Heidi Abbey, LMSW, Social Worker. Heidi completed her Masters of Social Work degree at Syracuse University with a focus on individuals, families and groups. She earned a Bachelor's of Social Work from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Heidi has experience working with children in a therapeutic foster care program, in the school setting, and with families to prevent foster care placement. Her primary interest is working with children and their families. She is a member of LCCMHC's Children's Team. Heidi is one of two staff representatives to the Mental Health Committee, which is a sub-committee of the Lewis County Community Services Board. As the Coordinator of Lewis County Children's Single Point of Access (SPOA), Heidi works with numerous schools and community agencies to identify those children with the highest risk of placement in out-of-home settings, developing appropriate strategies to manage those children in their home communities, while ensuring that individuals referred for services will be matched to the appropriate levels of care based on need. Heidi has been employed with LCCMHC since 07/19/04.
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, Typist. Angie has been employed with LCCMHC since 11/06/00.
Charles (Chip) Benzing, BS, Children's Case Manager. 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 currently holds the position of Children's Case Manager and is an integral member of the clinic's Children's Team. Chip's extensive experience as an Intensive 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.
Lorraine Berrus, BS, Supportive Case Manager. Lori was born and raised in Lewis County. She received an Associates of Science degree in Human Services from Jefferson Community College in 2003 and a Bachelors of Science degree in Community and Human Services from Empire State College in 2006. Lori holds a Family Development Credential from Cornell University and is a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked as a Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis (DV/RC) Advocate at Lewis County Opportunities, Inc. (LCOI) from January 2005 until January 2008. She also worked as a Developmental Aide at Central New York Developmental Services Offices (CNY DSO) from November 2002 until January 2008. Lori is a past volunteer on the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline run by the LCOI DV/RC Program. She has been a 4-H leader for the past 13 years and is currently a 4-H program committee member. Lori is interested in helping people better their lives by giving them support and the tools to work with to move toward self-sufficiency. She is also interested in furthering her education in the field of mental health. Lori has been employed with LCCMHC since 01-07-08.
Brenda J. Bourgeois, BA, Assistant Social Worker / Assistant to the Director. 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., 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 has been employed with LCCMHC since 02/05/07.
Pamela Brower, LMSW., Supportive Case Manager. 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. 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.
Gail Curry, AAS, Clerk / Receptionist. Gail has been employed with LCCMHC since 04/23/07.
Elizabeth Ann Davis, LCSW-R, CASAC, Supervising 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.
Toby Davis, Ph.D., MBA, CASAC, Executive Director / Director of Community Services, Local Government Unit. Dr. Davis served in the United States Army and Navy, retiring as a Commander after 21 years. He worked at the Community Center for Alcoholism for four years as the Director of Outpatient Services, LCCMHC for four years as a psychologist and mental health educator, St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center for two years as the Special Needs Ward geropsychologist, and returned as the Director of Community Services and Executive Director in 2005. He is originally from Port Jervis, NY but calls Port Leyden and Lewis County his home. Dr. Davis is a licensed clinical psychologist with post-doctoral training in neuropsychology. He is also a credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor. His interests include traumatic brain injuries, addiction treatment, posttraumatic stress disorder, geriatric psychology, and neuropsychological assessment. Dr. Davis is a rabid New York Yankees, Green Bay Packers, New York Rangers, and New York Knicks fan. Dr. Davis has been employed with LCCMHC since 01/05/05.
Jennifer Earl, MA, LMHC, Coordinator, LCCMHC Child and Family Clinic Plus and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Jennifer holds a Master's of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from St. Michael's College, Winooski, Vermont. Jennifer specializes in child and adolescent psychotherapy. Previously she has been an adjunct faculty member for Utica College of Syracuse University, Health and Human Studies Division. Jen has been employed with LCCMHC since 02/28/00.
Patricia Farney, AAS, Senior 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.
Janine Haver, LCSW, 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. Typist / 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, Typist / 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 Comptroller. Paula has been employed with LCCMHC since 10/20/97.
William F. Kenny, MD, FAPA, Staff Psychiatrist. 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, MS, Adult Intensive Case Manager. 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, Community Support Services 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.
Rebecca Laufer, Psy.D., Psychologist. Dr. Laufer is a New York State licensed psychologist. Dr. Laufer earned her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University New England in Keene, NH. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University. Her responsibilities at LCCMHC include providing individual and family therapy to children and adolescents, and conducting psychological assessments. Her areas of interest include play therapy, foster care, adoption, and grief and loss. Her dissertation involved creating a plan for conducting the final visit after termination of parental rights. Dr. Laufer's past experiences involved working in a variety of clinical settings, including community mental health centers, a Residential Treatment Facility, an adolescent intensive outpatient program, an adolescent inpatient unit, and an employee assistance program. She is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Association for Play Therapy (APT), and the New York State Association for Play Therapy (NYAPT). Dr. Laufer is also in the process of obtaining her certification as a Registered Play Therapist. Dr. Laufer has been employed with LCCMHC since 01/23/06.
