Meet the Staff

Laura Fillinger, CMA

I have worked in the medical field for over 15 years. Before teaching Health Occupations, I was the technician mentor in the classroom. I am a certified medical assistant and I have studied health administration and nursing at Eastern Michigan University. I enjoy teaching the students all about the world of healthcare, and providing the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in it.

I am married and have two wonderful kids. We love to go camping and often take family vacations in Montana and Florida. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, arts and crafts, spending time with my family, and putting together puzzles and LEGO.

Contact Info: fillinl@howellschools.com

Amanda Hall

I began my career path in education taking the Early Childhood Education Course here at Howell High School. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Physical Education from Brigham Young University, where I competed as a collegiate pole vaulter. During my undergraduate education I lived in Montreal, Quebec for 18 months teaching both English and French. I later earned a Masters in Education from Southern Utah University. I spent a decade teaching elementary school before coming back to Howell to to lead the Early Childhood Education and Educational Careers programs at HHS.

I enjoy spending time with my children, doing home renovation projects, sewing, crafting and reading novels in any spare time I can find.

Contact Info: hallam@howellschools.com

Chef Eric Walker

Hello, my name is Chef Eric Walker. This is my 10th year teaching Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management at Howell High School.

I was born in Detroit and have lived in southeastern Michigan my whole life.

I studied culinary arts at Schoolcraft College in Livonia and have been working as a chef for my entire career. I’ve worked in fine dining establishments, country clubs, and hotels, including The Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island. I am married and have two awesome sons.

Contact info: chef.walker@howellschools.com

Leah Brinker

I grew up in Holland, Michigan, and graduated from Holland High School, where I was a Dutch Dancer for the Tulip Time Festival and a member of the Washington Close-Up Team. I earned my undergraduate degrees (B.A. and B.S.) from Western Michigan University, where I also served as a Student Ambassador, leading campus tours. In 2007, I completed my Master’s degree at Marygrove College.

I am married, and we have one child. As a family, we love traveling and capturing memories through photography. Two of our favorite destinations are Disney World and Portland, Oregon. Once we return home, I enjoy creating photo books and displaying our favorite images throughout our home. I also have a passion for arts and crafts, with cross-stitching and baking among my favorite hobbies.

I am proud to be part of the Highlander community and to contribute to this dynamic learning environment. Teaching Family and Consumer Sciences is my passion, and I strive to engage students meaningfully in this content area. I look forward to an exciting semester and to working with your student!

Contact: brinkerl@howellschools.com

Gloria Humphreys

I was born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Virginia, and moved to Michigan in 2003. I have been teaching Family and Consumer Sciences for over 30 years—11 years in Virginia and the rest here in Michigan! I spent two years teaching at Jackson High School before moving to Howell, where I taught at Three Fires Middle School until I transitioned to Howell High School in 2011.

I earned my B.S. degree in Home Economics Education from Louisiana Tech University and my Master’s degree in Family Studies from Western Michigan University.

In my spare time, I enjoy sewing, needlepoint projects, and reading novels. I have been an avid seamstress for over 45 years. Recently, I’ve been enjoying Broadway shows at the Wharton Center and theaters in Detroit. When I’m not reading, I love watching Red Wings hockey and Blue Bloods.

I am also proud to have recently written a book titled There’s No Prereq for Home Ec. Teaching Family and Consumer Sciences has been my lifelong passion, and I look forward to sharing it with my students each day!

Contact: humphreg@howellschools.com

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