2024 Mental Health Summit

Summit Agenda

Food and refreshments will be available during registration and lunch- sponsored by DAV

8:00am-8:45am- Registration Open- Opportunity for Networking – Vendor Tables 

8:45am-9:00am- Welcome and Opening Remarks- VA Leadership, University President

9:00am-9:45am- Keynote – Dr. Ellen Poleshuck – Understanding and Improving Access to Care among Rural Women Veterans with Psychological Distress and Social Needs

9:45am-10:05am- Veteran Experience- Emil Anderson, US Marine Vietnam Era Veteran

10:05am-10:15am- Break

10:15am-10:45am- Presentation of RocVeterans Website & SAVE Training Offerings – Ashley Smith

10:45am-12:00pm- Panel Discussion: Exploring Access to Care by Location 

12:00pm-1:00pm- Lunch - Vendor Tables

1:00pm-3:00pm- Break Out Sessions: Exploring the Unique Needs and Barriers to Care Experienced by Four Distinct Populations:  Women, LGBTQ+, Justice Involved, Unhoused 

Breakout Session 1:

Room 1: Women 

Room 2: LGBTQ+

2:00pm-2:15pm-Break

Breakout Session 2:

Room 1: Justice Involved

Room 2: Unhoused

3:00pm-3:30pm- Collaborative Discussion– Key points and Takeaways

2024 Veteran Mental Health Summit

Meet Our Participants!

Speakers:

Dr. Ellen Poleshuck- Ellen Poleshuck, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics/Gynecology,  Academic Chief of the Division of Collaborative Care and Wellness, and Director of the Program for Mental Health and Gender Wellness at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She also is a research affiliate with the VA Center for Integrated Healthcare in Syracuse, NY.  Dr. Poleshuck’ s research focuses on the development, evaluation, and implementation of integrated interventions for women with depression and co-occurring concerns such as unmet social needs, intimate partner violence, and pain.  

Emil Anderson- United States Marine, Vietnam Era Veteran

Ashley Smith- VA Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator for Northern Finger Lakes  that includes Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her MSW from the University of Pittsburgh. Her clinical background includes forensics, hostage/critical incident negotiation, crisis intervention, and emergency mental health care. Ashley currently works for the Department of Veterans Affairs supporting suicide prevention efforts in a 6 county region

Panelists:

Rural

Liz Gamache- Liz  Gamache has worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the past 16 years, initially at the Albany VAMC and then transferred to the Finger Lakes Health Care system when the opportunity presented.  She has held various roles within the VA, and has been able to work with a variety of populations in a variety of settings throughout those 16 years. Currently Liz serves as the Coordinator of the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Assistance Program for the Finger Lakes VA Healthcare System and has been in this role for almost 5 years.

Gary smith - Steuben County Veteran Service Agency

Jason Shaddock- Veteran Benefits Advisor 2, Bath VAMC

Suburban

Jim Reese- Jim Reese is the Assistant Manager and Case Manager for CDS Warrior Salute Veteran Services at the Nucor House in Penfield  NY, and a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army.

In his 29 years of service, he spent 6 years of as a Disability Adjudicator with the US Army Physical Disability Agency. Prior to that he was an instructor with the  US Army Command and General Staff College. A graduate of Saint Bonaventure University, he was commissioned as an Armor Officer then moving to Civil Affairs. He was deployed overseas to support the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia (1996) and the War on Terror in Iraq (2004-2005).

Susan Smith- I am a Navy retiree, served 20 years as an Aviation Electrician. I have been a VSO since 2018. Currently, I am the Director of Ontario County Veterans Service Agency.

