Caren Fairweather - Executive Director

Caren Fairweather’s professional life has been devoted to health promotion, education and family literacy. She earned a BS Educational Psychology,with an emphasis on the intersection of learning and health behaviors from Empire State College,  and MPS Humanistic Education from SUNY New Paltz with masters research on commonalities among wellness practitioners of differing modalities. She has held leadership positions in healthcare, education and the arts in the Hudson Valley. Early in her career, Caren was certified as a Positive Pregnancy Fitness Instructor, teaching pre- and postnatal yoga classes. She went on to design programs for parenting teens and parenting education for rural families that were designated model programs by the New York State Education Department. A program in family literacy she designed was selected as a national model by the US Department of Education. Caren led the Community Heart Health Coalition of Ulster County, promoting physical activity, healthy eating choices and smoking cessation. She serves on the Advocacy Committee of the New York State Association of Perinatal Networks.

Stephanie Sosnowski - Deputy Director

Stephanie Sosnowski is a Certified Childbirth Educator, and the Perinatal Program Manager for the Comprehensive Prenatal-Perinatal Services Network (CPPSN) grant (through the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Women's Health), and has been with MISN since 1992. She coordinates MISN's Perinatal Consortia in Ulster, Sullivan and Orange Counties. Additionally, she is the regional coordinator for the Mid-Hudson Lactation Consortium, a coalition dedicated to the promotion and support of breastfeeding in the region, and is the chair of the Hudson Valley Regional Perinatal Forum's Breastfeeding Committee, and is also a steering committee member of the New York Statewide Breastfeeding Coalition. Stephanie is also a Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and has her BS in Organizational Leadership and Communication from Marist College. She also is Program Director for Newburgh APPS.

Jennifer Howard - Program Coordinator Newburgh APPS/

                               Orange County CPPSN Health Educator

Jennifer Howard joined MISN as the Program Coordinator for Newburgh APPS in May 2006. In July 2007 she also assumed the role as Health Educator in Orange County. Jennifer has a BA in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz and a MA in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. For the past five years, Jennifer has worked with at-risk youth and families in Orange County in both residential and community based settings as a case manager. Through this experience, Jennifer has become very familiar with the strengths and needs of the at-risk youth in the Greater Newburgh Community, which facilitates planning for APPS Programming. Jennifer is dedicated to providing quality services to pregnant, parenting and at-risk youth and ensuring that all youth in need are able to access available services in the Newburgh Community.

Elizabeth Pickett - Ulster County CPPSN Health Educator

Elizabeth Pickett is a Certified Labor Support and Postpartum doula through DONA International.  She has been working with women and families as a doula for the past eight years, the last four in and around the Hudson Valley.  She is a Lactation Educator and partner of Gentle Care Doula Service.  She is a staff writer for www.nursingmommy.com and has articles featured in other breastfeeding related publications.  Elizabeth has a BA in Women’s Studies from Empire State College.

FACILITATED ENROLLMENT PROGRAM

Lynda Brady, Program Manager

Lynda has worked for MISN since 1999. She is the Program Manager for the Child and Family Health Plus Programs. MISN covers Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Putnam Counties for these programs. Lynda works closely with New York State Dept. of Health, local Departments of Social Services, and health plans that participate in the state-funded insurance programs. She supervises the Quality Assurance Reviewer, as well as facilitated enrollers in the field.

Vivian Perez, Quality Assurance Reviewer

Vivian has worked for MISN since 2002. She is the QA Reviewer for all applications submitted by enrollers to MISN for processing. Vivian works closely with Lynda Brady, and has an excellent rapport with New York State Dept of Health, local Departments of Social Services and health plans. She works closely with the enrollers in the field. She is bi-lingual.

Mandy McGarrah, Facilitated Enroller

Mandy has worked for MISN since 2002, as a full-time enroller and a part-time enroller. Mandy’s expertise in the field is immeasurable. Mandy knows the program and is well-liked by the families she helps. Mandy is the enroller for Orange and Ulster Counties. She actively helps families secure other services they may need.

Wanda Ramirez , Facilitated Enroller

Wanda Ramirez has been an enroller in the Child Health Plus Program since 2001.  Prior to joining the staff of MISN, she was employed by Dutchess County Community Action Agency for over 4 years.  Wanda received a Family Development Credential through Cornell University at Dutchess County Community College. This has helped Wanda recognize the needs of the community and the diversity of the families she meets with.  Wanda was also an Energy Program coordinator along with other programs serving low-income families.  Wanda joined MISN’s staff in January 2007.  Her primary areas are Orange and Putnam Counties.  She brings a lot of experience and knowledge to better serve our families.  Wanda is bilingual.

MISN/TEEN LINK TO COMMUNITY (Sullivan County)

Jasmin Tejera - Program Manager

Jasmin Tejera joined MISN as the CBAPP Program Manager for TEEN LINK TO COMMUNITY "TLC" in our Monticello, NY location. Jasmin has a  BA in Spanish and Education. For the past 3 years, Jasmin has worked with at-risk youth and families within the Sullivan County Communities as a Program Coordinator. Above and beyond this experience, Jasmin has gained insight to what is appreciated and desperately needed within the Sullivan County School Districts. In a team effort to decrease Teen Pregnancy and educate the youth, Jasmin is dedicated to the promotion and support of After-school programs and ensures that no youth is left unaccounted for. This program serves as a Pregnancy Prevention Program for teens in the High-risk zip codes within Sullivan County. The goal is to improve and provide services available within the community.

SUPPORT STAFF

Elsbeth Lutz - Fiscal Manager

Elsbeth Lutz joined MISN as the fiscal manager in June 2006. She has extensive experience in the field of accounting and is responsible for the management of the financial issues related to the five grant contracts currently awarded to the agency. Elsbeth is dedicated and ensures that no detail is ever overlooked. She is a valued asset and a welcome addition to the MISN family.

Robin Pettway - Administrative Assistant

Robin D. Pettway joined MISN as the Administrative Assistant in July 2005. She is responsible for answering the phone lines, picking up and dropping off the mail everyday, as well as numerous other office related jobs! She attended Orange County Community College as well as Krissler Business School in the Hudson Valley. She has also attended Tesst College in Beltsville, Maryland. In the past she has worked for the United States Department of Agriculture with correspondence as well as several other customer service and secretarial positions. She is trained in Massage Therapy and a Literacy Volunteer in her community. Her goal is that every phone call is answered and every inquiry is handled by the appropriate staff person for maximum results.

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.