Honoring Professional Women
& Women in
Business Featuring 12 Professional and Business Women in a 3-county region
A Special Section of the Sullivan County Democrat • November 7, 2017 Callicoon, New York • Section W
PRICELESS
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Suzanne Lange Ahmed Administrat a or,, Nursing Operations & Case Management Services
Everyone at Catskill Regional Medical Center understands that one of the building blocks of a healthy community is providing access to the resources of a growing and thriving hospital. That ’s why we’re continually transforming our facilities and programs, to better serve the needs of our patients so our patients can transform their lives. We are committed to creating a healthier community in Sullivan County, and every one of our employees plays an active role in that effort. We’re pleased to congratulate Suzanne Lange Ahmed, for being recognized as one of the Sullivan County Democrat ’s Professional Women & Women in Business for 2017. Our entire staff salutes the work she does every day to improve the health of our neighbors.
To learn more, visit www.crmcny.orrg
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Catskill Regional Medical Center 68 Harris Bushville Road Harris, NY 12742 845 -794 -3300
A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System
Grover M . Hermann Hospital 8881 NYS Route 97 Callicoon, NY 12723 845 - 8877 5 53 0
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Suzanne Lange Ahmed BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM Name: Suzanne Lange Ahmed Age: 55 Place of employment: Catskill Regional Medical Center Current title and duties: Administrator Nursing Operations and Care Management Services – Oversight of Medical Surgical, Critical Care, Perioperative, Case Management, RISE, and Nursing Administration Years of experience: 25 Favorite part of your job: Supporting the professionals that lead the staff to be the best that they can be. Most challenging part of your job: Juggling the needs of many service lines simultaneously -Staffing Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: Too many to choose from. Every time we touch a life and make a crisis more bearable
PATRICIO ROBAYO | DEMOCRAT
Suzanne Lange Ahmed
here at the hospital I feel such satisfaction for being able to help. Nursing is who I am, not what I do. Education: Masters of Science in Nursing Administration Professional certifications: Board Certified in Case Management, ACLS, BLS Favorite movie: The Bridges of Madison County Favorite actor/and or actress: Meryl Streep How do you spend you spare time: Caring for my Mom and Dad. Favorite vacation spot: Cruising the Caribbean Family: Imran (Husband), Melissa (Daughter), Ryan (grandson) Civic or volunteer affiliations: RISE volunteer Dream job: Nursing on a remote island hideaway.
Investment Advisors Creating and Preserving Wealth Philip Coombe III, CFP® • Catherine Bender, CFP® • Lynn McDonald
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Main Office: P.O. Box 333 / 6872 Route 209 Wawarsing, NY 12489
548 Broadway Monticello, NY 12701 Call for appointment
Phone (845) 647-4800 • (800) 4 COOMBE • www.coombebender.com • Email: pcoombe@coombefinancial.com
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Jennifer Mitchell CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Jennifer Mitchell
Congratulations Jennifer Thank you for everything you do. Board of Education & the BOCES Staff
Sullivan County
BOCES
Providing exceptional educational programs to individuals of all ages
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Where Futures Begin & Dreams Are Achieved! ( 8 4 5 )
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BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM Name: Jennifer Mitchell Place of employment: Sullivan County BOCES Current title and duties: Principal Account Clerk - Purchasing agent, which includes approval of all purchases and adhering to purchasing policy, performance of bids and analysis; assets manager; liaison to instructional administration for budget development, budget analysis, spending, enrollment and revenue; liaison with facilities director for facilities planning and projects; facilitate the billing of services purchased through our BOCES and other BOCES in the state; work directly with treasurer to complete the fiscal cycle. Years at current employer: 8 years Previous employment/title: Lawrence B. Miller & Associates, Full Charge Bookkeeper Favorite part of your job: Three things; Always learning, the relationships with co-workers and working with numbers. Educational finance is a vast world. There is always something new to learn and to see how everything comes together every year to complete the fiscal process is always fascinating to be a part of. I love working with staff on both a business level and instructional staff. And finally numbers! Anyone who knows me knows my head is always wrapped around numbers. Every day at BOCES I get to incorporate all three of these terrific concepts together. Most challenging part of your job: Due to the complexity of school finance, there is so much that hinges upon another process. It is always great to have that ‘a ha moment’ when connections are realized, but sometimes getting there can be frustrating. Communicating and working with veteran staff is the best education. Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: It is not just one memory but the opportunities that have been provided for me at BOCES. I have been given great opportunities to advance myself within the BOCES. I have held four different civil service
