Meet the Team

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 or email at whitwoodc@ardentnetwork.org. 

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 a member 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 or email evansh@ardentnetwork.org

Jose Soto, Community Health Education Specialist

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 or email sotoj@ardentnetwork.org

Patty Amidon, Community Health Education Specialist

Patricia Amidon joined the Team in April 2016, focusing on community safety and injury prevention. Patty earned her Master's of Science in Health Education from SUNY Brockport, and most recently owned Renewal Wellness; a Wellness Center and Fitness Center. Patti is a CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, a Certified Personal Trainer, and a Reikli Master.

​To contact Patty, please email amidonp@ardentnetwork.org

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.

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.
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Gwendolyn Cooper, Mobility Safety Education 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.  Gwendolyn’s primary responsibilities are 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.

To contact Gwen, please email cooperc@ardentnetwork.org.