Skip to main content

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
December 18, 2019  

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions  

LANSING, Mich.Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Chiropractic, Michigan Board of Massage Therapy, Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery, Michigan Board of Medicine, Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists, Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Michigan Board of Physical Therapy, Michigan Task Force on Physician’s Assistants, Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Michigan Board of Respiratory Care, and the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine.  

Michigan Board of Chiropractic 

Michael J. Connelly, of East Lansing, is the assistant dean of academic and student affairs for the College of Social Science at Michigan State University and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He holds a Master of Business Administration from City University, and he attended the Air War College and the Air Command and Staff College during his service. Mr. Connelly is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Robert Huta whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Joel H. Kirsch, D.C., of Huntington Woods, is a chiropractor and owner of Birmingham Chiropractic Clinic. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National University of Health Sciences. Dr. Kirsch is appointed to represent licensed chiropractors for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Donald Reno whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Patricia A. Odette, D.C., of Woodhaven, is a chiropractor and owner of Odette & Corne Chiropractic and the Mayor of Woodhaven. She earned her Doctor of Chiropractic from the National College of Chiropractic. Dr. Odette is appointed to represent licensed chiropractors for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Ronald Wilcox whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

The Michigan Board of Chiropractic ascertains minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifies continuing education during licensure. The Public Health Code defines the practice of chiropractic as the discipline within the healing arts that deals with the human nervous system and the musculoskeletal system and their interrelationship with other body systems. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.  

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Board of Massage Therapy 

Dana M. Blank, of Ovid, is a language arts teacher at Ovid-Elsie Area Schools. She holds a Master of Arts in Adult and Continuing Education from Michigan State University. Ms. Blank is appointed to represent public members for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2020. She succeeds Stacey Murray who has resigned.  

Kristin L. Brooks, of Okemos, is a yoga instructor at Hilltop Yoga. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Ms. Brooks is appointed to represent public members for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Carolyn Harden whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Jamel Randall, of Detroit, is a massage therapist and owner of The Trap Yoga and Massage Studio in Lathrup Village. He holds a massage therapy certificate from the National Institute of Technology. Mr. Randall is appointed to represent massage therapists for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Tina Latham-Enix whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Irene Savoyat, of Lansing, is a massage therapist and co-owner of Creative Wellness. She holds a massage therapy certificate from the Scientific Massage and Research Center. Ms. Savoyat is appointed to represent massage therapists for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Lynn Wolf whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy ascertains minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifies continuing education during licensure. The Public Health Code defines the practice of massage therapy as the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore the health and well-being of the client. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery 

Amanda A. Howell, of Clinton, is a certified professional midwife at New Moon Midwifery in Ann Arbor and a farmer and owner of Dragonwood Farm. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Medical and Biological Illustration from the University of Michigan. Ms. Howell is reappointed to represent midwives for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

Sandra J. McCurdy, of East Lansing, is a licensed midwife and owner of Gentle Strength Midwifery, LLC. She studied advanced midwifery degree at the Ancient Art Midwifery Institute. Ms. McCurdy is appointed to represent midwives for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Nichole White whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Kristin M. Revere, of Grand Rapids, is the co-owner of Gold Coast Doulas, LLC. She holds a Master of Management from Aquinas College. Mrs. Revere is appointed to represent a member of the general public who is a consumer of midwifery care for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Deborah Fisch whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Geradine Simkins, of Maple City, is the owner of Birthways Consulting, LLC. and an expert consultant and trainer at the National Institutes of Health. She holds a Master of Science from Case Western Reserve University. Ms. Simkins is reappointed to represent a certified nurse midwife for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

Hsin Wang, M.D., of West Bloomfield, is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Detroit Medical Center and the director of the Pelvic Health Program for DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University. Dr. Wang is appointed to represent a physician who is board certified as an obstetrician-gynecologist for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Tami Michele whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

The Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery is housed within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The Board works with the Department to establish and implement the licensure program for the practice of midwifery in the state. 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Michigan Board of Medicine 

Holly S. Gilmer, M.D., of Detroit, is an attending neurosurgeon at several hospitals including Henry Ford Hospital, Providence Hospital, Sinai-Grace Hospital, and Beaumont Hospital. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan. Dr. Gilmer is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Dennis Szymanski whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Michael Lewis, M.D., of Royal Oak, is the system chair of anesthesiology at Henry Ford Health System. He holds a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery from University College in London, England. Dr. Lewis is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Mohammed Arsiwala whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Bryan E. Little, M.D., of Detroit, is the specialist in chief for orthopedic surgery at Detroit Medical Center. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University. Dr. Little is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Michael Chrissos whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Ali Moiin, M.D., of Grosse Pointe Park, is the president and owner of A Comprehensive Dermatology Center. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of California Davis. Dr. Moiin is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds James Rogers whose term expired December 31, 2019. 

Teresa M. Robinson, Ph.D., of Lansing, is the assistant fire chief for Lansing Fire Department. She holds a Master of Science degree from Grand Canyon University and Ph.D. from Walden University. Dr. Robinson is appointed to represent public members for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Louis Prues whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Angela M. Trepanier, of Livonia, is a professor and director of the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at Wayne State University. She holds a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Minnesota. Ms. Trepanier is appointed to represent genetic counselors for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Eric Stocker whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Donald J. Tynes, M.D., of Benton Harbor, is the chief medical officer for Benton Harbor Health Center and pastor of Keep It Real Ministries. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University. Rev. Dr. Tynes is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Rosalie Tocco-Bradley whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

The Michigan Board of Medicine works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of medical doctors in the state. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. This responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of medical doctors and requiring continuing medical education during licensure.  

