Education Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Marquis Emerging Leaders

January 27, 2022

Andrea Echols

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Company: Hillcrest Behavioral Health Services

Location: Alabama

Education: MEd, Mental Health Counseling/Counselor, University of Montevallo (2019); BS in Psychology, University of Montevallo (2012); Pursuing PhD in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services, University of Alabama

Career History: Teaching Intern, University of Montevallo (2021-Present); Mental Health Counselor, Hillcrest Behavioral Health Services (2019-2021); Graduate Research Intern, University of Alabama (2021); Graduate Student Intern, University of Montevallo (2020); Graduate Research Assistant, University of Alabama (2019-2020); Intern, Hillcrest Behavioral Health Services (2019); Administrative Assistant, Magic City Title Inc. (2016-2019); Night Manager, Oak Mountain Lanes (2014-2018)

Andrea Echols, Mental Health Counselor at Hillcrest Behavioral Health Services, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of counseling.

Driven by her perfectionism and natural ability to listen well, Ms. Echols has dedicated time and energy toward her studies and building a career as a mental health counselor and educator. Most recently a teaching intern at the University of Montevallo and a graduate research intern at the University of Alabama, she previously served as a mental health counselor at Hillcrest Behavioral Health Services from 2019 to 2021. Prior to these appointments, she cut her teeth as a graduate student intern at the University of Montevallo in 2020, a graduate research assistant at the University of Alabama from 2019 to 2020, and excelled as an administrative assistant at Magic City Title, a top producing agency, from 2016 to 2019.

Throughout her professional journey, Ms. Echols has most enjoyed learning about herself, her clients, and other cultures—all with the mindset of helping others; she has made a significant difference in the lives of several clients. She is also grateful that she has been able to persevere despite the many challenges she has faced in her career. Believing that “everything happens for a reason,” she first gravitated toward her profession when she was young and realized that she was a person that others would talk to about problems they were having and she always listened. After learning what counselors did, she realized she was a natural fit. Her many mentors throughout her life include Tracy LaForty, her best friend and mentor who serves as a licensed marriage and family therapist and greatly inspired her, Dr. James Jackson, Dr. Judith Harrington, Dr. Eric Baltrinic, and Pamela Pierce.

A gifted and hardworking student, Ms. Echols attended the University of Montevallo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology in 2012 and a Master of Education in mental health counseling in 2019. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in counselor education, school counseling, and guidance services from the University of Alabama in the hopes of becoming a teacher to other counselors, a degree she plans to obtain in 2023.

August 31, 2021

Mackenzie Cameron Noel Arant

Title: Student/Gymnastics Coach

Location: Berrien Springs, MI

MacKenzie Arant, Student/Gymnastics Coach, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of physical fitness.

Since she was 15, Ms. Arant has provided her support and expertise as a gymnastics coach. A passion of hers since she was four years old, it was natural for her to become a teacher in the sport. It also aided in her development of the creative arts. In addition to expressing herself through gymnastics, Ms. Arant discovered the best outlet for her to express her creativity is in the field of architecture. She is currently studying architecture and interior design at Andrew’s University in Michigan.

Ms. Arant credits her faith in God and the support from her parents as the keys to all of her success. It wasn’t until she moved away to college that she realized the amount of work her parents put in for her to pursue the career she is pursuing. She believes she would not be the person she is had it not been for her parents. These successes include recognition as a Distinguished Young Woman of Tennessee. Looking toward the future, Ms. Arant hopes to build upon the success she has distinguished herself as a gymnastics coach with her work in architecture and design.

June 22, 2021June 22, 2021

Harvey C. Hynson

Title: Educator, Theatre Instructor, Artist

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Education: Coursework, Circle in the Square Theatre School, New York, NY; Coursework, New York University; Coursework, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA; Coursework, Graduate Theatre Program, Villanova University; 21 Graduate Credits Towards Master of Theater Arts, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania; BS in Social Studies Secondary Education

Career History: Part-time Founding Executive Director, Studio Without Walls, Inc., Philadelphia, PA (2021-Present); Full-time Mail Room Assistant, Preit, First Commerce, Philadelphia, PA (2019-Present); Theatre Instructor, Artist (1992-Present); Instructor, Theatre, Coach, Acting, Modeling, Studio, Philadelphia, PA (1998-2015); Part-time Instructor, Theatre Arts Tenure Tract, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Cheyney, PA (1992-1998)

Harvey Hynson, Educator, Theatre Instructor and Artist, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of art education.

