What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Berrien RESA
Who are the owner(s) and/or principal leadership in this company?
Eric Hoppstock, Superintendent
Jon Martin, School Board President
Dave Pagel, Vice-President
Jacki Van Horn, Secretary
Andrew Robinson, Treasurer
John Proos, Trustee
Location:
Berrien Springs
Nominator’s Name:
Troy Boone
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
350
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Berrien RESA has a lot of programs that are offered. Blossomland Learning Center, Lighthouse Education Center, and our ASD program are a few of the biggest focuses for most of the employees. Blossomland Learning Center provides positive learning environments and experiences that advance the well-being, academic success, and lifelong achievement of students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments, ages 3 to 26. Lighthouse Education Center provides a positive learning environment, enabling students with severe emotional impairments and Autism to achieve and enhance their confidence, self-esteem, independence, social acceptance, intellectual and personal growth according to their Individualized Educational Program and Transitional Service Plan. Berrien RESA’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program enables students ages 5-26 to achieve communication, social engagement, academic and functional goals, and personal growth according to their Individualized Educational Program and Transitional Service Plan.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
The culture of the organization is unmatched and I thoroughly enjoy going to work every day. I am fortunate to be able to see firsthand what our staff accomplish to help achieve student success and growth.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Knowing they are contributing to the vital education and personal growth of children with special needs, offering them opportunities for a brighter future.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard but also for playing hard.
In house we have closing day celebrations which give staff the opportunity to come together to hear about the successes of the organization. At the beginning of the year, we have Opening Day to welcome staff back to the beginning of the school year and plan for a successful year ahead.
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
Berrien RESA is one of 56 education service agencies in the State of Michigan serving over 24,000 students in Berrien County. The schools we serve include 15 public school districts, 20 non-public schools, and 3 charter school academies. The mission is to optimize student outcomes through collaboration and transformation.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Professional Development opportunities
- Importance of work-life balance
- Seeing student programs start, grow, be successful. There is no better perk than to see a student strive from the hard work and dedication of the staff at Berrien RESA.
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its leadership, etc?
The unwavering support from the Berrien RESA Board of Education to the Superintendents is unmatched. Their dedication to fostering a positive and collaborative environment has undoubtedly contributed to the success of our organization.