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists 

Melissa Mafiah, M.D., of Livonia, is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at W.H. Beaumont Hospital. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University. Dr. Mafiah is appointed to represent a public member who is a physician licensed under part 170 or 175 for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Richard Bryce whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

The Michigan Board of Occupation Therapists works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules for licensing occupational therapists and ascertaining minimal entry level competency of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.  The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety and welfare.  

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery 

Samantha Danek, PA-C, of Dexter, is a physician assistant at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. She holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Wayne State University. Ms. Danek is appointed to represent physician's assistants for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds James Kilmark whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Ayanna Neal, of Lansing, is an attorney at Grewal Law PLLC. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University. Ms. Neal is appointed to represent public members for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Molly McLogan whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

The Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery was works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to regulate the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery in this state and ascertain minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifying continuing medical education during licensure. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.  

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Board of Physical Therapy 

Jeffrey D. Clark, of Spring Lake, is a physical therapist and owner of i’move Physical Therapy. He holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Mr. Clark is appointed to represent physical therapists for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Ajay Middha whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Erica Sherman, of Goodrich, is the associate director of clinical education at the University of Michigan-Flint and is a physical therapist at Hurley medical Center in Flint. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwood University and a Bachelor of Health Science from Central Michigan University. Ms. Sherman is appointed to represent physical therapists for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Brian Gilbert whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

La'Nik M. St. Julien, of Eastpointe, is a service agent for American Airlines and the owner and president of J & L Medical Supply. She holds a certificate in national and international travels from Associated Schools Inc. Mrs. St. Julien is appointed to represent public members for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Whitney Schafer whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

The Michigan Board of Physical Therapy works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the licensing of physical therapists in this state and ascertains the minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.  

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Task Force on Physician’s Assistants 

Michael T. Coraci, PA-C, of West Bloomfield, is a physician assistant at Beaumont Health. He holds a Master of Science from Wayne State University. Mr. Coraci is appointed to represent physician's assistants for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Megan Dietrich whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Samantha Danek, PA-C, of Dexter, is a physician assistant at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. She holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Wayne State University. Ms. Danek is appointed to fill a vacancy representing the Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery for a term commencing December 18, 2019 and expiring December 31, 2021.  

Lara M. Davis, PA-C, of Holly, is a physician assistant at Ascension Medical Group Genesys Heart Institute and the Genesee Urgent Care. She holds a Master of Science in Medicine from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Human Physiology from Northern Michigan University. Ms. Davis is appointed to represent physician's assistants for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds William Palazzolo whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Jill M. Hasen, PA-C, of Ann Arbor, is a physician assistant at the University of Michigan. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Surgeons’ Assistant from Cuyahoga Community College. Ms. Hasen is appointed to represent physician's assistants for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Lara Davis whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Bryan E. Little, M.D., of Detroit, is the specialist in chief for orthopedic surgery at Detroit Medical Center. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University. Dr. Little is appointed to represent the Michigan Board of Medicine for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds James Rogers whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

Michael E. Nauss, of East Lansing, is the midwest regional director for AdvancED and the principal consultant of Executive Leadership Development for Thought Partner Services, LLC.  He holds a Master of Arts from Western Michigan University. Mr. Nauss is appointed to represent public members for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds Maryam Komejan whose term expires December 31, 2019.

Danielle Richards, PA-C, of Lansing, is a physician assistant with Sparrow Health Systems. She holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Grand Valley State University. Mrs. Richards is appointed to represent physician's assistants for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Heather Klopp whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

Melissa M. Usiak, Ph.D., of Okemos, is an assistant professor and the executive director for the Michigan Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development at Michigan State University. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University. Dr. Usiak is appointed to represent public members for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Sara Basso whose term expires December 31, 2019.  

The Michigan Task Force on Physician’s Assistants works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory affairs to oversee the practice of physician’s assistants in this state. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.  

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery 

Satina Lilly, of Detroit, is a retired patient coordinator at Global Home Health Care. She holds a business management degree from Detroit Business College. Ms. Lilly is appointed to represent public members for a term commencing December 18, 2019 and expiring June 30, 2023. She succeeds Cyrus Farrehi whose term expired June 30, 2019.   

The Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery was formed to license and regulate the practice of podiatric medicine and surgery, which is defined in the Public Health Code as the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions of the lower extremities, including local manifestations of systemic disease in the human foot and ankle, by attending to and advising patients and through the use of devices, diagnostic tests, drugs and biologicals, surgical procedures, or other means.   

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Michigan Board of Respiratory Care 

Michael Dunn, M.D., of Troy, is the chief of medicine at the Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and the senior staff physician for the hospital’s Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division. He also serves as an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the New York Medical College. Dr. Dunn is reappointed to represent medical directors for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

Emily L. Pokora Zyla, of Sparta, is an assistant professor and the clinical coordinator for diagnostic, laboratory, and therapeutic sciences at Ferris State University. She holds a Master of Science in Respiratory Care Leadership from Northeastern University. Ms. Pokora Zyla is appointed to represent respiratory therapists for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Elizabeth Glasser whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

The Michigan Board of Respiratory Care oversees the licensure requirements and standards for respiratory therapists. The Board has a duty to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Board implements this responsibility by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and by taking disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public's health, safety, and welfare. 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine 

Caitlin O'Rourke, of Lansing, is a senior associate at Capitol Fundraising Associates. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Grand Valley State University. Ms. O’Rourke is appointed to represent public members for a term commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Renee Werth whose term expires December 31, 2019. 

The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of veterinary medicine and ascertain minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

 

 

###