Katie Nuber- Katie Nuber serves as Director of Therapeutic Horticulture at EquiCenter, a nonprofit organization located in Honeoye Falls, NY whose mission is to foster growth, wellness, and educational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities through the power of equestrian, horticultural and outdoor experiences.  In this role, Katie oversees the curriculum development and implementation of year round nature-based experiential learning and wellness-focused programs on the organization’s teaching farm.  The highly diversified and organically-stewarded farm provides produce and plants to a farm-to-table culinary program, onsite events, a community garden support program, and hunger relief efforts, which served over 3,000 people throughout the Finger Lakes region in 2023.  From 2018-2023, Katie served as curriculum developer and facilitator of veteran farming programs through the Veterans Affairs Farming and Recovery Mental Health Services (VA FARMS) pilot program representing ViSN-2.  Katie coordinated with the Whole Health Initiative at VA Finger Lakes and Cornell University Small Farms’ Farm Ops Project as one of nine sites to create a model of farming and therapeutic horticulture programs for VA campuses across the nation.  Katie’s aim in all the programs she offers is to create opportunities and an environment where people grow, plants flourish, and the surrounding community is nourished.

Urban

Mark McCloskey- The VOC’s Behavioral Health (BH) Manager, Mark McCloskey, is a Licensed New York State Master Social Worker (LMSW). Mark served in the Army for eight years between 2001 and 2009 before returning to school for his Master’s degree to help other veterans overcome their traumas sustained in combat. When Mark first started at the VOC, he worked closely with the residents of Richards House (RH), assisting each veteran with finding safe, stable housing, learning to manage their medications, dealing with addiction issues, and overcoming BH problems. 

Now, as the BH Manager, Mark oversees the new Peer Connection Center. He works closely with clients in crisis and those struggling with either SUD or BH issues, helping them find in and outpatient treatment options. Mark also works with the staff at the Monroe County Veterans Treatment Court, advocating and case managing some of the Vet-Court clients.

Nick Stefanovic- Nick was born and raised in Monroe County. After graduating from Gates Chili High School in 2000 he briefly worked for Coca-Cola until the attacks on 9/11. In the wake of 9/11 Nick decided to join the Marine Corps, dedicating himself to a combat MOS and for the next 4 years deploying multiple times to Afghanistan and other countries around the world. After returning in 2006 Nick experienced challenges transitioning from a wartime environment to civilian society. He struggled with addiction to pain pills and then heroin. By 2009 he was homeless going back and forth between hotel rooms and a homeless encampment under the driving park bridge. May 1st of 2009 Nick entered into the Rochester Veterans Treatment Court under the supervision of Judge Patricia Marks. He credits this Judge and this program with saving his life. Since that day Nick has gone on to receive his bachelors and then Masters from SUNY Brockport. He started out as a substance abuse therapist and then switched careers to public administration after receiving his MPA from SUNY Brockport. Nick did contracting work for the National Institute of Corrections and Bureau of Prisons working on programs in jails and prisons that assist inmates in preparing to rejoin society after their release. In January 2018 Nick was appointed as Director of the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency by former County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo and continues to serve in that role under current County Executive Adam Bello. He and his staff have been acknowledged on numerous occasions for their work in Monroe County including recognition from local offices up to the President of the United States. He is a forty under 40 recipient, Gates Chili hall of fame inductee, Kiwanis Veteran to Veteran awardee, Vietnam Veterans of America Service Officer of the year awardee, and recipient of the John R. Schwartz Accountability Meets Compassion Award. He serves on numerous boards and committees including the board for Keeping Our Promise, an organization that assists our Afghan wartime allies in relocating to America and adjusting to their new lives here. He is also the former Chair of the War on Terror Memorial Committee. This year, under the leadership of County Executive Bello he has created the first county funded nature based therapy program for Veterans in the nation. His current goal is to promote alternative methods of treatment for those struggling with past trauma and mental health issues, and make it accessible. He firmly believes that we need to alter our course in the treatment of mental health and how it is approached clinically.

Amy Ortiz-Director of Veterans Upward Bound, a grant from the Department of Education that helps Veterans continue their education. Amy is a Proud spouse to a 22 year Retired Army Veteran. Her previous experience working with both Active duty members and military veterans include: School Certifying Official at Embury Riddle University in Daytona Beach, FL, ACAP Transition Counselor at Ft Bragg, North Carolina, and Risk Reduction Specialist at Ft. Lee, Virginia.

