April 21, 2011
Contact: Sara Wurfel
Office: 517-335-6397
Email: wurfels@michigan.gov
LANSING, Mich. - Governor Rick Snyder today announced re-appointments to the Advisory Council for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
The council advises the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth on matters affecting hearing impaired individuals.
Robert Anthony Ph.D, Nancy Asher, Elizabeth Kobylak and Helmi Lepisto are reappointed.
"I look forward to the continued efforts by these individuals in support of Michigan's deaf and hard of hearing citizens," Snyder said.
Dr. Anthony, of Grand Rapids, is the supervisor of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program for Northview Public Schools. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Western Michigan University, a master's degree in special education with an emphasis on education students with hearing loss and a doctorate in special education, both from Michigan State University.
Asher, of Ypsilanti, is president of the Michigan Coalition for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People. She is a member of the American Speech Hearing-Language Association and the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Committee. Asher earned a bachelor's degree in health administration and a master's degree in hearing/assistive technology from Eastern Michigan University.
Kobylak, of Troy, is a hearing aid technician at Henry Ford Hospital and teaches speech reading and hearing loss awareness classes. She is vice president of the Hearing Loss Association of Michigan Board of Trustees. Kobylak was named in 2007 "Outstanding State Chapter Coordinator" by the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Lepisto, of Rock, is a retired educator of the deaf and hard of hearing. She is a board member of the Michigan Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Lepisto earned a bachelor's degree in special education from Eastern Michigan University.
Appointees serve three-year terms expiring Jan.18, 2014, and are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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