Our Goal
We’re working to create a world where anyone can get access to the full spectrum of mental health services they need, without jumping through unnecessary hoops.
We believe mental wellness benefits the whole community! That’s why we honor these beliefs:
Integrity
It’s hard to heal without support from someone you trust. That’s why we offer you a safe space, respect your confidence, and work hard to earn your trust.
Dignity
To have dignity is to be worthy of honor or respect. We envision a society where every individual is treated with dignity regardless of where you came from or your current situation.
Compassion
Everybody’s got a story to tell, and we’re here to support you in yours. We’re ready to listen to your situation, and deliver you the complete and unique care you need.
At the end of the day, all of this is just words. The people who are delivering you the care is where the magic really happens. So we wanted to introduce you to some of our most committed staff and volunteers:
If you'd like to see more, then visit our Services page. Also, you can learn more about us by contacting us directly.
Meet our Team
Andrew O’Grady LCSW-R
CEO
I have been the CEO of MHADC, and now including Addiction Services, formerly MARC, since 2012. I came to MHA over 20 years ago to transition the Case Management services from Dutchess County to MHA. I have never thought of moving on as this agency does so much meaningful and important work. As a social worker, doing behavioral health and administration throughout my career, I am proud to lead this agency.
Lisa Connolly Psy. D, LMHC
Chief Operating Officer
I am Dr. Lisa Connolly, the Chief Operating Officer of MHADC. I have been with the agency for over 16 years. I oversee all of our programming. This includes our Care Management program, Veterans Services, Mel's Place, which is our homeless program, and our PROS clinical services. This was a career choice for me after my first day and I could not be happier or more fulfilled with my decision.
Dan Desjardins
Chief Financial Officer
I joined MHADC in 2023 and couldn’t be more thrilled. After a 30-year career in corporate accounting and an additional three with a small CPA firm I wanted to be part of a team that such meaningful work within the community. I certainly found that here and couldn’t be happier with this team and all the great work we do.
Kathleen Williams
Director of Human Resources
I have been in the HR field for 28 years. I actually fell into it by accident and have loved being someone that employees can go to with their questions and confidences. I truly am grateful to work for MHA.
Jennifer Nelson
Finance Department Manager
In the ever-changing behavioral health landscape, my team and I meet all challenges with openness and dedication. I have been employed by MHA for over 25 years and am happy to be part of something that is vital to the community. The Agency’s integrity is of the utmost importance to me.
Desiree S. King, DMin.
Director of CASA & Compeer
I am the Director of CASA and Program Manager for Compeer and the Family Visitation Program. CASA is the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program at MHA Dutchess. I began my career in 2008 as the Teen Challenge Coordinator. I am proud to be an advocate in our communities and ensure that the best interest for children and families are being served.
Noel Crotone
Associate Director of Business Affairs
I am the Associate Director of Business Affairs and Assistant to the CEO, I am happy to be working at MHA and enjoy working with our Executive Director, Board members, Staff, Volunteers and Clients. My back ground in various capacities in non profit organizations over the last 20 plus years have prepared me well for this job. The mission of MHA is vital to our community and the individuals we serve and I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team of professionals.
Janet Caruso, MSLS
Director of Family Support, Advocacy, and Education
I run the MHA Library and supervise the Family Support & Advocacy and Supported & Community Education programs. I link people in need of services to a variety of resources so they can investigate them to see what is a good fit. Overseeing educational and family programs is rewarding when I hear of people reaching their goals as they rebuild their lives. I enjoy working with my colleagues both here at MHA and with staff from other human service agencies as we collaborate on events.
Alyssa Carrion
Director of Veterans Programs
Joseph Horesky
Vet-TAP Program Manager
Victor Zamaloff
Program Specialist, HERO & VET-TAP
Tyler Mendelson
Outreach Coordinator, SSG Fox
Yulisbeth Reyes
Program Specialist, SSG Fox
Sylvia Astrologo
Administrative Assistant Veterans Program
Brandie LaCasse
Peer Specialist, SSG Fox
Jesse Stevens
Outreach Specialist
Michael Napolitano
Dept Manager of Care Management & Supported Housing
Nate Milligan MA
Care Management Supervisor
My name is Nate Milligan, I am one of the Supervisors for MHA Dutchess' Care Management Program. I have been with MHA for over 10 years. I enjoy working for MHA because we are one big happy family and MHA is dedicated in helping those in need.c
Nicole DeLorenzo
Care Management Supervisor
Jessica Madden, LCSW
Director of Crisis Services
Cody Gonzalez, MA
Program Manager, Children's Health Home Care Management
I have been employed with MHA since 2009, during which time I have worked in several capacities across different departments and populations. Some of these roles have included Teen Challenge Program Specialist, Children's Waiver service provider, and several years in Adult Supportive and Intensive Care Management. I currently supervise our Children's Health Home Care Management Program, which offers Care Management services to Dutchess County Children and Youth ages 0-21. I truly love working for this agency. I believe in our mission, our team, and the work we do for the community.
