September 09, 2016
Friday, September 9, 2016
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the initial appointments to the Statewide Independent Living Council, an independent agency created by an Executive Order in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act that requires each state to establish a SILC to be eligible for federal funding under the Act.
The 16-member council, 11 of whom are appointed by the Governor, works to ensure statewide representation of residents with disabilities.
“I want to thank these individuals for their willingness to serve on this important council. The work they do will help create policies allowing Michiganders with disabilities to live more independent lives,” Snyder said.
Lisa Cook-Gordon of Melvin is co-director and transition consultant with the Michigan Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan - Flint and a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University. She will represent parents or guardians of individuals with disabilities, serving an initial one-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2017.
Sara Grivetti of Midland is chief executive officer of Disability Network of Michigan. She is a graduate of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Leadership Institute and holds a bachelor's degree in management from Northwood University and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Michigan State University. She will represent individuals with disabilities, serving an initial one-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2017.
James Whalen of Port Huron is the executive director of Blue Water Center for Independent Living, and previously served as the executive director of The Adaptable Incorporated Center for Independent Living. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Central College, a master’s degree from Drake University, a PH.D. ABD in counselor education, and an Educational Specialist Degree, both from The University of Iowa. He will represent directors of centers for independent living within this state and will serve an initial one-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2017.
Gabriella Burman of Huntington Woods is a communications coordinator for Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills. She is vice chair of the United Cerebral Palsy of Metro Detroit and The Friendship Circle. Burman holds a bachelor’s degree in writing seminars with a minor in French from Johns Hopkins University. She will represent advocates of and for individuals with disabilities and will serve an initial two-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2018.
Michael Hamm of White Cloud retired from adult services for Newaygo County Mental Health and is currently active as a member of the Disability Connection and the Social Work Advisory Board at Ferris State University. He is a licensed master’s social worker and has 20 years of clinical experience in juvenile court and mental health. Hamm holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and a master’s of social work, both from Grand Valley State University. He will represent individuals with a disability and will serve an initial two-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2018.
Kelsey Kleimola of Ypsilanti is a certified call analyst at JLodge, and is Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2014. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College. She will represent individuals with disabilities and will serve an initial two-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2018.
Rebecca Parten of Dearborn is a research area specialist associate at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department for the University of Michigan, working on women’s health and disability, the validity of r-FLACC in people with spastic cerebral palsy, U-M Spinal Cord Injury Model System, and The Menopause Transition in Women with Traumatic Brain Injury. Parten holds a bachelor’s degree in public communications and culture studies from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a master’s of social work from the University of Michigan. She will represent advocates of and for individuals with disabilities and will serve an initial two-year term to expire December 31, 2018.
Aaron Andres of Marquette is a student at Northern Michigan University pursuing a bachelor’s in public administration. Andres holds an associate’s degree in graphic design from Vincennes University. He will represent individuals with a disability and will serve an initial three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2019.
Robin Bennett of Canton is the program leader for Canton Leisure Services, a Leisure Club to engage participants with special needs in therapeutic recreation activities. She previously served as the mentor director and communications manager for Integrated Living Solutions. Bennett holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing and a master’s program certificate in nonprofit management from Eastern Michigan University. She will represent organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities, including, but not limited to, private businesses, and individuals with a disability and will serve an initial three-year term to expire Dec. 31, 2019.
Alex Darr of Brighton is an Employment First Core Member, and has served as a Livingston County Human Society volunteer. He attended Brighton High School and is currently enrolled in the Livingston Educational Service Agency adult transition program. He will represent individuals with a disability and will serve an initial three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2019.
Warner is deputy treasurer of Speaker Township and a Camps Connect CYO Camp Counselor. She is currently enrolled at St. Clair County Community College and will be transferring to Oakland University to complete her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She will represent individuals with a disability and will serve an initial three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2019.
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