Staff
Dr. Sally Burton-Hoyle
Faculty Advisor
734.487.6483
[email protected]
Dr. Sally Burton-Hoyle, sister to a person on the autism spectrum, served on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) at the federal level, and has focused her life and career on improving the education and lives of people with autism and other challenging behaviors. Dr. Burton-Hoyle was Executive Director of the Autism Society of Michigan from 1994-2006 prior to coming to her current position at Eastern Michigan University. At her current position, she developed both the undergraduate program and the Masters of Autism Spectrum Disorders Program at Eastern, and currently is the Faculty Liaison for the College Supports Program for students with autism. She has been facilitating person-centered plans since 1985, and has trained mental health agencies and direct care staff in several states in this process.
Dr. Burton-Hoyle holds a doctorate in counseling psychology and special education from the University of Idaho and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Kansas.
Callie Merkel
Program Director
734.487.4418
[email protected]
Callie Merkel received a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences while attending Northern Michigan University and competing on an NCAA athletic scholarship on the women's Track and Field team. After receiving a Bachelor of Science from NMU, Callie continued her education at the University of Colorado where she found her interest and passion in the area of autism while providing speech and language therapy.
Callie joined the College Supports Program in 2012, and holds a double masters degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Clinical Social Work from Eastern Michigan University, and is the Coordinator of the College Supports Program.
Manuela Lako M.A.
Academic Support Coach
734.487.4418
[email protected]
Manuela has been a member of the CSP team since 2019. Manuela's passion for helping others stems from her background in special education and as a mother of 4. Her approach to supporting her students includes a strong belief that each person is unique and requires an individualized plan to increase access, knowledge and personal success.
She previously worked for the Plymouth -Canton school district as a substitute teacher, special education paraprofessional, Title 1 parapro and behavioral specialist (elementary grade through college).
Manuela holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's in Autism from EMU.
Hollie Arnett M.A.
Associate Director / Academic Support Coach
734.487.4418
[email protected]
Hollie joined CSP in August of 2016. She is currently the Associate Coordinator and an Academic Support Coach. She brings a hands-on action oriented approach to provide individualized support to students on the autism spectrum. Her focus is to identify barriers that contribute to daily challenges and create individualized solutions that allow all students to achieve academic and social success. As a parent of 4 children, Hollie understands the impact executive functioning has on daily life skills, social development, social emotional learning, and academic growth. Hollie continues to seek opportunities to advance her skills by participating in continuing education and she recently obtained a certificate from Cornell University in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Hollie holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a major course of study in Mathematics and a minor in Physics as well as a Masters degree in Learning Disabilities with a concentration in Autism both from Eastern Michigan University.
Lenna Dean B.S.
Academic Support Coach
734.487.4418
[email protected]
Lenna has been a member of the CSP team since August of 2022. She is currently an Academic Support Coach. Lenna believes that each student learns differently and her goal is to provide equitable, accessible and inclusive support to all of her students.
Lenna has been working with ASD students since 2018. Her experience includes working with all ages from toddlers to adults. She previously worked for Building Bridges Therapy Center as a behavior technician. During her time as an undergraduate at EMU, she was a peer mentor for the College Supports Program and after her December 2022 graduation she was asked to stay on as a coach.
Lenna spends her free time with her family, friends and anything Taylor Swift! She is a dog lover and currently a "dog mom" to her Shih Tzu, Walter.
Lenna holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Special Education from EMU. She also graduated summa cum laude.
Derek Berger B.S.
Academic Support Coach
734.487.4418
[email protected]
Derek has been a member of the CSP team since August of 2022. He is currently an Academic Support Coach. Derek approaches his coaching with a calm, patient and supportive mindset. He understands that each student is unique and requires individualized support.
Derek has been working with the LGBTQ+ community since 2021. During his time as an undergraduate at EMU he was the Vice President of the Psychology Club. His experience includes academic advising, career coaching, program navigation and community outreach. Derek is also a digital crisis counselor for the Trevor Project working with all ages from 9 to 65, including war veterans. He also started as a peer mentor for the College Supports Program and after his April 2023 graduation he was asked to stay on as a coach.
Derek spends his free time running, playing games and hanging out with his family and friends. He is also a cat dad to his Russian Blue Tabby named Storm.
Derek holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and minors in Family Sociology and Business Management from EMU. He also graduated summa cum laude.
Nema Shortal B.S.
Academic Support Coach
734.487.4418
[email protected]
Nema has been a member of the CSP team since 2024. Her heart to help others has been demonstrated in an array of guidance roles that offered various needs-based services to people for the past 25 years.
Nema’s experience with individuals with Autism began primarily within her years working in social work with children in both the Foster care and Adoption programs in the Southfield, Michigan area. Her work in the mental health platform began as a Psychiatric Mental Health Technician for Isabella County Community Hospital (now McLaren Central MI Hospital) working in an acute crisis intervention program for both adults and adolescents. Her path to continuing the support of people furthered as a Community Connections Coach at Mid Michigan Industries; navigating employment and employment training and providing individualized support for persons with various disabilities and learning differences.
Nema finds joy in demonstrating value and significance for those she supports and by executing the hope that success can be achieved in many different ways.
Nema holds a bachelors degree in Counseling/Psychology from CSU.