Meet the Team
Exceptional people make exceptional companies! Get to know our team. The people who strive to give you the hands on, personalized approach our clients have come to expect. Click the pictures below to learn more about our awesome staff.
Executive Leadership
Kristopher Powell
President/CEO
Leader, Innovator, Golf Nut. These are the words that best describe Kris Powell, CEO of HRPro/BenePro (but not necessarily in that order!). Kris founded BenePro and AdminPro in 1990, sensing an ever-growing need on the part of employers to take better care of their employees in an economical manner. Realizing that need was evolving and changing, he changed the name of AdminPro to HRPro in 2012 to recognize the company’s growing practice in human resources consulting and services.
Kris is driven by the desire to help employers take better care of their employees. As a believer in “practice what you preach” he has also built HRPro/BenePro into a great place to work that has won numerous awards, including being in the top 10 “Crain’s Coolest Places to Work” in Michigan for the last three years.
A native Detroiter and graduate of Oakland University, Kris has been involved in many community activities. These include serving on the boards of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, The MedHealth Foundation, Red Run Golf Club, Notre Dame Prep, United Benefit Advisors and currently, Automation Alley. He lives in Troy with his wife, 2 cats and a dog.
And yes, he plays a lot of golf!!
Teresa Edwards
Executive Vice President
Teresa brings over 20 years’ experience to the Pro Team and has been with the organization since 1990. She began as Director of Operations for HRPro, and later joined HRPro in 2005 as Executive Vice President of Operations. Teresa graduated from the prestigious Walsh College of Business and Accountancy with a Bachelors of Business Administration, Finance in 1997. Teresa is responsible for the general oversight of most operational activities of the company. She is pivotal in building strong client relationships and a strategic partner in the development of revenue generating projects and campaigns. Teresa’s greatest asset as Executive Vice President of Operations is her uncanny ability to close the gap between management and staff, being a pivotal driving force in solidifying a strong company culture and gaining respect and admiration of the staff by maintaining a friendly, open door policy that fosters a healthy, collaborative workplace.
Teresa resides in Clarkston, Michigan with her husband and three children. Teresa is not only a soccer mom, she is also a hockey, football and baseball mom and works hard juggling her time between different sports fields. In what little spare time she has, Teresa enjoys spending time with family and working out. She can be typically be found starting her day at a gym or attending boot camp.
Mary Ann Fisher
Director of HR and Payroll Services
Mary Ann Fisher is the Director of HR and Payroll Services with HRPro. She has over 25 years’ experience in Human Resources and Payroll. She is responsible for managing new client implementations for HRIS and Payroll as well as assisting current clients with navigating our system and setting up various modules of our HRIS system. Mary Ann has been with HRPro for almost 12 years. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, camping and swimming. She is also the committee chair for her youngest son’s Cub Scout Pack. Her Life Slogan, When nothing goes right, go left!
Jennifer Wajeeh
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Jennifer joins HRPro with a strong background in sales, sales support, marketing and graphic art. With 10+ years of experience working as Sales Coordinator/Manager functioning as liaison between sales and administrative support, along with a degree in graphic art, she brings a unique edge to the position that incorporates both logic and creativity. As Director of Sales and Marketing, Jennifer is responsible for developing company branding, contributing to event marketing, creating marketing campaigns, marketing materials, website maintenance and heads up our national sales team.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, one who currently lives in Florida and works as a Veterinarian in a small animal emergency clinic and the other who is working as a PA in emergency medicine at Ascentis Hospital, married and now expecting her first baby! A self‐proclaimed culinary genius, she can often be found creating and preparing exciting new recipes. When not tirelessly working on home improvement projects, she can sometimes be found playing live trivia with her husband (taking first place on our league the last 3 seasons!) or working on their blog entitled “Jomar’s Brews and Chews” that reviews local restaurants and craft beers. On occasion, you may even be able to find her belting out her favorite song at Karaoke.
Leadership
Somer DePestel
Director of FSA/HSA Services
Somer is HRPro’s Director of HSA/FSA Services. She has been with the “Pro” family for over 16 years. Somer has been in the insurance industry (Broker and TPA) for 20+ years, gathering knowledge and experience in different types of roles including Account Management and Customer Service. Somer was originally hired in 2006 as lead FSA Account Manager. Wanting to learn more, Somer then took on all the HSA clients too. In 2015, she took an HSA class and was awarded “Certified HSA Expert”. In her role, she’s responsible for new client implementation, existing plan renewals, as well as overseeing the Accounts Department. Somer’s is dedicated to keeping updated on all the ever‐changing health care laws and IRS regulations. Keeping her clients happy, educated, and informed is her first priority every day.
