The New York State Senate confirmed 36 appointees to key boards today, including members to the New York State Department of Labor, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, Board of Visitors of the Rochester Psychiatric Center, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority, among many other entities.
Dale R. Angstadt (Gansevoort)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
For nearly 30 years Mr. Angstadt has acted as Director of the Saratoga County Community Services Board, overseeing and providing general direction to all Mental Hygiene Agencies in Saratoga County. A life-long social and community worker, he entered the field as a social worker in the late 1960s, spending the last three decades in administrative roles. Mr. Angstadt received his M.S.S.A. from Case Western Reserve University.
Barbara Bates (Bergen)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Rochester Psychiatric Center
Since 2008, Ms. Bates has served as Grant Program Trainer for the Foundation for Long Term Care, and has more than 30 years of experience in the field. She has been a member of the New York State Commission on Quality of Care since 2003 and is affiliated with the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration. Ms. Bates received her diploma from Craig State School of Nursing, her Bachelor’s from SUNY Brockport, and her Master’s from the University of Phoenix.
James H. Bopp (Garrison)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
Mr. Bopp has been with the New York State Office of Mental Health since 1979, and has also served as Executive Director at Rockland Psychiatric Center since 1995. A health care professional for over 40 years, he has worked administrative capacities for organizations in New York City, New Jersey and Louisiana. Mr. Bopp received his B.A. from Dartmouth College, and his M.A. from Antioch College.
Allen P. Cappelli, Esq. (Staten Island)
Member, Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Mr. Cappelli has a long list of professional and voluntary experience covering the past 20 years. He currently is engaged in private practice with the Law Office of Allen P. Cappelli, Esq., however, he has served in such voluntary capacities as Director of Project Hospitality and Commissioner of the New York State Charter Commission for Staten Island. Mr. Cappelli received his J.D. from New York Law School.
Kathleen A. Calvey (Binghamton)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Binghamton Psychiatric Center
For the past two years Ms. Calvey has served families of special needs individuals as Education Advocate and Medicaid Service Coordinator for the Southern Tier Independence Center. She has over 20 years of experience working with families, schools and communities in the Binghamton area. Ms. Calvey received her B.A. from LeMoyne College.
Patricia C. Colbert (Fishkill)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Hudson River Psychiatric Center
Ms. Colbert is a human services professional with over 15 years of advocacy experience serving the mental health community. She has spent the past decade as a Peer Advocate for PEOPLE, Inc., and has worked in a variety of health services positions over the past two decades. Ms. Colbert is an RN, receiving her diploma from St. Clare’s Hospital School of Nursing.
Mary Hope Derby (Geneseo)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
Currently retired, Ms. Derby spent many years with the Livingston County Subcommittee on Developmental Disabilities. From 1999 to 2002 she served as Chair of the New York State Association of Boards of Visitors, Region 1, and she also served on the Committee on Special Education at Geneseo Central School. Ms. Derby received her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin.
Judi F. Dolgow (Bronx)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Bronx Children’s Psychiatric Center
Since 1985, Ms. Dolgow has introduced students to education as a Pre-Kindergarten at St. Francis Xavier Grammar School. She is a past chairperson of the Educational Laureate Awards for the Network Organization of Bronx Women and past board member of the St. Ursula Learning Center. Ms. Dolgow received her B.A. from Fordham University.
Judy Eisman (Great Neck)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
Ms. Eisman has over 40 years of teaching experience as she has worked as a substitute teacher or arts coordinator since 1966. Currently retired, her most recent position was as a Gifted Specialist and Arts Coordinator, and prior to that she spent time in different roles with Great Neck Public Schools. Ms. Eisman received her B.S. from Hunter College, and her M.S. from Brooklyn College.
Hilda R. Escher (Rochester)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Rochester Psychiatric Center
Ms. Escher has been with the Ibero-American Action League since 1975, starting out as Director of Child Care Services, then moving up to Vice President of the Developmental Disabilities Division and now serving as President and CEO of the organization. She is also extremely involved in community service as she is a member of over 20 organizations, including Chair of the Latino Health Coalition, Upstate New York Latino Summit and Ibero Investors Board. Ms. Escher received her B.S. from the University of Puerto Rico.
