Distinguished Clinicians

Jill Martino, nurse for the Sub-Acute Detoxification Program has been chosen as one of 10 nurses across the USA to sit on the American Nurses Credentialing Center panel. This panel sets the bar for passing scores for entry level Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurses. She'll be interacting and networking with colleagues from diverse geographic locations and practice settings.

Dr. Constance L. DeVantier, staff psychologist, has been appointed to the Ethics Committee of the Michigan Psychological Association (MPA). MPA educates members and non-members about the Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association, resolves ethics complaints, and provides consultation to psychologists and the public about ethics issues.

Dr. DeVantier is an outpatient psychologist, providing individual therapy for adults and older adults. She is a member of the Crisis Intervention Response Team and the Psychology Peer Review Committee. DeVantier received a Master’s degree in counseling at The Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Michigan State University.

Dr. DeVantier can be reached at (616) 281-6326.

Donna Ecklesdafer, RN Collaborates on ECT Chapter in Psychiatry Textbook
By Amina J. Yakubu

After many weeks of meetings, compilations and editing, Donna Ecklesdafer, RN Manager for Pine Rest ECT Clinic, completed a chapter on ECT in the third edition of Dr. Wayne Creelman’s book, "Drug Interactions In Psychiatry."

Dr. Creelman invited Ecklesdafer to co-author the chapter, "Electro Convulsive Therapy" (ECT). This chapter helps explain how certain medications in psychiatry interact with ECT.

According to Dr. Creelman, this book is an opportunity to review all of the clinically significant drug interactions that occur when psychiatric drugs are being prescribed to patients who are taking other kinds of psychiatric medication. Specifically, it is meant to help psychiatrists make sure they are not prescribing medications that may interfere with ECT treatments these patients may be receiving. "It is a good risk management tool to have in your library if you are a psychiatrist or a physician who prescribes a lot of psychiatric medication," said Dr. Creelman.

Ecklesdafer expressed her gratefulness felt honored because of the importance of the chapter. "There are some medications that should not be used with ECT that could interfere with other things," Ecklesdafer said. "Sometimes the way the drugs can react within the body causes toxicity which causes side effects. This is a chapter that chronicles all of the clinically important drug interactions we should be aware of," Dr Creelman concluded.


Suzann Ogland-Hand Named To Michigan Department of Community Health

Suzann Ogland-Hand, PhD., has been named to a team of 10 "experts" serving on the Michigan Department of Community Health to address depression issues within the community. The task force, along with the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Control, within the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), is organizing a campaign to address depression as an everyday concern to the public. With Dr. Ogland-Hand's assistance, the MDHC plans to raise awareness about the importance of screening and treating depression.

Dr. Ogland-Hand serves as the Director of the Center for Senior Care at Pine Rest. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, Gerontological Society of America, and the Psychologists in Long-Term Care. Dr. Ogland-Hand is a licensed psychologist in the State of Michigan who has been published in The Clinical Gerontologist, Professional Psychology in Long-Term Care, and the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

Dr. Gary Burkhart Elected Chief Psychologist at
Saint Mary’s Health Care

On May 23, Dr. Gary Burkhart was named the first Chief Psychologist at Saint Mary’s Health Care. He will serve a three-year term. Dr. Burkhart currently serves as Chairman of the department of Psychology at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. He will continue these duties in addition to his newly-acquired role.

Dr. Burkhart also received certification from the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. This unique distinction is held by only 516 Clinical Neuropsychologists worldwide, and represents competency and knowledge in a designated specialty conducted by a thorough examination.

He received his PhD in Human Clinical Neuropsychology from Windsor University in Windsor, Ontario. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, and the International Neuropsychological Society, and the Council for the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Pine Rest Clinician’s New Book Helps People Talk About Death
By Mary K. Donovan

Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge, RN, EdD, a Pine Rest psychologist who specializes in grief and bereavement, and Robert DeVries, DMin, PhD, a professor at Calvin Theological Seminary, have written their third book. "Living Fully In the Shadow of Death" is a guide to help people openly talk about death (their own and that of others) at various stages of life.

