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 are not limited to: New York State Association for Rural Health, Health Foundation for Western and Central New York Board of Trustees, 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.

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, rural health equity, and fostering collaborations to address rural 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 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.

Sara Feldbauer, Executive Operations Assistant

​Sara joined Ardent Solutions in January 2024, as the Executive Operations Assistant. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Buffalo State University. Prior to joining Ardent Solutions, she worked as an office manager/bookkeeper at an environmental consulting firm in Pittsford, New York. She also has several years of experience in administrative assistance and customer service. Sara is a recent transplant from Rochester, New York and is dedicated to helping her new community thrive. 

Community Health Division

Larissa Jacobs, Age-Friendly Caregiver Coordinator

Larissa is the Age-Friendly Caregiver Coordinator at Ardent Solutions facilitating the Age-Friendly Community Clubs at Genesee Valley Central School and Wellsville Central School, an intergenerational education and social inclusion program. Larissa joined Ardent Solutions in March 2023. She earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education and her master's degree in Literacy from Alfred University.  Previously, Larissa worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher in local school districts. 

Deanna Hallock, Age-Friendly Associate

Deanna Hallock joined Ardent Solutions in September 2024, as an Age-Friendly Associate. Deanna's role is to assist older adults and caregivers using virtual connectivity through our Uniper Cares program.  Deanna has extensive experience with customer service and project management working in the past for local health care organizations and most recently as the Operations Manager for a national recruitment and staffing agency. Deanna brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to Allegany County and Ardent Solutions with joy and determination. 

Behavioral Wellness Division

Jonah Crump, Trauma-Informed Communities Coordinator

Jonah joined Ardent Solutions in February 2023, as the first Trauma-Informed Communities Coordinator in Allegany County. Prior to joining Ardent Solutions Jonah worked as a Senior Social Welfare Examiner at the Allegany County Department of Social Services. Jonah earned his associate degree from Jamestown Community College in Human Services and is graduate from Leadership Allegany. Previously, Jonah worked as a Family Advocate at ACCORD Corporation and as a Youth Development Worker for the Olean YMCA. Jonah's current duties include facilitating the Trauma-Informed Communities throughout Allegany County Coalition and coordinates the Trauma-Informed Champions' Program. 

Mobility Management Division

Gwendolyn Cooper, Mobility Management Operations Manager

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 led 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 Manager will enable her to plan and coordinate transportation services through ACCESS Allegany. 

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.

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.

April White, Mobility Management Assistant

April White became ACCESS Allegany's Mobility Management Assistant in January 2023, where she is the friendly voice for those seeking information through the ACCESS Allegany Call Center. April has extensive experience in customer service and health care. Before joining Ardent Solutions' team, she was employed as a receptionist at a Jones Memorial Hospital Medical Practice and at Cuba Memorial Hospital. April then went on to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. 

Mary Havens, Mobility Management Assistant

Mary Havens joined Ardent Solutions as a Senior Community Service and Employment Specialist through ProAction in 2021 assisting the Mobility Management Office. Upon graduating from the program in March 2023, Mary continued her tenure with Ardent Solutions as a Mobility Management Assistant. 

Brodyn Evans, Mobility Safety Assistant

Brodyn Evans joined Ardent Solutions in July 2024, as the Mobility Safety Assistant in Ardent Solutions' mobility management office, Prior to joining Ardent Solutions, Brodyn graduated from Alfred State College with a bachelor's degree in digital media and Animation and is currently attending the Rochester Institute of Technology earning his master's in film & animation. Brodyn uses his talents and skills to help advance Ardent Solutions' Governor's Traffic Safety Program, perform public transit outreach, and assist with community education. ​

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. 

Haleigh Golish, First Step Family Resource Center Specialist

Haleigh Golish is the First Step Family Resource Center Specialist creating a safe, trauma-informed environment for families with young children to play and learn. Haliegh joined Ardent Solutions as an Alfred State College intern in the spring semester of 2024 continuing her service in her new role. Haleigh will graduate in May 2024 from Alfred State with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services Management. 

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. 

Hope Wienk, Case Manager

​Hope Wienk joined the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center as a Case Manager in November 2022. Prior to her employment with Ardent, she worked as a Case Manager at the Seneca Nation of Indians and as a Homeless Intervention Specialist with Connecting Communities in Action. She graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in health and human services. 

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.  

Sherry Weirich, Case Manager

Sherry Weirich is a Case Manager with the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center. Sherry began work with Ardent in July 2020 as a Family Advocate, 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. 

Mercedes Lasher, Family Advocate

Mercedes Lasher joined the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center in March 2022 as a Family Advocate. Mercedes earned her associate degree from Jamestown Community College in Human Services in Psychology. Prior to joining Ardent, Mercedes worked as a Complex Mental Health Technician at Beacon Health, and as a Domestic Violence Community Educator at ACCORD Corporation. 

Nicole Barton, Safe Harbour Coordinator

Nicole Barton is the Safe Harbour Coordinator at the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center. Nicole started working for Ardent in September 2022. Prior, Nicole worked as a daycare assistant at a local daycare provider and as a CPS/DV liaison for Connecting Communities in Action. Nicole has extensive experience educating people about the cycle of domestic violence, building rapport and collaborating with CPS and other local agencies to refer children and families to appropriate resources, and facilitating safety plans and emergency support.