Liz Brooks- Clinical Director Monroe County Nature Based Therapy

Breakout Session Leads:

Women:

Giovanna Gutierrez- ComPeer Corp-PFC Dwyer Program of Monroe County

Jessica Walner- I am Jessica Wallner, LMSW, PMH-C and I am the Women’s Health Program Social Worker and Maternity/Postpartum Care Coordinator. I have been in this role for 18 months now and have been able to build and grow the therapeutic and psychosocial areas to better serve our female veteran population. 

Since joining the team, I have completed the Perinatal Mental Health Certification, which allows me to offer specialized psychotherapy to our maternity/postpartum patient’s that may struggle with postpartum depression or anxiety offer the ROSE group for maternity patient’s that focuses on preventing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. 

Female veterans can meet with me for psychotherapy in person or by video conference.  I am trained in Interpersonal Therapy for Reproductive Mental Health (IPT-RMH), which offers patient’s a structured therapeutic approach that focus on interpersonal conflict, grief and loss, and/or role transitions. 

Another service that I have been able to offer our female patient’s is sexual health and wellness. I am currently working on the sex therapy certification. Prior to beginning this specialized training, it was difficult finding providers that worked with sexual concerns. I have been able to work with our female veterans on their sexual abuse/trauma, sexual concerns, low libido/desire, and other intimacy related areas. 

It has been an honor and privilege building the Women’s Health Program Social Work role to fit the needs of our female population.

Shannon Sanders- Shannon Sander is a USAF veteran.  In the Air Force Shannon was Security Police Law Enforcement and served in Desert Storm.  She was assigned to the 1st Security Police Squadron at Langley Air Force Base from Tech School.  A few highlights from her time in the USAF: Shannon was assigned to the DARE program because of her ASL (American Sign Language) ability, as the only female Security Police she was called on for any response where there was a woman involved. She proudly talks about putting a Col and LT on the ground during war games and getting accommodation for securing the flight Line properly.  During her deployment in Desert Storm, she was able to learn some key words to communicate with the locals.   Shannon was medically discharged in 1996 because of injuries and Gulf War Illness. 

Shannon became a DAV member in 2000 in Newport News, Va.  She did not find a warm welcome as a female veteran early in her DAV membership, which sparked in her a desire to make all members to feel welcomed.  She became very active in DAV when she moved to Kissimmee, Fl and became adjutant of chapter 148.  She also began learning service officer work from the local Department Service Officer. When she moved back to Rochester, NY she found chapter 15 and got active with the chapter and quickly took the DSO training.

Currently she is the Past Commander of DAV Chapter 15, Commander of DAV Dept of NY, Advisor of DAV NY Women Veteran Committee, a Dept Service Officer, and she takes part in the Partners Meeting monthly with the VA Center of Women Veteran.  Shannon is passionate about women veterans getting the benefits and respect they have earned from serving our Country.

In June 2021 Shannon was selected as a Military Women’s Memorial New York State Ambassador.

Shannon is married to George Sander and always accompanied by her service dog Elsa.

LGBTQ+

Evan Beyerle- Evan Beyerle (They/He/She) is an LGBTQ+ Health Promoter for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York's Out for Health Program. The Out for Health team works to bridge gaps in access to care and resources through community engagement, support, and education. Evan is based in the Southern Tier of New York.

Susanna Speed- Susanna Speed (she/her) is the Sr. Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging at Trillium Health and has been with the company for over 11 years in many roles, including supportive services, prevention, sexual health and education. For the past 18 years Susanna has worked with a variety of populations, including people living with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, children in care and other groups who have historically been marginalized. Susanna is on the Steering Committee for the Levine Center to End Hate, a board member of Rainbow Seniors ROC and continues support Pride efforts in Rochester. Susanna graduated from the University at Buffalo with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Global Gender Studies.

