Liz Rowland of Dexter is shown on the Senate floor with husband, Ray, standing, and with Sen. Rob Mayer after having been selected to serve on the Missouri Review Board for Child Abuse and Neglect. [Click to enlarge]

Liz Rowland of Dexter has been named to the state's Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board, it was announced on Thursday. Rowland, who manages Stoddard County's License Bureau, is also a licensed practical nurse and formerly worked in a hospital setting. In that role, she witnessed firsthand the effects that both physical and emotional abuse have on young children.

"I have such compassion for the children who have become victims of abuse," says Rowland. "I was influenced through my experiences in the nursing field and through my work with youth services within the Baptist Church and feel that my compassion will work well in the decision making processes on the Review Board."

In her role on the nine-member panel, Rowland will assist in providing an independent review of child abuse and neglect determinations and rulings made by the state's Division of Family Services.

Rowland was nominated for the board position by Senator Rob Mayer of Dexter, who stated, "Liz Rowland has worked closely with young people as a children's church leader for more than 37 years and as a longtime camp volunteer. She is a very caring individual and a nurse whose experience will serve well on the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board."