Our Staff
Sue Julian
Executive Director
Sue earned degrees in education and biology from Antioch College in 1968. The program called for off-campus experiences which led her to an outdoor education school in New Hampshire, a one-room school house in Kentucky, and a boarding school in Maryland. She taught science and established a library in the Peace Corps in Malaysia, then returned to earn a second bachelors degree from Grand Valley State University. She was Director of Education at Impression 5 Museum in Lansing before "retiring" to raise two sons and assist her husband, Charles. Since then, her career has been as a full time volunteer splitting her time among Holly Area School Board, Michigan Environmental Council Board, Holly Area Youth Assistance, various PTA's, Holly Township Nature Center, MDCC, Headwaters Trails and political campaigns. Sue has been a member of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy Board since 2002; is a past President of the Board and currently serves as co-Chair of the Stewardship Committee as well as Land Specialist. Contact Sue at land@nohlc.org or (248) 795-2808.
Executive Director
Sue earned degrees in education and biology from Antioch College in 1968. The program called for off-campus experiences which led her to an outdoor education school in New Hampshire, a one-room school house in Kentucky, and a boarding school in Maryland. She taught science and established a library in the Peace Corps in Malaysia, then returned to earn a second bachelors degree from Grand Valley State University. She was Director of Education at Impression 5 Museum in Lansing before "retiring" to raise two sons and assist her husband, Charles. Since then, her career has been as a full time volunteer splitting her time among Holly Area School Board, Michigan Environmental Council Board, Holly Area Youth Assistance, various PTA's, Holly Township Nature Center, MDCC, Headwaters Trails and political campaigns. Sue has been a member of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy Board since 2002; is a past President of the Board and currently serves as co-Chair of the Stewardship Committee as well as Land Specialist. Contact Sue at land@nohlc.org or (248) 795-2808.
Shannon Steel
Associate Executive Director
Shannon has been a member of the NOHLC team since 2015. She has been passionate about the natural world since she can remember. Her interest in environmental issues led her to complete a bachelor’s degree in Geography with a minor in Biology. During her undergraduate career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Shannon acquired Geographic Information System (GIS) skills through coursework and independent research. Here at NOHLC, Shannon performs geospatial work and assists with conservation planning, fund development, and outreach projects.
Associate Executive Director
Shannon has been a member of the NOHLC team since 2015. She has been passionate about the natural world since she can remember. Her interest in environmental issues led her to complete a bachelor’s degree in Geography with a minor in Biology. During her undergraduate career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Shannon acquired Geographic Information System (GIS) skills through coursework and independent research. Here at NOHLC, Shannon performs geospatial work and assists with conservation planning, fund development, and outreach projects.
Chris Hardman
Fundraising Assistant
Chris has dedicated her career as a journalist and photographer to education. She has written articles for both print and online magazines about conservation, wildlife management, scientific research and travel. She worked at the Detroit Zoo, helped start up the Clarkston Farmers Market and volunteered as a sea turtle researcher in Costa Rica, the U.S. and Suriname, South America. Most recently, she retired as Executive Editor of edibleWOW magazine, a publication focusing on the local food scene in Southeast Michigan. She was the original editor of the magazine and held that position for the past decade. She has been an active volunteer in her community working in the schools, at various food banks and with NOHLC.
Fundraising Assistant
Chris has dedicated her career as a journalist and photographer to education. She has written articles for both print and online magazines about conservation, wildlife management, scientific research and travel. She worked at the Detroit Zoo, helped start up the Clarkston Farmers Market and volunteered as a sea turtle researcher in Costa Rica, the U.S. and Suriname, South America. Most recently, she retired as Executive Editor of edibleWOW magazine, a publication focusing on the local food scene in Southeast Michigan. She was the original editor of the magazine and held that position for the past decade. She has been an active volunteer in her community working in the schools, at various food banks and with NOHLC.
Mary Herzenstiel
Administrative Assistant
Mary was born and raised in northern Oakland County and currently lives there with her husband, Frank, and two sons. She is a graduate of Oakland University and Marygrove College. After working in the marketing and international business fields, she became a high school teacher. Sharing the love of the outdoors with her husband and children drew her to learning more about conservation. Living on a lake in Springfield Township, Mary became interested in invasive species and the balance of ecosystems. Working on an organic CSA farm in Davisburg, she learned more about edible weeds such as purslane. Currently, she maintains the NOHLC database and enjoys being a guest teacher and volunteer in the local schools.
