Marriage and Family Therapy Board appointments made

The board licenses and regulates the practice of marriage and family therapy in Michigan.

"The background and knowledge of these individuals will play an important role on the board as they oversee and assist therapists to help Michigan marriages and families," Snyder said.

Allen, of DeWitt, is an assistant professor in the department of marketing and hospitality in the college of business administration at Central Michigan University. She previously served as an instructor of marketing at the University of South Alabama and as a consultant for the Small Business Development Center. Allen earned a bachelor's degree in advertising from Texas Tech University, a master's degree in business administration from the University of South Alabama and a doctorate in business administration from the University of North Texas. She represents the general public and replaces Shawntain Watson.

Pernice-Duca, of Novi, is an assistant professor and co-director of the Counseling Psychology Program in the Division of Theoretical and Behavioral Foundations in the College of Education at Wayne State University. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, National Council on Family Relations and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Pernice-Duca earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Oakland University, a master's degree in clinical psychology from Eastern Michigan University and a doctorate in family and child ecology, marriage and family therapy from Michigan State University. She represents licensed marriage and family therapists and replaces Deborah Warsh.

Jager, of East Lansing, is the senior therapist for Perspectives Therapy and an adjunct assistant professor for the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications and journalism from Loyola University, a master's degree in marriage and family counseling and mental health counseling from Barry University and a doctorate in family and child ecology from Michigan State University. Jager represents licensed marriage and family therapists and replaces Marcia Royer.

Wampler, of Haslett, is a professor in family and child ecology and director of the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Michigan State University. He is a licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist. Wampler earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Indiana University, a master's degree in social work from the University of Georgia and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He represents licensed marriage and family therapists and replaces Lori Edelson.

Appointees will serve a four-year term expiring June 30, 2015, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

#####