Article archive / November 1, 2009
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 3. Source pages: 1, 3.
Representing different specialties and work settings, seven psychologists volunteered to become nominees to serve on the Board of Examiners to fill three positions. Ballots were mailed Friday to licensed psychologists throughout the state.
Nominees volunteering are Dr. Glenn Ahava (CL, Lafayette), Dr. Mkay Bonner (IO, West Monroe), Dr. Rita Culross (ED, Baton Rouge), Dr. Gary Jones (CL, Shreveport), Dr. Lee Matthews (CL/CN, Kenner), Dr. John Simoneaux, (CO, Pineville), and Dr. Tony Young (CL, Ruston).
Three positions are to be filled. A regular opening for July 2010 is created by Dr. Jillandra Rovartis in completing her term. The Governor will appoint one individual for this five- year position, which ends in June 2015. Additionally, recent resignations require two more appointees to fill unexpired terms of Dr. Glenn Ally and Dr. Paul Dammers. Dr. Ally resigned effective September 15th and Dr. Dammers has given his resignation for December 31st. The position vacated by Dr. Ally ends in June, 2012 and that of Dr. Dammers ends in June, 2013.
Dr. Rovaris is currently Chair of the Complaints and Long-Range Planning Committees for the 2009-2010 assignments. Dr. Ally was Chair on Legislative Oversight, Oral Examination, Liaison to Professional Organizations and Boards, Vice Chair for Supervision and Credentials Review, and Jurisprudence Examination. Dr. Dammers will leave as Chair of Supervision and Credentials Review, Continuing Education, and Vice Chair of Oral Examination.
Dr. Joseph Comaty remains on the board, in Complaints and Long- Range Planning. And Dr. John Courtney remains, on Legislative Oversight, Continuing Education, and Jurisprudence Examination Committees.
Recent controversy about Act 251 had highlighted the imbalance in the board, predominately composed of psychologists with the MP credential, and concerned some that the Board had had a part to play in the negotiation of Act 251. However, in an interview with Psychology Times, Jaime Monic, Executive Director, noted that the LSBEP was never contacted or consulted on the legislation leading to Act 251.
Board members serve without compensation, and meet on a regularly scheduled basis each month, to establish rules and regulations for administering the law, examining candidates and investigating complaints and violations.
Editors Note: The Times would like to thank and honor all seven of our colleagues for unselfishly offering to serve.
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