Samer Atris is an Arab-American academic advisor at Henry Ford College. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology and master's degree in counseling. Samer worked as an intern in the counseling office during fall/2015 and winter/2015 semesters. He started working as an Academic Adviser in May/2016. Samer is a huge sports fan and loves his Detroit professional teams and Michigan Wolverines. Samer has sky dived, bungee jumped in South Padre, white water rafted in West Virginia, and zip lined through the Mayan Temple in Mexico.

Sherry has an earned B.Sc. and Secondary Teaching Certification from Eastern Michigan University, a M.Ed. from Wayne State University, and Graduate Holistic Health Specialist Certification from Western Michigan University. This certification required a practicum which was completed at The Center for Mind Body Medicine in Washington, DC. Sherry has worked for U of D-Mercy as an Education and Training Counselor for UAW-Chrysler, Wayne State University as an undergraduate and graduate Academic Adviser II in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Sherry also taught UGE 100 at WSU, a course designed to empower students to achieve academic success and to develop lifelong learning skills for the informational age. Ms. Clippert has also worked for the University of Michigan as a Research Associate and Health Educator, School of Public Health, Detroit Middle School Asthma Project. Sherry has worked at HFC as an Academic Adviser since 2012.

Michelle Holinski is the Secretary of Academic Advising. She provides secretarial support to the Advising & Student Success Manager and also the advisors/navigators. She has worked in various departments within HFC. She brings along commitment, knowledge, service to the students, and organizational skills. She also manages several work study students. She is dedicated to her job and makes sure the office runs smoothly.

Stacy Jackson is an accomplished professional with a breadth of experience in media arts, graphic design, communication, online learning, IT & education and training. She has taught Animation and Graphic Communication courses at community colleges, and uses a unique blend of compassion and creativity while working with students. Stacy holds a Bachelor’s of arts in Radio, TV and Film and a Master of Education in Instructional Technology focusing on interactive technologies from Wayne State University.

Having earned an Associate in Science degree here at Henry Ford College, Beth is especially excited to return to her alma mater to help empower students to reach their academic and career goals. She enjoys collaborating with students to explore options and opportunities in order to help them reach new possibilities. After completing her associate degree here at HFC, Beth transferred to the University of Michigan - Dearborn where she completed both a Bachelor of Arts in Health Policy Studies (with a Human Resource Management specialty) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Beth went on to earn her Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and she is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Beth’s previous work experiences include Davenport University where she taught Introduction to Sociology and Resource Development, a college success course designed for new students. Beth’s employment experience also includes work as a Corporate Academic Advisor/Career and Education Consultant for DTE Energy, Michigan Consolidated Gas Company (MichCon), and Ameritech. In her spare time, Beth enjoys travel, art, music, animals, and sampling different cuisines.

Lorraine Paffenroth has been with HFC for 18 years, most of that time as the Student Success Navigator for Nursing. Lorraine holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Services as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. She is dedicated to students and understands the importance of forming student/adviser relationships. Lorraine believes that those relationships build trust and commitment and assist in providing the right care and service to promote student success. Currently she serves as the Manager of Academic Advising and Student Success. She is also a trained Stephen Minister providing one on one compassionate care to people in crisis.

Karen obtained a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Master’s in Management, and equivalency of a Minor in Psychology. She has worked in higher education for several years in different roles. Karen is dedicated and enjoys assisting students as they develop holistically. She wants to make a positive difference in students’ lives by guiding students to follow a career path that is right for them. I am a mother of two daughters and one grandchild.

Tia Silva is the Student Success Navigator for STEM with an emphasis on Pre-Engineering and Engineering Technologies. For more than 12 years, she has been coaching and empowering students in multiple areas along the college continuum on how to reach their undergraduate academic dreams. Tia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College in Spanish and Hispanic Studies and her Master of Arts degree from Madonna University in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Her goal is to contribute towards the creation of stronger bridges between academic and social supports for students that carry them through to graduation.