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Education:
Doctorate of Chiropractic: National University of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science, Human Anatomy: National University of Health Sciences
Bachelors of Science, Physiology: Northern Michigan University

Hi, I’m Rachel. I hold a Master’s in Social Work from Western Michigan University and have spent the past years working as a case manager with diverse populations. I live locally with my family and enjoy beachside walks during the summer and crafting in my free time.

I am passionate about supporting students through various life challenges and connecting them with community resources that can make a difference. My goal is to empower students by helping them discover their inner strengths and showing them the campus resources available to enhance their college experience.

I bring experience working with children, adults, seniors, and the LGBTQ+ community, which has shaped my inclusive approach to support. To me, life coaching is a powerful tool to empower students, helping them develop skills in organization, time management, and building a strong support network that benefits them both during their time at LMC and beyond.

Associate in Applied Science, Dental Assisting

Laura Henderson-Whiteford is an educator, admissions specialist, filmmaker, theatre producer and life enthusiast. She loves traveling and even lived in South Korea for a couple of years. Laura received her AA in Liberal Arts from KVCC, her BA in Film, Video and Media studies from Western Michigan University and her MA in Communication, also from WMU. Directly following her graduate studies she founded the non-profit theatre Queer Theatre Kalamazoo. In the following years, she founded the touring theatre company Bare Backstage Productions and the film company, SHE Films Media. Laura began teaching at KVCC in 2016 and began teaching at LMC in 2021. Laura started with admissions at LMC in August of 2022 and still teaches part-time. She loves the community college atmosphere and is excited to bring her energy to a hall, classroom or office near you!

Ms. Hermann started at Lake Michigan College in 2016 as a Box Office Clerk. She joined the Mendel Center team full-time in 2017 as the Mainstage Patron Services Manager. In 2021 she transitioned to the Facilities Management department. Ms. Hermann has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University and an MBA from Western Governors University.

Dr. Mya Hernandez is a Psychology Instructor at Lake Michigan College. Prior to joining LMC in 2019, Dr. Hernandez worked as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Kalamazoo County, providing services to children with developmental disabilities. She has conducted research in literacy with students at-risk of academic failure, in interventions for children with developmental disabilities, and in adult training practices. Dr. Hernandez has experience applying behavior analytic principles in a variety of environments including juvenile centers, autism centers, schools, and adult education programs.

Education: PhD, Western Michigan University: Behavior Analysis; MA, Western Michigan University: Behavior Analysis; BS/BA, Western Michigan University: Behavioral Sciences/Spanish
Memberships: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), American Psychological Association (APA)

Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Masters of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing; Associate in Applied Science, Nursing

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering