Meet the 2025 MRA Board

Omar Deadwilder, President

I am honored to serve as the 2026-2027 President of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association (MRA), leading a board committed to advancing rehabilitation services across the state. My leadership in the field is long-standing, having served as an active board member for both the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) and the MRA since 2010.

I hold a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Inclusion from Wayne State University, a foundation that fuels my dedication to advocacy and professional excellence.

Throughout my career, I have repeatedly led student delegations to the NRA Governmental Affairs Conference to advocate before Congress for vital Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. My contributions have been recognized through several prestigious honors, including the 2022 T.K. Walker Practitioner of the Year Award from the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) and the 2023 MRCEA Counselor of the Year Award for my dedication to bringing awareness and credibility to the counseling field.

Rachel L. Mularz, Incoming President

Rachel brings extensive experience in vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, and leadership to her role as an MRA Board Member. As the Director of Business Development and Employment Specialist at Selective Case Management, Rachel has dedicated over a decade to designing and implementing programs that support individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals. She specializes in developing tailored vocational services, building partnerships with employers, and fostering inclusive workplace environments.

A Certified Disability Recruiter (CDR) and Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP), Rachel combines advanced training with hands-on experience to address the unique needs of diverse populations. She is also HIPAA certified and has completed coursework in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring a comprehensive understanding of laws and best practices in disability services.

Rachel holds an MBA with a concentration in Health Management from Davenport University, providing a strong foundation for her work in program design, professional development planning, and collaboration with community and industry leaders. She has been recognized for her commitment to advancing employment opportunities and fostering innovative solutions for individuals with disabilities.

In addition to her professional work, Rachel has served as the President of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association Job Placement Division (MRAJPD), where she facilitated training programs for rehabilitation counselors, vocational professionals, and community partners, and is a current member.

With a passion for education and advocacy, Rachel continues to empower individuals with disabilities, support professional development, and strengthen partnerships between employers, rehabilitation professionals, and the community.

David Klenk, Past President

With over 15 years of experience in the field of vocational rehabilitation, Dave Klenk is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, currently serving as the Central Region Manager for the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP), overseeing services in both Lansing and Flint. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), David brings a strong clinical and leadership background to the field.

In 2020, he was honored with the Counselor of the Year Award by the Michigan Rehabilitation Counseling Educators Association (MRCEA), recognizing a continued commitment to excellence and impactful service. In addition to professional achievements, Dave is also a passionate athlete, having played for USA Blind Hockey for five years.

Now in a second term as President of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association (MRA), he continues to champion professional development, equity, and innovation in rehabilitation services across the state. Outside of work, Dave enjoys time with family and friends and spending time outdoors.

Roy Del Valle, Treasurer

Dr. Del Valle is the District Manager of the MLEO, MRS, Marquette, District Office. Dr. Del Valle’s professional experience includes over 20 years of direct service provision to individuals with disabilities in the State VR program and non-profit organizations.

Roy joined MRA to promote the profession of Rehabilitation Counseling and provide opportunities for rehabilitation counseling professionals to enhance their skills in order to provide quality VR services. The MRA is the leading advocate for the rehabilitation counseling profession in Michigan and to people with disabilities on the state and nation level.

Megan Lingris, Secretary

Megan Lingris serves as the Program Evaluation Rehabilitation Consultant with Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Through this role, she oversees the research contract with Michigan State University’s Project Excellence and analyzes evaluative studies and program performance reports. She is responsible for recommending strategies for ensuring evaluation results are incorporated into bureau planning to meet federal guidelines and performance measures under WIOA. Megan is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and previously served vocational rehabilitation customers for over 10 years in the Washtenaw County area with special interests in assessments, the ex-offender population, Veterans and the Deaf/Hard of Hearing population. Megan earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Iowa and a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling andCommunity Inclusion from Wayne State University. Since graduate school, she has been a proud member of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association, advocating for growth and leadership to empower rehabilitation professionals. Through innovation, education, and advocacy, she supports their mission to better serve people with disabilities.

James Bates, Board Member

James Bates is an experienced Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), where he has been dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities since 2018. James holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Rehabilitation Services, both from Wilberforce University. His academic and professional foundation is built on a deep commitment to the field of vocational rehabilitation and the belief that meaningful employment is a cornerstone of independence and dignity.

James’s involvement with professional advocacy began in 2012 when he attended the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) conference as a graduate student. This transformative experience sparked a lifelong passion for the profession and led him to become an active member of the Michigan Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (MAMRC) division of the MRA. As a new member of the MRA Board for 2025, James is eager to contribute his expertise to the organization’s growth and looks forward to serving his colleagues and the broader rehabilitation community across Michigan.

