerleader, Adia S. Oliver provides high-level administrative support for the plant manager and management team and is the community involvement committee leader at the company’s East Avenue facility.

She selects and prepares grant proposals for the corporation’s charitable fund, maintains the facility’s charitable contributions budget, oversees fundraising activities and encourages employees to be involved in community events that benefit nonprofit groups. She also plans diversity events and activities to create an environment of inclusion, involvement and engagement for the facility’s 600 employees.

“I am proud of Eaton’s community involvement,” Oliver said. “When we hold a fundraising event, everyone from senior leadership to the manufacturing floor participates.”

Because of her enthusiasm, scores of Eaton employees join her at benefit walks, including Walk to Cure Diabetes, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Making Strides against Breast Cancer. Oliver also has participated in a Habitat for Humanity home build, Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake and serves on the Junior Achievement board of directors. She’s a first grade JA teacher consultant at Frost Elementary School and has participated in the JA Grand Prix.

"She leads by example and motivates others to volunteer," said Sarah Shannon, Eaton human resources generalist.

A Jackson High School graduate, Oliver, 28, lived in Virginia for a year. "It made me realize what it was about Jackson that I loved so much," she said. "Strangers greet one another in passing and hold conversations in the grocery store line. Jackson is full of history, pride and generations of loving families."

Jennie Pollak

A giving spirit is second nature to Jennie Pollak and it shows in her career choice, her dedication to community service and her devotion to her 8-month-old triplets.

“I love finding new programs that will help people and seeing what works in other communities,” said Pollak, community resource supervisor for Central Michigan 2-1-1.

Pollak goes far beyond her primary job of maintaining Central Michigan 2-1-1’s database of health and human services for seven counties. She also facilitates national and statewide database trainings, mentors call centers all over the country, and serves on committees for industry groups.

For the second year in a row, Pollak has been invited to lead a session at the Alliance of Information and Referral System’s national conference. “This is a huge honor for Michigan, our community and Jennie herself!” said a co-worker.

Pollak, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Spring Arbor University in 2006, is equally focused on people in need in her off-hours. She’s the food pantry director at First Church of the Nazarene, where she especially enjoys getting to know the people who come in for a free lunch twice a month.

She's also co-captain of LifeWays' annual campaign for March of Dimes, an organization dedicated to improving the health of babies. That volunteer effort took on special meaning last year when she gave birth to premature triplets, who have benefited from March of Dimes' research.

For Pollak, community service is a two-way street that has given her a deeper appreciation for the Jackson community. "You see the need and the generosity," she said. "There's a personal reward in serving others."

Dana Snider

Jackson residents are a little safer, thanks to the talents and dedication of Dana Snider, technical operations supervisor of Allegiance Health’s pharmacy department. Snider recently worked with a team of international experts from Italy on the installation of a state-of-the-art safety system in the hospital pharmacy.

The system, in which an IV robot mixes medications using bar coding and other electronic input, ensures quality control in dispensing prescriptions. “Thanks to this technology, hospital patients can be sure they get the right medication and dose,” said Snider, 28, adding that the system is the first of its kind in North America.

But her contributions to safety go beyond the hospital pharmacy. She is a volunteer with the District 1 Medical Response Coalition, comprised of Jackson’s health, police and fire departments as well as health care and EMT personnel. The coalition helps Jackson respond to emergencies involving weather, threats and epidemics. In fact, during the H1N1 influenza outbreak last fall, Snider worked on the logistics to transfer medication from the nation’s stockpile to our community.

In addition, she has worked with a non-profit group called Prevent Child Abuse America to provide children with safe and entertaining activities, such as safe Halloween parties.

"One of the things I enjoy about my work is the fact that safety positively impacts everyone," said Snider, who holds a bachelor's degree in human biology from Michigan State University and a master's degree in business administration from Spring Arbor University. "It's a very rewarding way to give back to all segments of the community."

