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.
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.
Jessie Greatorex Facilitator
jessie@asppire.org
Jessie earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Youth & Society and Cognitive Science at Michigan State University (MSU) in 2023. She currently works as a full-time Research Assistant in MSU’s Autism Lab and plans to one day pursue her Master’s in Speech Language Pathology. Jessie has been working with ASSPIRE since fall 2023. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, playing her guitar, and being outside with her friends and family.
Aileen Hecht Program Analyst
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.
kkraft@asppire.org
Denise Kramer Social Club Volunteer
info@asppire.org
Denise Kramer lives in Saint Johns, MI. She graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Currently Denise works for Dr. Pepper but has worked in a resource room at an elementary school in the past. In her spare time, she enjoys playing poker, collecting baseball memorabilia and going for walks.
Matt Mulford Therapist
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.
Marissa Peak, MT-BC Music Therapist
marissapeak@gmail.com
Marissa Peak completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Aquinas College and received her Bachelor Equivalency degree in Music Therapy at Western Michigan University. She completed her music therapy internship at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital where she provided music therapy services in many areas of the hospital, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Hematology/Oncology Unit. Marissa formerly worked for the Community Music School at Michigan State University as a music therapist where she worked with both children and adults with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, emotional impairments, and trauma. She currently works for the Franciscan Life Process Center as a music therapist serving children with developmental disabilities in Kent ISD, as well as older adults in memory care facilities. Marissa currently resides in Grand Rapids with her partner, Chris, and 2 dogs, Stella and Kelly. She also sings back-up vocals and plays rhythm guitar in the band, August.
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.
Tammy Valo Facilitator, Job Coach
info@asppire.org
Prior to joining ASPPIRE, Tammy worked as an educator for the Lansing School District. Over her 33-year career, she had the opportunity to teach a variety of grade levels at the elementary level. She also has experience as a literacy and math specialist. Since retiring in June 2023, she is enjoying the new opportunities that have come her way. Tammy started with ASPPIRE through job coaching in November 2023. In her free time, Tammy enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing board games, playing Pickleball, and spending time outdoors.
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.