Dr. Dell McMullen, Department of Defense Education Activity(DoDEA) Europe Director for Student Excellence, is pleased to announce theselection of Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney as DoDEA South DistrictSuperintendent. The selection was made through a competitive process.

Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney is from Ottawa Lake, Michigan where she hasbeen dedicated to education for more than 25 years. She started her careeras a middle school teacher for students with emotional and learningimpairments. She also served as a teacher consultant for students withdisabilities in K-12 programs. In 1999, she became a supervisor of specialeducation at Monroe County Intermediate School District.

In 2009, Dr. Howard-Brahaney was named Assistant Superintendent of SpecialEducation and Early Childhood Services with oversight of 10 local schooldistricts and a department of nearly 500 staff. She also served as anadjunct professor at the University of Toledo and Bowling Green StateUniversity, Ohio.

"We are so excited to welcome Michelle to the DoDEA team," said McMullen."Her proven leadership abilities and strong background in early childhoodand special education will ensure that all of our students have theopportunities they need to grow and thrive."

In 2016, she received a Doctorate of Philosophy in Theory and SocialFoundations of Education from the University of Toledo, Ohio. In addition tothis degree, she earned an Educational Specialist in Administration fromWayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. She received a federal award fromthe Office of Special Education for her master's degree in Special Educationwith a focus on students with emotional impairments and autism; herbachelor's degree is in Elementary and Special Education.

"I am thrilled to be surrounded by educators and staff who care so deeplyfor military-connected students and their families," said Howard-Brahaney."To be part of something this important is a great honor."