Contributors

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Host

Diane Crouch

Diane moved to Michigan from England in 1997 after graduating from Liverpool University with a degree in history and sociology. She later earned her teaching certification from Eastern Michigan University before beginning her real estate career in 2013. With a mission to provide exceptional service, Diane guides clients through each step of buying or selling with care, integrity, and positivity. Well respected in the industry, she is known for her professionalism, communication, and skillful negotiation. Diane and her husband raised three children in Saline and now enjoy lake life on Pleasant Lake in Manchester. Understanding the stress of real estate, she strives to make the process seamless and advocates fiercely for her clients in today’s competitive market.

https://www.livgreatrealestate.com/agent-profile/diane-crouch-126833550
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Co-host

Dani Hallsell

Since 1997, I’ve helped families navigate buying and selling homes with integrity, expertise, and a personal touch. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) and Relocation Specialist, I guide seniors transitioning to their next chapter, families moving across town or across the country, and first-time buyers building confidence. I also work with investors seeking rental or flip opportunities and clients exploring new construction. Beyond transactions, I advocate for intergenerational communities, believing mixed-age neighborhoods foster healthier, more connected lifestyles. A lifelong resident of Southeastern Michigan, I’m proud to serve my community through education, advocacy, and personalized service. Whether buying, selling, or investing, my goal is to make your real estate journey smooth and stress-free. 📩 dani@danihallsell.com

 | 📱 734-623-9442 | đź”— LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram


https://dani.livgreatrealestate.com/

Guests

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Amber Wardia

Amber Wardia is the creative force and heart behind The Enchanted Oven Bakery in Saline, Michigan — a cozy bakery known for its whimsical treats, warm hospitality, and strong community spirit. What began as Amber’s passion for baking has blossomed into a beloved local destination where each cookie, cupcake, and cake tells a story.

Amber’s philosophy is simple: baking is love made visible. From hand-crafted pastries to custom cakes that celebrate life’s sweetest moments, she and her team pour heart and artistry into everything they make. Beyond running a thriving bakery, Amber is deeply committed to giving back through fundraisers, charity drives, and collaborations with local schools and organizations.

When she’s not in the kitchen, Amber can be found with her family, experimenting with new recipes, or finding new ways to spread joy through food. Her mission is to make every guest feel like family — one enchanted bite at a time.

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Brigette Murray

Brigette S. Murray serves as the President of Catholic Charities of Washtenaw County, where she leads the organization’s mission to care for individuals and families in the community with compassion and mercy.


Brigette brings nearly 20 years of experience from her career with the Veterans Benefits Administration, most recently serving as Director of Communications and Budget. Throughout her tenure, she held roles of increasing responsibility, developing expertise in leadership, staff development, financial analysis, and strategic communications. Her strong commitment to professional growth and service makes her exceptionally well-suited to guide Catholic Charities in meeting the evolving needs of the community.



https://ccwcwashtenaw.org/welcoming-our-new-ceo-brigette-murray/

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Constance Pearson Ramirez

Constance Pearson-Ramirez is a passionate advocate for housing equity and financial empowerment. As Community Engagement Officer at Bank of Ann Arbor, she helps first-time and low- to moderate-income buyers navigate the mortgage process with confidence and clarity. Constance leads the bank’s Community Impact Program, offering up to 100% financing, no PMI, and access to down-payment assistance programs that can provide thousands toward closing costs. Known for her “come as you are” approach, she guides buyers step by step—through budgeting, paperwork, and grant opportunities. For Constance, the greatest reward is seeing families achieve what once felt impossible: closing on a home of their own.

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Jeremy Lopatin

Jeremy Lopatin is a Professional EOS Implementer® based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, helping entrepreneurial businesses replace chaos and firefighting with clarity, accountability, and growth. With 22+ years of entrepreneurial experience, Jeremy has lived the journey himself — founding two businesses, including a digital marketing agency he sold in 2022 using EOS.

He's been implementing EOS since 2012 and brings deep experience with family businesses and the real struggles owners face daily. His facilitation style is disciplined yet human — grounded in humility and humor — creating space for hard conversations and real breakthroughs.

His core belief: clarity is one of the kindest gifts a leader can give.

Connect with Jeremy Lopatin:

  • (734) 353-9842 
  • jeremy.lopatin@eosworldwide.com


https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/jeremy-lopatin/

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Mark Copland

You've heard the horror stories...how hard it is to qualify, the mounds of paperwork you have to provide, the difficulties and delays. Not to mention the fighting, shopping, and haggling to get a good rate.


I've got great news...


