Meet Your Council Members

Jeremy Murphy (Mt. Pleasant) was appointed to MiDDC as a family member on October 15, 2021. He was reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029. He currently serves as the Chair of the council. Jeremy says his children opened his eyes to the challenges of gaining access to necessary services. The difficulty of navigating the system is the reason he wanted to join the Council and advocate for change around access to services.

His goal is to create an easier pathway for parents of children with disabilities to understand what services exist and improve education on how to access those services. Jeremy is a dedicated parent and advocate, a lifelong Michigan resident, and a huge fan of the Detroit Red Wings. His favorite place in Michigan is anywhere in northern Michigan because of the wonderful scenery and variety of activities. 

Jaime Junior (Detroit) was appointed to MiDDC as a self-advocate on October 15, 2021. She was reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029. She currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the council. Jaime says she wanted to join the Council after she was introduced to the concept of self-advocacy through the Leadership Development Program at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition.

Her goal is to create true equity so all people with developmental disabilities can thrive in their communities and be self-sufficient in their lives. Jaime is a certified ADA Coordinator, a member of the Great Lakes ADA Center’s Leadership Network, and a huge Marvel Comics fan. Her favorite place in Michigan is Holland during the spring.

Rosalie Austin (Holland) was appointed to represent a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing December 21, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2027.

Lonnie Barnett (Lansing) was appointed to MiDDC as a state agency representative on October 1, 2023. He was reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Lonnie said his experience as Director for Michigan's Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) led him to join the council.   

Lonnie's goal is to assure that children with developmental disabilities are emphasized and included in the work of the council. He is passionate about engaging families across Michigan and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to flourish. His favorite place in Michigan is the Upper Peninsula. 

Joseph "Joe" Bione (Troy) was appointed to MiDDC as a family member on January 31, 2024. He was reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Joe says that his experience being diagnosed with polio at a very young age and his experience as a parent of a child with developmental disability led to his interest in joining the council.

Joe has devoted his life to assisting children and families that face similar issues by advocating for them in whatever way he can. His goal with the council is to continue helping those in need by advocating for families and young adults with disabilities. His favorite place in Michigan is enjoying the beauty of Bay Harbor.

Nick Gable (Ann Arbor) was appointed as an individual representing a protection and advocacy system with sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and implementation for a partial term on February 10, 2025. He was reappointed for a full term commencing on October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.

Nick is a senior attorney at Disability Rights Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in ancient history and languages from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. 

Francisco Gamboa (Shelby Township) was appointed to MiDDC as an individual representing a state agency that administers funds under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2029.

Alexandra "Allie" Hayes (Troy) was appointed to MiDDC as a self-advocate for a term commencing on February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2027. 

Hayes is currently pursuing an associate's degree from Oakland Community College. 

Iris Mehler (Midland) was appointed to MiDDC as a family member on December 21, 2023. She was reappointed for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028. Iris has worked in Midland County and beyond to advocate for policies that support both individuals with disabilities and their families. Her experience with disability advocacy for families of children with disabilities and her passion for creating a more inclusive and supportive society led to her interest in joining the council. 

Iris's goal is to improve the support for families of children and adults with disabilities through her service on the council. She wants to prioritize supporting families, which will help ensure that people with disabilities receive the love and care they need to flourish. She is passionate about social justice, and she is a first-generation immigrant that is proud to call Michigan home. Her favorite place is Midland's Grove Park due to it being the first all-inclusive "Changing Places" restroom in Michigan. 

Sharon Milberger, Sc.D. (Waterford) was appointed to MiDDC on October 15, 2021, as an individual representing a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities, education, research, and service. She was appointed for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.

Sharon Milberger is the director of the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute and MI-LEND at Wayne State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Science in Physiology and Doctor of Science in Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Kristen Morningstar (Holt) was appointed to MiDDC as as an individual representing the Department of Health and Human Services with sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and implementation on behalf of the department for a partial term on December 4, 2025. She was reappointed for a full term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.

Kristen Morningstar is the bureau director for specialty behavioral health services at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Morningstar holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in accounting and business management from Baker College.

Leandra Pogson (Wyoming) was appointed to MiDDC as a self-advocate for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. 

Leandra Pogson is an administrative assistant at Grand Rapids Public Schools. Pogson holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the Universidad Del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico and a Master of Arts in psychological counseling from the Universidad Carlos Albizu.

Joshlyn Rasmussen (Alpena) was appointed to MiDDC as a self-advocate for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.

Joshlyn Rasmussen previously served as neuroqueer facilitator at Grand Valley State University. Rasmussen holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and women, gender, and sexuality studies from Grand Valley State University.

Jason Reaves (Westland) was appointed to MiDDC as the council liaison for the Self-Advocates of Michigan (SAM) on October 1, 2023. Jason was reappointed for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028. Jason said his experience working with SAM was the reason he became interested in the council.

Jason's goal is for his service on the council to have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Outside of his work with SAM and the council, Jason loves to read and research in his free time. His favorite place in Michigan is anywhere he can be with animals. 

