Meet the Team
Administration
Carrie Whitwood, Executive Director
Carrie is the Executive Director at Ardent Solutions, joining the organization in 2001. She is responsible for the overall operations and management of the corporation. Through her tenure with the organization, she has been a part of the infrastructure transformation from a ‘collaboration’ to receiving NYS Incorporation and Internal Revenue Service 501c3 status in 2005. She is a member of a multitude of networks and collaborations which include, but is not limited to: New York State Health Foundation Community Advisory Committee, New York State Association for Rural Health, P2 Collaborative Population Health Improvement Program Steering Committee, and the Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development Corporation Board of Directors. Carrie is a 2009 graduate of the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York’s Health Leadership Fellows Program and is actively involved on a local, regional, and State level to address rural health issues.
To contact Carrie, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1013.
To contact Carrie, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1013.
Helen Evans, Associate Director
Helen is the Associate Director at Ardent Solutions, joining the organization in 2005. Prior, Helen was employed as a Public Health Educator at the local health department. Helen’s professional interests are health literacy, community needs assessments, and fostering collaborations to address health disparities. Certified in CDCynergy Social Marketing, she is passionate about motivating community leaders to explore methods for improving the healthcare service delivery system and inspiring community members to achieve improved personal health. She is responsible for program development, oversight and evaluation; as well as agency marketing. She currently is working with organizations across the Finger Lakes PPS as an Operation Specialist assisting organizations to help operationalize Health Literacy and Cultural Competence. She is the current President of the New York State Association for Rural Health Board of Directors working to strengthen health services for rural NYS residents. Helen earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at SUNY Fredonia and is a graduate of the Health Leadership Fellows Program through the Health Foundation for Western New York. To contact Helen, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1011.
Jose Soto, Systems Transformation Manager
Jose Soto began as an Alfred University Intern with Ardent Solutions in 2014. Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts and Science degree with a double major in Gerontology and Clinical Psychology, Jose has continued his tenure with Ardent Solutions volunteering as a financial literacy coach through the Service Collaborative of WNY. As an AmeriCorps member, Jose focused on assisting individuals with end-of-life decision making and caregivers resources and support. Beginning in March 2016, Jose joined Ardent full-time and is a Certified A Matter of Balance Coach, provides Volunteer Income Tax Assistance through the Allegany County United Way, Certified as a Powerful Tools for Caregivers Leader, and is a Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician. As well, Jose coordinates the Allegany County Walk with Ease Program.
Jose explains, “I am passionate about working at Ardent Solutions because this non-profit organization helps people from every demographic. It is a pleasure working alongside team members who are focused on keeping the community safe and healthy. Working at Ardent Solutions provides me the opportunity for professional growth and to help the community become healthy and vibrant!” To contact Jose, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1012.
Jose explains, “I am passionate about working at Ardent Solutions because this non-profit organization helps people from every demographic. It is a pleasure working alongside team members who are focused on keeping the community safe and healthy. Working at Ardent Solutions provides me the opportunity for professional growth and to help the community become healthy and vibrant!” To contact Jose, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1012.
Community Health Division
AJ Weirich, Community Health Navigator
AJ Weirich is the Community Health Navigator at Martin Street Medical Practice in Wellsville, New York. In his role, AJ assists patients identify and find solutions to issues that impact their quality of life and access to healthcare; like food security, transportation, financial struggles, housing, etc.. AJ joined the team full-time in February 2019. He earned his LPN License and also completed extra course work at Houghton College in Psychology, Sociology, Principles of Writing and more. AJ Weirich was previously an AmeriCorps Member who helped address literacy needs in Allegany County by creating courses for local school districts and teaching at Wellsville Central School. AJ was also the Allegany County Health & Safety Services Coordinator at the American Red Cross where he was a certified CPR/AED/First Aid. After holding several management positions within the health field more recently, AJ is very excited to be working in the community again as a member of Ardent Solutions helping patients in Dr. Depner and Brad Speta's practices. To contact AJ, please call 585-808-2786.
Danielle DeLong, Community Education Specialist
Danielle DeLong is the Age-Friendly Communities Coordinator at Ardent Solutions. This is a new position with the organization and she has hit the ground running with it. She joined the organization in 2020 with a business degree and over five years of experience working with the older adult population in both non-profit and corporate services. She has a genuine desire to assist older adults as they age in their communities. Danielle will be leading the efforts for Allegany County to join the World Health Organization and AARP Age-Friendly Communities initiative, to help ensure Allegany County is a great place for people of all ages, especially older, aging, adults. Additionally, Danielle will manage and instruct existing programs such as the Growing Stronger workout program, the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention classes, Matter of Balance classes, and other programing within the organization.