Kayla Drake- VA LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator, Bath

Justice Involved

Kristen Calcagno - Kristin has been a part of the Veterans Outreach Center team for 7 years. She worked as a Case Manager with Rochester Veterans Treatment Court for over 6 years and now manages the Supportive Services Team at VOC. Kristin is an Advanced Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) with 11 years of experience in the field. She has worked in substance use treatment, Drug Treatment Court, and on the Veterans Crisis Line.  She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Criminology/Criminal Justice and her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Niagara University.

Gary Horton- Gary A. Horton, Special Counsel with the Veterans Defense Program, has worked at NYSDA for 10 Years serving as the Director of the Veterans Defense Program. As Special Counsel he now provides training, support, and legal assistance to justice-involved veterans and service members, and the public defense attorneys representing them. Previously, his legal practice centered on public defense for over 30 years, serving 20 years as Public Defender of Genesee County. He served on NYSDA’s Board of Directors for 12 years, including as Board Vice President. He received the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York Special Service Award in 2005, the NYS Bar Association Criminal Justice Section David S. Michaels Award in 2006, NYSDA’s Wilfred R. O’Connor Award in 2011, the 2016 Criminal Justice Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness-NYS, and in 2018, the Kutak-Dodds Prize for Outstanding Service in Public Defense by the National Legal Aid & Defenders Association (NLADA). He has a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Hobart College.     

Brian Lanpher -I have been at the VA for over 5 years now, in various roles, most recently VJO, coming up on a year now, though I did cover the position in the past, before coming on full-time, it’s a good fit w/ my prior history in the field. I have prior experience w/ Juvenile Justice (NYS OCFS), Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYS DOCCS), and Livingston County Probation (Department of Criminal Justice Services- DCJS). This can be stressful work, so I TRY to put focus on work/life balance, and enjoy spending time w/ my family, to include my wife and two young sons, as well as staying active in my free time. I really enjoy the Finger Lakes during summertime and supporting the Bills and Sabres!

Unhoused

Meadow McDowell- Meadow McDowell has been working with Veterans who are without permanent housing and those at risk of losing housing for 11 years. Beginning as a case manager for SSVF and rising to the position of Field Supervisor while maintaining a case load of Veterans with a HUD VASH voucher who are coming into the program as literally homeless, Meadow has had experience in learning about housing programs and difficulties around the State of New York.  Helping not only veterans who are directly affected by housing loss and instability, but being part of groups that help to educate the public about housing crisis has become an important part of Meadow’s work and motivation to help make change in those areas.  Being part of a program that is completely mobile has given Meadow the opportunity to see, first hand, the difficulties Veterans are facing when it comes to permanent, stable housing.  Outside of work, Meadow is the proud mother of 2 active boys, wife to the most patient husband on Earth for almost 14 years, spoiled cat mom, enthusiastic reader, and aspiring writer.  She and her family enjoy camping and all things Star Wars or Disney.

Nena Siverd- Nena has 30+ years of experience in Employment & Training programs with non-profit agencies in Rochester. Of those, 24+ years have been working at VOC serving a diverse socio-economic veteran population.   Nena has operated VOC’s US Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Services Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program grant her entire time with the agency.  Nena is the proud daughter of a Korean War Purple Heart Marine and comes from a long line of combat veterans.

Elizabeth Doll- Liz Doll graduated from the GRC Collaborative in Rochester NY in 2004 with her Master in Social Work.  Liz is currently a LCSW-R who has been working with Eagle Star Housing since December 2021.  Much of her career was at the University of Rochester where she worked in their CPEP (Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Department).  Liz is currently the Administrator for 270 on East a Permanent Supportive Housing program funded through NYS ESSHI.  270 on East focuses on providing stable housing for Veterans experiencing housing insecurity in a housing first/person centered approach. 

Jessica Bell- Jessica Belle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been the Program Manager of Eagle Star Housing’s Safe Haven program since December of 2019. She has over 14 years of experience working with Homeless Individuals with substance use issues and serious mental illness. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University at Buffalo and a master’s in social work from DePaul University.