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titles, each one providing greater responsibility and each one creating a future with great promise. Education (high school, college): Graduated from Liberty High School in 1992, attended SUNY Sullivan and Plattsburgh State College. My original college major was sports broadcasting and dreamed of becoming an ice hockey announcer. I would DJ and broadcast sports for Plattsburgh State. I still hold my FCC license. Professional certification: New York State Association of School Business Officials Leadership Graduate June 2017, Member of New York State Association of Municipal Purchasing Officials. Favorite movie: Sixteen Candles How do you spend your spare time: Caring for all the animals on my hobby farm. There is always work to be done but it is so enjoyable when it is something you love. I have horses, donkeys, miniature horses, sheep (delivered two babies this past January), chickens and geese, rabbits, potbellied pig and even koi fish in the pond. I love to be outside no matter what the weather and I am always that last one in the house in the evening because I never want the day to end. Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere I can be with family. We recently cruised to Grand Turk and the Bahamas before all the hurricane damage. We also spend time in Little River, South Carolina at a family condo. Family: I have been married for 21 years to my husband Mark. I have three children; Lane a graduate of Alfred State. He is currently working in Poughkeepsie. Maggie is a senior at Tri-Valley and is active in the Loch Sheldrake Firehouse and sports. Dylan is in 7th grade at Tri-Valley. He is active in ice hockey throughout the region and loves to ride four wheelers and dirt bikes. Civic or volunteer affiliations: I don’t have much time for volunteer work, but as my children graduate high school, I hope to obtain my wildlife rehabilitation license and continue to rescue livestock.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2017
Lawrence Miller Associates www.LBMILLERINSURANCE.com 845-292-2100
67 East Broadway, Monticello, NY
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Nancy McGraw Name: Nancy McGraw Age: 52 Place of employment: Sullivan County Public Health Services, Liberty, . Current title and duties: As Public Health Director, I am responsible for the overall management of the County’s local health department, Sullivan County Public Health Services, and assist in directing the administration of programs and collaborating with community organizations to improve health in Sullivan County. Some of the daily functions of my job include planning and managing multiple programs that have a direct impact on the community or population’s overall health and wellbeing. Our department has approximately 75 employees that include nurses, clerical, fiscal and other support staff, public health educators, nutritionists, professional staff, and service coordinators. We operate a certified home health agency, Early Intervention services, Healthy Families home visiting program, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, communicable disease control, immunization clinics, animal vaccination clinics for rabies prevention, TB control program, STD
Sue, Nancy, Colleen and Lorraine: you have made and continue to make the Legislature – and all of Sullivan County – very proud. We are grateful and privileged to call you friends, neighbors, coworkers and County-focused citizens. Congratulations on this very much deserved recognition! Luis Alvarez, Nadia Rajsz, Alan Sorensen, Ira Steingart, Scott Samuelson, Mark McCarthy, Catherine Owens, Terri Ward and Joe Perrello 55855
control, lead poisoning prevention, car seat safety program, a myriad of public health education services to prevent disease, promote health, and assure the protection of the county. Emergency preparedness is an important part of our department’s responsibilities as is community health assessment and planning. I periodically review data related to public health indicators, consult with local leaders and concerned citizens to gain a better understanding of issues affecting the county, develop budgets and allocate funds to the appropriate programs and initiatives, monitor emergency response plans to ensure safety in the community, hold community meetings related to public health issues, and establish and maintain good working relationships with various public or private health organizations. Years of experience: 17 years in public health, 4 years in current role as Public Health Director. Favorite part of your job: The opportunities to collaborate with others and be creative in planning evidence based services and programs that will benefit the communities we serve. My colleagues and staff are kind, compassionate and wonderful people. They make it a pleasure to go to work every day. Most challenging part of your job:
There is no greater recognition in public service than to be honored and thanked by both your peers and those whom you serve. Yet we feel just as honored and grateful that Susan Southerton, Nancy McGraw, Colleen Monaghan, Lorraine Lopez-Janove and all the women recognized here have chosen to practice their profession and share their skill and compassion with Sullivan County’s citizens.Your incredible dedication to us is only matched by our appreciation for you. Thank you so very much! Joshua A. Potosek, Sullivan County Manager
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nancy McGraw
Limited resources to address public health concerns and issues. The huge volume of work involved on a daily basis. Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: When a delirious opossum wandered up to the front entrance of the public health building and we had to call for help because we were concerned it might have rabies. Education: BA in Psychology, CWU; Master’s of Social Work, Marywood College, Scranton, PA; Executive MBA in Health Care Administration, Binghamton University. MPH candidate, University at Albany. Favorite movie: UP (Disney) although I have many other favorites. Favorite actor/and or actress: Nicholas Cage How do you spend your spare time: Relaxing with family or read-
ing, watching movies. Professional certifications: Certificate in Public Health Fundamentals and Principles, University at Albany. Certified Worksite Wellness Coordinator, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii and Key West Family: Husband Kirk of 31 years, three children and four grandchildren. Civic or volunteer affiliations: Alan Milk VFW Auxiliary, Long Eddy; Cornell Cooperative Extension Program Advisory Committee; and New York State Association of County Health Officials board member (NYSACHO). Volunteer for Boy Scout troop 106, Jeffersonville. Dream job: Writing novels on the beach somewhere warm while telecommuting and consulting.
