December 27, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced six new appointments to the Michigan Board of Occupational Therapy.
The nine-member board assists the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in overseeing the licensure and practice of Michigan's occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
“This is a talented group of appointees and I look forward to the contributions they will make to the board,” Snyder said.
Nick Carlson, of Grand Rapids, is the vice president of Donated Good Operations for Goodwill Industries of Grand Rapids, where he is responsible for leading all post-market operations including global commodity exports and discounted retail operations. He is a member of the Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2013 and serves as an environmental advocacy appointee on the Kent County Solid Waste Policy Planning Committee. Carlson holds both a Bachelors of Youth Ministry and Masters of Religious Studies from Olivet Nazarene University. He will represent the general public and replaces Grace Smith.
Lynn Kaiser, of Flat Rock, serves as an occupational therapy assistant for Wyandotte Physical Therapy Associates, Total Rehab Services, and Healthwise Home Health Care. She has over 14 years of experience working with young adults, adults, and geriatric individuals ranging from outpatient clinics, home health care, inpatient and skilled nursing facilities. Kaiser holds a BS in occupational therapy from Eastern Michigan University. She will represent professionals and replaces Susan Robosan-Burt.
Valerie Palmer, of Kalamazoo, is in fund development at the Black Arts & Cultural Center. She is also a chamber ambassador for Southwest Michigan First Chamber, certified tourism ambassador for Discover Kalamazoo, and fundraising chair for ACT-SO Organization – Youth Branch of the NAACP. She previously held numerous sales positions. Palmer holds a BA in communications from the University of Southern California. She will represent the general public and replace Christie Clipper.
Janet Santos, of Saline, is the co-coordinator/occupational therapist with University of Michigan Medical Center at MedRehab and the Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Program and Outpatient Occupational Therapy. She provides outpatient occupational therapy to children 0-20 years of age with developmental delay, neurological impairment, feeding difficulties, and sensory processing difficulties as well as assisting with the coordination of the constraint induced therapy program (CHAMP). Santos has more than 20 years of experience in the field. Santos holds a BS in Allied Health Sciences in occupational therapy from Ohio State University. She will represent professionals and replaces Gerry Conti.
Jennifer Colombo Sesti, of Clarkston, is the fitness director at Genesys Athletic Club, and has been in the hospital-based health club industry for more than 15 years. She is responsible for all hiring, training, and communication of personal trainer, wellness navigator, fitness specialist and fitness program personnel, as well as providing community health and fitness education. She previously served as the associate fitness director at the Michigan Athletic Club. Sesti holds a BS in kinesiology from Michigan State University. She will represent the general public and replace LoRon Polk.
Deborah Windell, of Hart, is the owner of the Family Fitness and Wellness Center and Lakeside Comprehensive Rehabilitation, which provides out-patient physical, occupational, and speech therapy to residents of Oceana and surrounding counties. In addition to owning and managing the facility, she also provides hands-on services to occupational therapy clients. Windell holds an associate’s degree in occupational therapy assistance from Grand Rapids Junior College and a BA in occupational therapy from The College of St. Catherine. She will represent professionals and replaces Diane Andert.
Members serve four-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2017, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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