Meet the Team
Carrie Whitwood, Executive Director
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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.
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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. 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.
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Melissa Biddle, Community Health Program Manager
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Melissa is the Community Health Program Manager at Ardent Solutions, joining the team in 2007. Prior, Melissa received her Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts & Science degree majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Psychology. She gained experience in working with diverse populations while she was employed at the Rochester School for the Deaf as an Employment Specialist. Melissa is responsible for oversight of Ardent Solutions’ community-based, evidence-based programs available in Allegany and Steuben Counties. Melissa received her Master Trainer certification in the “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls” program in 2009. In addition, she is a certified “StrongWomen” Leader for the Allegany County Growing Stronger Program. Melissa is also a certified Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. She has successfully led the Allegany County Fall Prevention Collaborative since 2009 working to combat the issue of unintentional injuries. Melissa continues to be passionate about serving the residents of Allegany County as she herself, was born and raised in Wellsville, NY.
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Patty Amidon, Community Health Education Specialist
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Patricia Amidon joined the Team in April 2016, focusing on community safety and injury prevention. As Allegany County’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator, she will lead a coalition of concerned citizens working towards the common goal of ending suicide deaths through prevention, intervention and postvention efforts. As well, Patty will be utilizing her 10+ years experience in health education to facilitate evidence-based programs throughout Allegany County.
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. |
Jose Soto, Community Health Education Specialist
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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!” |
Lawrence Kaminski, Mobility Management Planner
Larry Kaminski joined Ardent Solutions in April 2009 as the county’s first Mobility Management Planner. As the former Transportation Director at West Seneca Central School, Larry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to ACCESS Allegany related to public and private transportation services. Larry is responsible for the oversight and day-to-day operations of ACCESS Allegany; including planning and development of routes and schedules, fiscal accountability, coordination of marketing and education, and is the liaison to the Allegany County Board of Legislators.
Larry holds several prestigious certifications enhancing mobility safety and fostering community independence; including:
• CarFit Program Technician and Train-the-Trainer
• NYSED Driver Instructor
• NYSDMV 19-A CDL Driver Examiner
Larry is a graduate of Leadership Allegany and was appointed to the New York Public Transit Association Leadership Institute. Larry takes great pride in working for Ardent Solutions because of the high degree of diversification and experience of our staff and vast support network. As he states, " I also have a high degree of passion and interest in helping others maintain their mobility and independence in their lives and my position allows for me to cultivate this passion in the many mobility assistance programs offered through our offices."
Larry holds several prestigious certifications enhancing mobility safety and fostering community independence; including:
• CarFit Program Technician and Train-the-Trainer
• NYSED Driver Instructor
• NYSDMV 19-A CDL Driver Examiner
Larry is a graduate of Leadership Allegany and was appointed to the New York Public Transit Association Leadership Institute. Larry takes great pride in working for Ardent Solutions because of the high degree of diversification and experience of our staff and vast support network. As he states, " I also have a high degree of passion and interest in helping others maintain their mobility and independence in their lives and my position allows for me to cultivate this passion in the many mobility assistance programs offered through our offices."
Allison Green, Traffic Safety Community Educator
Allison Green earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Psychology from SUNY Fredonia and received her Master’s Degree in Human Services with a specialization in Nonprofit Management from Capella University. Previously, Allison was employed at ACCORD Corporation from 2004 to 2011 working in the Child Care division as the Child Safety Manager. She has been heavily involved with Child Passenger Safety in Allegany County since becoming a Child Passenger Safety Technician in 2006 and becoming a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Instructor in 2009. Allison moved back to Allegany County in 2016 and is excited to educate and serve the community she grew up in.
Denise Hoyt, Mobility Quality Assurance
Denise Hoyt, has been employed at Ardent Solutions since November 2009, beginning as an ACCESS Allegany Call Center Operator and most recently expanding her duties as the Quality Assurance Coordinator through the Mobility Management Division. Denise’s formal education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics and a Master’s in Business Administration. Denise is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician and Travel Trainer. Denise’s responsibilities includes ensuring ACCESS Allegany is ADA compliant and meets Title VI regulations, monitoring ridership and vendor performance. Yet, Denise feels that Mobility Management encompasses so much more than public transportation. As Denise explains, “Working with Ardent Solutions’ Team to bring about changes in our communities that allow more people independent access to healthcare, employment, shopping and recreation is a privilege for me.
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.
