Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced the appointments of Sara Van Wormer, of Ferndale, and
Martin Waalkes, of Grand Rapids, to the Michigan Board of Psychology.
The nine-member board, housed within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, evaluates and determines minimal entry level competency of health practitioners, and takes disciplinary action against any misconduct of licensees.
"Sara and Martin bring critical skills and experiences to this board and I am confident they will help provide key oversight to the licensing and accountability of Michigan's mental health practitioners," said Snyder.
Van Wormer is a professor of psychology at Macomb Community College, a position she has held since 2010. Previously, she served as a lecturer at Oakland University and as a therapist at Oakland Psychological Clinic and Advanced Counseling Services, Brookfield Clinics and Vista Maria. Van Wormer holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Western Michigan University and a master's degree in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota. She will represent professionals and replaces Robert Hack.
Martin Waalkes is a psychologist and the psychology department supervisor at Hope Network Rehabilitation Services, where he has worked since 1990. Previously, he served as a mental health therapist for Community Mental Health Emergency Service in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties. Waalkes earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and business administration from Hope College and both a master's degree and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Michigan State University. He will represent professionals and replaces Dane Ver Merris.
Appointees will serve four-year terms that commence Jan. 1, 2013 and expire Dec. 31, 2016. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.