Staff

John Girdwood is a PhD Student of Sociology at Michigan State University.

He’s the founder and current president of the non-profit OMIA Foundation.

Interests: MSU Sports, Detroit Pistons, Gardening, Web Development, iPhone

Mascots of Schools Attended: Spartans, Chippewas, Broncos, Rams

Professional Experience: State Government (Michigan), Non-Profit Legal & Social Services, Hospice

Volunteerism: Michigan’s Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly

State(s) of Residence: Michigan

Twitter: @JohnGirdwood

Facebook: facebook.com/JohnGirdwood

Social Networks & New Media: 

Publications:

• Girdwood, J. (2007). A Strategice Plan to Diversify Public Education Through the Michigan Department of Education. Central Michigan University
• Girdwood, J. (2008). Some Eligible People Actually Are Too Proud To Beg: Recommendations for Increasing Food Stamp Participation of Eligible Households, Central Michigan University
• Girdwood, J. (2007). Bringing Outside Music Inside Michigan’s K-12 Classrooms: A Foundation to Increase Diversity. Central Michigan University
• Girdwood, J. (2007). Taking A Non-Profit From Incorporation To Sustainability: How Leadership Applied to the Formation, Planning and Initial Operating Stage of The OMIA Foundation. Central Michigan University
• Girdwood, J. (2009). The Influence of Paternal Relationships on the Development of Athletic Male Offspring. Michigan State University
• Girdwood, J. (2009). Discovering Inconspicuous Exploitation: Applying the Theories of W. E. B. DuBois to American Sports Sociology. Michigan State University
• Girdwood, J. (2009). Challenging Traditional Gate-Keeping Power & Control: How New Media Transcended Conventional Mass Media Roles

You can learn more about John by visiting his bio page [here]

Jaime Zerka holds a B.A. in Psychology from Western Michigan University.

She’s co-founder and current vice president of the non-profit OMIA Foundation.

Interests: Cooking, Shopping, Watching Lifetime and E!

Mascots of Schools Attended: Chargers, Broncos

Professional Experience: Human Resources, Hospice, Health Care, Photography, Waitress

Volunteerism: Fund Raising for Hospice

State(s) of Residence: Michigan

Twitter: n/a

Facebook: [here]

Social Networks & New Media: n/a

Publications: n/a

You can learn more about Jaime by visiting her bio page [here]

Jacob Boyd holds a M.F.A. from Southern Illinois University.

He’s currently a professor of composition at Carroll University.

Interests: Writing, Scrabble, Poetry, Folk Music, Hiking

Mascots of Schools Attended: Rams, Broncos, Salukis, Pioneers, Sun Devils

Professional Experience: Mount Mary College, Bryant & Stratton College, Arizona State University

Volunteerism: Young Writer’s Workshop

State(s) of Residence: Wisconsin, Arizona, Montana, Michigan

Twitter: n/a

Facebook: [here]

Social Networks & New Media:

Publications:

• “Meditation at Sunrise” North American Review (forthcoming in 2010)
• “Divorce” New South (Fall 2009)
• “Crow and Winter” Measure (2008)
• “Coal or Christmas Lights” Hayden’s Ferry Review (Fall/Winter 2007-2008)
• “Linda’s Dance Party” Lungfull! Vol. 15 (2007)
• “Glam Rock” Tattoo Highway, Rock n’ Roll issue (2006)

You can learn more about Jake by visiting his bio page [here]

Corey Ballmer holds a B.S. in Supply Chain Management from Western Michigan University.

He’s the current treasurer of the non-profit OMIA Foundation.

Interests: Jogging, Running, Biking, Basketball, Coaching

Mascots of Schools Attended: Rams, Broncos, Stars

Professional Experience: Health Care, Banking

Volunteerism: Fund Raising for Hospice, Coaching K-5 Sports

State(s) of Residence: Michigan

Twitter: @cballmer

Facebook: [his wife's]

Social Networks & New Media: n/a

Publications: n/a

You can learn more about Corey by visiting his bio page [here]

Thomas Girdwood is a student at Lansing Community College.

He’s the young blood running through the veins of StudySports.net and the OMIA Foundation

Interests: Socializing

Mascots of Schools Attended: Rams, Aggies, Stars

Professional Experience: Food Service, Utilities

Volunteerism: Fund Raising for Hospice

State(s) of Residence: Michigan, Florida

Twitter: @girdwt

Facebook: [here]

Social Networks & New Media: n/a

Publications: n/a

You can learn more about Thomas by visiting his bio page [here]

David Kessler holds a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University.

He’s a consultant to the non-profit OMIA Foundation.

Interests: Attending Shows of the Chicago Symphony Chorus

Mascots of Schools Attended: Wildcats, Broncos

Professional Experience: Saint Mary’s of Nazareth Out Patient Behavioral Health, Center For Contextual Change

Volunteerism: Project Eye to Eye, Respite Care

State(s) of Residence: Illinois, Michigan, Washington, Oregon

Twitter: n/a

Facebook: [here]

Social Networks & New Media: n/a

Relevant Coursework:

• Group and Organizational Dynamics
• Evaluation & Treatment of Trauma Disorders
• Psychopathology Through the Adult Life Course
• Concepts in Behavior Analysis
• Individuals & Systems: Psychodynamic Viewpoints
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

You can learn more about David by visiting his bio page [here]

Mollie Ballmer is a student at Bowling Green State University.

She’s currently a marketing intern.

Interests: Sororities and Blackberries

Mascots of Schools Attended: Rams, Falcons

Professional Experience: Lansing Lugnuts

Volunteerism:

State(s) of Residence: Ohio

Twitter: @mollieballmer

Facebook: [here]

Social Networks & New Media:

Publications: n/a

You can learn more about Mollie by visiting her bio page [here]

Merry O’Brien holds an M.S.W. from the University of Michigan.

She’s a consultant to the non-profit OMIA Foundation.

Interests: Houseboats, Twitter

Mascots of Schools Attended: Wolverines

Professional Experience: Public Benefits, Domestic Violence Prevention

Volunteerism:

State(s) of Residence: Maryland

Twitter: @jerryrigindustr

Facebook: [here]

Social Networks & New Media: n/a

Publications: n/a

You can learn more about Merry by visiting her bio page [here]

Ryan Bort is a student at Bowling Green State University.

He’s a former high school football superstar.

Interests: Ohio State Sports

Mascots of Schools Attended: Falcons, Rams

Professional Experience: BC Maintenance, American Metal Roofs, Toledo City Paper

Volunteerism: Dance Marathon Morale Captain, Volunteer Football and Basketball Coach

State(s) of Residence: Ohio, Michigan

Twitter: @rmbort

Facebook: [here]

Social Networks & New Media: n/a

Publications: n/a

You can learn more about Ryan by visiting his bio page [here]