October 11, 2018
Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Melissa Epstein of Ann Arbor, Paula Johnson of Lansing and Victoria Martinez of Dearborn Heights 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 delays and/or disabilities eligible for Part C of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The council also advises and assists the department regarding the appropriate services for children from birth through age five.
“These individuals each have varying backgrounds and experiences that give me confidence they will serve this council well,” Snyder said.
Epstein is a licensed attorney and the owner of Epstein Legal Services, PLLC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in natural resources and environment from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Temple University, Beasley School of Law. She will represent parents of an infant or toddler with a disability or a child with a disability less than 7 years old at the time of appointment and replace Nicole Sodergren.
Johnson is a licensed occupational therapist for the early on program at Ingham Intermediate School District and holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University. She will represent public or private providers of early intervention services and replace Kenneth Richard Van Tol.
Martinez is a special education instructional aide for Wyandotte Public Schools and holds an associate degree in business administration from Henry Ford College. She will represent parents of infants or toddlers with disabilities or children with disabilities less than 13 years old at the time of appointment, with knowledge of, or experience with, programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities. She will replace Chandra Jones.
Members will serve four-year terms expiring Oct. 31, 2022.
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