Housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the 17-member Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan's rehabilitation programs and services, and advises the department director and governor. This is in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons. Sixteen of the 17 members are appointed by the Governor and one appointment is made by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The State Directors of MRS and BSBP serve as ex-officio, nonvoting members.
To improve public Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services delivered by the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS).
BSBP and MRS will provide VR services in manners that are respectful, equitable and effective in achieving meaningful employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
The members of MCRS believe:
| Name | Role | Representing | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carol Bergquist | Chair | American Indian 121 | 12/31/26 |
| Kathryn Flagstadt | Vice Chair | Vocational Rehabilitation Programs | 12/31/25 |
| Jonathan Bischoff | Council Member | Community Rehabilitation Program Service Provider | 12/31/26 |
| Kellie Blackwell | Council Member | Applicants for, or Recipients of, Vocational Rehabilitation Services | 12/31/26 |
| Yasmina Bouraoui | Council Member | Disability Advocate | 12/31/25 |
| Jessica Brady | Council Member | Designee of the Superintendent of Public Instruction | Serves at the pleasure of the Superintendent |
| Lisa Cook-Gordon | Council Member | Disability Advocacy Groups | 12/31/25 |
| Todd Culver | Council Member | Disability Advocacy Groups | 12/31/25 |
| Trina Edmondson | Council Member | Disability Advocacy Groups | 12/31/25 |
| William Ernzen | Council Member | Business, Industry or Labor | 12/31/26 |
| Kelsey Hockaday | Council Member | Business, Industry or Labor | 12/31/24 |
| Elham Jahshan | Council Member | Client Assistant Program | 12/31/25 |
| Shana Lewis | Council Member | Michigan Workforce Development Board | 12/31/25 |
| Steve Locke | Council Member | Statewide Independent Living Council | 12/31/25 |
| Laurie Penfold | Council Member | Business, Industry or Labor | 12/31/25 |
| Karen Wang | Council Member | Parent and Training Information Centers established under Section 671 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act | 12/31/26 |
| Margi Williams | Council Member | Business, Industry or Labor | 12/31/24 |
Sigrid Adams, State Director for Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Dept. of Labor & Economic Opportunity
State of Michigan
Mike Pemble, Director for Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
Dept. of Labor & Economic Opportunity
State of Michigan
Eric Bachmann, District Manager
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Dept. of Labor & Economic Opportunity
State of Michigan
Lisa Kisiel, Field Services Division Director
Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
Dept. of Labor & Economic Opportunity
State of Michigan
Alicia Kirkey, Departmental Analyst
Employment & Training
Dept. of Labor & Economic Opportunity
State of Michigan
If you are interested in serving on MCRS, a board, or commission, please complete the electronic application. Full consideration for all applicants is considered when filling upcoming vacancies. You can apply on the Governor's Appointment Office website.
Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services Contact Information
Phone: 517-335-2400
Email: MCRS@michigan.gov