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. Michelle moved from the mid-west to New York State in December of 1990 to be near her sister. 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. Future educational goals include pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or Human Services. Michelle's professional goals include taking the Disaster Response Team training for the American Red Cross and becoming a volunteer helping others through natural disasters. Michelle has been employed with LCCMHC since 06/09/08.
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, Typist. Temperance has been employed with LCCMHC since 04/20/98.
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 / Medical Director. 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.
Lisa Peebles, AAS, Forensics Case Manager. The Forensics Case Manager serves young persons with serious mental illness who are (or are at risk of being) defendants or offenders under Probation jurisdiction. With experience coordinating in the Transition to Independence Process (TIP) Program, which focuses on four transition domains: employment, education, living situation and community life adjustment, Lisa is well equipped to assist this population. As a Case Manager, Lisa serves as a facilitator for the young person's person-centered planning and transition to independence. Lisa acts as an advocate, a coach, a mentor and an interface with other agencies in order to provide optimum services for each individual. Lisa began her work in the field of human service in 1997 as a Coordinator in the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Program at Lewis County Opportunities, Inc. In 2001, she began working solely with youth under a Pregnancy Prevention Program through Mountain View Prevention Services. Lisa's insight into the local needs and her knowledge of available resources comes from her being a native to the area as well as her work experience in Lewis County. Lisa has been employed with LCCMHC since 05/09/04.
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., Chief Psychologist and Children's Services Coordinator. 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 is the Chief Psychologist and Coordinator of Children's services at LCCMHC where he has worked since August 1997. Dr. Rubenzahl provides individual, family, and group therapy to children and adolescents, and conducts psychological and forensic assessments. He also supervises several clinical staff, is the chairperson of the agency's Ethics Committee and a member of the Incident Review Committee and Quality Council. His past experience includes 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 has been employed with LCCMHC since 08/04/97.
Schermerhorn, Nichole, Psy.D., CASAC, Mental Health Counselor. Dr. Schermerhorn resides in Watertown, N.Y. She 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. 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.
Sharon Shumac, MA / LMHC, Mental Health Counselor and Coordinator of the Lewis-Jefferson Trauma Survivor's Resource Center (TSRC). As TSRC Coordinator, Sharon develops, implements and works to expand mental health services to trauma survivors as well as providing psycho-education to the community about the impact of trauma. She serves on the clinic's Trauma Team and is part of a team that provides training for working with trauma survivors to fellow professionals. As an extension of LCCMHC services, Sharon also provides counseling at Lewis County Opportunities one day a week. She began her career in Washington, D.C. during an internship as an investigator for the Georgetown Law Clinic. In May of 1993, she received her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. She then accepted a position at the D.C. Pretrial Services Agency, beginning as a background investigator and then becoming a case manager in the Intensive Supervision Unit. In April 2000, she was appointed the supervisor of the Restrictive Community Supervision Program. After giving birth to her son, she wanted to return to her home state of New York. Coincidentally, the position of TIP Coordinator at LCCMHC became available at the same time and she excitedly accepted the position. Sharon has completed her Master's degree in Forensic Psychology. She plans to eventually return to school to get her Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology. Sharon has been employed with LCCMHC since 09/03/02.
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.
Kristi Tasker, LCSW-R, Social Worker and Intake Coordinator. Kristi's Masters of Social Work degree is from Syracuse University (1998). She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Oregon(1994). Kristi has been with LCCMHC as a clinical social worker since May 1998. Prior to attending Syracuse University, she worked as a Teen Parent case manager. Her education at SU provided an opportunity to work as a school social worker in an elementary school and as a bereavement counselor at Hospice of CNY. Since beginning her career at LCCMHC, she now provides individual, marriage, and family counseling across the life span. Areas of interest include bereavement counseling, depression, life cycle transitions, and trauma counseling. Kristi is also the Intake Coordinator for all new referrals, providing a smooth transition from referral to service implementation. In addition, she participates in multi-agency, multidisciplinary committees, and is currently the chair of the Lewis County Suicide Prevention Task Force. Kristi has been employed with LCCMHC since 05/18/98.
Lynn Taubenfeld, LCMHC, Mental Health Counselor. Lynn holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School, Keene, NH. During her time at Antioch, Lynn worked on an oncology unit in New Hampshire with people diagnosed with cancer and received training and experience through Hospice. She served as a hospice volunteer for two years. She also worked on an inpatient psychiatric unit in New Hampshire for a year. Since starting at LCCMHC in 1998, she has been providing counseling for children, adolescents and adults. Lynn has developed a special interest in working with survivors of trauma and has been receiving specialized training in this area throughout her time at LCCMHC. She facilitates a psychotherapy group for trauma survivors as well as facilitating a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy group. Lynn also provides trauma services in Jefferson County through the Trauma Survivors' Resource Center as well as providing clinical supervision to fellow professionals. She serves on the clinic's Trauma Team and DBT team. 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.
