LCCMHC Staff

Nicky Adams, AAS, Account Clerk.  Nicky has been employed with LCCMHC since 11/13/07.

Jane Baker, RN, AAS, Clinic Nurse.  Jane received her Associates in Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Jefferson Community College, Watertown, NY in May 1986 and Registered Professional Nurses License in September, 1986.  Jane was employed at The Genesee Hospital in Rochester, NY from July 1986 until October 1986.  She relocated back to Lowville to work at Lewis County General Hospital from October 1986 until January 1990.  While employed at LCGH, she worked with CCU, Medical/Surgical, and Geriatric patients.  She currently assists the Medical Director and Psychiatrists, provides medication therapy per psychiatrists' orders, and performs other clinical duties.  Jane is also involved in the Trauma Survivor Resource Center, assisting with the Domestic Violence Support Group.  Jane has been employed with LCCMHC since 01/29/90.

Angie Bauer, AAS, Keyboard Specialist.  Angie has been employed with LCCMHC since 11/06/00.

Charles (Chip) Benzing, BS, Supportive Case Manager for Children.  Chip received his bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College.  After working as the clinic's Children's Intensive Case Manager, Chip then moved into working as the primary crisis services clinician.  He then moved into the position of Adult Intensive Case Manager for a period of time.  He currently holds the position of Supportive Case Manager for Children and is an integral member of the clinic's Children's Team.  Chip's extensive experience as a Case Manager brings to his work strong problem solving skills, solution focus treatment skills, and an ability to network and advocate.  His previous work experience includes GED Instructor at Alden Correctional Facility, Welfare Program Educator, BOCES teacher for emotionally handicapped children, and a wide variety of Human Service functions.  Chip has been employed with LCCMHC since 01/06/92.

Brenda J. Bourgeois, BA, Mental Health Program Assistant.  Brenda is responsible to assist the Executive Director in the areas of organizational efficiency, staff recruitment, development and retention, employee relations, policy and procedure development, and public relations.  Brenda, a native of Lewis County, joined LCCMHC full-time in February 2001 as a children's respite worker.  Brenda had been providing respite services for the clinic since the inception of the respite program, on a part-time basis since 1991.  In June of 2004, she was asked by the director to assist him in an administrative capacity.  Prior to joining the clinic on a full-time basis, she spent a number of years in various clinical, human resources and administrative capacities, working with a local agency providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities.  Professional areas of interest include organizational efficiency, employee and public relations.  Brenda enjoys special projects with a focus on the betterment of the clinic as a whole.  Brenda has been employed full-time with LCCMHC since 02/26/01.

Craig Brower, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist. Dr. Brower joined the staff at LCCMHC in February of 2007.  Dr. Brower is a New York State licensed psychologist.  He graduated in 2001 from Wheaton College with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.  Craig has over 13 years of professional clinical experience.  He was born in a rural community near Rochester, New York.  Prior to returning to New York, Dr. Brower worked for Philhaven Behavioral Healthcare and in private practice for Psychological Health Affiliates in Pennsylvania.  Over his career, Dr. Brower has worked with a wide variety of individuals including persons with disabilities, college students, inner-city children, clergy and their families, and couples in intensive marital treatment.  Since the Brower family enjoys camping, hiking, and winter sports, they feel right at home in the North Country.  His professional interests include psychotherapy for adults, older adults, marriages and families as well as premarital services, psychological, ADHD and learning disorder assessments, clinical supervision, and the integration of faith and psychology.  Dr. Brower was employed with LCCMHC from 02/05/07 to 12/31/08.  In February of 2009, he began consulting with LCCMHC to provide clinical guidance and oversight. 

Pamela Brower, LMSW., Licensed Master Social Worker.  Pam moved to Lewis County when her husband accepted a position at LCCMHC in early 2007.  She grew up in Penfield, NY, but spent the last 12 years in Illinois and Pennsylvania.  She has worked with children, adolescents, couples and families.  Professionally, Pam began as a teacher at the early childhood, elementary and junior high levels.  She then went into the social work field and has experience in child welfare, counseling, and drug and alcohol counseling.  Pam worked as a Supportive Case Manager for Children when first joining the LCCMHC team prior to moving into a therapy role.  She currently holds the position of Licensed Master Social Worker and is an integral member of the clinic's Children's Team.   She is married and has two children.  In addition to spending time with her family, she likes to scrapbook, garden, camp, and ski.  Pam aspires to assist others as they work to reach their full potential.  Pam has been employed with LCCMHC since 10/15/07.

