We had the opportunity to visit the Mixter Institute in Lincoln Park to see their Transition Program for learners with autism—and their student-led podcast, "Mixing it up with Mixter," in action.

Thank you to Michigan Rehabilitation Services for connecting us to this work. It was great to see students of all support levels engaging with the technology and interview process.

A highlight of the visit was their first successful virtual interview with Alana Anderson—an exciting milestone!

We're looking forward to hearing the final episode soon. Be sure to check it out on Facebook, Spotify, and Youtube!

about 12 hours ago, Pleasanna Carter
A group of ten people, including students and adults, pose for a photo in a room with light-colored brick walls. They are gathered in front of posters, one of which features a large QR code and the text "Follow on Spotify." One woman in the back row holds up a laptop displaying a person on a video call. A young man in the front row wears a grey shirt featuring Sonic the Hedgehog and waves at the camera, while another young man sits on the floor to the right. The group appears to be in a classroom or media space, smiling and engaged.
A white mobile whiteboard features handwritten text in blue and black markers. At the top, in blue, it says "Welcome Megan, Dan & Alana" above a wavy blue line. Below the line, in black, it lists "M.R.S. Michigan Rehabilitation Services" and "L.E.S.A. Livingston Educational Services Agency." Dry-erase markers rest in the tray at the bottom of the board.
Three people are in a small podcast studio with a wood-paneled backdrop. In the foreground, a person with headphones sits with their back to the camera, holding a script. Across the table, a woman with glasses listens, while another woman to the left wears headphones and holds up a phone. A laptop on the table shows a person on a video call, and professional lighting and sound equipment are visible around the group.
A close-up shot of a tan tiled wall featuring a white "ON AIR" sign with bold red lettering at the top. Below the sign, two framed papers are mounted vertically, each displaying a large QR code. The top paper includes the Spotify logo and the bottom includes the YouTube logo, both accompanied by the text "Mixing it up with Mixter: An autism podcast." To the left, several small podcast-themed stickers are visible on the edge of the wall.

Working on friendship skills at the PREP program over coffee and conversation at Biggby—could there be a better way to spend a Friday?

about 15 hours ago, Hayley Asher
Two students sit together at Biggby Coffee, smiling and holding their drinks as they chat and build friendship skills.
Wrapping up the year in bloom—our county’s instructional coaches reflecting on growth and bright moments together.🌸
about 19 hours ago, Kelsey Mickus
Group of instructional coaches standing together, holding vases with bouquets and smiling for a group photo.
Adults gathered around a table, selecting flowers from shared vases.

Rebecca Holman, Early College Coordinator, and Heather White, Early College Mentor, talk with one of their Early College students after his mock interview. LESA's Early College Program conducts mock interviews to give students on the spot feedback for their real world interviews.

1 day ago, Merribeth Tognetti
Group of 3 adults having a conversation.

Build it, Write it, Draw it! Using a multisensory approach to practice motor planning and visual perceptual skills in occupational therapy :)

1 day ago, Kellie Hanlon
A young boy with brown hair sits at a desk, focused on a spelling activity. He is placing a wooden block with the letter "T" into a tray to complete the word "BOAT," which matches an illustrated card nearby. In the background, a small whiteboard displays the word "ROAD" written in large, clear letters.
A young boy with brown hair sits at a desk, focused on a spelling activity. He is placing a wooden block with the letter "T" into a tray to complete the word "BOAT," which matches an illustrated card nearby. In the background, a small whiteboard displays the word "BOAT" written in large, clear letters.
A young boy with brown hair sits at a desk, focused on a spelling activity. He is placing a wooden block with the letter "T" into a tray to complete the word "BOAT," which matches an illustrated card nearby. In the background, a small whiteboard displays the word "BOAT" written in large, clear letters with a drawing of a boat drawn by the boy.
Livingston County early childhood educators unite for their final NCPMI PD—focusing on big behaviors and supporting self-regulation.
2 days ago, Kelsey Mickus
A large group of early childhood educators sit at round tables in a conference room with string lights, participating in a professional development session.
An educator reads a Tucker the Turtle story into a microphone while others hold up related visuals during a professional development activity.
Curious minds at work—observing their class gecko during feeding time after exploring the insects at the table.
2 days ago, Kelsey Mickus
Group of preschool children gathered around a classroom terrarium, watching a gecko eat crickets under a heat lamp.
Close-up of a spotted gecko inside a glass terrarium, standing on red substrate near a log while eating a cricket under a heat lamp.
This 2nd grader is soaring through a sensory break, using a swing to regulate with some linear, vestibular input. An AAC board is available on the floor for our non-verbal communicators to use in the sensory room, too!
3 days ago, Kellie Hanlon
A young person with a joyful expression lies on their stomach on a flat platform swing, suspended from a black metal frame. They are reaching their arms forward toward a large, laminated communication board (AAC) laid out on blue mats on the floor. The board features a grid of colorful symbols and words used for non-verbal communication. In the background, white cinderblock walls feature another communication poster and a few papers.
LESA has the best HR team🎉
Angela, Stephanie, Laurie and Mandy take a moment to pose for a quick pic while preparing for New Hire Orientation ✨
3 days ago, Merribeth Tognetti
Four women standing behind a table.

Jaime and I engaged students during bus duty at Pathway with music and bubbles, creating a positive environment and fostering meaningful connections at dismissal time.

3 days ago, Amy Buchler
Two woman standing together, arm in arm, smiling in front a bus.
A woman smiling with her thumbs up, standing in a bus lane. A bus is in the background and bubbles are floating in front of her.
A woman in a bright, reflective vest, smiling with her thumbs up, standing in a bus lane. A bus is in the background and bubbles are floating in front of her.
A woman with her hair pulled back is standing with her thumbs up. Her reflective vest says "Pathway Pride" and "Bus Duty".
A woman is standing under an awning holding a boom box on her shoulder.
PREP learners build real-life skills by comparing size and price, determining the best deals and making smart shopping choices through hands-on practice.
4 days ago, Dennette Kreutzkamp
A young adult male looking at prices of cereal.
A young adult male looking at prices of fruit.

