The Dempsey Center Staff Who We Are, What We Do, & How to Reach Us Executive Director Teresa Schulz, MA  schulzte@cmhc.org | (207) 330-7737 Teresa Schulz joined the Dempsey Center as Executive Director in June, 2010. Teresa has extensive experience in management and leadership roles most recently as a member of the Human Resource team at Central Maine Medical Center. Teresa has also served as the “Tools for Intentional Living & Transformation” series facilitator at the Dempsey Center since fall 2009. In addition to leadership roles in a number of Maine organizations including Tom’s of Maine, L.L. Bean, University of Southern Maine, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, Teresa also has a clinician’s heart and experience. She received a Master of Arts from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, CA. and her Post-Masters certificate in Spiritual Direction from The Mercy Center for Healing the Whole Person located in Colorado Springs. She is a spiritual director, lay theologian, retreat facilitator, lecturer and author. She has also served as a hospital chaplain providing spiritual and pastoral care to patients and families at end-of-life. Teresa firmly believes in the Center’s mission to embrace the whole person – in mind, body and spirit – in a respectful, inclusive and healing environment. “I continue to be impressed with the dedication and commitment of Center staff and volunteers. I have been inspired and humbled by the courage displayed by individuals living with and affected by cancer.” Teresa notes that she “looks forward to working closely with Kerry Irish, Program Director, staff, volunteers and the entire Central Maine Medical Family in providing the highest quality of education, support and wellness services to individuals, families and the community.” As Executive Director, Teresa’s responsibilities include administration and fiscal management; enhancing organizational operations including infrastructure and human resources; and developing and maintaining external communications and partnerships. Program Director Kerry Irish, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C irishke@cmhc.org | (207) 795-7118 Kerry Irish, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, has worked in oncology and hospice-care settings since 1995, and has been intimately involved in the creation & development of the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing since its inception. Kerry also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Oncology Social Work. Kerry graduated from the MSW program at the University of Georgia in 1995, has advanced certifications in oncology social work and interactive guided imagery, and has published several articles on psychosocial oncology care-related topics. Kerry lives with her husband and two children in Turner and enjoys hiking, running, cross-country skiing, reading and writing. Kerry notes that what she loves most about working in the field of oncology is “witnessing, over and over again, the incredible examples of grace, courage, and growth that cancer patients and caregivers provide. Working in oncology gives one a sense of the capacity of the human spirit to transcend life’s challenges and turn them into gifts.” As Program Director, Kerry is responsible for the development, planning, and oversight of the programs and services of the Dempsey Center. The Program Director selects, trains, & supervises all Center staff and graduate student interns, ensuring that the Dempsey Center programs are carried out in a professional manner. The Program Director also assists with professional/community outreach/marketing, including creating, developing content for, and editing The Dempsey Center Newsletter & Calendar of Events and with various development/grant writing initiatives. Volunteer Corps Manager Mary Dempsey dempseym@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8259 Mary has worked for CMMC for 28 years, and has been intimately involved in the creation & development of the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing since its inception. Mary is the Volunteer Corps Manager for the Dempsey Center. She states that “Working at the Dempsey Center has been a very rewarding career!” Her goals are to continue her education and to grow in her role as Volunteer Corps Manager. Mary has one daughter who just graduated from college and will be going on to Grad school in January. Hobbies include sewing, crafts, cooking, bird watching and exercising.  As Volunteer Corps Manager, Mary is responsible for the recruitment, recognition, and retention of the Dempsey Center Volunteer Corps, volunteers who offer their time and services to help carry out the mission, goals, and programs of The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. Mary establishes and monitors policies and procedures for volunteer training, work hours and types of services to be performed by volunteers, including the oversight of volunteer-led programs such as Caring Cards , Knitting Circles, and the Sewing Groups. Development Director Rebecca Wright wrightre@cmhc.org | (207) 330-7736 Serving as The Dempsey Center’s first Director of Development, Becky Wright brings nearly thirty years of fund-raising experience to her new role. Becky has worked on capital and endowment campaigns helping to raise $3 million to $150 million for Bangor Theological Seminary, The New York Public Library and Sarah Lawrence College. Most recently, she served as the major gift and planned giving officer for the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Maine. A cancer survivor, Becky is especially drawn to the mission of The Dempsey Center. She knows first-hand how frightening a cancer diagnosis is for the patient