Congratulations to all the Professional Business Women!
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther 18 Anawana Lake Road, Monticello, NY 12701 845-794-5807 gunthera@nyassembly.gov
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BY MATT SHORTALL
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Lisa Layman
Lisa Layman
Women in Business
Honoring 13 women in a three-county region Publishers by
Catskill-Delaware Publications, Inc. Publishers of the
(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723 November 7, 2017 • Vol. CXXVII, No. 42
STORY AND PHOTO BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM Name: Lisa Layman Place of employment: St. Peter’s Regional School, Liberty Current title and duties: Principal Years of experience: Ten years as a principal, 20 years as a teacher Favorite part of your job: Saying good morning to each student and having a short conversation with them. It might be to ask what they had for breakfast or to tell them I like their haircut. I learn an awful lot from those good mornings. Most challenging part of your job: That in spite of my best efforts, sometimes I don’t meet everyone’s needs. Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: When I was teaching here I had a student who struggled. We worked together after school for a long time so she would have more confidence and success in her classes. She went on to high school, made honor roll, and now serves her country as a member of the US Coast Guard. But the best part of the story, is the beautiful letter she wrote to me explaining what our time together meant to her. You think you are doing something natural by helping someone, of course a teacher is going to tutor someone in need, and without knowing it, you helped change someone’s life. Education: BA and MA St. John’s Uni-
Publisher: Co- Editors: Editorial Assistants: Advertising Director: Advertising Coordinator: Advertising Representatives: Special Sections Coordinator: Business Manager: Business Department: Telemarketing Coordinator: Monticello Office Manager: Classified Manager: Production Associates: Circulation & Distribution:
versity. Finishing up a Doctorate Degree at Binghamton University. Professional certifications: New York State Teacher Certification; Advanced Certification in School Building Leadership the College of New Rochelle. Favorite movie: It really depends on the mood I am in. When I need to know that having the courage to do the right thing is important, I like ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ When I need to remember to keep on working hard and to never give up it’s ‘Rudy.’ Favorite actor/and or actress: No one in particular How do you spend your spare time: Running, reading, long walks with our dog Favorite vacation spot: The beach, any beach. Family: Husband Larry, a retired teacher, sons Joe and Matthew and brand-new daughters-in-law Lauren and Jenn. Finally, our 2 ½ year old dog Bacca. Civic or volunteer affiliations: I volunteer at my church, St. George’s in Jeffersonville. Dream job: I secretly believe I would be a really good photographer. Additional info: Right now, St. Peter’s Regional School is only pre-K and kindergarten. The plan is for them to grow to a pre-K through second grade early childhood center.
Fred W. Stabbert III Joseph Abraham and Matt Shortall Margaret Bruetsch, Kathy Daley, Rich Klein, Richard Ross, Patricio Robayo, Jeanne Sager, Ed Townsend, Mike Vreeland Liz Tucker Janice Vooght Barbara Matos, Tim Sohn Susan Panella Susan Owens Patricia Biedinger Michelle Reynolds Margaret Bruetsch Janet Will Ruth Huggler, Rosalie Mycka, Elizabeth Finnegan, Petra Duffy, Nyssa Calkin, Claire Humbert, Peter Melnick Linda Davis, Kohloa Zaitsha, Billy Smith, Phil Grisafe
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Congratulations TO THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN LEADERS OF SULLIVAN COUNTY WHO NEVER LET GO.