Administrative Assistant
Mary was born and raised in northern Oakland County and currently lives there with her husband, Frank, and two sons. She is a graduate of Oakland University and Marygrove College. After working in the marketing and international business fields, she became a high school teacher. Sharing the love of the outdoors with her husband and children drew her to learning more about conservation. Living on a lake in Springfield Township, Mary became interested in invasive species and the balance of ecosystems. Working on an organic CSA farm in Davisburg, she learned more about edible weeds such as purslane. Currently, she maintains the NOHLC database and enjoys being a guest teacher and volunteer in the local schools.
Our Board
Emily Duthinh, President
Emily has served on NOHLC's Board of Directors since 2013 and is currently serving as president. She has been active in the Stewardship and Land Acquisition Committees for twelve years. She is also Chair of the Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species management Area *(CISMA). She is a Conservation Steward in Michigan and co-founded the Oakland Phragmites and Invasive Species (OPIS) Task Force. Emily earned her bachelor's degree in geology from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. and her master's degree in environmental science from Duke University. She worked for 18 years in environmental consulting, investigating and remediating contaminated soil and groundwater at industrial sites throughout the mid Atlantic states, Ohio, and Michigan. Emily is an adjunct professor at Wayne State University in Detroit and Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio. She has extensive experience in preschool and K-12 education, particularly educating students with special needs, and was a founding school board member of the M.O.D.E.L. Community School, a charter school for students with autism in Toledo. Contact Emily at eduthinh@gmail.com.
Emily has served on NOHLC's Board of Directors since 2013 and is currently serving as president. She has been active in the Stewardship and Land Acquisition Committees for twelve years. She is also Chair of the Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species management Area *(CISMA). She is a Conservation Steward in Michigan and co-founded the Oakland Phragmites and Invasive Species (OPIS) Task Force. Emily earned her bachelor's degree in geology from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. and her master's degree in environmental science from Duke University. She worked for 18 years in environmental consulting, investigating and remediating contaminated soil and groundwater at industrial sites throughout the mid Atlantic states, Ohio, and Michigan. Emily is an adjunct professor at Wayne State University in Detroit and Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio. She has extensive experience in preschool and K-12 education, particularly educating students with special needs, and was a founding school board member of the M.O.D.E.L. Community School, a charter school for students with autism in Toledo. Contact Emily at eduthinh@gmail.com.
Michael Metz, Vice-President
Mike earned degrees in Biology and Political Science from the University of Michigan in 1993, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1997. He originally practiced real estate law at a Detroit law firm, and currently serves as Associate General Counsel at Guardian Industries, a global glass manufacturing company. Mike has been a Clarkston resident for 7 years and Detroit area resident for over 40 years. Mike is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, hiking, and skiing, and has been moved by recent reversals environmental regulations to protect his local community and the waters of Michigan and the Great Lakes. Mike was recently introduced to NOHLC through his son's Eagle Scout project to build benches overlooking the Bridge Valley Fen. As a volunteer for NOHLC, Mike hopes to apply his real estate skills to help conserve the woods, fields, streams, wildlife and other natural features of North Oakland. Mike has been married to Amy Metz for over 20 years, and they have two children.
Mike earned degrees in Biology and Political Science from the University of Michigan in 1993, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1997. He originally practiced real estate law at a Detroit law firm, and currently serves as Associate General Counsel at Guardian Industries, a global glass manufacturing company. Mike has been a Clarkston resident for 7 years and Detroit area resident for over 40 years. Mike is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, hiking, and skiing, and has been moved by recent reversals environmental regulations to protect his local community and the waters of Michigan and the Great Lakes. Mike was recently introduced to NOHLC through his son's Eagle Scout project to build benches overlooking the Bridge Valley Fen. As a volunteer for NOHLC, Mike hopes to apply his real estate skills to help conserve the woods, fields, streams, wildlife and other natural features of North Oakland. Mike has been married to Amy Metz for over 20 years, and they have two children.
Mike Dougherty, Treasurer
Mike and his family have been residents of Springfield Township for over 20 years. He recently retired from a more than 30 year career as a manager and consultant in the Information Technology industry to focus on other interests. Mike holds B.A. (English) and M.A. (Geography) degrees from Kent State University. For the past several years he has pursued additional training in the areas of Conservation and Citizen Science and has completed the Michigan Master Naturalist (2010) and Michigan Conservation Stewards (2011) programs through MSU-E. As a volunteer he has done work for NOHLC, Oakland County Parks, and the MNFI. He is an accomplished and award winning nature photographer and operates Silent Light Photography. Mike hopes to apply his skills to communicate the beauty, diversity, and conservation value of the natural environments that NOHLC is striving to protect for future generations.