Mr. Hynson’s responsibilities as the part-time founding executive director of Studio Without Walls includes teaching acting and techniques and coaching in the modeling arena. He specializes in preparing individuals to go to college by helping them to pass auditions, such as with an MSA audition for singers, dancers, piano players, etc. Furthermore, he is hands-on in scouting, training, developing and assisting people seeking and discovering their aptitude and potential for advanced and continued training in all aspects of creative, artistic and performing art. He emphasizes theatre training, acting and modeling.

As a mailroom assistant, Mr. Hynson’s responsibilities include hand-delivering documents in a timely manner to the area of law and accountant offices, assisting with FedEx correspondences, UPS, and USPS mail, assisting with hospitality regarding director, assistant director of purchasing, and communicating and identifying problems within mailroom, departments, director/manager while articulating possible solutions for any and all problems so they can be solved.

In his own academic pursuits, Mr. Hynson first received a Bachelor of Science in social studies and secondary education. He continued at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania for graduate coursework in theater arts, and also studied at the University of the Arts Villanova University, New York University and the Circle in the Square Theatre School. Throughout his career, he has received such accolades as winning backstage passes for Ruben Studdard and Guest Registration to the ISP Convention and Symposium, International Society of Poets in 2007 and an award from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Social Change in 1976.

Mr. Hynson became involved in his profession because it started with his love of the piano. He became involved in a production of “Armor in the Night (A Night Without Armor)” and studied the Bible, with the Methodist Church. It was this performance, and others that he was involved with, that set him on his career path to becoming an educator. Mr. Hynson considers his most notable achievement to be when he studied at the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York because he got to meet and learn from several famous performers, such as Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Jessica Lange, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. He is also proud of teaching at the college level for six years under his mentor as well.

March 6, 2021May 10, 2021

Sheila Orick

Title: Chief Executive Officer, President, Owner

Company: Giving Tree Academy Inc

Location: Jacksboro, TN

Education: Diploma, Accounting Assisting, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (2019); Certificates, General Office Assistant, Administrative Support Specialist, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (2019); AS in General/Transfer Program, Roane State Community college (2018); AAS in Child Development/Special Needs, San Antonio College (1993)Career History: Director, Meg Meg’s Learn & Play Center, LaFollette, TN (2019-Present); Owner, Entrepreneur, Family Home Daycare Provider, LaFollette, TN (1996-1998, 2017-2019); Director, Learning Adventures/Little Minds at Work, LaFollette, TN (2013, 2015-2016); Teacher Assistant, Valley View Head Start, LaFollette, TN (2004)

Sheila Orick, Chief Executive Officer, President and Owner at Giving Tree Academy Inc., has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of childcare.

Ms. Orick became involved in her profession because she always liked children coming from a big family of seven. She had a friend that had deaf parents and a band instructor with a special needs child, which lead her to work with special needs children. She then got into taking classes, inclusions, and center her practice at child centers. Since 2019, she has also been the Director of Meg Meg’s Learn & Play Center. She named the Giving Tree Academy after the book “The Giving Tree” which is mainly about taking and giving. She thinks more about the giving part and helping people. She works with children to really provide them with a safe place to learn and grow.

Ms. Orick was set on her path from an early age and continued in her pursuits in higher education. She received an AAS in child development and special needs from San Antonio College in 1993. She later received an AS in general/transfer programs from Roane State Community College in 2018. Furthermore, she holds certificates as a general office assistant and administrative support specialist that she received from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. She also earned a diploma in accounting assisting from the institution in 2019, the same year she received the certificates.

Ms. Orick attributes her success to her parents and their push to do well in school. They supported her and encouraged her to be the best she could be at whatever she does. She has p brought this spirit to each of her roles, such as her time with Learning Adventures/Little Minds at Work, Valley View Head Start, and myriad of other ventures. Her hard work has paid off, and in 2020, she was recognized as the Best Child Care Facility in the County. She is affiliated with the National Technical Honor Society and volunteers with Dust of Hope.

