Meet our May Specialist of the Month: Jeanie Flory

This month, we’re excited to highlight Jeanie Flory, a dedicated and passionate Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist at Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, Cheboygan and Presque Isle County Service Center. Jeanie has been a JMG specialist for six years and brings a wealth of experience and commitment to the youth she serves.

Before becoming a JMG specialist, Jeanie worked in social services as a case manager for Michigan Works and Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA), helping individuals access resources and improve their lives. Her background in social work, paired with her passion for helping youth, made her a natural fit for the JMG program. “I always wanted to work with kids,” Jeanie says. “And now, I get to make a real difference in their lives every day.”

In her role, Jeanie helps her youth find their direction and build the skills they need to succeed. One of Jeanie’s favorite memories as a specialist happened at Leadership Day at Camp Daggett, where she took her students for a day of team-building and outdoor adventure. “Watching them overcome their fears was incredible—I got chills,” she recalls. “Hearing them say, ‘I didn’t think I could do that, but I did!’ was the best feeling. It was amazing to see them grow into leaders, cheering each other on."

For Jeanie, the biggest challenge facing today’s youth is mental health. “Many students are carrying so much weight emotionally, and sometimes that makes it hard for them to focus on their future,” Jeanie explains. Through JMG’s trauma-informed care training, Jeanie has been able to support her students through their emotional struggles, offering them a safe space to talk and work through their challenges.

She believes one of the most powerful aspects of JMG is its long-term support model. “Because we do follow-up, we’re able to continue supporting them through their first year after high school,” she explains. “JMG offers support, resources, and guidance every step of the way—it's a resource I find incredibly valuable for our youth.”

When asked what she loves most about her job, Jeanie says, “My favorite part is watching my students graduate and knowing they have something lined up—whether it’s college, technical training, or a career. Watching them succeed and walk across the stage with a plan for their future is the greatest joy. It’s incredible to watch them realize their dreams and know I had a part in helping them get there.”

Outside of her role, Jeanie loves spending time with her family, especially her daughter, and is eagerly looking forward to making memories with her new grandchild. She also enjoys diamond painting and hanging out with her friends after work and on the weekends.

Congratulations, Jeanie, on being named our May Specialist of the Month! Thank you for your tireless dedication to empowering Michigan’s youth.

Nominations are open to ALL, including our employer partners! If you know a phenomenal specialist, we encourage you to [nominate them here] for our June Specialist of the Month.