She is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing. Somer is happily married with three kids – all boys! Outside of work, Somer stays busy between ice rinks and fields watching her sons play hockey, soccer, baseball, and football. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, and reading a good book.
Danuta Slodyczka
Director of HRA/FSA Services
Danuta is HRPro’s Director of HRA/FSA Services. She has been with the “Pro” family for close to two decades. Originally hired as a Technology Coordinator for BenePro (HRPro’s sister company), she was soon promoted to the position of Operations Manager. Danuta eventually migrated to the HRPro‐side of business during the enactment of ARRA to work with the COBRA department. Over time her skills were enlisted in the development and restructuring of the HRA accounts department, only to ultimately include key clients holding both FSA & HRA accounts. In her role, she’s responsible for new client implementation and existing plan renewals as well as overseeing claim submissions and processing. Her daily focus is fostering great broker, employer, and employee relation.
Danuta is a graduate of University of Detroit Mercy, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with two degrees, a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor in Liberal Arts – English. Happily married mother of three, she’s an avid reader and book collector who loves to bake European pastries and create unique birthday cakes. When not creating lasting memories with her children, Danuta can be found biking down singletrack trails with her cycling enthusiast hubby hoping to one day catch up to him!
Advisory
Carolyn Elliott
HR Generalist
Carolyn has five year’s business experience in HR disciplines. She partners with the Vice President of Human Resources to service HRPro’s HR Consulting clients.
Carolyn was previously in the nonprofit sector as a manager of professional development and training. She has provided oversight for the development of new clients, quality and compliance continuous improvement efforts, and training across the country—including in Hawaii! Her training impact spans over 1,000 people. She has a keen focus on organizational development and systemic improvements.
Carolyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. In her spare time, Carolyn enjoys spending time with her friends and family up north, snuggling with her 2 pitbulls, or painting landscapes with Bob Ross.
Katia Lepine
National Solutions Advisor – East Coast
Katia is the National Solutions Advisor for the East Coast. Her role is to partners with brokers to help them better manage and streamline their clients benefit administration needs. Prior to working at HRPro Katia was a Business Solutions Consultant at Paychex and an HR Generalist at American Laser Skincare. Katia’s passion for helping entrepreneurs and positive relationship building skills has made her a great addition to the HRPro family. Outside of work, Katia enjoys spending time with her fiancé and 4 children. Being outdoors, traveling and lip syncing in the car.
Katia is a certified personal training and yoga instructor. Promoting positive change and balance.
Kevin Sheridan
Director of Business Development
Kevin has joined HRPro as our new Director of Business Development. Kevin will be working with organizations to help them take better care of their people.
Kevin contributes a wealth of experience having held leadership roles in companies ranging from start-up to Fortune 100. Although his background has primarily centered around the automotive sector, he has extensive experience in the IT and high-tech arena and was an integral player in the advancement of modern-day email marketing and its best practices. His ability to identify industry trends and his knowledge of information systems along with both traditional and digital marketing strategies has allowed him to take a hands approach to develop business in emerging industries as well has help traditional businesses embrace the latest technologies and practices to stay competitive in a constantly evolving world. As a native of the greater Detroit area, Kevin studied at the University of Detroit Jesuit before earning a Bachelor of Arts from Wabash College which both trained him to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively and live humanely.
Kevin resides with his wife, Patty in Clawson, Michigan and is extremely proud of his twin son Kevin, Jr and daughter Shannon. Over the years, Kevin has served his community as a board member and treasurer for both the school district and the community planning commission and has been a volunteer swim and soccer coach. Kevin’s “happy place” is anywhere he can throw a fly line, cruising on his long board or spending quality time with his clan. In the future, Kevin and his wife look forward to continuing their worldly exploration through travels abroad once their nest is empty.
Account Management/Administration
Sara Brinker
Client Services Representative
Sara graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Sara is a pivotal part of HRPro’s client services team. When she is not cheerfully greeting guests or answering the phones, she is handling calls and emails from our reimbursement account’s clients. She has a cat named Yuki. On her free time, Sara enjoys being with her boyfriend, traveling and trying new foods, and if it’s nice out—bike riding and camping.