Dr. Sameerah Davenport, Board Member

Dr. Davenport has a B.A. in Psychology, a M.A. in Counseling with specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education with a specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling. Dr. Davenport is currently an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Counselor Education program where she also serves as Clinical Coordinator and the Coordinator for both the Rehabilitation Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs. Dr. Davenport previously worked as the director of an Employee Assistance Program for a major municipal Fire Department. She currently has a private practice based in St. Clair Shores, MI.

Dr. Davenport’s goals for MRA include enhancing the mission of the MRA. She believes that awareness of the rehabilitation field as well as education/training on various levels is pivotal. As a counselor educator, she has found that students have a genuine desire to assist individuals with disabilities but are unaware of rehabilitation professions and the skills and expertise that we have. Secondly, advocacy for individuals with disabilities is at the forefront but advocacy for the profession should also be enhanced. For example, school and community organizations are slowly becoming more aware of the benefits of employing rehabilitation professionals and it is important that we bolster this awareness to better serve individuals with disabilities. These goals are essential to growing the number of rehabilitation professionals and the membership of MRA.

Nacsha Ealy, Board Member

Nacsha Ealy is a Business Relations Consultant with the Business Network Division. She helps businesses as they create inclusive and diverse work cultures related to disability employment. She provides consultation related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), assists with reasonable accommodations, facilitates disability awareness training and many other services related to disability employment. Nacsha is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Business Solutions Professional (CBSP), Certified ADA Coordinator (ADAC), and ADA Trainer. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Oakland University.

John Foster, Board Member

John holds a BA in Social Work, with 40 + years working in the Field of Disability. He is a certified Job Developer and Job Coach. John has been a member of the National Rehabilitation Association since 1982. Since joining NRA/MRA, he has served on the board of MI-VEWAA, the board of the MI-JPD, as president (twice), and currently serves as MI-JPD treasurer.

John’s goals for MRA include increasing MRA membership. Membership has decreased significantly in recent years, and should be a top priority for the board in the coming years. Development of new training for bringing the most up-to-date tools and strategies to members that will enable them to provide the best services to their customers is essential. Continue to develop and promote opportunities for Masters level students to help them be better prepared for their future working in the field of disability.

Dessie Johnson, Board Member

Dessie holds a Master of Arts in Counselor Education degree and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with over 15 years of case management experience in private and/or public sector environment.

Dessie has over 10 years of experience counseling, interpreting, educating, and advocating utilizing No-Fault Law, the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, IDEA/Section 504 and various laws, rules, and regulations. She has presented at a wide range of rehabilitation events.

Dr. L. Robert McConnell, Board Member

Dr. McConnell has served the NRA in several capacities for over 37 years. He has been a national president, national board member and director of its Mary Switzer Memorial Seminar and Scholars program. Dr. McConnell is one of the founding members of the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) Board in 1992, when NAMRC was established as a national division of NRA. He was an active member of NAMRC's predecessor, the Council of Non-White Rehabilitation Workers since the early 1980’s.

Dr. McConnell is a retired Division Director in Michigan VR Agency and more recently retired Assistant Professor in Public Administration at Western Michigan University.

Emily McElmurry, Board Member

Emily McElmurry has been working in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation for over ten years in public, private and non-profit sectors. She currently serves as the Director of Vocational Services at Peckham where she leads a team of vocational rehabilitation professionals working with youth and adults with disabilities. Emily has a passion for helping others reach their full potential and has dedicated her career to helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment. Emily has a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University and a B.S. in Communication Disorders from Central Michigan University. Emily is a certified Rehabilitation Counselor a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a passion for guiding employers to include people with disabilities in their Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

Christa Martin, Board Member

Christa Martin, MRC, CRC owns True Account LLC providing a diverse range of personalized vocational rehabilitation counseling, training, technical assistance, and consultation (VRCTTAC) services, specializing in ethics among other areas of interest and expertise. She received her CRC in 2012 and is LPCA qualified after receiving her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling degree from the University of Kentucky in 2013. She received her Associate degree in Liberal Studies and Bachelors degree in Psychology with a Human Service Concentration from her alma mater, Kentucky State University (KSU). She later worked at KSU as a psychology professor and the disability services coordinator for their Disability Resource Center after completing fieldwork as a disability services counselor and representing KSU at a national Grant Writing Workshop for HBCUs and MSI/HSIs hosted by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

Christa has served numerous state, regional, and national nonprofit board of directors in various capacities, committee involvement, and professional membership including CANAR, NRA, NRAJPD, MRA, MIJPD, KRA, KJPD, NAMRC, APSE, Bluegrass Reentry Council, etc. She has been recognized with several national and state awards over the years, including by the Kentucky Psychological Association for her empirical research on “African American Students Sense of Belonging and Role Model Affect at HBCUs” and presented her study findings at the International SIRAS Conference, which would start a love of public speaking and professional development. She holds true to her alma mater’s motto of “Go Forth and Serve” and Justin Dart's call to "Lead On" by dedicating her life and career in service to the disability community. As a sought-after trainer, she conducts concurrent, general, keynotes, in-service, and other customized content curated to the professional development needs of her audience on a variety of topics with a dynamic energy and enthusiasm she’s known for throughout the country having earned a reputation as the "Queen of Ethics."