Addiction Services Director
Director of Addiction Services
Jennifer Boscardin
HCBS/CORE Program Manager
Lashaveous Dicker
ECHO Program Supervisor
Call (845) 831-4111
Linwood Burke
ECHO Program Manager
Call (845) 505-2477
Jim Ball
Coordinator of Peer Services
Dinesa Johnson
I've been with MHA Dutchess for 12 years, and as an Care Manager for Beacon and having clients all over other than just Beacon, so I am well rounded with what we do. I have been in the mental health field for close to 28 years working with other agencies in the Dutchess. Co. Area I Love my job helping those who cannot help themselves at times. and always excited about learning new things in the system. To be an assistance to others.
Tracy Edmonstone
Program Manager, Mel's Place
Dr. Sadaf Ahsan
Doctor at PROS Clinic
Gerald Dieterich
Database Administrator
I have always enjoyed working with technology. At a young age, I became fascinated with computers: I had to know how they worked. Just over 3 years ago, I found MHA. It was like finding long-lost family. I have never worked with more caring and compassionate individuals and I get to do something I love. I am grateful to be able to do what I love for an agency that does so many positive things for the community.
Bonnie Cronk
Human Resources Assistant
John Garrity
IT Manager
I have been with MHA Dutchess for over ten years, and it has been an incredible journey. I love being part of an agency that does such amazing work, the people here are caring and support one another. I am absolutely in awe of all of the staff here, each of our programs, and all of the people we help serve.
Laura Fonseca
My name is Laura Fonseca and I've been a Care Manager for over 10 years at MHA. It has been a pleasure being a positive contributor in the lives of so many amazing people who are each on their unique journey. Being a part of the outstanding MHA team and interacting with the exceptional service agencies in Dutchess County has been both edifying and rewarding.
Kathryn Weaver
Supported Education
I have been with MHA since 2009. I am the Program Specialist for the Sibling Support groups. I have held that position since August 2015. Prior to that, I ran The Kid’s Inc. program, along with providing one-on-one respite. I am also the Supported Education Coordinator, working with referred ACCES/VR students attending Dutchess Community College.
Lynn Rogers
I'm an activist parent and a skilled advocate having previously served several years as the Family Advocate for MHA Dutchess. I'm now the Program Coordinator for the Family Support Programs at MHA, and hold the Family Development Credential (FDC) and the Family Peer Advocate Credential (FPAC). I am also on the Board of Directors for Families Together in NYS (FTNYS). I've been an active presenter and panel member at a variety of conferences and presentations throughout the Family Support community and received the 2002 Excellence in Resiliency Award from FTNYS for outstanding work in promoting resiliency in families of children with Social, behavioral, or emotional needs. My strong belief is that parents are the experts with their children and should be empowered to determine the goals for themselves and their families.
Juliann Simpson
Respite Program Manager
I am the Respite Program Manager at MHA Dutchess. I oversee hourly respite services, recreational respite, camp scholarships, and the Teen Challenge Program. Working with children and families has always been a big part of my life. It is who I am, it is my passion. I had my humble beginnings with MHA in 1995, when I joined the Respite Program team. The Respite Program was in its beginning stages, and seeing it grow to include our teen program, and now our young adult program has been very exciting. Over the years, my work has enabled me to be part of the lives of many special individuals, who received support services from MHA. I count it a privilege being a part of the families in Dutchess County and overseeing such a dedicated team that provide the direct services to those we serve. For me, my work is part of my ministry for this season in my life, and for this I am grateful.
Marlene Taylor
MPS
I am the Education and Training Coordinator at MHA Dutchess. I teach numerous parenting classes on special topics which help parents and caregivers to better understand and manage behavior challenges for children and teenagers. I also coordinate staff trainings that range from community programs and resources to special topics such as Trauma Informed Care and Narcan training. I love teaching and having the opportunity to bring inspiring and enlightening information to the community and staff. I truly believe information is power.
Kayla Wade
Hi my name is Kayla Wade, and I am a Supportive Care Manager for Mental Health America. On a daily basis I get to work with inspiring and great clients. I also get to work together with my great co-workers to do our best to help our clients. The best part about MHA is the teamwork that our team has. If one care manager needs help or has a question, there is always someone there to help. Both my clients and my co-workers make coming to MHA every day something I look forward to.
Cynthia Atkins
Elvira Marone
Erica Darmstadt
Felicita Wheeler
Kasha Morgan
Family Peer Advocate
FPAC (Certified Family Peer Advocate)
Maykel Desir
Natalie Milligan
CM Office Manager
Nicole Halicki
Prisilla Acosta
Care Management Team Leader
Scott Eddington
Building Manager
Shawn Forte
Sue Luongo
FPAC (Certified Family Peer Advocate)
Zuma Saha
Anthony Anderson
Assonia Riggins
Clyde King
Denise Winters
Kathleen Gallagher
Lynn Reno MPS
CHC, Compliance Officer
Melinda Ball
Renee Boyd
Rhonda Waite
Sabrina Guirma
Scott Butler
Sherri Saunders
Tamar Levy
Vader
Outreach Service Dog
Biggie
Veteran Program Remote Service Dog