Melanie Bush, LMSW, Licensed Master Social Worker.  Mel has been employed with LCCMHC since 06/16/09. 

Elizabeth Ann Davis, LCSW-R, CASAC, Supervising Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ann's previous work experience includes eleven years in addiction treatment, alcohol and substance abuse prevention, adolescent pregnancy and parenting, and three years working as an occupational therapy assistant.  Her Bachelor's degree was received from Sangamon State University in Springfield Illinois (1980), and her Master's of Social Work degree is from SUNY at Albany (1995).  Her current area of professional interest includes working with trauma survivors, persons with eating disorders, and becoming skilled at Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  Ann has been employed with LCCMHC since 11/10/97.

Patricia Farney, AAS, Senior Supportive Case Manager / Community and Family Support Services Coordinator.  Pat supervises the Community Support Services (CSS) adult case management program at LCCMHC, including direct oversight of Case Managers and Case Manager Aides.  She provides oversight to Parkside House, a psychosocial club for adult clients.  Pat manages the Supportive Housing Program that assists clients with housing needs.  Clinic referrals for vocational services are channeled through Pat who works closely with VESID representatives.   In her role as FSS Coordinator, she advocates for and provides services to children, adolescents and their families.  Pat provides direct oversight to FSS staff and various FSS programs, including children's life skills, individual and group respite, summer program and activity program.  Pat is the Lewis County Coordinator of the NYS funded Medication Grant Program.  In the role of fleet manager, Pat is also responsible for maintaining agency vehicles and coordination of transportation services.  A native of Lewis County, Pat has worked in the field of human service for the majority of her career.  Pat has been employed with LCCMHC since 09/08/86.

Cindy Griswold, Mental Health Assistant / FSS Children's Respite Care Provider.  Cindy provides individual respite services for an assigned family.  Cindy is employed with LCCMHC in a part-time capacity.  Her full-time employment is with The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC, an organization providing services for developmentally disabled individuals.  She also spends volunteer time with People & Places, an organization that coordinates supervised vacations for those with physical and emotional difficulties.  Cindy is native to Lewis County.  She continues to look for the opportunity to make life better for those who are challenged by today's society and hopes to one day see that everyone realizes their potential.  Cindy has been employed with LCCMHC since 10/02/01.

Sumit Grover, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist.  Dr Grover is a New York State licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Chartered Clinical Psychologist of the United Kingdom with over 10 yrs of experience working with adults, children, adolescents & their families.  Her experience of working with children includes those with developmental disabilities, neuropsychological disorders and pediatrics.  With families, together she explores child's problematic issues through psychological assessments.  Her assessment work includes psychometric, psycho-educational, ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning disorder (Dyslexia), Mental Retardation and neuropsychological assessments.  Her assessment work expands further to provide children and their families with therapy.  Many of the syndromes are irreversible therefore the therapy is solely to alleviate symptoms and to help the child and the parents to cope with the syndrome or disability as best as possible through family therapy, behavioral therapy in a systemic approach and problem solution focused therapy.  Young adults and adolescents with eating disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression can outreach her for individual therapy.  With her experience of working with adults she can offer effective treatment approaches for coping with depression, anxiety, other emotional disorders, PTSD and marital problems.  No feeling or thought is final one can change them, especially the painful emotions through CBT or Brief Solution Focused therapy.  Specialized in CBT working collaboratively with her you will find journey towards your life comfortable.  Dr. Grover has been employed with LCCMHC since 05/03/10.

Janine Haver, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  Janine provides psychotherapy to adults and children.  She received her Masters Degree from the School of Social Work, Syracuse University.  She is a native of northern New York who was involved in agriculture for over twenty years.  Janine's professional interests include couples and family therapy, working with farm families and treatment of depression.  Janine has been employed with LCCMHC since 05/20/02.

Linda Hirschey, Sr. Keyboard Specialist / Administrative Assistant.  Linda has been employed with LCCMHC since 03/20/00 and with the Lewis County Local Government Unit (LGU) since 08/05/05.

Joyce Hodkinson, AAS, Account Clerk / Typist.  Joyce has been employed with LCCMHC since 08/13/01.

Linda Hornig, Keyboard Specialist  / Medical Records Clerk.  Linda has been employed with LCCMHC since 05/16/94.