Frances Felice (Binghamton)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Binghamton Psychiatric Center
Ms. Felice has a lifetime of experience when it comes to working with handicapped and disabled people. Her sister was mentally ill for over 30 years and she currently takes care of her multi-handicapped daughter. Ms. Felice has been a hospice volunteer in the past and worked as an aid on the Newark Valley school bus with mentally handicapped children.
Colleen C. Gardner (Schenectady)
Commissioner, New York State Department of Labor
Ms. Gardner spent 23 years working for the New York State AFL-CIO as the Director of Organizing and Community Services before joining the New York State Department of Labor in 2007. In the Department of Labor, she serves as Associate Commissioner for Labor Affairs and works very closely with current Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith. Ms. Gardner received her B.S. from Cornell University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Alvern Gelder (Binghamton)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Broome Developmental Disabilities Services Office
Mr. Gelder is a pastor, however, he is also the parent of a child who has both physical and mental disabilities, which has cause him to become strongly interested in advocating for quality services in communities for all individuals with disabilities. As a pastor, he is dedicated to making the community around him a better place, which he has already shown through his involvement with the Broome Developmental Disabilities Services Office, and also by the support and advice he gives to persons with mental illness. Mr. Gelder received his A.B. from Calvin College, and his B.D. and M. Div. from Calvin Theological Seminary.
Loretta Goff (Westbury)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
Since 2003, Ms. Goff has served as Compliance Evaluator for Quality Matters, LLC. Prior to her time with Quality Matters, she spent 20 years with the New York State Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled, first serving as a Patient Abuse Investigator, and then as a Protection and Advocacy Specialist. Ms. Goff is a registered nurse, received her B.S. from Saint Francis College, and her M.S. from Long Island University.
Andrea Haenlin-Mott (Cortland)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
For the past 4 years, Ms. Haenlin-Mott has served as ADA Coordinator for Facilities at Cornell University. Prior to that, she was Project Director at the Northeast ADA & IT Center and she continues to work as a private Diversity/Disability Awareness Consultant. She is and has been a member of various organizational boards, including New York State Department of Health Wellness Workgroup, New York State Department of Health SSI Task Group, and Central New York Regional Transportation Authority Community Advisory Committee. Ms. Haenlin-Mott received her B.A. from SUNY Oswego, and her M.S. from SUNY Cortland.
Richard P. Johnson (Schenectady)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
Mr. Johnson has 39 years of professional experience, including over 30 years in public service and over 20 years in administrative roles with New York State developmentally disabled services agencies. He currently serves as President and COO of Parsons Child & Family Center, however, he has been working with state agencies since the 1970s, most notably the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Mr. Johnson received his B.A. from SUNY Albany, and his M.S.W. from the Boston College School of Social Work.
Peter S. Koenig, Sr. (Dewitt)
Member, Administrative Review Board for Professional Medical Conduct
Mr. Koenig began his career as Administrative Assistant to the Director of Professional Services at Community General Hospital, and worked his way up to becoming Director of Medical Administrative Services. Since 1996, he has acted as a Consultant in Health Care Systems and has accomplished such achievements as establishing the first one day surgery service in Central New York. Mr. Koenig has been a Hearing Board Panelist for the New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct since 1998. He received his B.S. from Grove City College.
Deborah S. Lee (Flushing)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
Ms. Lee began her career in health services as a Case Worker with the Lower East Side Family Union in 1975. Currently, she serves as Director of Chinese American Mental Health Services for Hamilton-Madison House, Inc., the same company she worked for in 2001 as Director of Asian American Mental Health Services. She has been a Member of the national Association of Social Workers since 1981, and on the Advisory Council for the Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled since 1989. Ms. Lee received her B.A. from The Alliance Seminary, Hong Kong, and her M.S.W. from Hunter College.
