LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced the initial appointments to the Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts.

The nine-member board was created to assist the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with the regulating and licensing of behavior analysts in the State of Michigan.

“These individuals are highly qualified and I thank them for their commitment to ensuring the standards of behavior analysts are upheld in Michigan,” Snyder said.

Members with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2019:

Luchara Wallace, of Portage, is an associate professor of special education at Western Michigan University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in Catholic Studies, a master of education from Loyola University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. She will represent the general public.

Jessa Love of Brighton is a clinical supervisor for Building Bridges Therapy Center in Plymouth, and serves as a coach for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Code Compliance Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree and Ph. D. from Western Michigan University. She will represent behavior analysts engaged in providing clinical services.

Christie Nutkins of Grand Rapids, is the clinic director at Central Michigan University. She is a board-certified behavior analyst and licensed psychologist with Behavior Health Partners and is a consultant for Behavior Analysts of West Michigan. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from Northern Michigan University, a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Central Michigan University, and a graduate certificate from The Pennsylvania State University State College. She will represent a member who is affiliated with a university in this state and provides instructions or conducts research in applied behavior analysis.

Members with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2020:

Ian McElfish of Kalamazoo, is an assistant behavior analyst and supervisor at Braintrust Behavioral Health, LLC, and previously served as a volunteer subject matter expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. He holds a bachelor’s degree and is completing his master’s degree in applied behavior analysis at Western Michigan University. He will represent assistant behavior analysts.

Conny Raaymakers, of Middleville, is the director of ABA services at Developmental Enhancement and previously served as a behavior specialist for Grand Rapids Public Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree from Western Michigan University, and is completing her Ph.D. through the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She will represent behavior analysts engaged in providing applied behavior analysis services to the Medicaid population in addition to providing clinical services.

Josh Plavnick, of Ann Arbor, is an associate professor of special education at Michigan State University, and is the director of the Early Learning Institute, which he founded in 2014. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He will represent behavior analysts engaged in providing clinical services.

Members with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2021:

Stephanie Peterson, of Schoolcraft, is a professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University, and sits on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board of Directors. She holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. from The University of Iowa. She will represent behavior analysts engaged in providing clinical services.

Kelly Blankenship, of Alto, is a child and adolescent psychologist at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, and is the Michigan State University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Director and Program Developer. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, and a D.O. from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She will represent a physician who is licensed under part 170 or 175 and works with patients with autism spectrum disorders or brain injuries.

Shana Shroll, of Grand Rapids, served on the Kent County Board of Commissioners from 2011-2016 and served as vice chair of the board. She previously served as the communications manager for Ideomed and was the director of the West Michigan Executive Office for former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. Shroll holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University. She will represent the general public.

After the initial appointments have been made, members will serve four-year terms. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.