About Us

Pennie Ohia, Proprietor

Pennie Ohia is the founder and owner of Michigan Autism Academy Staff and Occupational Training Center. She is an entrepreneurial leader with experience in multiple industries and diverse work assignments, all which mandated strong communication, public collaboration, and project management skills.

Pennie served as a committee member on the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority Recipient Rights Advisory Committee and Appeals Committee since 2013. She has consistently demonstrated an interest and a commitment to promote and protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and mental illness who receive services supported by The Authority.

In February 2015, Pennie completed Recipient Rights Basic Skills Training, a required course needed to carry out the requirements of the Michigan Mental Health Code. She also completed a course in Developing Effective Training conducted by Michigan Department of Community Health- Office of Recipient Rights (MDCH-ORR). Pennie received her certificates as a Recipient Rights Training Instructor and was recently endorsed by the newly appointed Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority - Office of Recipient Rights Director.

Pennie has over 35 years of experience in the presentation of training programs and courses. She has completed courses and workshops relevant to Recipient Rights, the structure of the Michigan Rights System, the complaint investigation process and the elements of investigations, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Direct Care Staff training. She attended University of Detroit where she received some of her studies in Business Administration.

Pennie is an American Red Cross Instructor. In 2012, She obtained her Instructor Certification in CPR/First Aid, Blood borne Pathogen and Family Care Giving Training . She recently completed her training as an American Red Cross Instructor Trainer.