About us

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committees

Each of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division regional offices has an advisory committee of consumers, advocates and professionals who work with people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. At least half of the members must have a hearing loss or be the parent of a child who has a hearing loss.
  
Members are reimbursed for expenses directly related to attending these meetings (e.g. mileage and parking).
  
Advisory committee members assist DHHS offices by:

  • Providing feedback about materials for public distribution, office work plans and the working of the Minnesota Relay,
  • Helping identify the needs and concerns of deaf and hard of hearing consumers, including their families,
  • Promoting awareness of DHHS programs and activities within the community
In addition, advisory committee members share information about the activities and services of regional offices with other colleagues and friends. One member of each regional advisory committee also serves as the regional representative to the Commission of Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans.
  
If you would like additional information on the DHHS advisory committees or would like to apply for an advisory committee position, please contact the regional office nearest you. The DHHS advisory committee application (PDF).

Committee members by region

East Central

  • Mary Bauer
  • Melinda Brown, Chair
  • Jean Euteneuer
  • Kristin Francois
  • Shane Grom
  • Brenda Hommerding
  • Omar Ibrahim
  • Judy Leach
  • Rosemond Owens

Metro

  • John Fechter
  • Kim Fishman
  • Laura Godfrey, Chair
  • Katy Kelley
  • Dave McAuliffe
  • Christine Morgan
  • Stephanie Ritenour
  • Kathryn Rose
  • Marie Saliterman

Northeast

  • Maisie Blaine
  • Sunny Brysch
  • Nancy Diener, Chair
  • Mary Bridget Lawson
  • Dennis Maloney
  • Joshua Morris
  • Marie Pank
  • Janalee Reineke Lyth
  • Mary Soltis

Northwest

  • Susan Anderson
  • Kay Cameron
  • Terese Jacobs
  • Rhonda Kitch
  • Maureen Lilleby
  • Elizabeth Merz, Chair
  • Dale Rollie

Upper Northwest

  • Brenda Ackerson
  • Leslie Carnegie-Hilde, Chair
  • Cindy Clow
  • Fern Johnson
  • Michele Ostgard
  • Ann Marie Srnsky
  • Darla Waldner

Southwest

  • Kristin Hemstock
  • Roberta Johnson
  • Jacqui Shasky
  • Cassie Ramerth
  • Eric Nooker

Southeast

  • Lloyd Ballinger
  • Wes Brandenburger
  • Chandra Petersen
  • Regina McAlear
  • Missy Brenhaug
  • Annette Peters
  • Kim Hicks

West Central

  • Cindy Bujar
  • Rosanne Kath
  • Rebecca Thiesse
  • Ernie Watson