Bernadette M. Burke

Bernadette M. Burke, was raised in Long Island in New York. Currently a 26 year high school English teacher who will be retiring on May 25, 2012. She has lived in the Metro Atlanta area for 32 years. She has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education, a Master’s Degree in Education, and Leadership Certification while working with children in the community. Additionally, Bernadette has worked full time at the IBM Corporation in administration for nine years. Providing Reading Workshops for youth in the DeKalb County Juvenile Court System, and being a dedicated educator are the result of her mission to assist youth in becoming productive citizens in society.

Co Author, Michael Burke, was born on September 4, 1949 and raised in Wyandanch, New York located on Long Island where he resided for 24 years. He graduated from Wyandanch Memorial High School in 1968. Upon his graduation he worked at Chase Manhattan Bank in Manhattan for a short stint before being drafted into the United States Army in April of 1969. He secured a position at IBM and retired after 24 years one month and twelve days of service. While working for IBM, Michael joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Vail Wolff/McKenna Frye Post 170 in Poughkeepsie, New York. There he was elected to and held the offices of Surgeon, Senior Vice Commander and was Post Commander for the years 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2010-2011. He also held the office of Senior Vice Commander on the VFW Dutchess County Council. Michael was then elected to District Junior Vice Commander in 2008, District Senior Vice Commander in 2009 and then the prestigious office of District Commander in 2010.