March 31, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of David Barbour, of Ann Arbor, Carole Mehling, of Ironwood, and Kathleen Mitchell, of Melvindale, and the reappointment of Liz Kobylak, of Troy, to the Advisory Council on Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
The 13-member council, housed within the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, advises the department on matters pertaining to Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing persons.
"These individuals bring years of valuable experience to this council," said Snyder. "I am confident their work will continue to support Michigan's Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing citizens."
Barbour is a school social worker for Dearborn Public Schools where he works with students who have hearing loss. He also has experience with the Center for Human Development at William Beaumont Hospital, Michigan Youth and Family Development, and the Hawthorn Center. Barbour holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. He will represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of Deafness and replaces Robert Anthony.
Mehling is a member of the Michigan Association of the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. She holds an associate degree from Nicolet Technical Area College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Deaf studies from Gallaudet College. She will represent Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and replaces Nancy Asher.
Mitchell is a Deaf mental health specialist with Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network. She has previous experience as a state interpreter coordinator with the Department of Civil Rights and as clinical director for Deaf Options Inc. She is a member of the National Association of Social Work, the Michigan Deaf Association, and the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association. Mitchell holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Madonna University and a master’s of social work from Wayne State University. She will represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of Deafness and replaces Helmi Lepisto.
Kobylak is a hearing aid technician with Henry Ford Hospital – Lakeside, and also has experience as a teacher of hearing loss awareness and speech reading. She is a member of the American Academy of Hearing Loss Support Specialists. She studied at Illinois Benedictine College and Wayne State University. She will continue to represent Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Members serve four-year terms expiring Jan. 18, 2017, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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