Give a big welcome to our new Oakland Schools employees

(from left) Dayna Bennett, Public Health Nurse consultant; Dwight Levens, executive director of Technology Services; Christopher Vraniak, dean, OSTC-SW; David Wyatt, dean, OSTC-NW

This past summer was filled with much to do to get ready for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, which included bringing in some new hires. Here are some of the new faces you may see at Oakland Schools. Feel free to say “hi!” and welcome them to our education community!

Dayna Bennett, Public Health Nurse Consultant

Background/Education
Dayna started out in public health at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit 12 years ago. She soon moved to Ohio and worked at an OB-GYN office. From there, she was a pediatric nurse at the Akron Children’s Hospital doing a lot of work with special needs children. Just prior to coming to Oakland Schools, she was employed as a nurse practitioner at a primary care facility. Dayna possesses a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Windsor and a master’s degree in nursing from Ursuline College in Ohio.

What are you most looking forward to in your new position?  
I’m looking forward to supporting students, families and the school communities in Oakland County. As a Public Health Nurse, I strive to improve the health and education outcomes of students using evidenced-based guidance and principles and the whole child approach. Stay safe and just breathe, we can get through this school year together!

What is something unique about you?
I am an APRN, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. APRNs treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease and engage in continuous education to remain ahead of any technological, methodological or other developments in the field.

Dwight Levens, Executive Director of Technology Services

Background/Education:
Dwight earned his bachelor’s degree in Science in Education from the University of Phoenix with a concentration in Elementary Education with a K-8 certification. His master’s coursework was done at Lawrence Technological University in Educational Technology with a concentration in Training and Performance Improvement/Organizational Change. Dwight began his career as an applications and technical instructor. For eight years, he served in a role of instruction and support before taking his first leadership role as manager where he oversaw all aspects of the school-wide technology planning, asset deployment and budgeting. Most recently, he served in the position of executive director of Technology for Birmingham Public Schools.  

What are you most looking forward to in your new position?  
What I am looking forward to the most in my new position is the opportunity to have an impact on equitable access to technology for students and districts across Oakland County. The digital divide is a real concern for families and districts not exclusive to device access or internet but also the needed support and training to effectively utilize these resources when available. I also understand the doors that technology access can open for teachers in their delivery of instruction and differentiating that instruction for all learners.

What is something unique about you?
I am passionate about carpentry and building. I am aiming to have my builders license within the next one to two years.

Christopher Vraniak, Dean, Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southwest (OSTC-SW)

Background/Education:
Chris has an Education Specialist degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Saginaw Valley State University. Prior to that, he attended Eastern Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. Before becoming the OSTC-SW Dean, Chris was a school administrator in Hamtramck Public Schools for eight years. Prior to going into administration, Chris taught social studies at the middle school level for five years – two in Gwinnett County, Georgia and three at Chandler Park Academy in Harper Woods.

What are some things you would like to accomplish this school year?
As a new dean, my big goal is to develop strong relationships with all of our students, families and staff. I’m a big believer that progress starts with trust. So, building trusting relationships is at the foundation of supporting our students and families.

What is something unique about you?
I have been to every continent except for Antarctica. I have two young children that I look forward to traveling the world with.

David Wyatt, Dean, Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northwest (OSTC-NW)

Background/Education:
David started in education in 2010 as a social studies and student leadership teacher at Waterford Mott and Waterford Kettering high schools. While in the Waterford School District, David also spent time as student activities and evening athletic director. In 2016, David became assistant principal at Brandon High School and then, in 2020, David was hired as principal of Brandon Distance Learning. David possesses a bachelor’s degree in History with a Secondary Education Certification from Oakland University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint.

What are some things you would like to accomplish this school year?
Three pillars that will guide us as a campus for not only this year, but into years to come are: Quality in All That We Do, Our Service Approach, and Planning for the Future. As a campus, we are continuing to explore ways to better serve our partnering schools and families. This includes how we share information, our listening skills as an organization, and our belief that our campus exist to serve YOU!

I am fully committed to creating and maintain collaborative partnerships with our partnering schools, students, families and communities to get every student, career ready and to help them find that light at the end of their tunnel. Working together, our students at OSTC-NW will have many more accolades awaiting them in the future as they receive the most well-rounded educational experience possible!

What is something unique about you?
I am a huge Michigan history nut. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family throughout the state exploring new places and learning about its past. This includes anything nautical such as lighthouses, shipwrecks or even the rich and unique history of the Mackinaw region. I am also a diehard Michigan football fan. Go Blue!