William J. Hornig, Jr., BS, Mental Health Assistant / FSS Children's Respite Care Provider. Bill provides respite services for the families of troubled adolescent children through one-to-one community based outings with the child, allowing short-term relief for the family and the child.  He also assists with group activities and summer program.  In a part-time capacity, Bill has been providing respite services for LCCMHC since 1994.  His work experience has taken him from being an adult services caseworker to an eighteen year career providing services for developmentally disabled adults.  Bill is currently working as a special education teacher for a local school district.  Bill was born and raised in Syracuse, NY, then moved with family to their native Lewis County.  Bill has been employed with LCCMHC since 08/23/98.

Marge Hunkins, Mental Health Assistant / FSS Children's Respite Care Provider.  Marge provides individual and family respite services, overnight respite and summer program transportation.  Marge joined LCCMHC in a part-time capacity in October of 1991 at the inception of the respite program.  Marge was born in Lewis County but moved with her parents to Wellsboro, PA, when she was just two years old.  As an adult, she moved back to "the north country" where she has since remained with her family.  Marge has a great interest in children, noting that they are all so different with varied needs.  She is grateful to help them along life's road by making things easier for them in difficult times.  Her goal is for each child to realize that someone along the way really cared for them.  Marge's care giving extends to animals as well.  Marge has been employed with LCCMHC since 08/23/98.

Paula Kaufmann, AAS, Assistant Controller.  Paula has been employed with LCCMHC since 10/20/97.

William F. Kenny, MD, FAPA, Medical Director.  Dr. Kenny specializes in General Psychiatry with adults, Consultation Psychiatry with general hospitals and nursing homes, and Administrative Psychiatry.  Dr. Kenny has been with LCCMHC since November of 2004 and comes to the clinic with extensive experience.  From 1972 to 1978, he was the Director of Orange County Community Mental Health Center.  From 1978 to 2000, Dr. Kenny was the Director of the Psychiatric Clinic at Greenwich Hospital.  From 2000 to 2004, Dr. Kenny worked as a Locum Tenens psychiatrist at various hospitals in New York State.  It is through the locum tenens service that the clinic was initially introduced to Dr. Kenny.  Since July of 2005, Dr. Kenny has contracted directly with LCCMHC.  Dr. Kenny is married to Lynne S. Kenny and has two children.  Tennis is one of his hobbies.  Dr. Kenny has been employed with LCCMHC since 07/05/05.

Matthew Kirkwood, LMHC, Mental Health Counselor. Matt received his Bachelors of Arts degree from SUNY Potsdam and his Masters degree in Human Services / Counseling from SUNY Oswego.  He has worked as a Developmental Specialist for Opengate, Inc. of Somers, NY.  He has also been a Behavior Specialist at Four Season's Day Services in Turin, NY before joining the LCCMHC staff.  Matt has been employed with LCCMHC since 01/02/01.

John Kozick, BS, Supportive Case Manager for Adults; Bachelors Degree in Philosophy and Education.  John has more than thirty years of experience as a Human Services agent in Buffalo, NY and in Lewis County; specialized training in assessing for case management needs and delivering case management services.  John has been employed with LCCMHC since 09/02/97.

Cathy Lee, Account Clerk / Typist.  Cathy has been employed with LCCMHC since 12/30/91.

Sue Lyndaker, AAS, Sr. Account Clerk / Typist.  Sue has been employed with LCCMHC since 08/01/88.

Temperance Lyndaker, BA, Keyboard Specialist.  Temperance has been employed with LCCMHC since 04/20/98.

Michelle Martin, A.S., Supportive Case Manager.  Michelle received her Associates degree in Human Services from Jefferson Community College.  She also holds a Family Development Credentialing from Cornell University.  Much of Michelle's career has been with Lewis County Opportunities, Inc., at which she spent 12 years as a Victims Advocate in the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Program.  Michelle acted as Assistant Director of the same program for three of those twelve years.  Michelle has been an active member of the Trauma Survivors Resource Center (TSRC) of Lewis and Jefferson Counties for the past three years.  The TSRC was established to address the needs of trauma survivors and their families, as well to provide education and knowledge to the communities and working professionals about the impact of trauma.  Michelle has been employed with LCCMHC since 06/09/08.  

Tori Mashaw, Sr. Account Clerk / Typist.  Tori has been employed with LCCMHC since 03/28/88.

