About Us

CLMHD Committees


Addiction Services and Recovery Committee
The mission of the Addiction Services and Recovery Committee is to create a platform for its members to expand their understanding of substance use disorders and to advocate for the resources necessary for their communities to better serve individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder.

Chair: Suzanne Lavigne, MHA, CASAC-M, DCS, Franklin County Community Services

Vice-Chair: Margaret Morse, LMSW, DCS, Seneca County Department of Mental Health

Children and Families Committee 
The Children and Families Committee’s mission is to support the work of the Directors of Community Services across the state through partnership with state representatives and collaborative efforts with all those serving children and families including but not limited to Schools, Social Services, Probation, Primary Care etc. with the purpose to inform, educate, prevent and advocate with the membership for optimal quality of life and social-emotional well-being  for children and families impacted by mental illness, addiction, or intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Chair: Michael Orth, MSW, Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Mental Health

Vice-Chair: Richelle Gregory, M.Ed., DCS, Clinton County Mental Health and Addictions Services

Developmental Disabilities Committee
The Developmental Disabilities Committee is dedicated to promoting the dignity, rights, and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities. We strive to empower communities through collaboration with our state partners at OPWDD through advocacy, and the provision of comprehensive resources. Our mission is to ensure equitable access to high-quality services, foster inclusion, and enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families across New York State. Together, we commit to creating a supportive environment where all individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society

Chair: Melissa Stickle, LCSW, CASAC, DCS, Sullivan County Department of Community Services

Vice-Chair: Susan Hoerter, DO, Commissioner, Rockland County Department of Mental Health

Mental Health Committee
The Mental Health Committee meets monthly with the New York State Office of Mental Health, and other state agencies as needed, to collaborate in the development and maintenance of the Mental Health network of care throughout New York State. The committee addresses the service needs, program development, state statutes and regulations, and fiscal support at the local level.  Through open dialogue with local governments, it seeks feedback to achieve optimal functioning to ensure the robust provision of care and health equity for all New York State citizens who are experiencing mental health concerns, regardless of the county in which they live.

Chair: Katherine (Kathy) Alonge-Coons, LCSW-R, Commissioner, Rensselaer County Dept. of Mental Health

Vice-Chair: Sarah Nies, LMHC, DCS, Schoharie County Community/Mental Hygiene Services

Mental Hygiene Planning Committee 
The mission of the Mental Hygiene Planning Committee is to support the partnership between counties, regions, state agencies, and other stakeholders through an evolving, integrated, and uniform planning process that: identifies and measures current and emerging needs; supports local and regional Mental Hygiene system management and coordination; promotes the continued development of data-informed person-centered actions to address needs; and ultimately, is responsive to and informs State, local and regional priorities, policy and fiscal decisions.

Chair: Lynda Battaglia, LCSW, DCS, Genesee County Mental Health Services

Vice-Chair: Jean-Marie Niebuhr, LCSW-R, DCS, Dutchess County Department of Mental Health 

Nominating Committee
The duties of Nominating Committee are to notify all regular members no less than 90 days prior to an election of Officers, for the purpose of soliciting candidates for any of the elected positions; and no less than 45 days prior to an election of officers, reporting to the Executive Committee of the status of its polling and soliciting activities.

Chair: Mary O'Leary, LCSW, DCS, Cattaraugus County Department of Community Services