Katherine T. Less (Scotia)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office
A retired office assistant in the Schenectady County Public Library, Ms. Less found out her youngest son was diagnosed with a developmental disability as a baby, and has spent nearly 40 decades advocating for those, like her son, who have been challenged with disabilities. She has served on countless committees, including leadership roles with the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Schenectady, Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie BOCES, Special Education Advisory Council, the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office, and the Schenectady County Community Services Board, Subcommittee on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Wellington Y. Liu (New York)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Helen Hayes Hospital
Mr. Liu has been practicing medicine for over 20 years and currently is an Internist for Matrix Medical Network and Medical Director of Kateri Residence. He was a Member at Large of the Executive Medical Committee at St. Claire’s Hospital, and also serves as a Clinical Instructor in Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Mr. Liu received his B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and his M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine.
Jeffrey Luria, PhD. (Central Bridge)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
For almost 40 years Mr. Luria has been a self employed Psychologist with his own private practice. He has also worked in administrative capacities for organizations, including Director, Department of Health and Clinical Services. Mr. Luria has served as a consulting psychologist and forensic psychologist for private, county and state organizations throughout his career as well. In 2001 he was appointed to Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled. Mr. Luria received his B.A. from Queens College, and his Ph.D. from The Graduate Center of CUNY.
John A. Murphy (Orangeburg)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Rockland Psychiatric Center
Since 1971, Mr. Murphy has been a Rockland County Legislator focusing on the mentally handicapped. He has also been the President of Camp Venture for over 25 years and is Co-Founder and President of Loeb House and Joseph’s Home, both of which serve the mentally ill and the mentally ill homeless. He is a Member of the New York State Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled. Mr. Murphy is a graduate of Manhattan College.
Loretta H. Murray, Esq. (Brooklyn)
Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
For over 20 years, Ms. Murray has been practicing law and helping the disabled. She is known for her pro-bono work for individuals with hearing loss, and has managed non-profit agencies for over 10 years. She has won several awards, including New York Empire State Association of the Deaf Person of the Year. Ms. Murray received her B.A. from New York University, attended graduate school at New York University School of Public Administration, and received her J.D. from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.
Regis E. Obijiski (Kingston)
Chair & Member, Advisory Council to the Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
Mr. Obijiski has been working with the disabled for almost 40 years in various roles. Since 1987, he has served as Executive Director of New Horizons Resources, Inc. Prior to joining New Horizons Resources, he was Director of Residential Services of the Westchester Chapter of NYSARC, Inc., and he was also Supervisor of Group Homes at the Covenant House. Mr. Obijiski received his B.A. from St. Hyacinth College, his B.Div. and M.Th. from St. Anthony-on-Hudson, and his M.A. from the University of Notre Dame.
Joanna M. Papontos (Seneca Falls)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Elmira Psychiatric Center
Ms. Papontos has over 30 years of experience working in human services as a clinician, case manager, supervisor and program director. She is currently retired, but her most recent position was Forensic Unit Chief at the Central New York Psychiatric Center: Five Points Correctional Facility. Other positions she held include Senior Correction Counselor, Rehabilitation Counselor and Social Worker Assistant. Ms. Papontos received her A.S. from Ulster Community College, her A.A.S. from Dutchess Community College, her B.S. from Mercy Collge, and her M.S. from the University of Bridgeport.
Beverly Piechowicz (Marcy)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center
Before retirement, Ms. Piechowicz spent nearly 40 years working with the mentally ill. She began as a volunteer at “Club 14” Mental Health Social Club, then worked as Senior Social Work Assistant for over a decade with the UCP Mental Health Division. Lastly, she served as Coordinator for the Alliance Advocacy Program at MVPC. Ms. Piechowicz received her B.A. from the Utica College of Syracuse University.
Elizabeth J. Pieper (Scotia)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office
A former teacher and registered nurse, Ms. Pieper has a mentally disabled son whom she has taken care of for nearly 50 years. She is currently retired, however, she served 7 years as Program Director for a statewide Traumatic Brain Injury organization, and has served on various Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities committees. Ms. Pieper received her B.A. from SUNY Oneonta and her M.S. Ed. From SUNY Albany.
