About

Eric Smith is the president of the board of directors.

Karen L. Obsniuk, Ph.D., serves as the Vice President of the Board for the Living and Learning Enrichment Center, bringing her extensive background in education and administration. As the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Madonna University since 1996, her career encompasses roles as a teacher, school administrator, and adjunct faculty. Dr. Obsniuk holds a Ph.D. in Administration and Supervision with a focus on curriculum, and an M.A. in English Literature from Wayne State University. Her teaching expertise includes educational practice and action research, with interests in educational change, student behavior, literacy intervention, and teacher work-life quality. Dr. Obsniuk’s research primarily engages with teachers, school administrators, and EL learners, showcasing her commitment to educational excellence. Active in state and local educational initiatives, she serves on several committees and boards, reflecting her dedication to enhancing educational outcomes at all levels.

Ron Hodess serves as a Board Member and Board Secretary of Living and Learning Enrichment Center. A Principal Attorney at Miller Canfield, he brings a wealth of legal expertise and experience to Living and Learning. Ron values Living and Learning’s programs for their vital support to people with disabilities. Volunteering to help those in need, he aspires to guide the Board in achieving his vision for Living and Learning to become the best-in-class provider for people with disabilities. Ron’s hope is to use his skills to ensure Living and Learning’s future growth and establish it as a leading provider in the field. Ron lives in West Bloomfield with his spouse Sue, and sons Jay and Andy, who both attend Living and Learning programs. Ron is also the Board Chair of the Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield and is on the Board of the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

Chris Dancy is a distinguished Board Member of Living and Learning Enrichment Center and an inaugural member of the organization. President of Dancy Executive Search, Chris has earned a BS in Economics from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He is inspired by Living and Learning’s mission and the leadership of the organization. A strong believer in giving back to the community, Chris has specific expertise in recruiting and hopes to use this to enhance Living and Learning’s team. His vision is for Living and Learning to become one of the best places for people with disabilities in the state.

John Czarnecki is a dedicated Board Member of Living and Learning Enrichment Center. Associated with the American Physical Therapy Association and the Michigan Physical Therapy Association, John’s commitment goes beyond professional affiliations, as he is the father of a 25-year-old son with autism. A co-founder of the Ted Lindsay Foundation, John recognizes the importance of Living and Learning’s services. His personal connection fuels his desire to provide enjoyment and belonging for people with disabilities. John’s vision includes establishing an endowment for Living and Learning’s future growth and creating a model for inclusion.

Minoti Rajput, a Board Member at Living and Learning Enrichment Center, is a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Special Needs Consultant with an MBA. She founded Secure Planning Strategies nearly four decades ago, focusing on financial and estate planning for affluent professionals and business owners. A national expert in special needs planning, Minoti has assisted over 1500 families, dedicating her career to ensuring lifelong care for individuals with disabilities. She is also the author of “Beyond a Parent’s Love,” a testament to her commitment to special needs advocacy. Minoti’s passion extends to empowering women in financial independence and contributing to the community through her volunteer work with various special needs organizations. She lives in West Bloomfield, Michigan, with her family.

Michael Daranyi is Vice President, Finance and Treasurer for ITC Holdings Corp., headquartered in Novi, Michigan. He is responsible for all treasury and cash management activities, financial planning and analysis, management reporting and risk management, and insurance functions for the company.

Mr. Daranyi began his finance career in 1983. Prior to joining ITC in 2017, he served in various corporate finance management roles with Tucson Electric Power/UNS Energy Corporation, a Fortis company based in Tucson, Arizona. Before joining Tucson Electric/UNS in 1997, Mr. Daranyi served in a variety of finance functions in the medical and manufacturing industries.

Before moving to Michigan in 2017, Mr. Daranyi worked with two local non-profit boards in Tucson. He served for many years on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of a nonprofit that supported the aging population, and he served as Treasurer of a regional ballet company. In addition to using his business acumen to support community initiatives, he is a strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. With a multicultural background, Mr. Daranyi is a proponent of bringing awareness and celebration to cultural differences and encouraging equity and inclusion in our businesses and communities.

Mr. Daranyi earned a Master of Business Administration in finance from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Arizona.

Mr. Daranyi and his wife reside in Plymouth, Michigan.

B.A. Madonna University, M.A.T. Marygrove College, Special Education Certification Wayne State University, Former teacher (14 yrs), Mother of a child with special needs.