Amanda Rhines-Poehlman (Wyoming) was appointed to MiDDC as a family member on October 1, 2023. She was reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Amanda said her journey was rooted in her experience as a parent to a son with Down syndrome and autism. Her son's immediate segregation as he entered kindergarten compelled Amanda to advocate for changes to our education system. Amanda joined the Council to advocate for systems change and ensure children like her son are recognized for their abilities and potential. 

Amanda's goal is for her service on the Council to lead to inclusive education as the expected norm rather than the fought for exception. Amanda serves as the Executive Director of Disability Network Lakeshore. She is a fierce advocate for community inclusion being rooted in universal design. Her favorite place in Michigan is anywhere in Lake Michigan in August. 

Ralph "Ray" Schuholz (Redford) was appointed to MiDDC as a self-advocate for a partial term on December 14, 2023. He was reappointed to a full term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028. Ray is a life-long advocate for mental health and developmental disabilities. He is the Chair of the Westland Disability Advocacy Committee. He is also a Certified Peer Mentor with Community Living Services, an Ambassador with the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority, and an active member of his community. Ray joined the Council to continue advocacy for the benefits of self-determination and ensure everyone has the opportunity to live their best life. 

Ray's goal is to see more people with developmental disabilities become leaders and join boards and committees, so their voices are heard. Ray also wants to support people to better understand their rights and educate others about the services and supports that are available to people with disabilities and their families. His favorite places in Michigan are the Indian River and Mackinaw.

Julie Shaw (Negaunee) was appointed to MiDDC as an individual representing local and non-governmental agencies and private nonprofit groups concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities. She was appointed for a partial term commencing January 28, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2027.

Julie is the executive director of the Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in special education from Northern Michigan University.

Shawan Solomon (Detroit) was appointed to MiDDC as an individual representing a state agency that administers funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. She was appointed for a term commencing December 14, 2023, and expiring September 30, 2027.

Shawan Solomon is a special education consultant for the Michigan Department of Education, a position she has had since 2014. Previously, she worked as a special education supervisor for Henry Ford High School and as a teacher for Detroit Public Schools. Dortch received her Bachelor of Business Administration from William Tyndale college and her Master of Art in education, specialized in special education from Wayne State University.

Sheryl Stumbaugh (Farmington Hills) was appointed to MiDDC as a self-advocate on October 1, 2020. She was reappointed for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028.

Sheryl Stumbaugh is a resource specialist and advocate at the Disability Network Eastern Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Madonna University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan.

Colleen Sullivan (Jackson) was appointed to MiDDC as a parent of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028.

Colleen Sullivan is the AFL-CIO community service labor liaison at United Way of Jackson County. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, sociology, and anthropology from Albion College.

Janet Turner-Harmon (Romulus) was appointed to MiDDC as a parent of a child with developmental disabilities on December 14, 2023. She was reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030.

Janet Turner worked as a developmental disability housing specialist for Southwest Solutions in Detroit. She holds a Bachelor of Science in economics and management from Michigan State University.

Marisa Van Zile (Watersmeet) was appointed to MiDDC as a parent of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. 

Marisa Van Zile is a night auditor at Northern Waters Casino and a court officer at the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians’ Healing to Wellness Court, and is a tribal citizen of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community. Van Zile holds an associate of applied management in business from Gogebic Community College and a Bachelor of Science in sociology and Native American studies from Northern Michigan University.

Scott Wamsley (DeWitt) was appointed to MiDDC as a state agency representative on December 14, 2023. He was reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 2026, and expiring September 30, 2030. Scott is the Director for the Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS) at MDHHS. His role involves managing and supporting programs for older adults and individuals needing long-term care services. The ACLS bureau manages Older Americans Act (OAA) programs on behalf of MDHHS and the state. Scott joined the Council to increase education and advocacy on the important role of OAA programs and ensure these programs are represented.

Scott's goal is to strengthen coordination between OAA programs and services, and the work of the Council in supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families. Scott is committed to supporting excellence and innovation in long-term care programs and services administered by the ACLS bureau at MDHHS. His favorite place in Michigan is being at any beach along Lake Michigan.

Eric Welsby (Sterling Heights) was appointed as an individual from local and non-governmental agencies and private nonprofit groups concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 14, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.

Eric Welsby is the advocacy director at Detroit Disability Power, the founding advocacy director of Disability Action, and the principal consultant at Welsby Consulting, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in English, political science, and communications from Central Michigan University.

Sarah Winslow was appointed to MiDDC as a family member on October 15, 2021. She was reappointed for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029. Sarah has spent her entire career working with youth and young adults with disabilities in an educational setting. Her experience as a parent and professional led to her interest in joining the Council so that she can better support youth with disabilities in Michigan.

Sarah's goal is for her service on the Council to have a positive impact on community partnership, awareness, and collaboration. She would like to see more community organizations partner together and support one another. Sarah is very passionate about employment of young adults with disabilities. Her favorite place in Michigan is being at home with her family.