Meet the Team
Administration
Carrie Whitwood, Executive DirectorCarrie 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. |
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Helen Evans, Associate DirectorHelen 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 member of the Health Leadership Fellows Program through the Health Foundation for Western New York. To contact Helen, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1011.
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Jose Soto, System Transformation ManagerJose 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. |
Community Health Division
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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. |
Melissa Graham is the ED Community Health Navigator at Jones Memorial Hospital Emergency Room in Wellsville New York. Melissa joined the organization in February 2019. In her role, Melissa assists patients to identify and find solutions to issues that impact their quality of life and access to healthcare, like insurance, Primary Care Doctor, Dentists, transportation, food insecurity, housing, employment, childcare, etc.
In 2012 Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with a Concentration in Education. Additionally, she holds many certificates including Health and Nutrition, Yoga, Meditation, Personal Trainer etc. Prior to joining Ardent, she worked as a Substitute Teacher in the Wellsville Central School District, a Dental Assistant, a Personal Care Aide, a Home Health Aide, a Certified Nurses Aide and many years in customer.
Melissa has earned the Volunteer Award in 2000-2001 at Wellsville Central School, Outstanding Girl Scout Leader Award 1995,2000,2001, and the Recognition Award for New York City 911 fund raiser. Melissa has a passion to work with others. She strives to help people accomplish what they need to make life better. She believes through true listening, empathy, encouragement, education, and providing adequate resources; she can help others make changes to improve their quality of life.
“It’s only after you have stepped outside of your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow and transform.” Quote by; Roy T Bennet
In 2012 Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with a Concentration in Education. Additionally, she holds many certificates including Health and Nutrition, Yoga, Meditation, Personal Trainer etc. Prior to joining Ardent, she worked as a Substitute Teacher in the Wellsville Central School District, a Dental Assistant, a Personal Care Aide, a Home Health Aide, a Certified Nurses Aide and many years in customer.
Melissa has earned the Volunteer Award in 2000-2001 at Wellsville Central School, Outstanding Girl Scout Leader Award 1995,2000,2001, and the Recognition Award for New York City 911 fund raiser. Melissa has a passion to work with others. She strives to help people accomplish what they need to make life better. She believes through true listening, empathy, encouragement, education, and providing adequate resources; she can help others make changes to improve their quality of life.
“It’s only after you have stepped outside of your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow and transform.” Quote by; Roy T Bennet
Danielle DeLong, Community Education Specialist
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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.” |
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Brent Tincher, Community Education Specialist
Brent joined the company in October of 2019. Brent brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to our organization and community that will enhance the culture and wellness of Allegany County and neighboring communities. As a Community Education Specialist, Brent is a facilitator and manager for local and regional community wellness workshops; specializing in mental health and suicide prevention and awareness.
Brent was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oswego University in 2003, and he obtained a Master of Education degree from Gannon University in 2008. He is a New York State licensed educator, and served as a public-school teacher for sixteen years before joining Ardent Solutions, Inc. To contact Brent, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1010. |
Mobility Management Division
Megan Burdick, Mobility Management CoordinatorMegan 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.
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Becky Nelson, Mobility Management Assistant
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.
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Gwendolyn Cooper, Mobility Administration Specialist
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 Administration Specialist will help plan and coordinate transportation services through ACCESS Allegany. To contact Gwen, please call 585-593-5223, ext. 1017.
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