The Giving Tree Academy Facebook

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021

Patrick Barrineau, PhD

Title: Coastal Scientist

Company: Coastal Scientist and Engineering

Location: Columbia, SC

Education: PhD, Geography, Texas A&M University, 2017;

MS, Geography, University of South Carolina-Columbia, 2012;

BS, Geography, Auburn University, 2010

Career History: Coastal Scientist, Coastal Scientist and Engineering, 2017-present;

Adjunct Professor, University of South Carolina, 2017-present;

Adjunct Faculty, Eastern Kentucky University, 2014-2017;

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Texas A&M University, 2012-2014;

Graduate Research Assistant, Texas A&M University, 2013-2013; Graduate Research Assistant, Texas A&M University, 2012-2012;

Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of South Carolina, 2012-2012;

Graduate Research Assistant, University of South Carolina, 2011-2011;

Graduate Research Assistant, University of South Carolina, 2010-2010;

Tutor, Auburn Athletics Department, 2009-2010;

Undergraduate Research Assistant, Auburn University, 2009-2010;

CHQ Maintenance, Philmont Scout Ranch, 2008-2008

Type of Business: Education

Clifton Patrick Barrineau, Coastal Scientist at Coastal Scientist and Engineering, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of geology education and research.

Family trips to the beach as a child established Dr. Barrineau’s love of the ocean, but it wasn’t until he was 23 that he began to enjoy and actively want to pursue this passion in science. After starting as an architecture major at Auburn University, he deviated to study geography. Dr. Barrineau earned a Bachelor of Science at the institution in 2010, a Master of Science in 2012from the University of South Carolina, and a PhD in this area from Texas A&M University in 2017. Upon graduating, he accepted a coastal scientist position with Coastal Scientist and Engineering and enjoys spending time on the beach as part of his job. That same year, he joined Eastern Kentucky University as an adjunct faculty member.

Prior to these positions, Dr. Barrineau exhibited his interest in staying in academia with a variety of graduate teaching and research assistant positions. He provided his skills and expertise in these areas during his time at Texas A&M University and the University of South Carolina. While at Auburn, he served as a tutor and undergraduate research assistant. He is proud of receiving a professional geologist license and his Eagle Scout ranking with the Boy Scouts of America. Additional accolades include receiving a Dissertation Research Grant from the Association of American Geographers and being inducted to the Sigma Xi Scientific Honor Society.

In addition to achievements, Dr. Barrineau has maintained professional affiliation with a variety of organizations. These include the Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers; European Geophysical Union; Sigma Xi; American Geophysical Union; Geological Society of America; Association of American Geographers; American Shore and Beach Preservation Association; and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Looking toward the future, he endeavors to continue with his work with clients on a bigger scale. He enjoys his line of work, his company and hopes in the coming years to grow closer to his clients. Furthermore, Dr. Barrineau is working on a few research papers.

Press Release

October 13, 2020September 20, 2021

Katherine Kellner

Title: Physical Education Teacher and Coach

Company: P.S. 36X Unionport

Location: Nyack, NY

Education: MEd in Special Education, Manhattanville College (2018); BPE, State University of New York at Brockport (2013)

Career History: Physical Education Teacher, Coach, PS 36X Unionport (2014-Present); Physical Education Teacher, Coach, Bronx Science High School; Pre-K Teacher, Montessori Charter School

Type of Business: Education

Katherine Kellner, Physical Education Teacher and Coach at P.S. 36X Unionport, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of physical education.

Realizing how much learning sports and how her active body could save her, Ms. Kellner wanted to teach children about sports and help them learn new skills. Since 2014, she has served as a physical education teacher and coach at P.S. 36X Unionport in the Bronx, New York, previously serving as a pre-K teacher at a Montessori charter school, and a physical education teacher and coach at Bronx Science High School. Ms. Kellner also remains active with the PBIS Committee and SHAPE APHERD.

Ms. Kellner attributes her success to never giving up, great support from home and great teachers who did not give up on her. Her career highlight that stood out the most was starting the first team in her school building. She and others were able to put together an entire league without having to go through the school system. In preparation for her professional career, Ms. Kellner pursued a formal education at the State University of New York at Brockport, earning a Bachelor of Physical Education in 2013. She then attended Manhattanville College, where she attained a Master of Education in special education in 2018.

