Kansas psychology advisory committee recommends two nominees to board

The Licensed Psychology Advisory Committee of the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board recommended Jennifer Fontaine and Robert Robert Twillman to fill two open advisory committee positions, the committee chair said during a remote meeting.

Committee Chair Richard Nobles introduced the discussion of applicants and asked for preferences. After committee members discussed several candidates’ backgrounds, Nobles said, “Would this be of consensus? Are there any anyone would want to, to not nominate these folks? Seeing none, it looks like we've arrived unanimous consent.”

The recommendation followed a review of seven applicants for two seats that will open at the start of the next fiscal year, July 1. Executive Director David Fye told the committee he would draft a letter summarizing the committee’s review and recommendation and provide a copy to Chair Nobles before forwarding it to Board Chair David Anderson. Fye said the board chair has the official authority to appoint advisory committee members and that appointments would likely be considered at the board’s July 28 meeting.

Members discussed geographic and practice-area diversity while weighing candidates. Several members said they favored candidates who bring experience in integrated behavioral health, forensic practice and research. Committee members who spoke in favor of the two nominees included Sarah Kirk, Mark Goodman, Chris Leonard and others; Leonard noted that one recommended candidate is based in Topeka, a location he said is not currently represented on the committee.

The committee did not take a formal recorded roll-call vote on the appointments; Nobles recorded the group’s consensus and staff will prepare the formal recommendation letter and forward it through the board’s established appointment process.

The advisory committee also completed routine procedural business during the meeting, including approval of the meeting agenda and the April minutes.