and her family. The range of programs addressing the emotional and spiritual aspects of a cancer diagnosis offered by The Dempsey Center seem to Becky to be the perfect complement to the clinical work provided in the hospital. Becky looks forward to helping provide the financial resources needed to keep current programs and anticipated new programs free of charge for cancer clients, survivors and their caregivers. Communications Specialist Mark Turcotte turcomar@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8254 Mark is a graduate of the University of Maine-Augusta and has worked in the communications field for the past 10 years. "Working at the Dempsey Center is especially rewarding, knowing that 100% of my efforts are directed toward helping people," he said. Mark is a husband, father of two and enjoys family time, live music and photography. As the Center’s Communications Specialist, Mark’s primary role is to provide state-of-the-art expertise in communications/marketing functions for the Dempsey Center. This includes assisting with the development and implementation of marketing plans for the Dempsey Center and Dempsey Challenge; the development, execution and ongoing management of the Dempsey Center and Dempsey Challenge websites (www.dempseycenter.org) and (www.dempseychallenge.org), including social networking and blogging functions; and producing print marketing/communications materials; among other tasks. Outreach Oncology Social Worker Emily Ecker, MSW, LCSW eckerem@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8250 Emily has worked in the human services field for over 30 years, most recently with the elderly, and presently as an oncology social worker. In 2004, at the age of 50, she went to graduate school for her Masters in Social Work. She has lived in Western Maine for over 30 years with her husband. Her daughter lives in San Francisco. Emily enjoys all outdoor activities and loves sitting next to her wood stove. Emily has a particular interest in learning how the mind/body/spirit are connected and designs many workshops with that theme. She is really pleased that the Dempsey Center fosters this holistic approach with their services to everyone. Outreach Oncology Social Worker Colleen O’Connor, MSW, LCSW oconnoco@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8313 Colleen received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of New England. She began her social work career in community mental health, supporting individuals with severe mental illness to remain independent. In 2007, she entered the health care field, where she worked with older adults on an inpatient psych unit. Colleen spent the past two years in oncology as an outpatient oncology social worker in southern Maine. Colleen notes, “In my personal and professional experience I have witnessed people struggle with overwhelming challenges and I continue to be inspired by and value the power of human connection. I am thrilled to be joining the Dempsey Center team, who demonstrate these values every day in many creative ways, and with genuine commitment and compassion.” Colleen is married with two boys and enjoys spending time with her family and attends her boys’ many sporting events! Outreach Oncology Social Worker Dorn McMahon, LCSW mcmahodo@cmhc.org | (207) 795-2692 DornDorn, a New Jersey native, moved to Maine in 2001 to finish his undergraduate degree at University of Southern Maine. He continued at USM to earning his Master in Social Work in 2007. Dorn began at Central Maine Medical Center in 2008 at CMMC’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and subsequently witnessed the inception of the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing. In 2010 he became part of the Center’s team of social workers. Dorn co-facilitates a grief support group, men’s group, and hosts several workshops and lectures. Aside from his responsibilities at the Dempsey Center, Dorn performs consultation to numerous organizations regarding GLBT health, mental illness, substance use, and HIV/AIDS, and men’s health issues. Since living in Maine Dorn has discovered contra dancing, farmer’s markets and the rocky coast, but has yet to see a moose. Operation Inspiration Program Coordinator and Parkview Outreach Oncology Social Worker Terri Quatrano-Simpson, LCSW quatrite@cmhc.org | (207) 330-7776 In 2003, Terri received her Master of Social Work degree and began her social work career in the medical field. She spent several years working with dialysis patients in southern Maine. She also worked in a rural community mental health setting providing therapy and support to adults and adolescents living with a mental health diagnosis. Terri joined the CMMC oncology team in February of 2009 to provide outpatient oncology social work services. In her free time, Terri enjoys spending time with her husband and two active children who keep her connected to nature. As the Operation Inspiration Program Coordinator, Terri provides psychosocial and support services to patients with a lung cancer diagnosis. Terri meets the psychosocial needs of patients, survivors and caregivers by providing short-term counseling, wellness and support groups, workshops designed to teach skills that promote wellness and reduce stress. In addition, Terri provides case management and access to community resources through referral and linkage to necessary information. As the Outreach Oncology Social Worker for Parkview hospital in Brunswick, Terri provides patients and caregivers with case management services, psychosocial support, resource linkage and guidance through financial matters. - As Outpatient Oncology Social Workers, Emily, Dorn, Colleen, and Terri provide counseling, educational, group, and