Career & Technical Education and Michael Berry Career Center

Health Science Teachers

Health Science Teachers

Christine Cheetam is a dedicated educator at Michael Berry Career Center, where she has taught for the past four years. Prior to her current role, she served as a Clinical Instructor for a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program for one and a half years. Ms. Cheetam teaches Advanced Allied Health – Medical Assisting and Allied Health, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her students.

With 29 years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, Christine has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including Intensive Care Units, Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and Emergency Medicine. Her career also includes a decade-long tenure as a department supervisor. This extensive clinical background allows her to provide students with a real-world perspective on patient care and healthcare practices.

Ms. Cheetam is deeply passionate about healthcare, with a particular fascination for the human body. She enjoys sharing her expertise and the evolving nature of the healthcare field with her students. Her enthusiasm for teaching is driven by a desire to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and show them the significant impact they can have in improving patients’ lives.

Outside of her professional life, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, staying active through workouts, gardening, and embracing the outdoors. She also cherishes the time she spends in northern Michigan during the summer months.

Mrs. Hendley is the Allied Health and Advanced Dental Assisting instructor at Michael Berry. A graduate of the University of Michigan Dental School (Go Blue!), she brings 25 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist in private practice to her teaching.

Her passion for the medical field and dentistry began when she was a high school student in a dental assisting program, much like the one she now teaches. This early interest in the field has shaped her career and continues to drive her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge and experiences with her students.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Hendley enjoys relaxing at her family’s lake home up north, watching her children succeed in their endeavors, and giving back to her community through volunteering with youth programs.

Mrs. Hendley is committed to guiding her students toward success in the dental and healthcare fields, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers.

Mrs. Lang has been teaching allied health since December 2018, and absolutely loves it! As a Registered Respiratory Therapist since 2013, she has had the privilege of working in various clinical settings, including Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital and ProMedica Monroe Hospital. Her experience spans intensive care units, emergency rooms, and general care, which has given me a deep understanding of the medical field. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, stories, and real-world experiences with students who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.

Building relationships with students is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. She strives to not only teach the material but to connect with students on a personal level, helping them understand how their studies apply to real-life situations in medicine.

Outside of teaching,Mrs. Lang has been happily married for 26 years and is the proud mom of two wonderful daughters. When she is not in the classroom, she loves spending time with family and friends, whether it’s at the lake, boating, or riding bikes. Mrs. Lang believes in balancing hard work with enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

With over 15 years of hands-on experience in patient care as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and 12 years as an American Heart CPR instructor, Mrs. Miller brings a wealth of practical knowledge and passion for teaching to her students. Holding a Master’s in Education (MEd), as well as certifications in EMT and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Mrs. Miller combines her clinical expertise with a deep commitment to educating the next generation of health care professionals.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Miller has developed a reputation for bringing real-world patient care experiences into the classroom, creating engaging, interactive learning environments that help students connect theory with practice. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, whether it’s teaching CPR or inspiring students to pursue careers in health care.

In addition to her professional work, Mrs. Miller is an avid ballroom dancer, enjoys snowmobiling in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and is a proud MSU-certified Master Gardener Volunteer. Outside of teaching, she is dedicated to fostering community, growing her garden, and embracing the outdoors.

Mrs. Miller’s commitment to both education and patient care continues to drive her professional journey, as she strives to inspire, guide, and equip the health care professionals of tomorrow.

Denise Piontek (formerly known as Denise Dobert to past students) is in her 10th year of teaching at MBCC, where she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in wellness and education. With a deep passion for the human body and a commitment to inspiring high school students, Denise aims to instill a sense of self-worth and health in every student she encounters. She is dedicated to helping her students understand just how amazing they are, both inside and out.

Denise’s career in wellness spans various roles, including personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, wellness educator, and figure skating coach. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, with a minor in Nutrition, from Oakland University, graduating in 2001. Her expertise extends to promoting healthy eating, regular exercise, and injury prevention for people of all ages.

Teaching 10th to 12th grade students is an exciting challenge for Denise, as she strives to ensure her students leave each day with new knowledge and a greater understanding of their health and well-being. Outside of the classroom, Denise enjoys boating and spending time on the water, watching sports—especially football and hockey—being with her family and friends, and cherishing her role as a mother to three boys and a stepson. A lifelong lover of music, Denise has played the piano since she was five years old and enjoys listening to country music.

Ms. Osborne has been a valued member of the Michael Berry Career Center (MBCC) since 2014, teaching in both the Health Science program and the Pre-Education program. With a passion for helping students prepare for their future careers, Ms. Osborne teaches a variety of courses, including Allied Health, Medical Assisting, First Aid, Pre-Education Foundations and Skills, and Pre-Education Placement.

What Ms. Osborne loves most about teaching at MBCC is the opportunity to work with students throughout the entire school year, guiding them through career exploration and preparation. They believe strongly in helping students make informed decisions about their career paths, ensuring that students leave with a clear sense of direction—without wasting time or money when they transition to college. In addition to career-specific knowledge, Ms. Osborne emphasizes the importance of professionalism, study skills, and overall personal growth, preparing students for both college and the workforce.

A dedicated teacher with years of experience, [Teacher’s Name] has taught at various educational levels, including high school, middle school, corporate settings, and college courses. Their passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom, as they even became certified to teach scuba diving after earning their dive master certification. This diverse background highlights Ms. Osborne’s commitment to helping others learn and succeed in any field.

If you decide to visit or attend MBCC, Ms. Osborne is eager to meet you. Feel free to stop by, say hello, and let them know if you need assistance or have any questions!