Mike and his family have been residents of Springfield Township for over 20 years. He recently retired from a more than 30 year career as a manager and consultant in the Information Technology industry to focus on other interests. Mike holds B.A. (English) and M.A. (Geography) degrees from Kent State University. For the past several years he has pursued additional training in the areas of Conservation and Citizen Science and has completed the Michigan Master Naturalist (2010) and Michigan Conservation Stewards (2011) programs through MSU-E. As a volunteer he has done work for NOHLC, Oakland County Parks, and the MNFI. He is an accomplished and award winning nature photographer and operates Silent Light Photography. Mike hopes to apply his skills to communicate the beauty, diversity, and conservation value of the natural environments that NOHLC is striving to protect for future generations.
Bette Moen, Secretary
Bette is a resident and business owner in Springfield Township. She is the founder and director of Cedar Crest Academy & Early Childhood Center. The passive solar classroom building, environmental studies, and property management of Cedar Crest, attest to the value placed on continuous learning and sustainability.
Bette’s professional studies are in education, psychology and organizational leadership. She uses her extensive local and national connections to focus attention on conservation, global climate change, and updating standards in education.
Bette is a resident and business owner in Springfield Township. She is the founder and director of Cedar Crest Academy & Early Childhood Center. The passive solar classroom building, environmental studies, and property management of Cedar Crest, attest to the value placed on continuous learning and sustainability.
Bette’s professional studies are in education, psychology and organizational leadership. She uses her extensive local and national connections to focus attention on conservation, global climate change, and updating standards in education.
Sue Julian, Land Specialist
Sue earned degrees in education and biology from Antioch College in 1968. The program called for off-campus experiences which led her to an outdoor education school in New Hampshire, a one-room school house in Kentucky, and a boarding school in Maryland. She taught science and established a library in the Peace Corps in Malaysia, then returned to earn a second bachelors degree from Grand Valley State University. She was Director of Education at Impression 5 Museum in Lansing before "retiring" to raise two sons and assist her husband Charles. Since then her career has been as a full time volunteer splitting her time among Holly Area School Board, Michigan Environmental Council Board, Holly Area Youth Assistance, various PTA's, Holly Township Nature Center, MDCC, Headwaters Trails and political campaigns. Sue has been a member of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy Board since 2002, is a past President of the Board and currently serves as co-Chair of the Stewardship Committee while also serving as the Executive Director.
Sue earned degrees in education and biology from Antioch College in 1968. The program called for off-campus experiences which led her to an outdoor education school in New Hampshire, a one-room school house in Kentucky, and a boarding school in Maryland. She taught science and established a library in the Peace Corps in Malaysia, then returned to earn a second bachelors degree from Grand Valley State University. She was Director of Education at Impression 5 Museum in Lansing before "retiring" to raise two sons and assist her husband Charles. Since then her career has been as a full time volunteer splitting her time among Holly Area School Board, Michigan Environmental Council Board, Holly Area Youth Assistance, various PTA's, Holly Township Nature Center, MDCC, Headwaters Trails and political campaigns. Sue has been a member of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy Board since 2002, is a past President of the Board and currently serves as co-Chair of the Stewardship Committee while also serving as the Executive Director.
Pamela Beilke
Pamela grew up in Wisconsin where she enjoyed being outdoors and camping with her family. Pamela designed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Minnesota because there were no environmental programs at that time. After graduate studies in Environmental Engineering, she packed up her 67 Volkswagen bus and moved to Arizona. She has worked as a regulator, consultant and compliance manager for industry. While living in Tucson she was actively engaged in various environmental non-profit organizations, including the Tucson Earth Day Festival. Pamela moved to Lake Orion nearly 7 years ago and enjoys living on the lakes (which are part of the Clinton River Watershed), kayaking, watching the waterfowl and restoring her yard to native vegetation. Recently retired, Pamela is excited about dedicating more of her time to the environment. She was introduced to NOHLC by Mike Metz and looks forward to being engaged in the organization.
Pamela grew up in Wisconsin where she enjoyed being outdoors and camping with her family. Pamela designed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Minnesota because there were no environmental programs at that time. After graduate studies in Environmental Engineering, she packed up her 67 Volkswagen bus and moved to Arizona. She has worked as a regulator, consultant and compliance manager for industry. While living in Tucson she was actively engaged in various environmental non-profit organizations, including the Tucson Earth Day Festival. Pamela moved to Lake Orion nearly 7 years ago and enjoys living on the lakes (which are part of the Clinton River Watershed), kayaking, watching the waterfowl and restoring her yard to native vegetation. Recently retired, Pamela is excited about dedicating more of her time to the environment. She was introduced to NOHLC by Mike Metz and looks forward to being engaged in the organization.