Amy Burkett
Accounts Receivable
Started with HRPro in 2007, as the receptionist. Quickly moved to the COBRA department to utilize her fast data entry skills and ability to complete projects in a timely manner. Now has transitioned into the Accounts Receivable, where her abilities are challenged and keeping her on her toes. Assists others with projects that need to be done quickly. Previously worked for a fence company for 5 ½ years, started out as a receptionist too, moved into quoting assistant, then moved quickly into the Accounts Receivables position. Amy has been the Team Captain of the Wings of Hope for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life since 2013. Purchased her first home in 2015 on her birthday!
Tracey Collins
Account Manager COBRA
Tracey Collins joined HRPro in 2017 as a COBRA Account Manager and is responsible for handling all aspects of COBRA Administration for her clients. Prior to joining the HRPro team she was a COBRA specialist for 18 year at a broker’s office.
She graduated from Lawrence Technological University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an area of concentration in Human Resources.
She is married with three wonderful children. When she is not at work, she is watching her 3 kids play travel soccer. On summer weekends you can find her on Cass Lake enjoying the water and sun with family and friends.
Megan Cunningham
Manager COBRA Department
Megan is HRPro’s COBRA Department Manager. She has been with the “Pro” family for over a 14 years. Originally hired as the receptionist for HRPro in 1995, she was soon promoted to the position of COBRA Account Representative where she worked for 3+ years. Megan left in 1999 to pursue other career opportunities, but never forgot her roots and favorite boss. Megan returned to HRPro in 2005 as an assistant to the COBRA and Spending Account Departments – helping streamline/automate these departments. In 2007 Megan was promoted to the COBRA Department Manager.
Megan has been in the insurance and third party industry for 20+ years, gathering knowledge and experience in different types of roles including: Account management for a broker company/insurance sales, customer service manager for a large union group and as an HR Assistant/HRIS specialist and for a large paper products company. Mother of one, she plays soccer 3‐5 times a week on various women’s soccer leagues. She is hoping the love of soccer will pass onto her daughter too – especially with the recent win for the US Women’s National Soccer team! When Megan isn’t found on the soccer pitch, you can find her and her daughter volunteering for 2 local animal rescues. We assist at dog adoption events and help share animals in need of new homes. We also take in the occasional foster dog too – and have failed at fostering once – with our dog Juliette. We couldn’t let her leave our family.
Gloria Doland
Client Services Representative
Gloria is HRPro’s Client Services Representative working in the COBRA Department.
Lindsey Eason
Account Coordinator
Lindsey has joined the HRPro team as Account Coordinator. Lindsey is responsible for initial onboarding of clients and client relationship management. Lindsey graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in December 2019 with a bachelor’s in international business and a minor in French. She also studied abroad in Paris, France in March 2019 where she met several different businesses located in the city. She likes to read, go camping and do nail art. She has a German Shepherd named Rockefeller who acts like he owns the world.
LiAnne Edwards
HR, Payroll and Benefits Specialist
Fun bio coming soon.
Nicole Fuelling
Senior Account Manager COBRA
Nicole Fuelling is a COBRA Account Manager at HRPro and has over ten years of customer service experience. She is responsible for entering qualifying events for potential COBRA Participants, reinstatement of benefits, answering incoming customer inquiries, and maintaining COBRA Administration for employers. Before joining the HRPro team, she spent years in the mortgage industry as an Underwriter, Loss Mitigation Single Point of Contact, and was a Customer Service Supervisor for a General Motors Supplier. When she’s not at work, Nicole likes to spend time with her husband and son. She’s a lover of animals and Detroit sports, plays softball, and enjoys traveling to historic sites around the country.
Danielle Goff
Account Manager FSA
Danielle has a background in Property Management, Restaurant Management and has been working as a full-cycle Human Resources Manager for over eight years. She graduated from Wayne State University with a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Human Resources. She is currently working towards her MBA with a Human Resources concentration.
Danielle is responsible for Account Management with Consolidated Billing and HRIS clients. Danielle volunteers at multiple Detroit charities and is a huge promoter of all the positive change going on in and around the city. In her spare time, she loves to travel, and is always up for a weekend get-away to someplace new, especially if there is a historical or ghost tour involved! She also loves to read, watch movies and spend time with her boyfriend, family, and adorable dogs.
Chelsea Harbison
Executive Sales Assistant
Chelsea is new to the HRPro/BenePro team. She has a Bachelor of Communications and Public Relations from the University of Michigan, 11 years of retail management experience, and spent the last 4 years working in Education. She is bubbly, energetic, passionate, possesses an exceptionally positive outlook on life, and slapstick sense of humor.
