Christine Pirrello has been the Professional Development and Education Manager for MI Write for the last two years. 

What do you love about your job?
I love the opportunity to work with teachers and administrators to promote best practices and effective writing instruction strategies to improve student outcomes.

What has been the biggest obstacle in your career? 
I raised my children on my own which dictates early career choices, but I worked to find a position that challenges and motivates me.

What is your degree in?
I have a master’s degree in Education, and my bachelor’s degree focused on environmental science.

What is the weirdest or most interesting job you’ve ever had? What made it weird or interesting?
I worked in a zoo for a summer. I got up close and personal with some very interesting animals.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope the world is back to being more socially connected and with more unity of purpose.

What has been the hardest part of the COVID-19 pandemic for you?
I know that I’ve been more fortunate than so many others, but I certainly do miss contact with my family and friends.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
For the parts of them that I may have positively influenced, my children are my proudest accomplishment.

What is your favorite family recipe/tradition?
I am always expected to make pies for any family gathering. The favorites are fudge pecan and banana cream.

Kendra Timberlake has been a Client Success Specialist for the last two years, but has been with MI since 1986. Having held several different positions in that time, her favorite was Director of Community Relations where she assisted with the development of MI’s public relations program, promoted community outreach efforts, and developed employee engagement programs.

What do you love about your job?
Meeting clients and hearing from them about the new and innovative ways they are providing writing instruction to their students.

What has been the biggest obstacle in your career? How did you overcome it?
Changing technology. I made sure I worked overtime watching demos, researching, and attending webinars to increase my knowledge. Then I placed myself in a situation where I had to teach it to someone else.

What is your degree in?
B.S. Communications Studies; M.Ed Curriculum & Instruction

What is the weirdest or most interesting job you’ve ever had? What made it weird or interesting?
I used to be a technical assistant at a tv station in Texas. One of my jobs was running the teleprompter for the anchors. One time, I was running their script and the pages fell to the floor. To say the least, it was interesting to watch their eyes follow the script to the floor and then flounder for words.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Retired and teaching writing and communications at a community college.

What has been the hardest part of the COVID-19 pandemic for you?
Hugging. Hugging is my favorite thing.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Raising children who turned out to be good people.

What is your favorite family recipe/tradition?
Our favorite tradition is reading the Christmas story (and sometimes acting it out) before we open presents!

Stay tuned to meet more of our awesome team members!