case management services to patients served in the outpatient oncology care areas at Central Maine Medical Center, and at Bridgton, Rumford, and Parkview Hospitals. Emily and Terri also conduct community and provider education and outreach activities in the Bridgton, Rumford, and Parkview locations. Cancer Health Outreach Educator Maureen Higgins, MSW, LCSW higginsm@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8252 Maureen received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. She has worked as an oncology social worker since 1990 in both in-patient and out-patient settings, and as the Patient Services Manager for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She is married and has 3 very active children. She loves her new role at the Dempsey Center because it allows her to reach out into the community in a variety of ways, and explore the prevention/early detection aspect of the cancer continuum. As the Cancer Health Outreach Educator, Maureen provides expertise in cancer prevention and cancer-related health promotion and outreach for underserved populations in Androscoggin and Oxford counties. She conducts outreach to health care and social service providers on cancer screening and prevention options, and works collaboratively with other community, public health, and cancer-related organizations to bring programming directly to the target populations in venues such as schools, churches, soup kitchens, senior citizen centers, and public housing developments. Breast Health Outreach Patient Navigator Chriss Hayden haydench@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8250 Chriss is an LPN and has a BS in Community Health Education from UMaine at Farmington. She  went to CMMC School of Nursing in the 60’s so coming to work at the Dempsey Center at CMMC feels like she is returning home. She has worked in Public Health for the City of Portland for almost 20 years, working in immunization, tobacco, diabetes, colorectal and skin cancer education, and cardiovascular health programs. She worked as the Cumberland County Coalition Coordinator for the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program for the past 12 years, working with women to educate them about the importance of early detection and enrolling them in the program. In 2008, Chriss received the prestigious Maine Breast Health Leadership award. Chriss has also volunteered for the American Cancer Society (ACS) for many years and was an Ambassador for ACS for 2 years, going to Washington, DC to advocate for the fight against cancer. Chriss serves on the board for the Maine Cancer Consortium, is on the Skin Cancer Workgroup and consults for the Melanoma Foundation of New England. “In working with so many women over the past 12 years who have had cancer themselves or are caregivers, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of strength, courage and determination these women have. I am so excited to be part of the awesome team that is here at the Dempsey Center. It has been my dream to be part of the Dempsey Center since its beginning!” Chriss has three grown children and six grandchildren, and lives in Auburn with her husband, Bruce Little. Chriss and Bruce have a business making pickles, chutneys and jams; Berts’ Awesome Stuff. Chriss enjoys gardening, reading, sewing and knitting, walking, the ocean and bird watching. As the Breast Health Outreach Patient Navigator, Chriss’ role involves providing breast-related health promotion and outreach for underserved populations in Androscoggin and surrounding communities. Chriss works closely with the Sam & Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center and community based service providers to identify and address community needs for breast cancer screening services and education regarding cancer prevention and early detection. Chriss also works directly with breast health patients, assisting them to overcome any barriers to accessing diagnostic and follow up care. Children's Program Coordinator Tookie Bright, MSW, LMSW-CC brightca@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8256 Tookie is a recent graduate of the University of New England’s school of social work. She has worked with children and families in various settings since 2001, from outdoor adventure groups to substance abuse and mental health arenas. She spent two years volunteering at the Center for Grieving Children and three more years as the Junior Wavus Director at a girls sleep-away camp in midcoast Maine. After spending a year in hospice Tookie found her “home” in the world of medical social work. In September 2009 Tookie joined the Dempsey Center team as an advanced year Masters of Social Work intern focusing her study to the clinical needs of children affected by a parents serious illness. After obtaining her clinical license, she transitioned to the full time Children's Program Coordinator. In this role, Tookie provides adjustment counseling, play and art therapy, and various other support services to children and families affected by cancer. In her off time Tookie is a ski and snowboard instructor at Sugarloaf and has been exploring art therapy for the past five years. Cancer Resource Specialist and Center Assistant Liane Bender benderli@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8250 Prior to joining the Dempsey Center staff, Liane Bender raised three active children and was involved in many community organizations. After losing two dear women in her life (one to cancer), and relocating to Maine, the time seemed right to start something new. The Dempsey Center presented the perfect opportunity to get involved in the community and to help people during a scary and stressful time in their lives. Liane feels the