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845.295.5400 FISHERMEARS.COM
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Karen Fisher BY PATRICIO ROBAYO
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Karen Fisher
C rratulationns Cong
Kaa F Karen K Fish she sher
Thank k you for fo all a you u do o for or our o r Club C Clubs! lubs! s! We appr appreciat eciate ate your ur dedi d dication tion a and an nd sse serv servi service servic ervice vice ce e to loca loc lo local ocal call youth and nd are honor hono nored to h have your help iin creating ti g Great G t Fu utures t s for for our ur Club Clu C ub kids kid k kids.
SERVING NORTHERN ORANGE & SULLIV VA AN COUNTIES 56186
Name: Karen Fisher, (AKA) “Fish.” It’s a softball nickname that has just stuck with me for many years. In fact, when I’m on a ballfield, or a tennis court, opponents (and even some business associates) don’t even know my first name. Age: 58 Place of employment: I own and operate, with my partner, Anne Dubrovsky, FisherMears Associates in Liberty. We are a boutique marketing communications company in business since 1995. I am also a meetings facilitator (leader) in Monticello for Weight Watchers International, a position I have held since 2002. Current title and duties: I am the company president responsible for business development and client relationships, and I am the chief copywriter. Years at current experience: I have been in the marketing communications field for 35 years. When I relocated to Sullivan County 36 years ago, I began my career with a series of communications jobs including editing for Panorama Magazine in Monticello. I was a stringer for the TimesHerald Record for a short time as well. Some of the legendary Catskills resorts were still in business at the time, and I spent some time shooting “scopes” during dinner hour at The Pines and The Raleigh. In 1983, I landed a full-time job working as a copywriter for Alan Gerry’s Cablevision Industries in Liberty.
Favorite part of your job: I get to use the creative side of my brain every day. Most challenging part of your job:I once read that 4 p.m. in the afternoon is the best time to do math. That’s when I work on the business-side of the business. Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: It was during my first week on the job at CVI. Alan Gerry was walking through the Wierk Avenue office building. I was introduced to him as the new department copywriter and he told me I was “a breath of fresh air.” I haven’t thought about that memory in a long time. Thanks for bringing it back around… makes me smile. Education (high school, college): I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Media Arts from Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ and spent a year at Emerson College in Boston. Favorite movie: A League of Their Own. Favorite actor/and or actress: Who can pick just one? How do you spend your spare time: I try to be active and get daily exercise, walking, or hiking with my husband and my dogs. That doesn’t often work out during the week as work takes up much of my day. I’m a former recreational softball player for Charlie’s Angels of the Monticello Women’s Softball League. I play USTA Tennis in the Mid-Hudson region. I’m not a winter sports lover, but if the temper-
P: (845) 342 342-883 8833 33 | F: (845) 342 342-8836 8836 | BGCOR BGCOR ANGE.ORG
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FISHER: FROM PAGE 9W
atures are moderate, the winds are calm and, the sun is shining, I do love to snowshoe through the woods. Favorite vacation spot: My hus-
band and I do love Santa Fe, New Mexico at Christmastime. We did love our trip to Scotland and would love to go back and explore more of it one day. Family: I am married to Michael
Fisher, a long-time SUNY Sullivan professor, now retired. Our “kids” … Daisy, 6 and Brook 5….our two miniAustralian Shepherds. I also like to think of myself as a second mom to my dear Jared and Aaron Weiss.
Dream job: I always wanted to be a professional baseball player, but alas, I was born too late for The AllAmerican Girls Professional Baseball League.
YOU U HAV VE TO GET UP AND D PLANT TH HE SEED AND D SEE IF IT GROWS, G BUT T YOU CAN N’T JUST WA A AROUND AIT D, YOU HA AV VE TO WA ATER IT AT AND D TA AKE CAR RE OF IT.. —Bootsy B t Coll C llins i
845.295.2445 • SullivanRena aissance.org
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
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Kristi Burkey
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Kristi Burkey
Name: Kristi Burkey Place of employment: Roscoe Regional Rehabilitation and Residental Healthcare Facility. Current title and duties: Activities Director, which includes planning daily activities, writing care plans, managing my activities department of
four staff members and developing progress notes. Years at current experience: Worked my entire career here in Roscoe, 10 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then 12 years as activities leader. As of April of this year promoted to Activities Director. Favorite part of your job: Making all of my residents happy and seeing them smile.
