Director, DePaul’s NCADD-RA (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area)
With the organization since: 1991.
In the current position since: 2002.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University; master’s degree in education from SUNY Brockport; Credentialed prevention professional (CPP) through NYS OASAS with a specialty in problem gambling. (CPP-G).
Career Highlights: “Increasing the community awareness of the risks associated with various drugs of misuse, expanding NCADD-RA’s education and training programs, developing multiple referral directories as well as increasing the variety of current resources and tools for parents and community. Providing workplace wellness workshops to businesses in our area.”
Current affiliations: Executive committee/board member in Unity Alliance; vice president of Councils on Addiction of NYS; executive committee of Finger Lakes Consortium of Addictions Services and Supports; board member of ROCovery Fitness.
How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “I seek to support staff in providing programs and services of excellence with creativity and passion for the work we collectively provide for our community.”
What skills set make you an effective leader? “Always available to listen, support the work of the team, patience and lead by example.”
How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “The field of addictions is at a time of increasing need for our collective services while in the midst of a workforce staffing crisis. This applies to those of us within the prevention education field as well as those working in the treatment and recovery fields.”
What do you do for fun? “I enjoy outdoors — walks/hiking, swimming, scuba and snorkeling as well as Pilates and yoga indoors.”