Dempsey Center staff are the best people to work with – a light hearted group whose joy of living and compassion for others create an atmosphere which is both energetic and soothing. “There is nothing better than to see someone come through our doors for the first time, frightened and confused, and leave feeling strengthened by the warmth of many hugs!” Cancer Resource Specialist and Center Assistant Julia Harper, B.A. harperju@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8250 Julia received her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Maine in 2007. Her experience working in the health care field began in 2001. Prior to joining CMMC she worked for Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice in Lewiston, ME for a total of 5 years in a variety of administrative support positions. She spent 2008 with AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) at the Denver, CO campus, during which time she participated in service projects in partnership with non-profit organizations across the Midwest and Gulf Coast. In 2009 she returned home to Maine and joined the CMMC family as a Cancer Care Coordinator in CMMC's Outpatient Hematology and Medical Oncology practice, eventually joining the Dempsey Center staff in early 2010. "It has been a privilege to work for the wonderful patients and their families, as well as work in company with the dedicated staff involved in CMMC’s care for cancer patients,” Julia notes. “The daily experience is one which continues to teach me many unique lessons of love, compassion, and humility. Because cancer has also affected my family, being able to assist others along their journey is not only a privilege, but an opportunity for me to heal and grow in spirit and understanding as well.” Julia's hobbies include traveling, hiking, enjoying live music, and more recently exploring the healing practice of reiki energy. As Cancer Resource Specialists, Carol, Liane, and Julia are responsible for acquiring and maintaining current knowledge of local, regional, and national cancer resources and providing sound & reliable information to Helpline callers, Center visitors, oncology patients, and the public. They respond to helpline callers, linking patients/caregivers to cancer-related resources. Carol also manages transportation assistance requests, helping local patients arrange rides for their oncology and treatment appointments when needed. Liane and Julia conduct Dempsey Center Orientations with new CMHC oncology patients and stop-in visitors. Carol, Liane, and Julia also assist with various other daily office management and department responsibilities. Financial Resource Counselor Chrissy Caine cainech@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8376 Chrissy has worked for CMMC for 5 years. She currently works in Patient Financial Services, having started out on the Payment Team and eventually joining Customer Service. She was also CMMC's Program Eligibility Specialist, assisting inpatients with the process of applying for financial assistance programs including MaineCare and Free Care. Chrissy has a B.A. from the University of Southern Maine. Her interests are reading, baking, scrapbooking, home improvement projects, but most of all, she enjoys spending time with her newborn son and her husband. "I am very excited to begin my new responsibilities as the Dempsey Center's Financial Resource Counselor," she said. "I am eager for the opportunity to assist patients with their financial needs." As Financial Resource Counselor, Chrissy’s role is to help cancer patients navigate the financial challenges that cancer can bring. Financial counseling can bring peace of mind about medical expenses, allowing patients and their families to focus on the more important tasks of healing. Click here for more in-depth information about Chrissy’s services. Dempsey Challenge Event Manager Wendy Tardif, BS info@dempseychallenge.org | (207) 795-5546 Wendy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Maine, Orono in 1984. She has worked in the field of community health education for over twenty five years, cofounding Healthy Androscoggin (formerly known as Tobacco-Free L/A) and playing an instrumental role in the creation of the CMMC Health and Wellness Center. She is a certified tobacco treatment specialist, and has assisted hundreds of former tobacco uses in Central Maine to quit in order to live longer, healthier lives. Wendy is a commissioner for the Maine Lung Association and a faculty member of the Center for Tobacco Independence. Wendy has a passion for assisting community members in their quest for a healthier life. Wendy has been a core planning committee member of Lewiston/Auburn’s Triple Crown Series, a community fundraising 5k Run/Walk series that benefits nonprofit community organizations. She is the council director for Girls on the Run of Western Maine and spearheaded the first LA Couch 2 5k program in spring 2009. She loves her role as the Dempsey Challenge Event Manager, because “…it pulls together so many of my interests – providing a means for individuals to set their own physical fitness goals, providing a venue to increase understanding of cancer prevention and early detection, raising funds for an organization that improves the quality of life for those living with cancer AND pulls the community together to showcase the best of LA!” As the Dempsey Challenge Event Manager, Wendy has overall responsibility for coordinating The Dempsey Challenge, the annual fundraising experience for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. Comprised of various cycling distances (10, 25, 50 and 100 miles), and a 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk, participants are encouraged to raise funds