She recently purchased her childhood home, married her college sweetheart, and adopted a corgi puppy they named Merlin. With a love of all things vintage, she renovated her kitchen to be authentically 1950’s – loud, frosty, Westinghouse refrigerator and all! In her spare time, she enjoys eating, camping, hiking, painting, and yoga, but she is happiest spending cozy time with her husband and puppy.
Olga Kovtun
Marketing Coordinator
Olga has 15+ years of marketing, graphic, brand strategy, and web design experience, she is always eager to learn more and take action! Olga is excited to be in the ever-changing world of digital marketing and to combine the knowledge in real-life to help a business grow.
She is a wife, a mother of two kids, has a dog and two cats. Olga enjoys family time, outdoors, travel, and just being with her family! She volunteers for an international project Creative Society, has friends in many countries, and is passionate about personal responsibility to make our world a better place! She is an international speaker, Creative Society TV host, and loves personal development.
Jerry Longtine
Accounting Specialist
Jerry graduated from Central Michigan University in May of 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Growing up in Marine City, Michigan, he loves hunting and fishing on the St. Clair River. Now he primarily sticks to golfing when the weather is nice and hanging out with friends in my spare time. He lives in the metro Detroit area, goes to as many Red Wings and Tigers games as possible, and enjoys a good concert from time to time as well. He is also looking to purchase his first home this coming Fall of 2022.
Dalia Nafso
Payroll/Benefits Administrator
This is my first job in the payroll/benefits industry. Before coming to HRPro, I worked for Kelly Services starting out as a recruiter, moving into onboarding and then healthcare credentialing. I graduated from Oakland University with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family and husband. I’m very close with my parents and three younger brothers. I love watching Criminal Minds, The Walking Dead and Pretty Little Liars. I look forward to football season and also enjoy watching the Detroit Red Wings. I’ll always be a Lions fan even though they’re not the greatest team.
Caitlin Parenteau
Account Services COBRA
Caitlin joined HRPro as a Client Service Representative. In this role she is responsible for answering phones, greeting customers, and working directly with the COBRA department. She received her Bachelors of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Western Michigan University. Go Broncos! She’s a huge Red Wings and Tigers fan and tries to go to as many games as possible. In her free time she loves to take trips and be outdoors. She enjoys camping, biking, kayaking and being out on Lake St. Clair.
Rachel Stimac
Account Manager COBRA
Rachel started with HRPro in July 2015 as a Client Service Representative. In this role, she sat at the front desk answering phones, greeting customers, processing qualifying events and helping other departments with special projects. In November 2015, she was promoted to COBRA Account Services allowing her to work more closely with Account Managers and focus more of her time on COBRA tasks and assisting COBRA participants. In February 2017, she was promoted to COBRA Account Manager giving her the opportunity to expand her skills and develop a strong relationship with HRPro clients. Rachel enjoys helping others and working as a team. She has an extensive background in customer service and several years of experience in Human Resources.
Prior to joining our company, Rachel worked at a benefits consulting firm and financial institution as a Benefits Enrollment Specialist/Benefits Administrator. Before this, she worked at a Veterinary Hospital for 7 years as a Receptionist. Rachel graduated from Baker College in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and a minor in Business Management. When not at work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Movies, music, and driving are a few of her favorite things. Some of her goals are to travel, sky dive, and meet Patrick Dempsey.
Random facts: HATES mushrooms, Afraid of spiders, Loves rollercoasters, Avid horror movie fan. Biggest pet peeve = bad grammar, spelling and punctuation. If she could have dinner with one actor, it’d be Tom Hanks.
Shelby Whalin
Account Manager COBRA
Shelby joined HRPro as a Client Service Representative in 2017 and has worked her way into an Account Manager role on our COBRA team. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Health Care Administration and had experience in the health care and mortgage industries before coming to HRPro.
Shelby lives in Troy, MI with her husband, son and german shepherd dog named Loki. She regularly enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves to go on trips anytime of the year to northern MI. Shelby also enjoys playing softball, going on walks with her son and dog and doing puzzles.
Anthony Wozniak
Client Service Representative
Before working at HRPro, Anthony held a variety of jobs including: working in the maintenance department for his church, an Election Inspector for Livonia, a Benefits Analyst in Southfield, retail in Ann Arbor and worked in Insurance.
Anthony graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Mathematics.
Anthony played saxophone in both his schools’ marching band and a local community band. In his spare time he enjoys playing video games and watching the Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings play as well as spending good times with good friends.
Anthony recently started rock climbing and enjoys a nice camping trip up north.