Kelly Daly Flynn
Kelly earned a Bachelor in Chemistry from Lawrence Tech, a PhD in Chemistry from University of Michigan and a Master in Engineering from Oakland University. She currently works as a continuous improvement leader for Ascent Aerospace in Lake Orion and Macomb. As a chemist, she knows the havoc industrial energy usage and waste discharge has wreaked on the environment and has always been an advocate for environmental preservation. As a resident of Clarkston for the past 20 years, she has become more aware of the importance of conserving natural habitats for plants and wildlife. Kelly joined the NOHLC board in 2018. She also sits on a policy board for the Oakland County Health Network, is a service representative for a Clarkston support group, teaches at Oakland Community College and volunteers as a STEM mentor for children of all ages. In her spare time, she tends to her rose garden, competitive walks, and chases her teenagers off the couch.
Kelly earned a Bachelor in Chemistry from Lawrence Tech, a PhD in Chemistry from University of Michigan and a Master in Engineering from Oakland University. She currently works as a continuous improvement leader for Ascent Aerospace in Lake Orion and Macomb. As a chemist, she knows the havoc industrial energy usage and waste discharge has wreaked on the environment and has always been an advocate for environmental preservation. As a resident of Clarkston for the past 20 years, she has become more aware of the importance of conserving natural habitats for plants and wildlife. Kelly joined the NOHLC board in 2018. She also sits on a policy board for the Oakland County Health Network, is a service representative for a Clarkston support group, teaches at Oakland Community College and volunteers as a STEM mentor for children of all ages. In her spare time, she tends to her rose garden, competitive walks, and chases her teenagers off the couch.
Jean Gramlich
I spent my childhood wandering the fields and woods around the Niagara River, so love of the land and waters is etched into my being. When I retired from my professional career as a clinical psychologist, I returned to the land and environmentalism. I have been very active in the Sierra Club, serving as state chair for seven years and am currently the vice-chair. I am an Advanced Master Gardener and a Conservation Steward through MSUE. I love the hands-on work of NOHLC's Stewardship Committee and look forward to the policy work on the Board to help NOHLC be viable in the long term.
I spent my childhood wandering the fields and woods around the Niagara River, so love of the land and waters is etched into my being. When I retired from my professional career as a clinical psychologist, I returned to the land and environmentalism. I have been very active in the Sierra Club, serving as state chair for seven years and am currently the vice-chair. I am an Advanced Master Gardener and a Conservation Steward through MSUE. I love the hands-on work of NOHLC's Stewardship Committee and look forward to the policy work on the Board to help NOHLC be viable in the long term.
Lora Perkins
Lora graduated from Adrian College with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Chemistry. She later received a Master’s Degree in Reading from Oakland University. Her professional career began as a teacher for the Pontiac Public Schools, where she worked for 35 years. After retiring from the Pontiac Public Schools in 1997, Lora worked for the Michigan Education Association as a staff Uniserv Director. Soon after retiring from that position in 2003, she began work for Michigan State Representative Hubert Price Jr. at his office in Pontiac, Michigan. During that time, she also did contracted projects for the Michigan Education Association. Lora joined the NOHLC Stewardship Committee in 2009 after working on the political campaign, “Independence Goes Green”. As current Co-chair of that Committee, she coordinates Property Inspections for all the Conservancies’ Properties. Lora has been married to Lorenzo Perkins, another former Public School teacher and current NOHLC volunteer, for 52 years. They have one child, a son, Mark, and four grandchildren.
Lora graduated from Adrian College with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Chemistry. She later received a Master’s Degree in Reading from Oakland University. Her professional career began as a teacher for the Pontiac Public Schools, where she worked for 35 years. After retiring from the Pontiac Public Schools in 1997, Lora worked for the Michigan Education Association as a staff Uniserv Director. Soon after retiring from that position in 2003, she began work for Michigan State Representative Hubert Price Jr. at his office in Pontiac, Michigan. During that time, she also did contracted projects for the Michigan Education Association. Lora joined the NOHLC Stewardship Committee in 2009 after working on the political campaign, “Independence Goes Green”. As current Co-chair of that Committee, she coordinates Property Inspections for all the Conservancies’ Properties. Lora has been married to Lorenzo Perkins, another former Public School teacher and current NOHLC volunteer, for 52 years. They have one child, a son, Mark, and four grandchildren.
