The Dempsey Center Staff Who We Are, What We Do, & How to Reach Us 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. 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 the Outreach Oncology Social Worker, Emily provides clinical, educational, group, and case management services to the rural and underserved communities in Central Maine in the oncology clinics at Bridgton and Rumford Hospitals. Emily also leads cancer support groups in each location and conducts community and provider education and outreach activities in the Bridgton & 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. Cancer Resource Specialists and Center Assistants Carol Brewster brewstca@cmhc.org | (207) 795-8250 From Parkview to the University of Southern Maine, Carol notes that her previous experiences have prepared her to land "home" at The Dempsey Center. “I’m working with the best group of people, both my co-workers and the Center’s volunteers. Daily, I’m meeting people who help me to learn and grow as they give me the honor of letting me into their world at one of the most challenging times in their lives,” she said. Carol’s child and blessing is Rachel. Her list of continually evolving interests and hobbies includes everything from woodworking to music and “lots of stuff in-between!” 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!” 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. 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. 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. 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. MSW Intern Tookie Bright brightca@cmhc.org Tookie is an advanced year graduate student at the University of New England’s school of social work. Tookie holds a particular interest in working with children and families. She spent two years volunteering at the Center for Grieving Children and three more years as the Junior Wavus Director at a sleep-away camp in midcoast Maine. After spending a year in hospice Tookie found her “home” in the world of medical social work. She is eager to be joining The Dempsey Center team to help support individuals, children and families who are affected by cancer. In her off time Tookie is a ski and snowboard instructor at Sugarloaf mountain and has been exploring art therapy for the past five years. 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 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.