Shortly after starting with Ardent, Danielle stated, “I feel like I have found home with my position at Ardent Solutions. My passion to help older adults feel safe, supported, and confident, as they continue to age, is met with the opportunity and platform to really make a difference at Ardent. I feel lucky to serve our communities though this position.”
Shortly after starting with Ardent, Danielle stated, “I feel like I have found home with my position at Ardent Solutions. My passion to help older adults feel safe, supported, and confident, as they continue to age, is met with the opportunity and platform to really make a difference at Ardent. I feel lucky to serve our communities though this position.”
Dawn Butts, Intergenerational Respite Care Coordinator
Dawn Butts joined the Ardent Solutions Team in October of 2020. She is the coordinator of the Intergenerational Respite program, housed at the Genesee Valley Central School in Belmont, New York. The program’s mission is to provide respite for caregivers of older adults in the community, through regularly scheduled, enriching and rewarding programming opportunities for older adults. This is beneficial for all involved: caregivers are able to have a break; their care partners benefit from socialization and community involvement; students gain valuable role models and companionship of our elders. Dawn holds degrees in Human Services, English, and Literacy Education. Previously, Dawn was employed at Alfred State College. She is very passionate about the development of this new program and its potential in the community.
Mobility Management Division
Megan Burdick, Mobility Management Coordinator
Megan Burdick joined the Ardent Solutions Team in October of 2019 as the Mobility Management Coordinator. Megan graduated from Keuka College in May of 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and spent the past 7 years working at a Credit Union as an Operations Assistant within the Investment Department. Although Megan has not worked with Public Transportation in the past, the experiences she gained and skills she developed through working with members and teammates alike will help guide her within her new role. Megan is excited to be taking on a new challenge and looks forward to helping serve the rural communities of Allegany County. To contact Megan, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1016.
Becky Nelson, Mobility Safety Across the Lifespan Specialist
Becky Nelson is the Mobility Management Assistant with Access Allegany, a division of Ardent Solutions. Employed by First Transit and co-located at ACCESS Allegany as a Call Center Operator, Becky began her tenure in 2009, eventually joining the Ardent Solutions Team full-time in 2011, Becky focuses her attention on customer service and non-emergency medical transportation. She assists the public and the medical transit system with daily travel updates, trip itinerary planning, public transit outreach events and community education. She is passionate about being able to assist the public with their transportation needs and strives to achieve the safest and best opportunities for each person to reach their destination. She realizes the importance the public transit serves in this rural community in keeping the residents independent, healthy and safe.
Gwendolyn Cooper, Mobility Management Operations Coordinator
Gwendolyn Cooper joined the Ardent Solutions Team in April of 2018, as the Mobility Safety Education Specialist. She gained experience in working with diverse populations while she was employed at the Cancer Services Program of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties at the Allegany County Department of Health. From 2018-2019, Gwen lead efforts to raise awareness and provide education on multiple programs through funding from the NYS Governor's Traffic Safety Committee; including the Child Passenger Safety Program, Distracted Driving Awareness, ATV Safety, Seat Belt Safety, etc. Gwen's new role as Mobility Management Operations Coordinator will enable her to plan and coordinate transportation services through ACCESS Allegany. To contact Gwen, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1017.
Alexis Moore, Mobility Management Operations Assistant
Alexis Moore is the Mobility Management Operations Assistant, joining Ardent Solutions in June 2021. In 2019, she graduated from SUNY Delhi with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Event Management. Since graduation, Alexis was employed in the hospitality industry. Alexis brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Ardent Solutions in public relations and event planning.
Lisa Willets, Mobility Management Assistant
Lisa Willets joined Ardent Solutions in February 2020, as the Mobility Management Assistant. Lisa coordinates the ACCESS Allegany Call Center responding to riders questions and requests. She assists riders with itinerary planning for trips using the public bus system, tracks riders needs and utilization of the bus system, and assists with quality assurance and reporting. Lisa is a Wellsville Central School graduate and worked 16 years for Ames Department Store before being employed at Kleiser Ford and Wellsville Ford for 18 years. Lisa is a lifelong resident of Wellsville, New York and is dedicated to making transportation accessible to everyone.
