Meet Our September Specialist of the Month: Kristy Schaefer
This month, we're proud to recognize Kristy Schaefer, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist and Career Navigator from Michigan Works! Region 7B who serves students across three Alternative Education Academy campuses in Oscoda, Tawas City, and West Branch. Kristy joined the JMG team in 2024, bringing with her a background in early childhood education and a passion for helping young people find their path forward. After earning her associate degree in early childhood education from Mott Community College and working in childcare, Head Start, and local schools, Kristy found a role where she could combine her experience with her desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Kristy's passion for serving youth stems from her own experiences growing up and knowing firsthand how meaningful it can be to have someone helping you navigate what's next. She wanted to be that person for someone else—a trusted adult who students know will listen, support them, and stand in their corner.
What motivates Kristy most is watching students accomplish things they may not have believed were possible. Working with students in an alternative education setting, she often sees young people who have faced significant barriers or don't yet recognize their own potential. Getting to watch those students grow, mature, graduate, and reach their goals is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
One of Kristy's favorite memories as a specialist is seeing a student she supported finally earn his diploma after needing to complete just one remaining class. Rather than letting him lose momentum after graduation, Kristy helped connect him with a Young Professionals work experience at Colvin's Heating and Cooling. He quickly discovered that he enjoyed the routine, the work, and the people around him. He did so well that the company hired him after the work experience ended—and more than a year later, he's still working there. For Kristy, watching that student find stability, confidence, and success was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a young person is given the right opportunity and support.
Kristy believes one of the biggest challenges facing today's youth is the misconception that young people are lazy or don't want to work. In her experience, many students are eager to work but struggle to get that first opportunity because they don't yet have work experience. "How are they supposed to get experience if nobody gives them a chance?" she asks. Through JMG and partnerships with organizations like Michigan Works!, Kristy helps students access work experiences where they can build skills, strengthen their resumes, and show employers what they're capable of.
One of the greatest joys of Kristy's role is seeing the relationships she builds with students continue long after graduation. Former students still stop by the school just to see her, while others reach out to share updates about their lives. Kristy has also had the opportunity to watch students progress through multiple JMG and career-connected opportunities—from high school and follow-up services to work experiences and plans for college. Seeing a student who was once shy grow into a confident young adult with big plans for the future is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
Kristy believes JMG prepares students for much more than graduation. At its heart, she believes the program gives young people something incredibly important: someone they can count on. "They know that we're not just there to help them graduate," she said. "They know that they can come to us because we built that relationship with them." By building strong relationships and connecting students with career and work experiences, JMG helps young people develop confidence, discover their capabilities, and take meaningful steps toward their futures.
Outside of work, Kristy enjoys spending time with her family and her small farm, where she has ducks, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats. She enjoys diamond painting, reading, and puzzles, and was born and raised in Florida—making the beach her favorite place to be. After nearly 17 years in Michigan, she still hasn't quite adjusted to the winters! Kristy also describes herself as a "big mama bear" when it comes to her children and students. And one important fun fact: when it comes to the great soda debate, she's firmly Team Pepsi.
Congratulations, Kristy Schaefer, on being named our September Specialist of the Month! Thank you for your compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to being the person in your students' corner. Your work reminds us that sometimes, having one person who believes in you can make all the difference.
Nominations are open to ALL, including our employer partners! If you know a phenomenal specialist, we encourage you to [nominate them here] for our October Specialist of the Month.