December 27, 2016
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the initial appointments to the Developmental Disabilities Council, which was created by Executive Order 2016-20 to better align the council with state and federal law.
Housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the 21-member council advocates for people with disabilities on a statewide level.
“It’s vitally important that all Michiganders with disabilities feel their voices are heard and that they have someone looking out for their best interests. I’m confident these members will do substantial work with this council,” Snyder said.
Mark McWilliams of Lansing is the director of public policy and media relations for Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of California. He will represent an individual representing the protection and advocacy system with sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and implementation.
Sharon Milberger of Farmington Hills is the director of Developmental Disabilities Institute through Wayne State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree and doctor of science from the Harvard School of Public Health. She will represent an individual representing a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities education, research, and service.
Paul Palmer of Lansing is a member of the board of directors for the Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties. He will represent individuals with a developmental disability. He will serve as chair of the committee.
Deborah Rock of Pewamo is a regional parent mentor at The Arc of Kent County. She previously served as a teacher paraprofessional at Portland High School. She holds a teacher paraprofessional certificate from Lansing Community College, and will represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities.
Tammy Yeomans of Grand Rapids served as a job retention specialist and case aide for the Work First Program at Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids. She served as a member of the Cultural Advisory Committee for Network 180 Grand Rapids, and as a member of the Systems Change Task Force. She holds a bachelor’s of social work from Grand Valley State University. She will represent individuals with a developmental disability.
Heidi DeVries of Grand Rapids 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. She attended Grand Valley State University and graduated from the Leaders in Policy Advocacy through the Arc Michigan. She will represent individuals with a developmental disability.
Steven Johnson of West Olive previously worked as a financial advisor from Chemical Bank. He is the president and founder of OASIS Communities of West Michigan, LLC. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University and a master’s degree in financial services from The American College. He will represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities.
Richard Kline of Grand Rapids serves as the acting director of the Aging and Adult Services Agency for the state of Michigan, and previously served in the role of executive director of the Beztak Corporation. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Grand Valley State University. He will represent an individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
Lisa Grost of DeWitt serves as the Autism Section Manager for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in community development and a master’s degree in administration and health services administrations from Central Michigan University. She will represent both an individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under Title V of the Social Security Act and an individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.
Janet Timbs of Mount Morris serves as a special education consultant for the Michigan Department of Education. She holds a bachelor’s degree and elementary teaching certificate from Central Michigan University, and both a master’s degree and educational specialist degree from Saginaw Valley State University. She will represent an individual from the state agency that administers funds provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Lois Arnold of Mt. Pleasant is the president and CEO of the Special Olympics Michigan through Central Michigan University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. She will represent a local, non-governmental agency concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities with sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and implementation.
David Taylor of Ferndale is a peer mentor and advocate at Community Living Services of Oakland County. He will represent individuals with a developmental disability.
Roslynn Williams of Saginaw is a member of the parent group Saginaw Community Mental Health Authority-Saginaw Max System of Care. She previously served as a program coordinator for Y.E.A.R (Youth Education and Recreation). She will represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities.
Matt Bolger of Lansing is an inspector and senior executive assistant director in the human resources division of the Michigan State Police. He has served on the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance Board of Directors. He holds an associate’s degree in law enforcement from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He will represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities.
Denise Simmons of Oak Park is a unit leader for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She previously served as a support coordinator from Quality Senior Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Davenport University and is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She will represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities.
McWilliams, Milberger, Palmer, Rock and Yeomans will serve terms expiring Sept. 30, 2017. DeVries, Johnson, Kline and Grost will serve terms expiring Sept. 30, 2018. Timbs, Arnold, Taylor and Williams will serve terms expiring Sept. 30, 2019. Bolger and Simmons will serve terms ending Sept. 30, 2020.
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