Skip To Nav

Site-specific menu

Share |

Two staff members obtain fetal alcohol disorders certification

by Mark Schwerin

Nov. 9, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of Amy Mack, WMU.
Mack
KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University staff members Amy Mack and Denise Wheatley have been certified as trainers in the field of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Alcohol use during pregnancy is a leading, preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders is the umbrella term used to describe the range of lifelong effects that can occur due to prenatal exposure.

Photo of Denise Wheatley, WMU.
Wheatley
Mack and Wheatley, both with the Southwest Michigan Children's Trauma Assessment Center in the WMU Unified Clinics, were certified by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Continuing Studies Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies.

The certificate recognizes successful completion of a comprehensive "train the trainer" clinical certificate program to help medical, health and human service professionals effectively identify, refer and provide services for individuals and families affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.

Program participants acquire skills to plan, provide and evaluate fetal alcohol spectrum disorders-related education.