HFC welcomes Angie Church, award-winning educator, to the Recruiting team

New HFC Admissions Recruiter Angie Church believes in education for all.

“HFC aligns with what I believe and who I am: I have always believed in education for all,” said Church. “This College is a place that provides opportunities for all people; if anyone is interested in pursuing any form of education, HFC has something for you.”

Working with students adds to her sense of hope

The eldest of two, Church was born in Lansing. She resides in Southfield with Justin, her husband of 24 years. The couple has 17-year-old twins.

An alumna of Haslett High School, Church enrolled at Lansing Community College. Transferring to Central Michigan University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a focus in social studies and her 7-12 (grades) teaching certification. She later earned her master’s degree in educational technology from Michigan State University.

“I always had a passion for education,” she said. “Both of my parents were educators, so I grew up with the belief that education matters. School matters. Opportunities matter. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t know what I wanted to teach. I eventually realized I liked working with older K-12 students, and enjoyed teaching at the junior high and high school levels. Working with students is special because you never know what they will say or do. They bring a real energy to the classroom. I always have a sense of hope and possibility while working with them.”

Coaching teachers to become better teachers

For most of her 24 years in secondary education, Church worked at Berkley High School before retiring in June 2024. She taught social studies courses including history, geography, civics, government, and economics,

In 2013, she earned the Oakland County Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year Award, a recognition given to a high school teacher for excellence in student engagement, meeting individual student needs, subject matter knowledge, classroom management, parent/colleague relations, and community leadership.

During her last few years as a teacher, she became an instructional coach. “Instructional coaching was a different kind of teaching, working with teachers. I really enjoyed it,” explained Church. “I became a national trainer during the summer months. I realized I could have a broader impact working with teachers. How can we support teachers better? It can be very isolating to be a teacher if you feel that you don’t have support. When the coaching role opened at Berkley, I was eager to take it on and provide individualized support.”

After retiring from teaching, Church worked for WestEd, a California-based service agency, as a national facilitator for a year.

“I worked with teachers so they could be better advocates for their students,” she said. “I helped them think about their own instruction and how they might have more inclusive classrooms. I also offered support for them to help their students to become better readers, writers, and thinkers.”

“Angie brings an undeniable passion to education”

Church talked to a colleague about what her career moves in this phase of her career might be.

“I wanted to work with students, but in a role where I could bring opportunities beyond the classroom. As someone who believes in education for all, I was looking for a place that shared this belief. HFC met that standard. I’m thrilled be here, and grateful to have the chance to support students in whatever ways they need,” she explained.

Church began at HFC in late July and reports to HFC Director of Admissions and Recruiting Niko Kanagawa, who also is new to the College. Church's duties include:

• Communicating with partner high schools in the Wayne County area
• Building relationships with school personnel and with students at partner schools
• Promoting HFC’s mission as a benefit to students and schools
• Supporting students and families through the admissions process
• Supporting recruiting events and activities
• Connecting people to resources on the HFC campus and with campus partners

“So much is offered here. It’s about helping people make connections and find the resources they need,” said Church. “I really want to keep working with students. I want to learn the processes and continue to find better ways to support students.”

"Angie brings an undeniable passion to education and providing access to students everywhere,” said Kanagawa. “I'm excited to see how her unique insights as an experienced teacher will translate to her recruiting outreach and will strengthen bonds with our assorted partners on campus and off. We could not have dreamed up a better fit for our team!"