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Snyder makes appointments to the Developmental Disabilities Council

Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of five members to the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

The council works on behalf of people with developmental disabilities to ensure access to treatment, services and independence.

"We need to continue strong efforts to support our citizens with developmental disabilities," Snyder said. "I am confident these individuals will do a tremendous job advocating for changes that will help Michiganders with disabilities thrive."

Appointed members:
Robert Brown, of Holland, is assistant director and campus architect with facilities planning at Grand Valley State University and has more than 35 years of experience as an architect. He previously served as principal with Architects Collective P.C. in Holland. Brown is a member of the Construction Owners Association of America and the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association. He earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Miami in Florida. Brown will represent parents or guardians of an individual with developmental disabilities and fills a vacancy left by the passing of Jacqueline Day.

Heidi DeVries, of Kentwood, has extensive experience in the home health industry, retail and working with children with disabilities. She served as a personal care attendant for the Family Independence Agency and as a home health aide and companion for the Circle of Care in Grand Rapids. DeVries will represent individuals with developmental disabilities and replaces Robin Sefton.

Kristin Kleinheksel, of Muskegon, works for Goodwill Industries of West Michigan in workforce development. She is an activity volunteer for Northcrest Nursing Home and an activity assistant for Day Break. She will represent individuals with developmental disabilities and replaces Theresa Arini.

Jane Pilditch, of Okemos, is a substitute teacher with Okemos Public Schools, specializing in special education. She previously worked as a parent advisor with the Alliance for Infants & Toddlers, Inc., an education advocate with ARC Allegheny and as a legislative assistant in the Michigan State Senate. Pilditch earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in public administration from George Washington University. She will represent parents or guardians of an individual with developmental disabilities and replaces Wendi Ann Middleton.

Reappointed member:
Kristen Columbus, of Tecumseh, is a regional parent mentor for Michigan Alliance for Families, where she provides information, support and education to families who have a child receiving special education or early intervention services. She is a member of the Lenawee Great State Collaborative and previously served as chairperson of the Lenawee Regional Interagency Consumer Committee and parent representative for the Local Interagency Coordinating Council. Columbus earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Michigan. She will represent parents or guardians of an individual with developmental disabilities.

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

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