Meet the Team

  • Danielle Kovachevich

    FOUNDER & LEAD COACH

  • Allison Kuhn

    SENIOR COACH

  • Yvelette Stines

    CREATIVE CONTENT CONSULTANT

  • Sue Posuniak

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

  • Lana Kovachevich

    DAE INTERN

Danielle Kovachevich | DAE Founder & Lead Coach | Project 2 Co-Founder

In today’s world, having good manners and knowing how to create positive social interactions are key to setting yourself apart. Certified Etiquette Instructor, Danielle Kovachevich specializes in helping professionals navigate the modern business world with social graces, bringing dignity and kindness to daily work. Her expertise includes: business etiquette and protocol, digital decorum, corporate consulting, fine dining, and strategic communication impact and skills. Recognized by the media as an expert in her field, Danielle is a regular commentator on local and national news outlets sharing how the DAE etiquette skill set can set YOU apart from your competition.

Danielle founded Detroit Academy of Etiquette after witnessing firsthand how targeted programming positively impacted her clients and helped them achieve a new level of success, in both their professional and personal lives. “When given the right tools, participants feel a new sense of confidence that helps them conquer any new venture, whether it be a new client, a new job, a new position, a sophisticated social soiree, or a first date. We’ve got you covered!” says Danielle.

Danielle’s wide-ranging client list includes a number of national and international corporations, a “who’s who” of Detroit’s top executives, professional sports teams, Universities as well as entry level professionals, graduates, school age children, or anyone looking to level up and outclass the competition. 

She earned her undergraduate and master’s degree in Curriculum and Education and Communications from Michigan State University and is certified in Etiquette Instruction by the Etiquette Institute of St. Louis.

Detroit Academy of Etiquette proudly partners with Project 2, a nonprofit organization designed to help women reenter the workforce after facing difficult challenges and set-backs. Danielle founded Project 2 with her business partner and friend, Allison Kuhn. She believes her targeted business and etiquette training will provide Project 2 participants with a skill-set and confidence that will allow them to reach their highest potential.

Danielle is married and the proud mom of four! She loves to have a houseful of family and friends, entertaining, laughing, using the fine china and opening the good bottle of wine. “Every day is a gift…let’s celebrate!”

Allison Kuhn | Senior Coach | Project 2 Co-Founder

Allison Kuhn is an experienced media, marketing, and advertising professional with over twenty years of experience.  Allison’s industry wide knowledge includes automotive, beverages, fast food and retail. She has spent time on both the client side and the sales side of advertising, making her well versed in all aspects of client relations. 

 Allison’s career path took her to Chicago and Denver, but eventually she made her way back to her hometown in Metro Detroit.  She then went on to work on fundraising for Holy Name School. She served in various roles including President of the Parent Service Organization and chaired the Holy Name Annual Auction. During her 4 years of leadership at Holy Name, she helped to raise over $500,000.

Allison was inspired to co-found Project 2 because she has always been inspired by female leaders.  She has received countless words of wisdom from the special women she has worked with, and this has created a desire to help others. She is passionate about helping women realize their full potential and live their best lives.

Allison is married with two children and a puppy. 

Yvelette Stines | DAE Creative Content Consultant

Yvelette Stines is a writer, teacher, and storyteller whose work educates, entertains, and creates safe spaces for individuals to evolve, flourish, and mature, holistically. Stines’ work reaches a broad audience and has been featured in renowned publications including Essence, Business Insider, SHAPE, T Brand Studio of The New York Times, Mind Body Green, Healthline, The Source, and more. She is a thought leader and an accomplished author of seven books and journals related to lifestyle, health, and wellness.

Stines is a valuable asset to the DAE team, helping develop vision, purpose and meaningful content. She has a gift of bringing clarity and authenticity to the DAE projects and programs.

As a writer, Stines leverages her invaluable experience in both education and public relations to develop messaging that resonates with multiple generations. Understanding that her audience lived dynamic and unique experiences, she taps into her teaching background to lead them to translate intentions into action, driving them closer to the life that they want. Her workshops take participants through a journey of self-discovery to achieve meaningful mind, body, and soul change, without compromising their values and priorities. 

In addition to guiding individuals to become better versions of themselves, Stines amplifies her impact by advancing equity in health and wellness. She has developed well-received programs for women and children encouraging them to create and sustain wellness practices that inspire and motivate them to achieve an intentional and well-rounded lifestyle.

Stines prides herself on practicing what she preaches. She is continuously evolving, growing, and pivoting as more of her life’s purpose reveals itself. While living out her purpose and creating her legacy through writing, wellness, and teaching, Stines finds balance in enjoying other leisure activities including traveling, photography, exploring culinary arts, and spending time outdoors. She continues to live life with an aligned purpose and encourages others to do the same.  www.yvelettestines.com

Sue Posuniak | DAE Director of Operations

After a long career in education, Sue reinvented herself as an executive assistant. Sue dedicates her skill-set to various businesses and non-profit organizations, utilizing her keen sense of professionalism, top-notch organizational skills, and her gift of making people feel at ease. Those years in the classroom have helped her easily transition into the business arena where her role changes moment by moment.

Sue assists the DAE coaching staff with programming, venue details and logistics.

Sue loves to spend time with her family and friends doing anything outdoors. You can catch her playing volleyball, watching a soccer game or trying to get a decent shot on the golf course. She also works out with a trainer, so she can indulge in her love of food and drinks.

Lana Kovachevich | DAE Intern | Project 2 Volunteer

Lana is a high school student who has a passion for learning and helping. She has been assisting her mom with DAE programs since she was in elementary school. Her organizational skills, friendly disposition and love for helping others has proven to be an invaluable asset to the DAE programs.

In her free time, she enjoys tennis, volleyball, skiing, and water sports. She loves spending time in Northern Michigan with her family, friends and three dogs.