As the executive assistant for Deaf Department Principal Angela Saunders, Shane Michael sets up meetings, answers calls, coordinates projects, and processes paperwork. He is the FSDB 2019-2020 School-Related Employee of the Year.
Watch a video profile of Shane Michael.
Where do you hail from originally?
I grew up in a tiny farm town called West Liberty, Ohio. I moved to Florida in 2007.
What brought you to FSDB?
I took American Sign Language 1 and 2 courses at Daytona State College and found myself fascinated with ASL. When I completed my degree, I just started applying to all available job openings—and that's how I came to FSDB.
What is your training—and background?
I received my Associate of Arts degree from Daytona State College, but most of my training has been on the job here at FSDB.
Does Angela like to prank you often, as she did in letting you know of your selection as SREOY? Any recent incidents?
Actually, no. That was the first prank, and I guess it remains to be seen if there will be more to come.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I enjoy helping people. Whether it be students who need someone to talk with, teachers who need to set up a meeting, or even just providing information to someone over the phone, I like that people feel they can come to me, and I will do everything in my power to help them.
Has it been a learning curve?
Besides the obvious learning curve of learning a whole new language, I have learned a lot about the different departments. I have worked in the Elementary and Middle School Dorms, Middle School (instructional assistant and later, administrative assistant), Bus Duty, High School (administrative assistant), and now as an executive assistant in the Principal's office. Working all of these different positions has given me a chance to get to know people in each department, and this has given me a sense of how the school operates as a whole. I feel lucky to have had these experiences that enable me to make new friends in each new endeavor. I have met some of the kindest, funniest, and most dedicated people here on the FSDB campus, regardless of the department in which you happen to find yourself.
What are your hobbies and passions outside of the office?
My passion outside of work is without question music. I have played guitar since I was eleven years old, and it has been my love for over 25 years. I also love to travel. I prefer driving over flying and have traversed this enormous country of ours many times in all different directions. I have been to all 48 of the contiguous United States—it is a little harder to drive to Hawaii and Alaska (although a road trip to Alaska is definitely on my to-do list)!
By Christi Boortz, Instructional Services
About FSDB
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school and outreach center available to eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or deafblind. At FSDB, students learn how to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. FSDB gratefully accepts private donations to support vital programs that directly benefit students and are not paid by state general revenue funds. For a campus tour or to inquire about eligibility for enrollment, contact FSDB Parent Services at 904-827-2212 voice or 904-201-4527 videophone. For more information, visit www.fsdbk12.org
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