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Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: When a resident reaches his/her goals and is able to return to their home. Education (high school, college): Graduated from Livingston Manor Central School. Professional certification: Certified Nursing Assistant. Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing and Pretty Woman.
Favorite actor/and or actress: Patrick Swayze and Richard Gere. How do you spend your spare time: With my children. Favorite vacation spot: I like Old Forge New York and Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Family: I have been married to my husband, David, for 18 years and have two children, Kaitlyn and Justin. Dream job : I have it.
E San • Se De
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STORY AND PHOTO BY PATRICIO ROBAYO
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Dr. Theresa Hamlin STORY AND PHOTO BY PATRICIO ROBAYO
Dr. Theresa Hamlin
Congratu lati to all th ons honoree e s!
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Name: Dr.Theresa Hamlin Place of employment: The Center for Discovery Current title and duties: Associate Executive Director which oversee all clinical, medical, educational, research programs. Also developed the research program at The Center for Discovery including the LabSchool initiative that is designed with advanced technology to study the effects of the environment on children with autism and other complex disorders. Using large data sets to improve care, the initiative extends to the development of robust algorithms for predictive and prescriptive analytics to support children with complex needs in real-time. The efforts are joined by scientists from leading universities and partners such as Harvard Medical School, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, University of Missouri, Columbia University/New York Presbyterian, CUBRC, Inc., University of Colorado, and University of North Carolina. Years of experenice : 34 years Favorite part of your job: Teaching and watching the children and staff at The Center learn together Most challenging part of your job: When we lose a child – some children are very medically fragile. Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: So many – favorite events are the yearly musicals with our children that are Broadway quality and just so adaptively creative.
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
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Education (high school, college): Receieved a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from St. John’s University. Also a Master’s in Severe and Complex Disabilities – Columbia University. Additionally a Certificate Advance Study – Educational Administration and Supervision at SUNY New Paltz Professional certification: Teacher of Visually Impaired, Dominican College and nutritional Coach, Institute of Integrative Nutrition Favorite movie: The Sound of Music (many reasons) Favorite actor: actually more of favorite researcher (nerdy, but true), Bruce McEwen, a neuroendocrinologist (reframed stress as we know it today.) How do you spend your spare time: Cooking, reading, writing, house projects (HGTV style), hiking, especially the fire towers that are around Sullivan County and snow shoeing. Favorite vacation spot: I love the Aegean coast in Turkey, and the view from my bedroom window as my staycation. Family: My husband Kelly, two children, daughter, Keely who is an attorney at Paul, Weiss in NYC and my son, Kelly, is a private equities investor at JPMorgan, NYC. Civic or volunteer affiliations: I am on the Board of Trustees at SUNY Sullivan. Dream job: Living it, helping children and families.
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Colleen Monaghan BY MATT SHORTALL
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Name: Colleen Monaghan Age: 39 Place of employment: Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Current title and duties: Executive Director. Responsible for strategic leadership and management in administering Association operations including grants and contract management, human resources, strategic planning and board development, in five core program areas: Agriculture & Food Systems, Environment & Natural Resources, Community & Economic Vitality, Nutrition & Healthy Families, and Youth & Family Development. Years of experience: 13 years in nonprofit and government administration. Favorite part of your job: I work with really brilliant people, staffers, partners, volunteers, kids, seniors, municipal officials, who have chosen to spend their time doing work that matters to people, that makes a difference in their neighbors’, families’, and friends’ lives. Most challenging part of your job: Getting there. I’m not a morning person! Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: Back in September, I watched a lifetime 4H’er, now a young adult professional working at Extension, tell her story to the Sullivan County Legislature. She shared what she learned through Extension and the 4-H program, how she went away to school, and came back to Sullivan County to give back to the community and the program she felt she learned and benefitted from growing up. She spoke with calm confidence and proved that with a little investment of time and hope, Sullivan County kids shine bright and have much to contribute