Anne McDow, BS, Children's Intensive Case Manager.  As the Children's ICM, Anne completes assessments, coordinates and integrates service plans, and provides services to prevent or resolve crisis with the children and families with whom she works.  She grew up in the Thousand Islands area prior to moving to Carthage, NY.  Anne has worked in the field of human services for the past ten years, assisting with all different types of populations.  Her experience includes: Victim's Assistance Center as a shelter manager for rape and domestic violence victims, North Country Transitional Living Services as a case manager for adults with mental illness, Community Action Planning Council as a family worker for below poverty families, Cornell Cooperative Extension as a family educator working with low literacy adults and their children in areas such as parenting, early education and adult education.  Anne received her Bachelor's degree from Empire State College. She also holds a Family Development Credential from Cornell University.  Anne has been employed with LCCMHC since 10/25/04.

Diane Mulligan, Mental Health Assistant / FSS Children's Respite Care Provider.  Diane currently provides individual respite services for one child and family.  She has been employed with LCCMHC in a part-time capacity for ten years.  Throughout these years, she has been linked with various children and families in need of the service.  Diane's full-time career is working with developmentally disabled adults in the residential settings of The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chaper, NYSARC, which she has done for over twenty years in the role of direct service provider and manager of staff and residences.  This role has afforded her the opportunity to act as a liaison and advocate for these consumers with clinic therapists and psychiatrists.  Diane is native to Lewis County.  Her interests include personal growth and learning, appreciation for nature and the animal kingdom, and continuing to make a difference in young people's lives.  Diane has been employed with LCCMHC since 08/23/98.

Sagarika Narangoda, M.D., Staff Psychiatrist.  Dr. Narangoda completed her Medical Education at University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka and graduated from Adult Psychiatry Residency Program in 2005 at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY.  She mainly worked with the adult patient population with experience in Child, Adolescent and Geriatric patients.  Dr. Narangoda worked at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY with Geriatric inpatients, out patients and nursing home patients.  She has research experience for three years at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden on Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.  In her roles at LCCMHC, Dr. Narangoda is responsible for evaluation and treatment of patients, supervision of the medical team, and providing clinical and administrative guidance.  Her interests are currently not limited to any specific area in Psychiatry.  She enjoys treating a variety of Psychiatric patients of all age groups with different presentations, using a bio psycho-social approach.  Dr. Narangoda has been employed with LCCMHC since 12/01/05.

Lawrence Palinski, F.N.P., Nurse Practitioner.  Larry has been employed with LCCMHC since 11/16/06.

Reginald Podkowka, AAS, Case Manager Aide.  Reg has been employed at LCCMHC since June 1993 after having started training at Parkside in 1991.  Prior to coming to LCCMHC, Reg worked 13 years as a distribution center supervisor for Rite Aid Corporation in Rome, NY.  He also worked 7 years as a Police Officer for the City of Rome, NY.  Reg grew up in Lewis county and moved to Rome in 1971 to take the position with the Rite Aid Corporation.  He was married that same year and has two sons; Kevin, now in Florida with a Masters in Environmental Science and Forestry, and Craig, presently in Hawaii serving with the Army Special Forces after receiving his Masters in English.  Reg returned to Lewis county after being divorced.  He wanted to make a difference in people's lives, feeling that he had dealt with all kinds of people.  Reg went to college at age 38 and received his AAS in Human Services.  His interests include the outdoors, hunting, camping, ATV's, and gardening.  He also enjoys carpentry and home improvement.  Reg has been employed with LCCMHC since 06/01/93.

Samuel Rubenzahl, Ph.D., Acting Director.  Dr. Rubenzahl earned his Doctoral degree in Clinical-Child Psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in December 1997.  He earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hamilton College in 1992.  Dr. Rubenzahl is a New York State licensed psychologist. He was the Chief Psychologist and Coordinator of Children's services at LCCMHC from August 1997 until his resignation in January 2009.  Dr. Rubenzahl provided individual, family, and group therapy to children and adolescents, and conducted psychological and forensic assessments.  He also supervised several clinical staff, was the chairperson of the agency's Ethics Committee and a member of the Incident Review Committee and Quality Council.  His past experience included working in a variety of clinical settings, including community mental health centers, a specialized sexual abuse treatment program for victims and offenders, the Illinois Impact Incarceration Program, and with Head Start programs in Illinois and New York.  Dr. Rubenzahl was employed with LCCMHC from 08/04/97 to 01/30/09.  Effective 02/17/09, Dr. Rubenzahl assumed the role of Acting Director of LCCMHC. 

