The Dempsey Center Staff Who We Are, What We Do, & How to Reach Us Executive Director Wendy Tardif, BS info@dempseychallenge.org | (207) 795-8250 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!” Assistant Director/Volunteer Manager Mary Dempsey dempseym@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8259 Mary has worked for CMMC for 31 years, and has been intimately involved in the creation  and development of The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing since its inception. She loves helping patients and families with their journey through cancer. One of her many roles at the Center has been to create and manage the Volunteer program, which quickly grew from 3 to over 200 volunteers. 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. “Working at the Dempsey Center is a very rewarding career,” she said. Her goals are to continue her education and to continue to gain knowledge of resources that can help the patients and families that use the Center. Mary has one daughter who is currently working on her Masters. Hobbies include sewing, crafts, cooking, bird watching, animals and exercising. Program Manager Mary Doyle, RN, BSN, MA doylema@cmhc.org | (207) 330-7457 Mary earned BS degrees in nutrition and nursing from the University of Maine, and a Masters degree in Communications, with an emphasis in organizational development, from Emerson College. She has over 20 years experience designing and facilitating programs that help people and businesses deal with change. Her varied background includes working as a breast health oncology RN, managing employee wellness programs, and conducting corporate staff training and development programs. Mary is excited about the opportunity to draw on all her former careers in her role as Program Manager at the Dempsey Center. “I feel like the Dempsey Center is where I’m supposed to be! I feel well prepared for the challenges, I feel blessed to be doing such meaningful work, with such a compassionate and smart group of co-workers, and I am inspired everyday by the people who visit the Dempsey Center.”  As Program Manager, Mary is responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of the workshops and programs at the Dempsey Center. This includes selecting and managing program staff, such as massage and reiki therapists, and the presenters that deliver the Dempsey Center’s vast list of workshops (see the home page for a monthly list of the Center’s offerings). The Program Manager is also involved in the continuous process of identifying what programs and services cancer patients, their family, and the community need and want related to cancer care, hope and healing. 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, running, 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. - As Outpatient Oncology Social Workers, Emily provides counseling, educational, group, and case management services to patients served in the outpatient oncology care areas at Central Maine Medical Center, and at Bridgton and Rumford Hospitals. Emily also conducts community and provider education and outreach activities in the Bridgton and Rumford 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) 330-7768 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 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 short term counseling, art and play therapies as well as coordinates The Healing Tree Children's Program of the Dempsey Center, which offers a variety of supports to youth and families impacted by cancer. 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!” Dempsey Challenge Coordinator 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, Liane and Michelle are responsible for acquiring and maintaining current knowledge of local, regional, and national cancer resources and providing sound and reliable information to Helpline callers, Center visitors, oncology patients, and the public. They respond to helpline callers, linking patients/caregivers to cancer-related resources. Michelle also manages transportation assistance requests, helping local patients arrange rides for their oncology and treatment appointments when needed. Liane and Michelle conduct Dempsey Center Orientations with new CMHC oncology patients and stop-in visitors. Dempsey Challenge Event Manager Aimee Arsenault arsenaai@cmhc.org | (207) 330-7719 Aimee Arsenault is a 2006 graduate of Emerson College, with a BS in Communications. She is a Lewiston native and has had an interest and involvement in community development since high school. Upon graduating from Emerson, Aimee returned to Lewiston-Auburn and spent four years at Bates College in the Office of College Advancement, specifically focusing on event planning, fundraising and outreach for College alumni, volunteers and donors. Prior to coming onboard with the Dempsey Challenge, Aimee worked as the Events and Travel Coordinator for CIEE: Council on International Education Exchange, located in Portland, Maine, implementing events across the country and internationally. “It’s been a dream realized for me to be able to work in my community again and fuse my love for event planning, community-building, and a cause I am extremely passionate about,” says Aimee. “Every day I interact with someone who has been positively impacted by the Center or the Challenge, and it gives me an immense sense of reward.” Aimee resides in Auburn with her black lab, Molly, and enjoys spending time in the Maine outdoors, cooking and traveling. As the Dempsey Challenge Event Manager, Aimee 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, 70 and 100 miles), and a 5K (3.1 mile) and 10K (6.2 mile) run/walk. Participants are encouraged to raise funds as they prepare for The Dempsey Challenge. Aimee’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. 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.