In this episode of "Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally," I’m joined by Jessica Higgins, Melissa Ware, and Heather Nyenhuis as we continue our discussion on cultivating effective leadership teams. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, handling difficult conversations, and personal development within a team setting. Expect actionable insights on fostering healthy conflict and building strong, collaborative environments.

Join us for part 2 of this enlightening series and take your leadership skills to the next level!

Jessica Higgins’ Bio:

Jessica is a licensed master social worker and has been working as a clinical social worker for the past 10 years with youth, families, and adults. She has leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, supervising a team of direct care and clinical staff. Currently, she is working at a local community mental health in the access department, supporting and connecting youth and families with mental health and substance use services. In this role, she also provides training to staff focused on suicide prevention and serves on a committee dedicated to improving culture in suicide prevention and care.

Melissa Ware’s Bio:

Melissa is a licensed master social worker with 17 years of experience in the mental health field, serving as a case manager, therapist, supervisor, and director. She currently leads as the program director of the Center For Counseling and Well-being at Grand Rapids Community College, a role she has held for the past 3 years. Dedicated to advancing mental health support for BIPOC communities, she also serves as a board member of Our Mental Health Collective. Additionally, she is actively engaged in teaching in higher education at a local 4-year university. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering well-being and equity in all spaces that she serves.

Heather Nyenhuis’ Bio:

Heather is a dedicated social worker with over 20 years of experience serving West Michigan communities. As a graduate of Western Michigan University, she has spent her career working with runaway and at-risk youth, families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, and people of all ages facing the challenges of poverty, including financial instability, lack of access to education, healthcare, and housing. Her expertise spans program and project development, implementation, and evaluation, with a strong focus on quality process and performance improvement. Heather is experienced in grant writing and management, program supervision, training, and group facilitation.

Connect with Jessica:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-higgins

Connect with Melissa:

Email: melissa@ourmhc.org and melissaware@grcc.edu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-ware-lmsw-aa1014115

Connect with Heather:

Website: www.arborcircle.org

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Connect with Ashley on IG: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

In this episode of "Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally," I, Ashley Pattee, sit down with three remarkable leaders, Jessica Higgins, Melissa Ware, and Heather Nyenhuis, to dive into what it takes to build and sustain effective leadership teams. We explore essential themes like the power of relationships, the significance of vulnerability, and the importance of leveraging team strengths.

Throughout our conversation, we touch on the balance between productivity and relationship-building, the necessity of clear communication, and the profound impact of modeling behavior as leaders. We also reflect on how intentional leadership development can create a team culture that navigates challenges while maintaining solid, caring relationships.

Join us as we offer actionable takeaways for enhancing your own team dynamics and leadership capabilities!

Jessica Higgins’ Bio:

Jessica is a licensed master social worker and has been working as a clinical social worker for the past 10 years with youth, families, and adults. She has leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, supervising a team of direct care and clinical staff. Currently, she is working at a local community mental health in the access department, supporting and connecting youth and families with mental health and substance use services. In this role, she also provides training to staff focused on suicide prevention and serves on a committee dedicated to improving culture in suicide prevention and care.

Melissa Ware’s Bio:

Melissa is a licensed master social worker with 17 years of experience in the mental health field, serving as a case manager, therapist, supervisor, and director. She currently leads as the program director of the Center For Counseling and Well-being at Grand Rapids Community College, a role she has held for the past 3 years. Dedicated to advancing mental health support for BIPOC communities, she also serves as a board member of Our Mental Health Collective. Additionally, she is actively engaged in teaching in higher education at a local 4-year university. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering well-being and equity in all spaces that she serves.

Heather Nyenhuis’ Bio:

Heather is a dedicated social worker with over 20 years of experience serving West Michigan communities. As a graduate of Western Michigan University, she has spent her career working with runaway and at-risk youth, families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, and people of all ages facing the challenges of poverty, including financial instability, lack of access to education, healthcare, and housing. Her expertise spans program and project development, implementation, and evaluation, with a strong focus on quality process and performance improvement. Heather is experienced in grant writing and management, program supervision, training, and group facilitation.

Connect with Jessica:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-higgins

Connect with Melissa:

Email: melissa@ourmhc.org and melissaware@grcc.edu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-ware-lmsw-aa1014115

Connect with Heather:

Website: www.arborcircle.org

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Connect with Ashley on IG: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

In this episode of "Everyday Leaders Leading Exceptionally," I sit down with Taren Storrs, a remarkable leader from Michigan State University with nearly a decade in her role. Taryn's journey through higher education, particularly in admissions and alumni relations, has shaped her unique view on leadership far beyond traditional titles. We delve into her adventurous spirit, having traveled to over 50 countries with a goal to visit all continents and every U.S. state—only Australia and Alaska to go!

Taren shares her insightful perspectives on combating fear in leadership, the importance of motivation and inspiration, and how leadership qualities can thrive without formal titles. Her vivid analogy of "filling the cup" emphasizes the joy and unexpected rewards of investing in others. We discuss the significance of authentic connections, both in professional settings and community involvement, and the power of personalized support, such as recognizing and responding to individual needs.

A highlight in our conversation includes Taryn's advocacy for "practicing the pause," a powerful technique for thoughtful and genuine leadership. Her wisdom on career development, relationship-building, and self-acceptance offers invaluable advice for anyone aiming to lead exceptionally in their everyday life.


Taren Storr’s Bio:

Taren is a proud Michigan State University alumnus, having earned two degrees from the university. She currently serves as a director of alumni relations for the West Coast at the MSU Alumni Office. In this role, Taryn is dedicated to building lasting relationships with alumni and finding meaningful ways to reconnect them to their alma mater. She manages a 12 state region along the West Coast, home to more than 50,000 Spartans, and oversees 15 alumni clubs. Taryn's focus is on fostering engagement and supporting Michigan State through alumni time, talent, and philanthropic giving. In addition to her work with MSU alumni, Taryn is the chairperson of the Workforce Action Committee for Spartan Staff, a group that represents over 7,500 support staff on campus. She also serves on the PTSA board school at her child’s elementary school, continuing her passion for community involvement. Originally from California, Taryn came to Michigan State on a track and field scholarship, where she not only thrived athletically but also launched a career in undergraduate admissions and later university advancement. Outside of her professional life, Taryn is a wife, a mother, a dog mom, and an avid traveler. She is deeply committed to volunteering and advocating for women in leadership.

Connect with Taren:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarenstorrs/

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Connect with Ashley on IG: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/