It is inspired by personal experiences with their first spouses as they journeyed toward death. "My first husband, Rick, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor when he was 32," says Dr. Zonnebelt-Smeenge. "During the 18 years between his diagnosis and passing, we talked a lot about dying. It really helped both of us prioritize what was important. We became more intentional about living."

By talking about death and looking at those things that frighten us, people can live life more fully. Involving loved ones in the process relieves anxiety and increases closeness. Communication is the key.

The book is divided into three sections, including mental health/instructional information as well as 40 Christian meditations.

"Daylight" is geared for persons who are generally healthy. It opens with information readers can use to confront the thought of dying. Exercises and questions are included to help assess one’s current life situation and develop a plan with loved ones to address one’s death, whenever it occurs. This factual section is followed by 12 Christian meditations on life.

"Dusk" addresses individuals who have been diagnosed with a potentially incurable or terminal illness, although it is applicable to anyone. Specific questions help the reader better understand the diagnosis and resulting options. Ideas raised in the "Daylight" section are examined in-depth, such as legal issues, whether to die at home or in a hospital, writing one’s obituary, and actual planning of the funeral and burial. Twelve Christian meditations on the possibility of dying follow.

"Midnight," is directed at individuals who are facing imminent death. Again issues such as priorities, legal, financial, and end-of-life decisions in these final weeks or months are examined. The reader also looks at issues like pain and symptom management, who s/he wants present when s/he dies, communicating with loved ones, "letting go," recognizing when someone has died, and survivors beginning the grief journey. Sixteen Christian meditations on facing death follow.

"We plan for so many things in life like weddings, births, and retirement," says Dr. Zonnebelt-Smeenge. "By planning for your death and communicating your wishes to loved ones, you will ultimately help them in their grief journey."

Pine Rest Geropsychologist Receives Advocacy Award
By Mary Donovan

On November 6, 2003, Suzann Ogland-Hand, PhD, geropsychologist and Director of the Center for Senior Care for Pine Rest, received the Alzheimer’s Advocacy Award. Presented by the Michigan Alzheimer’s Association, the award recognizes Dr. Ogland-Hand’s work and commitment to making life better for individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.

She was nominated by the North/West Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The presentation took place in Lansing and included the reading of a proclamation by a member of Governor Granholm’s staff in honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, presentations by state dignitaries, plus remarks from regular citizens impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease.

In addition to her work as Director of Pine Rest’s Center for Senior Care, she is also on the Steering Committee for the Michigan State Dementia Coalition, a member of the Michigan Dementia Coalition/Office of Services to the Aging Respite Care Task Force, and a member of the Leadership Team for the Kent County Caregiver Resource Network. In addition, she has presented at local conference such as, "Evening Star: Worship Ministry for Persons with Dementia," presented by Holland Home and Pine Rest.

"I am absolutely thrilled to receive this," says Dr. Ogland-Hand. "It is such an honor. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to help families dealing with dementia."

Congratulations, Dr. Ogland-Hand and many thanks for all you do to extend Pine Rest’s healing mission to older adults and their families.

Pine Rest Psychiatrist Named "Distinguished Life Fellow" by American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has awarded William Van Eerden, MD, Senior Staff Psychiatrist at Pine Rest's Holland and Zeeland outpatient clinics, "Distinguished Life Fellow" status. This distinction is presented to APA members who have made contributions to the field of psychiatry and have been active members in the association for 30 years or more. Dr. Van Eerden is the first psychiatrist at Pine Rest, and only the second in West Michigan, to receive this honor.

"I am very pleased to receive this honor," said Dr. Van Eerden. "It brings with it a sense of satisfaction from a career of practicing psychiatry, which is something I continue to thoroughly enjoy and find rewarding."

Dr. Van Eerden has been with Pine Rest for over 40 years, serving in a variety of positions including Chief of Medical Staff, Director of Adult Services, and Senior Staff Psychiatrist. He currently provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults in the Holland area. In addition, he serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine.

"This is a great honor for Dr. Van Eerden," added Dr. Creelman. "He has been a very valuable member of our psychiatry team and we're proud to see his experience, skill, and compassion recognized and celebrated by his peers."

To contact Dr. Van Eerden, please call the Holland Clinic at
616-820-3780, or the Zeeland Clinic at 616-741-3790.