Abbey Moran, Board Member

Abbey L. Moran is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) with a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University. Her professional focus is on the psychosocial and environmental model of disability, utilizing person-centered planning and motivational interviewing as a core counseling method. Abbey continually seeks to remove barriers to provide access and include persons with disabilities in the community in which they live.

She is the founder of Purposework Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and Reed and Flax Community Services. Purposework VRS addresses vocational needs for individuals with work-related injuries and acquired disabilities, collaborating with local case management organizations to provide vocational rehabilitation.

Reed and Flax Community Services is a faith-based nonprofit organization focused on removing barriers to employment and community engagement by providing rehabilitation counseling, advocacy, and transportation to marginalized populations in rural and urban areas. Artsy Able, a growing program through Reed and Flax Community Services, combines art therapy, group support, and vocational skill-building.

Shelly Neal, Board Member

Shelly started out in rehabilitation counseling as a contractor while attending Michigan State University to get her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. She started working as a counselor with the State of Michigan in July of 2015. Shelly has been a site manager and now the district manager at the Lansing District Office of Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

Her hope for MRA is inform more people about rehab counseling and the important job we have. Not only are we trained counselors, but we also have the training needed regarding employment. We need to expand information about rehab counseling to our potential customers but inform the community, so they know where to refer those in need.

Claudia Pettit, Board Member

Claudia Pettit has over 27 years of experience working in the rehabilitation field. She has a Master's Degree from MSU in Rehabilitation Counseling and holds a CRC and LPC credential. She has experience working in nonprofits and public VR. She currently is the Research and Development Unit Manager with MRS.

She enjoys interacting with local and national professionals to continue improving the field of disability. Claudia also appreciates the resources MRA offers to keep up to date on changes in legislation and issues that affect our profession.

Rosanne Renauer, Board Member

Rosanne Renauer, Ph.D., LLP, CRC is a graduate of the Rehabilitation Counselor Education program at Michigan State University and a limited licensed psychologist. Retired after a thirty-plus year career with Michigan’s state vocational rehabilitation agency, she remains an optimist dedicated to leadership, lifelong learning, mentoring, and full inclusion and opportunity for everyone through effective systems change. Rosanne has been a member of the National and the Michigan Rehabilitation Association since her early days as a counselor in Ann Arbor and continuing throughout her career with Michigan Rehabilitation Services. She managed the agency’s resource and program development efforts emphasizing field services, policy, community partnerships, technology, customer services, and staff development. Rosanne is a current Board member of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association, a long-standing member of the Multicultural Association on Rehabilitation Concerns, and a past President of the National Association on Rehabilitation Leadership. She believes that involvement and participation in the Association and on the Board provide excellent opportunities for personal and professional leadership development, building expertise, making an impact, and resulting in lifelong friendships.

Amy Shelton, Board Member

Amy has a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University, and has been a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor since 2002 and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan since 2010. Amy has worked in private practice since 1997. She has worked in the disability rehabilitation field since 1989 in various settings including: sheltered workshop teaching work skills, psychosocial clubhouse for individuals with TBIs focused on teaching employment skills, community-based supported employment programs for individuals with TBIs and chronic mental illness, business liaison for vocational rehabilitation agency, contractor for Michigan Rehabilitation Services, certified vocational rehabilitation counselor coordinating return to work efforts for injured and disabled individuals in the Michigan Worker’s Compensation and Auto No-Fault system, disability adjustment therapist and jobs expert witness for SSA.

Amy’s current practice consists of clinical disability adjustment counseling, vocational rehabilitation counseling, work with the Social Security Administration as a vocational witness, and as a forensic evaluator in matters such as determining future work ability and wage-loss or wage-earning capacity following injury. Areas of interest include: current labor market trends, exploring vocational rehabilitation and/or job seeking services available in Michigan, providing post-injury employability guidance to individuals/medical providers/attorneys to assess employability and future wage-earning ability, and disability adjustment counseling and guidance.

Harold Wasner, Board Member

Harold was previously employed as a Licensed and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Supervisor and as Policy and Planning Manager for MRS. He served as Past President of MRA and MRCEA and has served on many committees including the Nominations Committee.