March 22, 2018
Thursday, March 22, 2018
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointments of Michele Bell of Midland, Soleil Campbell of Okemos, Ronald Derrer of Grand Rapids, and John Searles of Wheeler to the Mental Health Diversion Council.
The council is housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and helps strengthen the state's mental health system. It offers solutions to improve services for Michiganders living with mental health conditions to help ensure better quality of life, safety, and independence.
"I thank this group for their continued commitment to improving Michigan’s mental health system," Snyder said.
Bell is the director of court services and program development for the Midland County 42nd Circuit Court. She previously served as assistant director of the Juvenile Care Center and program administrator of the Day Treatment Program for Midland County. Bell holds a bachelor’s degree in individual and family studies from Pennsylvania State University. She will continue to represent advocates of consumer representatives on juvenile justice issues.
Campbell is the juvenile justice policy and systems manager for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work from Michigan State University. She will continue to serve as the designee of the director of the Michugan Department of Health and Human Services.
Derrer is a school psychologist and head of the psychology department for Hudsonville Public Schools. He also serves as a traumatic brain injury transition team member for the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. He was previously a psychology instructor at Michigan State University, a mental health counselor in the adolescent psychiatric unit at Glen Oaks Hospital, and served as interim director of special education for Hudsonville Public Schools. Derrer holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wheaton College, a master’s degree in liberal studies from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. in school psychology from Michigan State University. He will continue to represent juvenile mental health treatment practitioners.
Searles is the superintendent of Midland County Educational Service Agency, where he implemented the Longview Early Childhood and Family Center. He previously served as superintendent for Merrill Community Schools, assessment and school improvement coordinator for Kentwood Public Schools, and adjunct faculty for Aquinas College and Michigan State University. Searles holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from Aquinas College, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University, and completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in curriculum, teaching, and educational policy at Michigan State University. He will continue to represent school systems.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring Jan. 30, 2022.
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