Children's Division
Robin Fuller, Early Childhood Development and Education Coordinator
Robin Fuller is the Allegany County Early Childhood Development Community Coalition Coordinator, joining Ardent Solutions in 2020. Robin completed her Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and Psychology. Later she went on to complete her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy. She has a deep passion for Early Childhood Advocacy and the betterment of children in school and life. Robin was a childcare director for 23 years and Parent-Teacher trainer and educator. Currently, Robin is the champion for the Allegany County Imagination Library, site coordinator for The Every Bottom Covered Program, and is a certified facilitator for Common Sense Parenting and ROSE (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns) program, and has made inroads with state policy makers advocating for early childhood development funding and improved services for families with young children.
David Chambers, Program Manager
David Chambers is the Program Manager for the Southern Tier Child Advocacy. Dave accepted the position of Program Manager at Ardent Solutions in May 2020 Dave began his career in human services providing direct care to families since 2008. Past employment experience includes working for Healthy Families Allegany Cattaraugus for 6 years before joining the CAC as a Family Advocate and then Program Coordinator. He is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and direction of the day-to-day operations at the CAC, as well as provides public education and community awareness regarding child abuse issues and the purpose of the CAC.
Erin Spring, Case Manager
Erin Spring started her tenure with Ardent Solutions in May 2020, as a Case Manager at the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center, after being employed as a Family Advocate for the CAC. Erin has a Bachelor's of Science in Community and Human Services. Prior to joining the CAC, Erin was a member of the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center's Multi-Disciplinary Team for 10 years. As a Case Manager, Erin assists families in securing resources to meet their basic needs and educates parents and youth about important topics to help keep the youth safe. Erin specializes working with youth who are at high risk of, or who are survivors of, sex trafficking, including helping prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking and aiding youth out of the sex trafficking industry.
Hailey Sheer, Case Manager
Haylie Scheer is a Case Manager & Forensic Interviewer for the Southern Tier Child Advocacy. She has been employed with Ardent Solutions since June 2020. Prior to her employment with Ardent, she was the Director for Crisis Response with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District in Charlotte, NC. She graduated with a Dual Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and she also has her Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology. Along with her roles as a case manager and forensic interviewer, Haylie also oversees the majority of cases that deal with youth problematic sexual behaviors. She provides families with support in working with their child who may be exhibiting these behaviors while also making appropriate referrals for other services in the community.
Brittni Bowen, Mental Health Therapist
Brittni Bowen joined the Ardent Solutions team in 2021, as the Mental Health Therapist at the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center. She gained experience using trauma focused therapies while employed at the Seneca Nation Behavioral Heath Unit. Brittni believes that everyone should have a safe & healing place to work through life’s traumas & is thankful for the opportunity to provide that to children & families in the Cattaraugus & Allegany counties.
Jamie Gaylor, Administration Specialist
Jamie Gaylor recently joined the Ardent Solutions team in April of 2021 and is the Administrative Assistant for the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center. Jamie is responsible for outreach and fundraising efforts, data entry and tracking, providing families with support during initial/follow up meetings at the Child Advocacy Center, and piloting programs to aid families in protecting their children, among many other obligations. Further, Jamie collaborates with in house staff and other MDT members to bring awareness to various child centered campaigns that directly impact the families that we serve. With her background in Early Childhood Education, she is easily able to establish connections with the families we serve and provides a smooth transition from one service to another, making their visits to the CAC as least traumatic as possible.
Sherry Weirich, Family Advocate
Sherry Weirich is a Family Advocate with the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center. Sherry began work with Ardent in July 2020 after retiring from her previous job as a Senior Employment Counselor in Allegany County. As an Advocate, Sherry enjoys having the ability to connect her clients and their families to services and resources that can assist them with meeting their basic needs and healing from the effects of trauma.
HaiLee Gennings, Family Advocate
HaiLee Gennings is a Family Advocate at the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center where she works directly with the family to help them along during a traumatic and stressful time. She has her bachelor's degree from SUNY Empire State College in Human Services with a Concentration of Children and Family Services and is actively working toward her Master's Degree in Social Work from Daemen College. HaiLee has a strong passion to work with children and help them create a brighter, better future.
