Meet our April Specialist of the Month: Daynan Brown

This month, we’re excited to highlight Daynan Brown, a dedicated and compassionate Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from Capital Area Michigan Works, Eaton County Service Center. Daynan has been a JMG specialist for nearly two years, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for helping others to the youth she serves.

Before transitioning into her current role, Daynan worked as a full-time first responder for four years, where she made a significant impact on individuals during their most challenging moments. She continues to serve as a part-time advanced EMT, balancing her commitment to emergency response with her role as a JMG specialist. She also has experience in mental health, but it was her desire for deeper, long-term connections with people that led her to become a JMG specialist. “As a first responder, I was there for people on their worst days, but I desired a more relational, long-term impact—something that would allow me to be there for both their worst and their best,” she shares.

Daynan’s role as a JMG specialist allows her to help youth find their purpose and build resilience. She is motivated by the opportunity to provide consistent support to youth who may not have had it before, becoming a trusted advocate who makes them feel seen and heard. “Helping students find purpose and build confidence is a huge motivator for me. Many of them haven’t had someone advocating for them, and it’s rewarding to be that person,” Daynan explains.

One of Daynan’s most memorable moments as a specialist occurred with a youth she had been working with for a long time. This student had dropped out of high school to care for his terminally ill mother and had struggled with the weight of his responsibilities. After his mother passed away, he completed his GED just before graduation and asked Daynan to take him to his mother’s grave in his cap and gown. “That moment was meaningful because it reminded me that, no matter the barrier a young person faces, being present in the small moments and prioritizing connection will always come first for me,” Daynan recalls.

For Daynan, the biggest challenge facing youth today is the internal struggle many face—believing in their own potential. “The real obstacle is when students don’t believe in themselves or their capacity for success. JMG provides a safe space to work through that,” she says. “It fosters connection and teaches students to believe in their own potential.”

When asked what she loves most about her job, Daynan shares, “One of my favorite aspects of the job is seeing how quickly students grow when they feel valued, heard, and seen. I get to witness them achieve a level of autonomy and self-sufficiency they never thought possible.”

Outside of her role, Daynan is finishing her master’s degree in mental health counseling at Spring Arbor University. She’s passionate about helping young people access mental health care, particularly those who lack resources. “The need for mental health support among youth in my community is evident. My hope is to create a no-cost counseling service program that helps bridge this gap,” she shares.

In her spare time, Daynan enjoys playing golf and spending time with her wiener dog, Walter. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time for her personal passions and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of her students.

Congratulations, Daynan, on being named our April Specialist of the Month! Thank you for your dedication to empowering Michigan’s youth.

Nominations are open to ALL, including our employer partners! If you know a phenomenal specialist, we encourage you to nominate them as our May Specialist of the month.

Nominate a specialist who deserves to be recognized, here.