Additionally, Ms. Kellner is CPR and AED first aid certified. Moving forward, she still hopes to be teaching and to begin a new program in whatever school she is in. Ms. Kellner enjoys skydiving in her spare time.

August 17, 2020

Kristen M. Vargo

Title: Special Education Teacher

Company: Quakertown School District

Location: Souderton, PA

Education: MEd in Secondary Special Education, Lehigh University (2016)); BA in History/Secondary Education, Muhlenberg College, With Honors (2014)

Career History: Special Education Teacher, Quakertown High School (2016-Present); Associate Teacher, Centennial School of Lehigh University (2014-2016); Assistant Softball Coach, Parkland High School (2011-2016); Support Staff Substitute, Parkland School District (2012-2014); Office Assistant, Muhlenberg College (2011-2014)

Type of Business: Education

Kristen M. Vargo, Special Education Teacher at Quakertown School District, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of education.

An experienced special education teacher with many years of expertise in primary and secondary education, Ms. Vargo has excelled in her role with Quakertown High School since 2016. As an emotional support teacher, she dedicates herself to working with students dealing with trauma. Prior to her current position, Ms. Vargo gained valuable experience in education as an associate teacher with Centennial School of Lehigh University between 2014 and 2016.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Vargo worked as an assistant softball coach at Parkland High School, a support staff substitute with the Parkland School District, and an office assistant with Muhlenberg College during the early and mid-2010s. In pursuit of her aspirations, she enrolled at Muhlenberg College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in history and secondary education, with honors, in 2014. Two years later, Ms. Vargo obtained a Master of Education in secondary special education from Lehigh University and became certified as an NCI instructor.

Ms. Vargo remains aware of changes in the field through her affiliation with the National Historical Society and the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Outside of her primary responsibilities, she contributes to those less fortunate through the Quakertown Community Organization. Even though her career has been filled with highlights, she is especially proud of leading professional development for Quakertown High School, as being called upon by her administrators to facilitate professional development has been an honor. Looking toward the future, Ms. Vargo intends to assume additional administrative roles at Quakertown High School.

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Press Release

July 22, 2020

Lance Alan Walker

Title: Band Director

Company: North Mesquite High School

Location: Dallas, TX

Education: BA, Music Education, West Texas A&M University, Danyon TX, 2008

Career History: Band Director, North Mesquite High School, (12 years);

Junior high band director, Rockdale Junior High, Rockdale, TX

Type of Business: Music Education

Lance Walker, Band Director at North Mesquite High School, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of music education.

When Mr. Walker first picked up an instrument and performed music in band class, he knew pursuing music was his path in life. Displaying a natural musical inclination, he began tutoring fellow students while in high school. During this, he realized he enjoyed teaching others and decided to become a band director to be able to enjoy his vocation and share his passion. In his line of work, he utilizes music as a vehicle to teach life skills like hard work, teamwork, integrity and problem-solving.

Mr. Walker was set on his path by earning a Bachelor of Art from West Texas A&M University in music education in 2008. Prior to his current teaching position, he taught as a junior high band director, at Rockdale Junior High. Mr. Walker’s work in this field has garnered the attention of several awards and accolades. In 2012, he was a state finalist in the TMEA Honor Band Process, and from 2016 to 2017, Mr. Walker was selected as a quarterfinalist in the Grammy Music Educator Award process. Furthermore, he has been recognized among the top 290 of over 5,000 music educators across all 50 states. To this day, he considers his selection as a quarterfinalist in the Grammy Music Educator Award process to be the highlight of his career.

In Mr. Walker’s daily work, he is in charge of the jazz band program, which includes running contests, setting up and running auditions and answering any questions. In addition, he teaches the wind symphony. Supplementing his professional endeavors is a variety of memberships. Mr. Walker has maintained affiliation with the State UIL Music Advisory Committee, the Region III UIL Steering and Calendar Committees, the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Band Masters Association and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. He is also involved with the Association of Texas Small School Bands, the Texas Jazz Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.