We had a great day welcoming our incoming learners from local high schools for their first official visit to STEP!

Students explored the building, connected with classmates and teachers, and took on some fun 'Minute to Win It' Challenges.

It's always exciting to see those first connections form and the nerves turn into excitement. We can't wait to welcome you back in the fall—welcome to the STEP family!

4 days ago, Pleasanna Carter
A wide-angle, eye-level shot captures two young people engaged in a competitive "Minute to Win It" style game on a long white table in a gym. A young man on the left, wearing a blue jacket and black shorts, and a young woman on the right, in a black jacket and jeans, lean over the table. Both use straws to blow white cotton balls off the tops of several red plastic cups lined up along the edges of the table. More cotton balls are scattered across the center of the table. A few spectators watch from the background, and an American flag hangs on the wall to the right.
A wide-angle, eye-level shot captures a group of people in a large, modern indoor space with high ceilings and purple structural pipes. In the center, a man and a woman in a motorized wheelchair are competing in a game at a long white table. Both lean forward, using straws to blow white cotton balls off the tops of two parallel rows of red plastic cups. Several onlookers stand nearby, watching the competition with smiles. Large windows in the background reveal a bright hallway, and the room features dark flooring and industrial-style lighting.
A bright, medium shot shows four young adults gathered around a large white conference table in an office or classroom setting. Two young men stand on the left, one leaning in with a smile and the other giving a thumbs-up. To the right, a young woman and another young man are seated, looking toward the camera with friendly expressions. The table is neatly organized with turquoise supply caddies and tissues. In the background, there is a large wall mirror, filing cabinets, and a door with a calendar, creating a functional and collaborative atmosphere.
A high-angle, medium shot shows a group of six people gathered around a small, round white table in a bright common area. Two people are seated in black chairs in the foreground, while others stand or sit around the table, engaged in a lively discussion or game. Large floor-to-ceiling windows in the background fill the room with natural light and overlook a parking lot and green space. The setting is casual and communal, featuring modern furniture like a lime green armchair and carpeted flooring.
An eye-level, medium shot shows four young adults sitting around a high-top circular table in a modern, open-concept indoor space. They appear to be playing a game or working on an activity together; one young man on the left holds a tablet displaying a colorful grid, while a paper with a similar grid sits in the center of the table. The group is dressed casually, and a purple staircase is visible in the background, adding a pop of color to the bright, neutral-toned room.
A wide-angle, eye-level shot shows a group of about fifteen young adults seated at clustered tables in a large, open industrial-style room. They are facing a woman standing at the front by a digital whiteboard, appearing to lead a presentation or class. The room features high ceilings with exposed blue pipes, dark flooring, and a large mirror along the right wall that reflects the space. The setting is bright and functional, suggesting a collaborative workshop or educational environment.

Rain or shine (or even a little flooding!), nothing stops our students!

We recently welcomed incoming learners and families for our annual meeting for the PREP, STEP, and Project SEARCH programs. Despite the weather, we had an incredible turnout and loved seeing so many new faces ready to take the next step.

Families had the chance to learn about program expectations, ask questions, and connect with our partners at Michigan Rehabilitation Services, who were on hand to offer support and guidance.

Exciting update: For the first time ever, we've opened up the enrollment process early for the 2026-2027 school year! It's never too soon to start planning for a bright future.

Thank you to everyone who made it out!

5 days ago, Pleasanna Carter
A group of people sitting at tables in a large, open office space watching a presentation on the PREP Program.
A classroom setting where several people sit at tables and listen to a presentation on a screen at the front of the room.
Four smiling people standing behind a table with a Michigan Rehabilitation Services banner.
Words truly can’t express how grateful we are!!
A heartfelt thank you to Livingston County United Way, Women United, The Hanover Insurance Group, and all the volunteers who put this event together. It was a powerful reminder of what community can do when we come together 💗
We are so grateful to be part of a community that shows up like this.
5 days ago, Merribeth Tognetti
Two women standing together in front of sign.
Three women pose for photo.
Woman holding purses together.
Practicing early writing skills—building confidence one letter at a time!
5 days ago, Kelsey Mickus
Preschool child working with a writing activity, using materials to practice forming lines and develop early writing skills.
Sorting colors, building focus, and having fun—learning through play in action!
7 days ago, Kelsey Mickus
Preschool child kneeling on classroom carpet, using a wooden board to sort colorful pieces by color.
Students, are you ready to jumpstart your career exploration? Come to the Youth Employment Fair! Connect with lots of employers for summer, PT/FT jobs, internships, & job shadows! Check out the pre-registration form for a sneak peek at some of the employers attending!

📅 Wed, April 22, 2026
⏰ 5:30-7:30 PM
📍 1425 W. Grand River, Howell MI
Ages 16-24!
8 days ago, Ted Kroll
Youth Employment Fair Flier

Keeping everyone guessing at Fowlerville—student or undercover principal? 🤔

9 days ago, Ashley Scherrer
Fun supporting peers
Big smiles and excitement while listening to favorite songs 🎶
10 days ago, Kelsey Mickus
A preschooler stands near a table, smiling and engaged as she listens to music playing from a speaker.

'Bunny ears' in action! A universal signal for quiet at railroad tracks—because safety always comes first.

10 days ago, Carolyn Rammage
A young boy in a red coat is sitting on a bus. He has his hands up doing 'bunny ears" at a railroad stop.