Ryan Schelldorf

Three years ago, entrepreneur Ryan Schelldorf took a leap of faith and quit his job to found Simplicity Health and Home and its first program, MedSupport. The program helps people with chronic mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and dementia-related disorders, manage symptoms with intensive medication management. MedSupport ensures clients take the proper doses at the right times.

The 26-year-old is glad to live in Jackson. “Jackson may be a city in terms of population, but it has a small-town feel,” Schelldorf said. “I appreciate being part of a community that cares about others and that allows young adults with new and innovative ideas to guide Jackson toward future prosperity.”

His company has a contract with Recovery Technology and serves 25 clients in Jackson County. Advanced Care Pharmacy packages medication prescribed by the client’s primary psychiatrist or medical doctor into daily doses. Schelldorf then delivers and administers the medication countywide to up to 30 clients a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Laura Putney, a Recovery Technology addictions counselor, noted: "Ryan has a heart for people. He provides an invaluable service to many in our community and has built relationships that go beyond delivering medication."

Schelldorf has helped clients get groceries, get to medical appointments, has delivered water in winter to a client whose pipes froze and paid for meals and delivered them to clients on holidays.

"He's one of the most patient, compassionate and selfless young men that I've known," said Greg Gallagher, Recovery Technology CEO. "He's incredibly dedicated to his work."

Abigail Trufant

Jackson is a more beautiful place, thanks to Abigail Trufant, 25, a hair designer and make-up artist at Divinity Design Studio. Not only do customers emerge from Trufant’s chair looking more beautiful than when they entered the local salon, but dozens of Jackson County Rosequeen contestants have blossomed, thanks to her volunteer work at the annual beauty pageant.

“It’s become a mission of mine to assist young women in their quest for higher learning and the crown,” said Trufant of the local pageant, a division of the Miss America program. She and her husband, Travis, reside in Jackson.

For the past five years, Trufant has helped prepare contestants through interview training and talent work as well as hair and makeup techniques. She has also worked with the pageant’s public relations and advertising committee to coordinate special events, educational seminars and service work for the current queen.

"The pageant provided me with invaluable experience, networking capabilities and it helped pay for my education," said Trufant, Miss Jackson County Rosequeen 2005. "This is my way of giving back." Trufant has a bachelor's degree in advertising from Michigan State University, where she graduated with summa cum laude honors.

She also is a rising star at Divinity. Trufant excelled inthe salon's advanced training seminar and currently serves as an educator, said Tina Cook, Divinity owner. Her other volunteer work includes the American Heart Association, the Women's Heart Health Fair, Children with Hair Loss, and the Girls and Boys Club of Lenawee County, to name a few activities.

Melissa Woodhurst

Melissa Woodhurst spends 40 hours a week helping the family business stay on the cutting edge of teeth restoration, but in her free time she is committed to helping restore her hometown.

The 27-year-old is the laboratory manager and technician for Somerset Dental Lab. Her mother, Deb Figiel, started the business in 1996, and hired Melissa as part of a high school work program.

“My technology and computer skills and some new ideas have helped me help the business, whether in advertising and P.R. or in looking at how managing the business’ funding can be done more effectively,” said Woodhurst, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baker College.

Woodhurst said the industry is full of challenges with the economic downturn, but working at an office that offers important free services motivates her to do her best every day.

The same can be said for her personal life.

She is a member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Women’s Democratic Caucus, Jackson Jaycees and the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation.

Woodhurst said getting involved with other proactive, successful women has been phenomenal, but it’s her interaction with a girl half her age that she enjoys the most.

After Woodhurst joined Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2009, she learned that her match was interested in police work, so she set up a personal tour with Detective Sergio Garcia. "If I can help at least one girl and let her know she's beautiful and smart and she can accomplish anything, that's the core of what makes me want to go motivate young females," she said.

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Quick Jump

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

Joylyn Faust
Bethany Stover-Weems
Jessika Baier
Jessica Barrow
Jesyka Beers
James Bonneau
Jason Cielen
Katie Clevenger
David Furnas
Amanda Gaston
Barry Hicks
Afaf Humayun
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