I'm here to solve that for you. Go ahead and download my cheat sheet and I'll give you the inside scoop to make qualifying for a great low rate mortgage EASY. Yes, I really did say easy.


When you're ready, the next step in getting a low rate mortgage made easy is to contact me so we can review your unique situation and make sure that you get a low rate mortgage without the stress and hassle that's normally associated with it.


It's easy to reach me - feel free to call me direct or if you prefer you can email me. Either way I'm here to make the experience of getting a mortgage a good one for you.



https://www.markcoplandmortgage.com/mark-copland-mortgage

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Michael Possley, Partner-Builder

I’ve worked in carpentry for over 30 years, beginning in 1994 with a remodeling company before moving into home framing and eventually becoming a foreman on large condominium and multifamily projects. After the housing market crash in 2008, I founded Possley Builders, LLC and returned to remodeling, developing a strong focus on cabinetry and custom kitchen and bath work. As demand for more tailored projects grew, I launched Horizon Kitchen and Bath and opened our Chelsea showroom in 2021. Partnering with Shannon as designer and showroom manager allows me to stay hands-on in both the showroom and the field, personally overseeing every installation.


Outside of work, I enjoy time with my partner and her family on their farm, hiking, white water rafting, playing guitar, outdoor adventures, and hanging out with my English bulldog, Diesel.


https://www.horizonkitchenandbath.com/

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Monica Ahrens

Monica Ahrens is an accomplished sales and business development professional with over nine years of experience in the title insurance industry. Holding a degree in Hospitality Business from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, Monica leverages her strong customer service skills to build lasting relationships and create growth opportunities.


Known for her ability to network effectively and plan impactful events, she excels at connecting people and driving success. Monica continues to help businesses expand and navigate the ever-changing real estate landscape with a focus on growth and problem-solving.

https://vgtitle.com/monica-ahrens/

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Rachael Dawson-Baglien

Rachael Dawson-Baglien is a compassionate nonprofit professional serving at Catholic Charities of Washtenaw County, where she is dedicated to advancing programs that support individuals and families facing life’s most challenging circumstances.


With a strong commitment to service, Rachael plays a key role in connecting community members to critical resources, including housing support, behavioral health services, and crisis assistance. Her work focuses on creating pathways to stability, dignity, and long-term well-being.


Rachael is passionate about building stronger, more connected communities and believes deeply in the power of collaboration to create lasting impact. Through her work, she helps ensure that no one in Washtenaw County has to navigate hardship alone.


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Sarah Cencer

Manager - Home Mobility Team

Sarah has spent more than 15 years focusing on Customer Service related roles.  She is a naturally sociable person with a strong passion for helping others.  Sarah always brings great energy to her interactions and excels at understanding each person’s unique needs.  After hours, Sarah enjoys doing voice over work, spending time with her family, hiking and traveling. 

 

“I enjoy my focus on helping people create a safe and comfortable home environment. This is a Dream job and a true privilege to make such a meaningful impact in other people’s lives!”

https://www.atlashomesafety.com/meet-the-staff/

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Shannon Irey, Partner-Desugber

I’ve worked in kitchen and bath design for over 25 years. I earned my Interior Design degree from Baker College in 2002, beginning in game room design before finding my niche in kitchens and baths. Over the years, my role expanded from space planning and cabinetry design to managing entire projects from start to finish. Today, I coordinate all aspects of our projects, collaborating closely with design partners to ensure every detail is ready for installation. I believe great design starts with a thoughtful, detailed plan, and my favorite part of the process is seeing a project evolve from showroom renderings to a finished space and happy clients. I’m grateful for our Horizon team and the strong communication that keeps our projects running smoothly.


Outside the showroom, I enjoy working out, attending my daughter’s after-school activities, and spending summer weekends up north with family, improving our cabin—once lovingly called a “glorified tent.”

https://www.horizonkitchenandbath.com/

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Susan Heren

Hello! My name is Susan. With years of experience helping clients achieve their homeownership goals, I bring both expertise and a personal touch to the mortgage process. I specialize in creating tailored loan solutions that align with each client’s financial goals, whether they are first-time homebuyers, long-time homeowners or real estate investors.


Known for my clear communication and dedication, I take pride in guiding clients step by step to make home financing smooth and stress-free. I understand every situation is unique, and I’m committed to finding the right financing solution for your plans, from conventional loans to specialized products.


Susan Heren, Branch Manager - CrossCountry Mortgage

734-260-4299 Direct | susan.heren@ccm.com


https://crosscountrymortgage.com/ann-arbor-mi-4418/susan-heren/

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