Staff
Directory
John Bruce, Executive Director (ext 221)
Mr. Bruce has been leading the Neighborhood Club since 1971. A former
teacher, Mr. Bruce received a B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Detroit. He has
volunteered for both the Grosse Pointe Public Library Board and the Grosse Pointe School
System Board of Education. He wields many skills in contributing to the success of the
organization. Among them are writing, financial and personnel management, team building
and rapport with the volunteer community. The Neighborhood Club has witnessed phenomenal
growth under Mr. Bruces stewardship. He lauds the staff and Board of Trustees for
making the Neighborhood Club such a great place. The combination of professional
expertise, commitment and enthusiasm contribute to making
the Neighborhood Club staff an outstanding team, and the board has responded to a
variety of community needs, Bruce said, lastly adding, Im most proud of
the Neighborhood Clubs involvement in the growth of womens and girls
participation in athletic, recreation and fitness activities.
Betz Johnson, Recreation Director (ext 222)
Ms. Johnson has worked full-time at the Neighborhood Club since May
1973. She received a B.S. in Recreation from Western Michigan University. She plans,
supervises and evaluates programs according to Neighborhood Club Board policy. She
additionally purchases and conducts inventory of recreation equipment and evaluates the
Nursery School Director and staff. She is largely responsible for increasing the
participation of women in the programs. Ms. Johnson also volunteers for the Friends of the
Parade which organizes both the Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit and the fireworks for the
Fourth of July. A veteran of the Neighborhood Club, she loves providing services for the
community all while being in a workplace that is communal This is a close-knit
family staff. Its fun to come to work, she said.
Kevin Zizio, Assistant Recreation Director (ext 223)
Mr. Zizio has worked full time for the Neighborhood Club since July
1988. He received a B.A. in Parks and Recreation from Central Michigan University and
served as a Recreation Intern for the City of Novi. He is responsible for overseeing youth and adult athletics, which include youth
soccer, youth/adult basketball, youth t-ball and adult softball. He has volunteered as a coach for Grosse
Pointe Hockey and Grosse Pointe Shores Little League in addition to voluntarily heading
Neighborhood Club teams. He likes Mr. Bruces leadership style and commends the other
staff for being wonderful people. He appreciates Grosse Pointe, too. Its a
great community to work in, he said.
James Troyer, Recreation Supervisor
(ext 226)
Mr. Troyer has been working for the Neighborhood Club since October
1992. He received a B.A. in Parks and Recreation from Central Michigan University, and
served as a Recreation Intern for the City of Huntington Woods. Mr. Troyer works with the
Assistant Recreation Director and assists in adult and youth athletics such as: youth
soccer, youth basketball, youth floor hockey, youth t-ball, youth indoor soccer, adult
basketball and adult softball. Mr. Troyer is responsible for organizing and supervising
the youth in-line hockey program, youth flag football program and the batting cage. Mr.
Troyer also recruits, trains and supervises volunteer coaches; recruits, trains and
assigns scorekeepers and officials; and, he supervises the work of seasonable and
part-time employees. He volunteers as a coach and likes working at the the Neighborhood
Club because of its altruistic mission regarding youth and its wonderful staff.
Sean Bruce, Finance Director (ext 220)
Mr. Bruce has worked full-time for the Neighborhood Club since
February 1992. He received a B.S. in Public Affairs Management from Michigan State
University and an M.A. in Finance from Walsh
College. Mr. Bruce manages all financial aspects of the Neighborhood Club. He has coached
at Grosse Pointe South, St. Clare and in various community youth leagues.
George Guo, Computer Education Director (ext 213)
Mr. Guo has been with the Neighborhood Club since February 1990. He
received an M.A. in Landscape Architecture from the University of Michigan. Mr. Guo
maintains computer hardware and soft ware and directs and teaches computer training. He
also assists with Web site management and Landscape Design. He recycles computers,
donating them to people with financial need. Mr. Guo likes everything about his job from
helping people with computer education to camaraderie with other staff members to the
uplifting atmosphere of the organization
Kathy Eisengruber, Development Director (ext 216)
Ms. Eisengruber joined the Neighborhood Club in August 2005. She
received a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Notre Dame. She began her work at
the Neighborhood Club with copious fundraising experience. She served as Assistant
Director of Regional Development for the University of Notre Dame after being both
Executive Director of the universitys Sorin Society and Director of the Annual Fund.
In her current duties, she fundraises in order to support the organizations programs
and keep them affordable to participants. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and the
Bon Secours holiday bazaar. She is thrilled about working for the Neighborhood Club.
I like knowing that I am part of a team that is making a difference, she said.
Linda Khalil, Secretary-Recreation Program (ext 225)
Ms. Khalil has worked at the Neighborhood Club since August 1984. She
assists the Recreation Department and Nursery School Director in a variety of secretarial
responsibilities: creation of brochures and flyers, preparation of team schedules and
rosters and management of the nursery school eligibility list. When not working for the
Neighborhood Club, Ms. Khalil volunteers for her churchs youth group and is involved
with vegetarian cooking classes. Ms. Khalil is committed to maintaining the outstanding
team ethos at the Neighborhood Club. What I like is the respect you receive. Your
opinion is valued no matter who you are. John Bruce creates a safe environment, she
said.
Paul DeFauw, Facility Manager (ext 214)
Mr. DeFauw has worked full time at the Neighborhood Club since July
1978. He received a B.S. in Physical Education from the University of Detroit. Mr. DeFauw
directs the day-to day maintenance and operation of the Neighborhood Club facility. He
also referees for Neighborhood Club teams. Strongly committed to his family, Mr. DeFauw is
active in assisting his kids with their academic and athletic pursuits. As an employee,
Mr. DeFauw praises the Neighborhood Club. When you leave work everyday, you feel
like youve accomplished things for Neighborhood Club Patrons, he said.
Sue Sullivan, Nursery School Director (ext 228)
Sue Sullivan has worked part-time for the Neighborhood since
September 1997. She received a B.S. in education and K-9 Michigan Teacher Certificate from
Wayne State University. She has several roles as Nursery School Director from making
lesson plans for children to conducting conferences with parents to ensuring
childrens safety. She volunteers for both the Grosse Pointe Public Schools System,
where her kids are educated, and her church, St. Philomena. She likes the cohesive nature
of the Neighborhood Club. I feel like I am a part of the community I live in,
she said
Rebecca Van Brienen, Registration Supervisor & Room
Rental Contact (ext 210)
Mrs. Van Brienen has worked part time for the Neighborhood Club since
October 1991. She is currently taking classes at Wayne State University. She responds to
phone, fax, e-mail and personal inquiries regarding the Neighborhood Club programs and
facilities. She helps with maintenance of the Web site and directs building use.
Katie Cotzias, Registration
Administrator (ext 210)
Maggie Joseph, Thrift Shop
Manager (ext 230)
Maureen Christian, Thrift Shop Marker (ext 232)
To contact our staff, call 313-885-4600.
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