The Embrace Change (EC) Network Team explores growth through adversity and investigates strategies for staff to learn how to build resiliency and lead during times of change
View the Embrace Change Team charge.
View the Member Profiles on this page to learn more.
The Embrace Change team is continuing its work on an app to help support mental health, a proposal for communication norms, and more.
To learn more about the EC team, see their 2024 project poster.
Quinci Alexander started at U-M in kitchen prep at South Quad in 2008. Here is where he discovered his love for cooking. After leaving the university for a time, he returned as a parking attendant in 2012. In 2018, Quinci was promoted to Intermediate Customer Service Representative, managing the flow of traffic as well as other duties within his department. He also helps with special project launches related to parking changes. He is a Co-facilitator of the Voices of the Staff group Embrace Change. He also serves as an MHealthy Champion for his department. He also serves as a member for the MHealthy Advisory Committee. Quinci graduated from ITT Technical Institute in 2008 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences of Computer Aided Drafting. He is also certified in Mental Health First Aid.
Robert enjoys writing, researching emerging technologies and economics, and meditating. While he's still waiting for his first sasquatch sighting, he remains curious about these beings and UFOs.
Sarah (she/her) has worked in Financial Aid since 2009 and started her career at UM in 2013. She currently is responsible for training all OFA staff, managing a team of Financial Aid Administrators, and working with students and families as they navigate the cost of higher education. Other duties as assigned take up a decent portion of her work day
Sebastian Beckley (he/him/his) is the head of Finance and Fellowships team at the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. He is responsible for the strategic direction of the Finance and Fellowships team and all financial and fellowship activities within the overall budget of the graduate school. Knowledge sharing and mentorship are some of the most favorite aspects of Sebastian’s responsibilities and he engages in those activities outside of his every day duties (e.g. Blavin Scholars Program or SummerWorks Youth Employment Program). Outside of work, Sebastian enjoys gardening, traveling, and experiencing new cultures and cuisine.
Sheila Kern is the Administrative Specialist for Cardiovascular and Neurosciences (CVN) Programs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and supports the ACOO and ACCO of CVN, the Director of Perfusion as well as other administrative duties as required. She has over 30 years of executive and operational experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, pontooning and spending time at the family cottage in the UP with her family and feisty black feline, Stella.
Steven Cheesewright (He, Him, His) Is a Business Operations Senior Associate at the Shared Services Center. He and his team work primarily as an internal support team to the SSC. The responsibilities he and his team have consists of onboarding, offboarding, IT support, Access and Accounts management, Facilities management, and other duties as assigned by directorship.
Teresa is a call representative for the contact center obstetrics and gynecology department with the University of Michigan Health Services. Her responsibilities in this busy department is multitasking by completing notes sent from clinics, outbound calls, taking incoming calls to assist patients in scheduling their appointments, sending notes to the clinic, or redirecting the call to the appropriate clinic. In her spare time she volunteers as an Advisor with the Lenawee Youth Council in her community, Board member for “Chicos Cinco de Mayo” Lenawee County, face painting, teaches dance, and is also an event planner. She most enjoys time with her family and going to her husband's gigs with the band.