Staff and Facilitators

 

Maria Peak Executive Director

mpeak@asppire.org

Maria Peak worked in the field of Special Education for 30 years as a classroom teacher and transition coordinator for Eaton Regional Education Services Agency, and a project coordinator for Michigan Transition Outcomes Project through Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education. Maria first became involved with ASPPIRE as a facilitator and curriculum consultant. In 2015, she became the Executive Director of ASPPIRE. Maria enjoys spending time with her family and friends, antiquing and decorating their old farm house.

Jean Aldrich Facilitator

agardenjeanie@gmail.com

Prior to joining the non-profit South Lansing Community Development Association (SLCDA), Jean worked in healthcare administration for 25 years, then earned her Horticulture Certification at WHV.  Horticulture helped her discover AmeriCorps State programs where she served the maximum allowed term of 4 years with local non-profits teaching gardening.  This is how she met Maria Peak and learned about Asppire!  Together Maria and Jean put together a new gardening program in Summer 2018, which quickly expanded to a full year curriculum.  In Jean’s current position with SLCDA she leads all the South Lansing Urban Garden (SLUG) gardens in education and production of fruits and vegetables.  So needless to say gardening is her passion, and her family holds the key to her heart and soul.

Olivia Beckman Case Manager

obeckman@asppire.org
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Olivia is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of her community members. She began her journey as a volunteer with ASPPIRE in 2021, where she discovered her passion for advocacy and supporting individuals with disabilities. During her undergraduate career, she worked in a research lab that investigated the interactions between the immune system and a lung pathogen called Mycobacterium abscessus. After earning her Microbiology Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, Olivia began her role as an ASPPIRE case manager. Using her experience in healthcare as a Direct Support Professional at Origami Rehabilitation, Olivia is driven to holistically promote the goals of all that she serves. In her free time, you will likely find Olivia traveling, salsa dancing, or enjoying the arts!
 
“You did not come this far just to come this far.”
 
This quote is important because everyone is continually progressing through their own journey. It is important to always strive for that next step, plan, or goal. This is the mentality I want to bring to every person that walks through ASPPIRE’s door, to always reach higher for ourselves and the community.
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Jennie Brandenburg Employment Specialist

jbrandenburg@asppire.org

Jennie has over 10 years of experience in the job development field, over 15 years working for non-profits, and 7 years working for various grants through the Michigan Department of Education – Office of Special Education. Jennie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in Community Development and Community Services from Central Michigan University. She has completed the Community Employment Services with an emphasis on Customized Employment training through Griffin-Hammis Associates. She has also completed the Global Career Development Facilitator Training. She has a passion for working with individuals with disabilities and assisting individuals in finding employment. Jennie lives in Dimondale with her husband, daughter, son, dog and three cats.

 

Aileen Hecht Program Coordinator & Facilitator

ahecht@asppire.org

Aileen lives in Lansing with her husband and two children. She was diagnosed with autism at age 28. Aileen graduated from Baker College in 2009 with a degree in Business Management concentrated in Accounting and has worked for ASPPIRE since 2012. As a previous participant, she relates well to others in the program and acts as a peer mentor in various capacities. In her spare time, Aileen enjoys reading, swimming, and socializing.

Kaily Kraft Facilitator
kkraft@asppire.org
Kaily was raised in Williamston, Michigan, and currently lives in Ferndale, Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University. She will graduate with a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University in May of 2023. Kaily has been interning with ASPPIRE since September 2022. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and doing anything outdoors.  
 

Matt Mulford Art Facilitator

info@asppire.org

Matt Mulford of Mulford Arts is a Lansing, Michigan based artist.  Wildlife, landscape, fantasy, gothic, and comic art are some of his favorite genres to create in.  Matt works in numerous mediums including pen and ink, scratchboard, watercolor, and acrylic.  He teaches drawing classes and workshops to individuals and organizations with a focus on keeping it fun, simple, and inspiring.  The Artisan Alcove Gallery & Gifts in Williamston is his working studio, gallery, and shop.  In addition, Matt holds classes and coordinates art shows and other events at this location. 

 

Madison Odenwald Facilitator

modenwald@asppire.org

Madison is working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University with a minor in Youth/Society. Madison began with ASPPIRE as an intern in May 2023. In her free time, Madison enjoys going to the beach, hanging out with her two cats, and spending time with friends and family. 

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Steve Peak Facilitator

speak@asppire.org

Steve earned his Master’s degree from Michigan State University and his Bachelor’s degree from North Texas State University. Steve has recently retired from the Eaton RESA where he worked as an Adapted Physical Educator for over 30 years. In Steve’s free time, he enjoys restoring his 1959 Shasta travel trailor and driving his 1970s classic Oldsmobile. Steve was also the Varsity Boys and Girls soccer coach for many years with Olivet High School, and still enjoys playing soccer on a local league. Steve and Maria have three adult children that they spend as much time as possible with.

Sarah Sleeper Employment Specialist

ssleeper@asppire.org

Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in Criminal Justice from Baker College. Sarah has worked for non-profit organizations for 2 years. She has experience as a case manager and working with multiple families within the community.  Sarah was born and raised in Michigan (Flushing) and currently resides in East Lansing. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out her husband and two boys, and spending time outside. 

Katie Woerderhoff Employment Specialist

katiew@asppire.org

Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University (also double minored in Health Promotion & Youth/Society) and plans to pursue her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Katie began with ASPPIRE as an intern in May 2021 and also occasionally works for The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons. Katie was born and raised in Michigan (St. Joseph) and in her free time Katie enjoys hanging out with her cat, spending time outdoors, and exercising.

 

Volunteers from MSU, LCC, and the Greater Lansing area support ASPPIRE’s social coaching programs. If you would like to volunteer, please check out the Get Involved tab.