Snyder appoints members to human service boards

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Contact: Sara Wurfel wurfels@michigan.gov  

LANSING, MI - Governor Rick Snyder today announced appointments to the board of Social Work, Children's Ombudsman, and Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.

"These individuals will bring tremendous guidance, training and support to their respective boards," Said Snyder. "Their knowledge and experiences will be of assistance as we work to create a safe and better Michigan for all."

Michigan Board of Social Work Pamela Manela is reappointed and Eleanor Blum is appointed.

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  Manela, of Troy, has more than 29 years of social work experience and currently works in her own psychotherapy and consulting practice. She previously served as a school social worker in Southfield public schools. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and psychology and master's degrees in social work, both for Wayne State University. Manela is a member of the Michigan Association of School Social Workers.
• Blum, of Farmington Hills, is a member on the board of Friends of Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame. She previously served on the Michigan Board of Social Work as the vice-chairman and is a disciplinary subcommittee member. Blum earned a bachelor's degree in education and master's degree in secondary reading, both from Wayne State University.

Blum will replace former member Dara Toyin Munson. Appointees serve four-year terms, expiring on Dec. 31, 2014, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Children's Ombudsman Verlie Ruffin is reappointed to serve at the pleasure of the governor.

• Ruffin, of Detroit, has served on this board since 2006. She previously was the associate director for the Michigan Federation for Children and Families. She also served as a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools. Ruffin earned a bachelor's degree in education and master's degree in counseling and personnel services, both from Michigan State University.

Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board Jeffrie Cape Jim Fink, and Cris Mary Sullivan are appointed.

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  Cape, of West Bloomfield, is the director of Charron Services. She is a clinical social worker who deals directly with men who have been abusive to their partners, survivors, and children who have witnessed violence in their family. Cape is one of the founding members of the Batterer Intervention Coalition of Michigan. She earned a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Illinois and master's degree in social administration with a concentration in direct service, family and child specialization from Case Western Reserve University.
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  Fink, of Ypsilanti, is an attorney with Fink & Valvo. He previously served as the Marine Deputy to Commander in the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department and the Eastern Michigan University Police Department. Fink earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Eastern and a law degree from Detroit College of Law.
• Sullivan, of Potterville, is the associate chair of the Psychology Department at Michigan State University. She also serves as the director of the MSU Violence Against Women Research & Outreach Initiative. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's and doctorate degree in ecological community psychology, all from Michigan State University.

Fink will replace board member, Kym L. Worthy, Sullivan will replace Shirley Mann Gray and Jeffrie K. Cape will replace Nathaniel C. Perry. Appointees serve three-year terms, expiring on Sep. 30, 2013, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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