Tadeusz “Ted” S. Pietrzak (Buffalo)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Buffalo Psychiatric Center
For more than a decade, Mr. Pietrzak has served as Director of the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, and has a career in the arts that goes back nearly 40 years. He is very involved in the community, serving on various boards and committees, including Vice Chair of Buffalo/Niagara Convention & Visitor Bureau and Member of the Richardson-Olmsted Redevelopment Community Input committee. Mr. Pietrzak received his B.A. from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
Marilyn D. Rodriguez (New York)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Brooklyn Children’s Psychiatric Center
A retired Clinic Administrator for the New York City Department of Health, Ms. Rodriguez had long career in health services. She also worked as Equal Employment Opportunity Liaison with the NYC Department of Health, and as Community Coordinator for the Bureau of District Health and Community Services. Ms. Rodriguez received her B.S. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and her Masters in Public Administration from Long Island University.
Luella Rogers (Walton)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Broome Developmental Disabilities Services Office
Parent, Board Member and founder all apply to Ms. Rogers as she founded the Delaware County Arc in 1967. Known as “Delarc,” the organization helps children and adults with disabilities live a full and happy life, offering such services as education, training, employment, family support and case management.
Wayne P. Rogers (Malone)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Sunmount Developmental Disabilities Services Office
A retired biology teacher of more than 30 years, Mr. Rogers understands the values and experiences of serving others. He has the personal experience of having a developmentally disabled individual in his family, which gives him reason to be a member of the Sunmount Board. He also served on the Malone School Board and Bellmont Town Board. Mr. Rogers received his B.A. from SUNY Plattsburgh.
Patrick R. Rourk (Norwood)
Member, Board of Visitors of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center
For more than a decade, Mr. Rourk has served as Director of the Veterans Service Department for St. Lawrence County. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force after 24 years, receiving over 30 military decorations during that time. He was previously appointed to the Board of Visitors of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center and was also a Member of the Surrogate Decision Making Committee for the New York State Commission on Quality Care. Mr. Rourk received two separate A.A.S. degrees from Community College of the Air Force at Maxwell Air Force Base.
Linda E. Sartoris (Clifton Park)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office
As a parent of two severely disabled adults, Ms. Sartoris has great understanding of what developmentally disabled individuals need. She also worked for the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office for 25 years and is an advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses. Ms. Sartoris received her B.S. from the College of St. Rose, and her M.S. from Fairfield University.
Marra Lori Schneider-Wendt (Monticello)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Rockland Psychiatric Center
Ms. Schneider-Wendt is currently the Executive Director of the Sullivan County Mental health Association. Since 1989 she has been a Member of the Mental Health Planning Committee of the Sullivan County Community Services Board and is a past Member of the Board of Visitors of Middletown Psychiatric Center. Ms. Schneider-Wendt received her B.A. from Queens College, and her M.S. from New York Medical College.
Gerry Trautz (Suffern)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Rockland Psychiatric Center
Since 2001, Mr. Trautz has served as a Mental Health Worker I for the County of Rockland. Prior to his current role, he was a Residence Counselor for the Mental Health Association of Rockland County. He currently serves on several boards, including the Board of Directors of New York Westchester Rockland Advocacy Coalition. Mr. Trautz received his B.A. from St. Thomas Aquinas College.
John J. Wiktor (Binghamton)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Binghamton Psychiatric Center
After a long career, Mr. Wiktor retired from his job as a Work Study Coordinator for Broome Tioga BOCES in 2002. He continues to be the Director of the Summer Program for Broome Tioga Association of Retarded Citizens, a role he has been in since 1989. Mr. Wiktor received his B.S. from the University of Scranton, and his M.A. from Binghamton University.
Martin C. Wortendyke (Nyack)
Member, Board of Visitors of the Helen Hayes Hospital
Mr. Wortendyke has been the owner of Cal Mart Enterprises, Inc., since 1972, and also serves as the owner of West Nyack Car Wash and Wortendyke Brothers Realty Company. He has many affiliations, including Past Treasurer of the Rockland Parent Child Center, Vice Chairman of the Nyack Hospital Foundation Board and he is on the Board of Trustees for Rockland Community College. Mr. Wortendyke received his B.S. from Clarkson University.
