February 08, 2018
Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointments of Dr. Nolana Bandy of Detroit, Kristina Donaldson of Caledonia, and Laura McKechnie of Sault Sainte Marie to the Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities.
The 21-member council advises the Michigan Department of Education in the preparation of applications for financial and other assistance for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities. The council also advises and assists the department regarding the appropriate services for children from birth through the age of five.
“I thank these three advocates for their devotion to ensuring all infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities in Michigan will receive the best possible resources for their health and comfort,” Snyder said.
Bandy is an assistant director for Matrix Human Services, Matrix Head Start Program. She previously served as a disability and mental health specialist with Southeast Head Start Program. Bandy holds an associate degree in education from Odessa College, a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Detroit-Mercy, a master’s of education from the American Intercontinental University and a doctorate in international psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She will continue to represent the Head Start program.
Donaldson is a site coordinator for the Family Leadership Initiative and a lead parent representative for Kent County Local Leadership Group. She studied business management at Grand Rapids Community College. She will continue to represent parents of infants or toddlers with disabilities or children with disabilities less than 13 years old at the time of appointment.
McKechnie is the education and disabilities supervisor for the Sault Tribe Early Childhood Programs where she has worked since 2000. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Lake Superior State University. McKechnie will continue to represent tribal governments.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring Oct. 31, 2021.
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