About Us
ABOUT US
Join us in making a difference! Together, we're creating pathways to brighter futures for women in need
MEET OUR TEAM
Excutive Director & Founder
Dr. Pauline Jones Furman
Dr. Pauline Jones Furman is the Executive Director and owner of the Center for Individual and Family Counseling. She has been in private practice for 31 years.Her specialty is marital therapy, focusing on couples with blended families. Dr. Furman provides emergency psychological first aid services to a variety businesses, companies, schools and organizations. She goes on site following traumatic events including; bank robberies, suicides, homicides and death on the job. Dr. Furman has also created a non-profit organization entitled, “Guided Pathways of Michigan” to assist women who are in need of housing, employment and life skills.
Vice President
Dr. Silverenia Kanoyton
Dr. Silverenia Kanoyton is a retired professor from Wayne State University Detroit, MI. She worked and taught in the College Of Education for 24 years. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Wayne State University; a Masters from Eastern Michigan University, and a baccalaureate degree from Hampton University in Virginia. While at Wayne State University in addition to her teaching, she served as principal investigator and project director for numerous grant projects from the State of Michigan Department of Education, National Science Foundation, the Readers Digest De Witt Wallace Foundation and the Links of Oakland County, MI
Secretary
Ms. Erika Ebbin
Ms. Erika Ebbin is a Wife, Mom, Navy Veteran and your next Realtor ® My love for real estate developed at an early age when my mother and I would tour open houses in various Metro Detroit communities. At that time, I did not envision a career in real estate due to having minimal interest in sales. I completed a degree in English at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. I also served our nation as a member of the United States Navy. Many years later, my life experiences would redirect me to combine my love for helping people and real estate in a way that didn’t feel like cheesy sales! Pursuing real estate full time was a leap of faith and I’m glad I made it
Treasurer
Ms. Sonja McCoy
Sonja McCoy, MBA, PMP, brings over 20 years of expertise to the
intersection of business management, project leadership, and taxation. With a solid foundation in finance and a track record of success, Sonja is renowned for her versatile skill set and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Throughout her career, Sonja has leveraged her MBA and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to navigate complex business landscapes with finesse. Her strategic acumen and meticulous attention to detail have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor among colleagues and clients alike.
Member
Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross
Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross is a leadership specialist whose strategic vision and expertise ignite growth in individuals, leaders, and communities. Her impact as a speaker and facilitator has resonated nationwide, leaving a lasting impression on audiences from the University of Michigan to Southern Arkansas University. With a keen eye for cultivating talent and human performance, she has advised on and enhanced learning initiatives in innovative ways. Dr. Bell-Ross has meticulously researched training content that fosters leadership, team building, DEI, communication, and motivational skills, ensuring that her frameworks not only build knowledge but also empower life transformations. Her global insights, drawn from cultural explorations in 11 countries, permeate her work, imbuing her with a unique capacity to develop resilient communities and leaders.
Member
Dr. Marilynn Bell
Dr. Marilynn Bell boasts over four decades of educational and corporate experience, having delivered over a thousand courses across 40 cities in North America, and shaped corporate training programs internationally. As a seasoned communications consultant, coach, and advisor, she specializes in creating enrichment programs that elevate business, governmental, industrial, and community sectors. She has shared her expertise with a variety of organizations, including Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and NASA. Her influence extends into academia as a faculty member at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Wayne State University, contributing to the next generation of professionals. Dr. Bell's commitment to empowerment through education is reflected in her global reach, impacting
corporate employees in 16 different countries.
Member
Ms. Beverly Green
As an educator it has afforded me 48 years’ experience in the field, ranging from administrative, leadership in the K-12 school systems, and teaching positions in higher education, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For me, the sharing of professional and personal experiences with others who seek to enhance their life’s capacity is most rewarding
and fulfilling. Each life that’s touched, adds value and strength to individuals, families and communities in which they live, work and serve. As a board member of Guided Pathways of Michigan, I am able to enhance services provided as a conduit to fill gaps that individuals encounter
Member
Ms. Sharon Thomas-Williams
I have worked in the field of education as my career. My love was working with special need children. I have taught regular education, adults and was a school administrator. My desire now is to give back to the community in a different way. I would love to help young women develop themselves and fulfill their dreams.