Schermerhorn, Nichole, Psy.D., CASAC, MICA Counselor.  Currently residing in Watertown, N.Y, Dr. Schermerhorn earned her M.S. in Human Services/Counseling from S.U.N.Y. Oswego and a Psy.D from Southern California University for Professional Studies.  Prior to accepting the position at LCCMHC, she worked 9 years at the Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions, Watertown, N.Y.  During her tenure, Dr. Schermerhorn worked as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, provided psychotherapy and psycho-education to all age groups.  In addition, she was a Certified Acupuncture Detoxification Therapist (CADT) administering 5-point ear acupuncture to help clients detoxify from substance use.  She also served as director for an "at risk youth group."  Dr. Schermerhorn has been trained by Search Institute to provide trainings to the community on the Essentials of Asset Building and was an adjunct instructor at Jefferson Community College.  As a Children's Team member at LCCMHC, Dr. Schermerhorn holds a position working as a child and adolescent psychotherapist.  She evaluates and provides treatment for children/adolescents with a psychiatric diagnosis.  She collaborates with in-house staff, families, school systems, outside agencies and will be conducting psychological assessments.  Dr. Schermerhorn specializes in substance-related disorders working with all age groups.  Moreover, she is dedicated and honored to be working with children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with mental health disorders.  She holds a black belt and is an assistant instructor in Tae Kwon Do at Niblett's Karate Studio, Lowville and Calcium, N.Y.  Her research includes the benefits of Tae Kwon Do with children/adolescents who have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.  Dr. Schermerhorn has also done research on Psychoneuroimmunology: the connection/interaction between the mind and body and how this notion can help to create a stable recovery for people with substance abuse and/or a mental health diagnosis.  Dr. Schermerhorn has been employed with LCCMHC since 02/05/07.

Sheri Schulz, RN, Community Mental Health Nurse / Quality Assurance & Utilization Review Coordinator / Compliance Officer.  Sheri is a graduate of Beaver River Central School and St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing's Diploma Program.  She is a Registered Professional Nurse, who has worked at Lewis County Community Mental Health Center since January 1988, initially as Shared Staff from St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center and as a Lewis County employee since April 2004.  Sheri has overseen the Quality Assurance and Utilization review program at LCCMHC since 1994 and has additionally served as LCCMHC‘s Adult Services Coordinator since October 2006.  Sheri has been employed with LCCMHC since 01/25/88.

Nancy Stone, M.S., Controller.  Nancy has been employed with Lewis County Local Government Unit (LGU) since 10/15/91.

Helena Szewil, Cleaner.  Helena has been employed with LCCMHC since 01/02/01.

Lynn Taubenfeld, LCMHC, Mental Health Counselor and Coordinator of the Trauma Survivors' Resource Center of Lewis and Jefferson Counties.  As the TSRC Coordinator, Lynn facilitates the Trauma Task Force, which works to expand mental health services to trauma survivors as well as providing psycho-education to the community, and other providers, about the impact and treatment of trauma.  Lynn has provided training throughout the state of New York to fellow providers on working with trauma survivors.  She also provides trauma services in Jefferson County through the Trauma Survivors' Resource Center as well as providing clinical supervision to fellow professionals.  Other areas of interest include grief counseling, group counseling, and the use of Dialetical Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety.  She has received training through the American Red Cross and is a member of the Disaster Mental Health Response Team for Lewis County.  Lynn has been employed with LCCMHC since 05/20/98.

Beatrice Waldron, Mental Health Assistant / FSS Children's Respite Care Provider.  In her role at LCCMHC, Bea provides children's life skills and group respite as well as Summer Program and Activity Program coordination.  Bea began with Family Support Services during Summer Program 2002 in a part-time capacity, becoming full-time in January 2007.  She has a great deal of experience with youth, stemming from volunteer experience such as leading various community youth groups and volunteering in elementary school classrooms.  This experience, along with a background in childcare, pre-school education and nursing, is what led Bea to the Family Support Services program.  She believes in the necessity and importance of family support services in the county and the ideals of the family unit.  Her desire is to continue in this field to help children and families realize and reach their life's potential.  Bea has been employed with LCCMHC since 07/08/02.

Lynne Wilder, Case Manager Aide / Transporter.  In her dual roles, Lynne provides the much needed service of transportation for those clients who would otherwise have difficulty getting to their appointments as well as helping to link clients with appropriate services.  Lynne has been employed with LCCMHC since 06/09/98.