as they prepare for The Dempsey Challenge. Wendy’s role involves working with hundreds of community members, volunteers, municipal and state employees, and Medalist Sports, an event management company, to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for all. For more information about The Dempsey Challenge, visit www.dempseychallenge.org. Per Diem & Contract Staff Reiki Coordinator Meredith Kendall, RN, BSN, MSN, Reiki Master kendalme@cmhc.org Meredith Kendall is a nursing instructor at the Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions. She is the author of Reiki Nurse: My Life as a Nurse and How Reiki Changed It. Kendall earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Southern Maine, and a master's degree in nursing education from St. Joseph's College of Maine. Her favorite thing about working at the Dempsey Center, she says, is "Merging energy with reiki practitioners: providing reiki for our clients and their families. I love the atmosphere at The Dempsey Center. I feel calmer just walking in the door." As Reiki Coordinator, Meredith is responsible for developing, managing, and evaluating reiki services provided to patients, patients’ families, and staff by volunteer Reiki practitioners. She is also responsible for developing and conducting outcome evaluations/research related to Reiki services, following all guidelines and protocols of the CMHC Institutional Review Board. Wellness Workshop & Group Instructor Marcy Covey coveym@cmhc.org | (207) 795-2473 Marcy Covey, certified yoga instructor, recently concluded a two-year yoga instructor training program through Phoenix Rising, a nationally-recognized yoga therapy and instructor training program headquartered in Bristol, Vt. Her formal education in yoga also includes four years of training in Thai Yoga Bodywork with renowned Thai Yoga Healing Arts instructor Jonas Westring. In addition, she has studied Thai Yoga Massage with Kam Thye Chow of the Lotus Palm School of Massage in Montreal and has attained certification in Pre-Natal Thai Yoga Bodywork through the Palm School.  A Vermont native, Covey grew up with dancing and singing and developed a deep appreciation for the performing arts. She graduated from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, and went on to create an exercise-wellness program for North Country Hospital in Newport, Vt. In the early 1990s she developed the first wellness programs at Central Maine Medical Center, helping to design the CMMC Wellness Center, which she managed from 1995 through 2002. She continues to serve as a wellness instructor at the hospital-based facility, where she teaches yoga classes, leads Fit-N-Fun exercise classes for seniors, and assists with the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing's Wellness for Life program for cancer patients and survivors by introducing them to yoga. Covey leads the Personal Toolkit Series of programs twice a year, also through the Dempsey Center. In addition to her work at CMMC and at the Patrick Dempsey Center, Covey is owner of Dragonfly Healing Touch, a Thai Yoga Bodywork studio in Poland. Marcy develops & delivers presentations on wellness-related topics (the popular “Cancer Toolkit” series) for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. She also leads “Yoga for Life” and other gentle exercise classes for cancer patients. Massage Therapists Donna Crawford, LMT, NCTMB crawfod@cmhc.org | (207) 795 2365 Donna Crawford is a licensed and nationally certified Massage Therapist who has served the community at large since 2000. Donna trained at Downeast School of Massage in Waldoboro, Maine. Along with the extensive training she received at DSM, Donna is certified in Infant Massage, Shiatsu (acupuncture without the needles), Reflexology and has had special training in CranioSacral Therapy from the Upledger Institue in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She also completed training geared specifically for those with cancer. Donna also has been an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and English Transliterator for 20+ years. Donna acknowledges that she has been "listening with her hands" for most of her life. She especially likes working at the Dempsey Center, which allows her to use her skills as a massage therapist to help cancer patients and caregivers care for themselves and enhance their own health and healing. “Though my role is to ‘give’, I find I ‘receive’ so much from each person I touch,” Donna reflects. “Their courage, hope and honesty are so inspiring. Most come to be ‘touched’ but I find I am ‘touched’ by their courage as they travel their journey.” Denise Morin, LMT For the past 16 years, Denise has been practicing as a “mobile” licensed massage therapist, traveling to the client’s home, hospital, or hospice setting. Denise is a graduate of Downeast School of Massage, the University of Southern Maine (Associate’s Degree), and Springfield College (Bachelor of Science Degree). She has studied under oncology massage under Tracy Walton, Debra Curties, and Gayle Macdonald. In her free time, Denise enjoys spending time outside walking, kayaking, exercising, Zumba dancing, playing the guitar and singing, and being with friends and family. Denise reflects, “I believe we are only here to love one another, and it is my passion to help comfort those who are suffering from cancer through my hands and heart. Each patient touches me to my core and teaches me about courage and the depth of the human spirit.” The Massage Therapists offer gentle, therapeutic massage to cancer patients and caregivers at the Dempsey Center and on the CMMC oncology inpatient unit, M1. Click here to learn more about the benefits of therapeutic massage for cancer patients.