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Colleen Monaghan
to the future of this community; and that there is a future for this community. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house! Education: Master of Public Administration, Marist College School of Management Bachelor of Arts, Applied Anthropology, SUNY Oneonta Favorite movie: Office Space Favorite actor/and or actress: Can’t say I have a favorite. How do you spend your spare time: Mostly reading: historical fiction, morning newspapers, HBR articles, memoirs, social commentary, whatever I can get my hands on. Favorite vacation spot: Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties California Family: 15 year old son Kiran, and 2 dogs Puffy and Porter Civic or volunteer affiliations: I’ve shed a lot of volunteer work this year to spend more time driving my teenager around! Dream job: Drifter/Writer
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Devon Spagnoli
Congratulations Devon Spagnoli Thank you for your dedication to staff development and investing in their success
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www.newhopecommunity.org
Devon Spagnoli
STORY AND PHOTO BY PATRICIO ROBAYO Name: Devon Spagnoli Place of employment: New Hope Community Current title and duties: House Manager. I manage & assist with the daily functioning of a home for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities. Years at current experience: 18 years. Favorite part of your job: Training new staff to make a difference in our profession. Most challenging part of your job: Assisting with end of life decisions and care. Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: Too many to list. Education (high school, college): Associates in Human Services. Professional certification: NHU
medical tract graduate. Extraordinary Caregiver Award. Favorite movie: Green Mile Favorite actor/and or actress: Johnny Depp. How do you spend your spare time: With family & friends. Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach. Family: I have boyfriend, Drew Harman and son Ethan Spagnoli and step-daughter, Raegan Harman How do you spend you spare time? With family & friends. Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach. Civic or volunteer affiliations: Vice President of A Dose of Kindness (charity organization) Favorite Quote: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it� - Charles R. Swindoll Dream job : I have it.
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Tanya Hahn STORY AND PHOTO BY RICH KLEIN Name: Tanya Hahn Age: 53 Place of employment: Jeff Bank Current title and duties: Executive Vice President/Chief Lending Officer • Manage the total loan portfolio as well as the entire lending function. • CRA or Community Reinvestment Act Officer. Years of experience: Eleven years as CLO. 32 years with the Bank. Favorite part of your job: Teaching/mentoring new loan originators about lending as well as teaching classes that pertain to the lending. Most challenging part of your job: Keeping up with the ever changing and voluminous banking regulations. Favorite on-the-job moment, cus-
tomer or memory: Being a part of a customer’s financial success. Education: B.S. in Management from the University of Scranton Professional certifications: None specific, but tons of banking and lending schools Favorite movie: Dirty Harry Favorite actor/and or actress: Clint Eastwood How do you spend you spare time: Farming with my husband and oldest son. It’s really my second job and I love it! Favorite vacation spot: Hershey/ Lancaster, PA. Family: Husband Andy, two sons Michael and Chris Civic or volunteer affiliations: Treasurer-Sullivan County Visitor’s Association. Treasurer-REAP Board. SC Ag Revolving Loan Fund Committee. Tanya Hahn
Congratulations to all the hardworking women of Sullivan County!
Congratulations Tanya!
We would like to especially thank the 20 dedicated women who help produce the Sullivan County Democrat!
Tanya Hahn Executive Vice President Chief Lending Officer
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NOVEMBER 7, 2017
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Lorraine Lopez-Janove BY MATT SHORTALL
Name: Lorraine Lopez-Janove Age: 56 Place of employment: SUNY Orange, SUNY Sullivan & SUNY Ulster Current title and duties: I am the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), a shared leadership position between three community colleges – SUNY Orange, SUNY Sullivan & SUNY Ulster. In my role as CDO, I serve as an institutional change agent providing leadership and vision to the College Presidents in the delivery of a comprehensive range of services, policies, and procedures related to equity in diversity and inclusive excellence. I participate in all aspects of institutional planning at each campus, in support of their respective missions and goals, to assist the colleges in meeting the needs of the diverse student, faculty and staff populations and creating a learning and working environment where all have the opportunity to succeed. Years of experience: Less than a year as CDO, but over 20 years as an educator. Favorite part of your job: I love meeting and spending the day with educators who work hard to meet the educational needs of all their students. Most challenging part of your job: The most challenging part of my current job is making sure I’m meeting the needs of all three campuses.
Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: I love spending time with the students and listening to their solutions to the inequities that exist in our world. Education: MPA and BS Marist College Professional certifications: Business and Marketing Teaching Certification Favorite movie: Because I Said So Favorite actor/and or actress: All time favorite actor – Denzel Washington. Favorite actress – Diane Keaton How do you spend you spare time: On my spare time, when I’m not reading, I’m binge-watching Netflix – most recently, Stranger Things. Favorite vacation spot: Wildwood, NJ was the favorite vacation place when my children were younger. Now that they’re adults and on their own, vacation in places like Hawaii with my husband are a favorite. Family: Married to a wonderful man, Stephen Janove. I’m the mother to 5 great children, Jocelyn, Christine, Daniel, Marisa and Adam Justiniano. Civic or volunteer affiliations: New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), Member of the board of directors. Sullivan Renaissance Multicultural Advisory Board Member Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee Member Dream job: I am currently in the best possible job – working with students, faculty and college staff on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion is an amazing place to be.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Lorraine Lopez-Janove
55759
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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
Individual Taaxatiion Estates & Trustts Not-ffor-P o rofit Accoounting Financial Statemeents
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
Corpoorate, Partnership & LLC Taaxation Governm ment & Fire District Auditing
892 State Route 17B Mongaup Vaalley, NY 127622 M 845-796-1800 845 796 1800 133 Route 304 Bardoonia,, NY 10954 8445-623-0300
Ceertified Public Accountantts www w.cooper . arias.com
56069
2527 Routte 17 Goshen,, NY 10924 845-343-22215
For Your Hard Work and Dedica on,
Thank You, Susan Southerton!
Susan Southerton
Susan Southerton STORY AND PHOTO BY RICH KLEIN
From the Administrator, staff, residents, and family members of
The Sullivan County Adult Care Center 256 Sunset Lake Road, Liberty NY -Long-term skilled nursing care and Memory Care -Short-term restora ve and respite care -Adult Day Health Services Program
(845) 292-8640
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Name: Susan Southerton Place of employment: Sullivan County Adult Care Center. Current title and duties: Director of Nursing. Years of experience: At current position just over 20. Favorite part of your job: Residents and staff. Most challenging part of your job: Varies day to day. Nothing that can’t be dealt with. Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: So many memo-
ries over so many years. Education: BSN - Nursing. Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY 1989. Favorite Book: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. Favorite Character: Enzo - read the book and you will know why. How do you spend your spare time: Reading and traveling. Favorite vacation spot: I’ve been very fortunate and have traveled to many countries around the world. Family: Husband, 2 stepsons, 5 stepgrandchildren, dog, cat, turtle, 6 rabbits, 4 goats, and a donkey. Dream job: Don’t know yet.
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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
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Michele L. Babcock BY RICH KLEIN Name: Michele L. Babcock Age: 39 Place of employment: Jacobowitz and Gubits, LLP Current title and duties: Michele L. Babcock is the Managing Partner of Jacobowitz & Gubits, LLP, a fullservice law firm with a staff of over 40 serving the Hudson Valley. Michele joined Jacobowitz and Gubits, LLP in 2003, and became a Partner in 2011. Michele has represented local governments, municipal officials and private applicants in zoning, land use and environmental permitting and in litigation. Years of experience: 14 Favorite part of your job: The people I work with. Most challenging part of your job: Managing human resource issues. Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: One of my favorite memories was attending a site visit at a warehouse for repackaging and the distribution of candy. Education: Ms. Babcock received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science and a concentration in Law and Justice from the State University of New York at Cortland in 2000. She earned a Juris Doctor degree and
graduated from Hofstra University School of Law in 2003. Professional certifications: Ms. Babcock was admitted to the New York State Bar in March 2004, and is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Women’s Bar of Orange and Sullivan Counties. Michele is a graduate of Leadership Orange Class of 2011 and the Pattern for Progress Fellows Program. Ms. Babcock is currently participating in the Leadership Sullivan Class of 2018 and serving as Class Vice President. Favorite movie: The Sound of Music Favorite actor/and or actress: Richard Gere / Julia Roberts How do you spend your spare time: With my family enjoying the outdoors and traveling. Favorite vacation spot: Aruba Family: Michele resides in New Windsor with her husband and their three children. Civic or volunteer affiliations: Michele is active in several charitable and civic organizations. Ms. Babcock currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Dream job: Being a mom. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Michele L. Babcock
845-292-2686
Residential & Commercial
Celebrating 30 Years!
45084
It’s Your Home... Have It Done Right
New Homes Log Homes Total Renovations Additions Custom Kitchens %DWKV 'HFNV :LQGRZV 'RRUV 6LGLQJ 6WUXFWXUDO 5HSDLUV *DUDJHV 'U\ZDOO 0HWDO 6WXGV Acoustical Ceilings -DFNLQJ /HYHOLQJ
19813 ALLI-009527
845-292-7620
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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
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