About Us

Pennie Ohia — Special Education Advocate | Professional Life Coach | Parent Instructor
Proprietor, Michigan Autism Academy Staff and Occupational Training Center

Pennie Ohia is the founder and owner of Michigan Autism Academy Staff and Occupational Training Center, where she leads with a commitment to empowering families, supporting individuals with disabilities, and training professionals who serve them. As a Special Education Advocate, Professional Life Coach, and Parent Instructor, Pennie brings more than 20 years of experience designing and delivering training programs that promote inclusion, understanding, and rights protection.

 In 2013, Pennie has served as a dedicated committee member on the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority Recipient Rights Advisory Committee and Appeals Committee, consistently championing the rights of people with disabilities and mental illness who receive services supported by The Authority.

In February 2015, she completed Recipient Rights Basic Skills Training and additional advanced courses in developing effective training, complaint investigation, and the Michigan Mental Health Code. Pennie was also a Recipient Rights Training Instructor, endorsed by the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority’s Office of Recipient Rights.

Pennie’s expertise spans Direct Care Staff training, recipient rights, complaint resolution, and community mental health protections. She recieved some of her studies in Business Administration at the University of Detroit and has continued to expand her professional knowledge through extensive workshops and certifications.

In addition to her advocacy work, Pennie is an American Red Cross Instructor, certified to teach CPR/First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, Basic Life Support, and Instructor Training.

Across all of her work, Pennie remains deeply committed to ensuring that children and adults with disabilities receive the services, supports, and respect they deserve — and that families are never left to navigate complex systems alone.