Todd Roeser
Todd earned his undergraduate degree from the School of Natural Resources from the University of Michigan in 1992, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1999. He worked as an Environmental Consultant between undergraduate and law school. He started his practice of law in 1999 at the Detroit law firm Miller Canfield and currently serves as General Counsel of SRG Global, Inc., a Tier one automotive supplier headquartered in Troy Michigan. Todd lives on Parke Lake in Clarkston where he grew up fishing, swimming and exploring nature with his parents and brothers, and currently enjoys doing the same today with his wife and daughter. Having started his adventures in the natural world nearly 50 years ago in Clarkston, and continuing them with his family today, he is passionate about preservation of the watershed and the wildlife in the region for future generations through sound environmental stewardship. He is excited to join the Board in 2019 and volunteer for NOHLC, an organization his father Fred Roeser was passionate about, and introduced Todd to so many years ago inspecting property together.
Todd earned his undergraduate degree from the School of Natural Resources from the University of Michigan in 1992, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1999. He worked as an Environmental Consultant between undergraduate and law school. He started his practice of law in 1999 at the Detroit law firm Miller Canfield and currently serves as General Counsel of SRG Global, Inc., a Tier one automotive supplier headquartered in Troy Michigan. Todd lives on Parke Lake in Clarkston where he grew up fishing, swimming and exploring nature with his parents and brothers, and currently enjoys doing the same today with his wife and daughter. Having started his adventures in the natural world nearly 50 years ago in Clarkston, and continuing them with his family today, he is passionate about preservation of the watershed and the wildlife in the region for future generations through sound environmental stewardship. He is excited to join the Board in 2019 and volunteer for NOHLC, an organization his father Fred Roeser was passionate about, and introduced Todd to so many years ago inspecting property together.
PERFORMANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE:
Chris Benedict
A Clarkston resident since 2004, Chris served on NOHLC's Board of Directors from 2008 - 2015, including as president 2012-2013 and 2015. He continues to assist the office with computer related issues and began service on the Audit Committee in 2017. Chris spends his days (and some nights) as the Information Technology Administrator at Springfield Township, and moonlights as vice president of the board of the Huron River Watershed Council, representing Oakland County. After working 15 years in production and skilled trades at Ford Motor Company, Chris returned to school to earn a bachelors degree in business/public administration from the University of Phoenix and a masters degree in public administration from Oakland University.
A Clarkston resident since 2004, Chris served on NOHLC's Board of Directors from 2008 - 2015, including as president 2012-2013 and 2015. He continues to assist the office with computer related issues and began service on the Audit Committee in 2017. Chris spends his days (and some nights) as the Information Technology Administrator at Springfield Township, and moonlights as vice president of the board of the Huron River Watershed Council, representing Oakland County. After working 15 years in production and skilled trades at Ford Motor Company, Chris returned to school to earn a bachelors degree in business/public administration from the University of Phoenix and a masters degree in public administration from Oakland University.
Marilyn Zigarac
Marilyn is a licensed CPA and earned Master of Science degrees from Walsh College in both Taxation and Accounting. She is a past Chair and Vice Chair of the MICPA Federal Tax Task Force. Although she recently retired as Tax Partner at a Troy CPA firm after a 30-year career in public accounting, she remains active on the MICPA Nonprofit Task Force and is a member of the AICPA Tax and Nonprofit Divisions. Prior to her accounting career, Marilyn was the Quality Assurance Manager for a local steel service center. In that position she had the opportunity to travel internationally to various steel manufacturers auditing their quality assurance programs. Marilyn is a strong advocate for preserving our natural resources and protecting from over development. She served as NOHLC Board Treasurer from 2012 to 2018 and currently sits on the Finance Committee. She provides oversight and assistance to the Conservancy with its various financial, tax and administrative filings. A retirement goal is to complete the Michigan State Master Gardeners program.
Marilyn is a licensed CPA and earned Master of Science degrees from Walsh College in both Taxation and Accounting. She is a past Chair and Vice Chair of the MICPA Federal Tax Task Force. Although she recently retired as Tax Partner at a Troy CPA firm after a 30-year career in public accounting, she remains active on the MICPA Nonprofit Task Force and is a member of the AICPA Tax and Nonprofit Divisions. Prior to her accounting career, Marilyn was the Quality Assurance Manager for a local steel service center. In that position she had the opportunity to travel internationally to various steel manufacturers auditing their quality assurance programs. Marilyn is a strong advocate for preserving our natural resources and protecting from over development. She served as NOHLC Board Treasurer from 2012 to 2018 and currently sits on the Finance Committee. She provides oversight and assistance to the Conservancy with its various financial, tax and administrative filings. A retirement goal is to complete the Michigan State Master Gardeners program.
