Elizabeth Martin

Elizabeth Martin

CEO

Elizabeth is a nonprofit executive who is driven by mission, innovation, and excellence. Prior to becoming CEO for Living Resources on September 1, 2020, she was Chief Executive Officer of Consumer Directed Choices, Inc. (CDChoices); an Albany-based nonprofit that assists more than 1,100 individuals with disabilities live independently through consumer-directed home care.

As CEO, Elizabeth led CDChoices to become one of the largest, most-respected fiscal intermediaries for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance in the Capital Region. She helped the organization successfully navigate Medicaid’s transition to managed care, which dramatically changed the industry landscape. She oversaw the expansion of CDChoices’ service area from only 5 to 19 counties throughout the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, and Mid-Hudson Valley. Over the course of her tenure, CDChoices’ revenues have nearly tripled from $12.5 million in 2012 to $36.4 million in 2019.

Elizabeth resides in Delmar, NY, with her husband, Jason, and two daughters, Jane and Allison.

Clare Graham

Clare Graham

Chief Financial Officer

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Clare has been Living Resources’ CFO since January 2018. As CFO, she is responsible for managing the agency’s finances. This includes financial planning, management of financial risks, record-keeping, and financial reporting, and more. Clare has over 30 years of experience in the financial field, including numerous years of experience as director of finance for another not-for-profit organization. She began working for Living Resources in 2016 as a financial controller and was later promoted to CFO.

Outside of work Clare enjoys entertaining her friends at her home, which includes cooking for them. Clare has been married for over 33 years and has one son who is a recent graduate from the New York Institute of Technology’s architecture program.

Joe Lamalfa

Joe Lamalfa

Associate Executive Director, Workforce & Culture

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Joe Lamalfa started his career with Living Resources in 1999 and previously served in the role of Director of Human Resources. In 2022, Joe was promoted to the role of Associate Executive Director of Workforce and Culture. Joe is responsible for the functions of HR including recruitment, training, benefits administration, and employee relations. He graduated from the College of Saint Rose with Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with concentration in Human Resources. In 2007, Joe was certified as Professional in Human Resources through the Society of HR Management. He is also a member of the Capital Region HR Association and graduate of their Leadership program in 2009.

When not spending time with his wife and son, he enjoys baseball and golf.

Joseph Morelli

Joseph Morelli

Associate Executive Director, Operations

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Joe Morelli started his career at Living Resources in 1993 and has held a variety of positions in the organization. Joe is driven by the mission of the organization and a desire serve the individuals who participate in our programs, their families, the staff of Living Resources and the community at large.  Through his many years of service, Joe has gained a “soup to nuts” understanding of the operations at Living Resources.  The Division includes Operation Systems such as our Electronic Health Records and Medicine Administration systems, Information Systems, Facilities, Administration, Corporate Compliance, and Quality Improvement and Incident Management and Mitigation. The Division provides support to all of the corporate operational functions including Program and Clinical Services, Finance, HR (Workforce & Culture) as well as the executive team.  Joe’s passion in his work is to always improve services, to know what quality is and is not, to advance efficiencies in systems that lead to meaningful interactions, and desired outcomes by provided staff with timely and actionable information to best direct their efforts.

Joe is active in his community and volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization that makes and delivers beds to children in need. Joe also has past service with the Boy Scouts of America and coaching a number of youth teams and other community organizations.

Joe and his wife Tara and have two beautiful children and live in Joe’s hometown of Mechanicville. When not taken up with work, family, or volunteering, Joe enjoys immersing himself in everything; music, history, philosophy, faith & religion, politics, and the arts. Joe also enjoys cooking, baking, brewing beer, and roasting coffee.

Deneen Palmateer

Deneen Palmateer

Associate Executive Director, Communications ...

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Deneen has been a member of the Living Resources family since February 2018 as Director of Philanthropy. In 2021, she was promoted to Associate Executive Director of Communications, Development, and Community Engagement for Living Resources. In this position, she is responsible for leading all internal and external communications, fundraising efforts including donor development, as well as, community engagement and public relations. Her career has also included a tenure as an operations manager and communications specialist assigned to the GE Power Executive Team and as a paralegal with the law firm of Harvey & Mumford.

Deneen has served on numerous boards of directors including Family & Child Service of Schenectady, Schenectady County Long Term Care Council, City of Schenectady Civilian Police Review Board, Association of Junior Leagues International Governance Board, Junior Leagues New York State Public Affairs Committee, Advisory Council Member for the Hotel, Culinary Arts & Tourism at Schenectady County Community College, and YWCA Nominating Committee. She has also served as president for both the Junior League of Schenectady & Saratoga Counties and the Rotary Club of Schenectady.

Deneen has four fabulous grandchildren, she loves to share pictures, and if you ask her where her home is, she beams, “IT IS SCHENECTADY AND I LOVE IT!”

Jennifer Richard

Jennifer Richard

Associate Executive Director for Programs

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Jen is the Associate Executive Director for Programs.

Jen has been employed with Living Resources since 2001. She became Director of the College Experience in 2007, then was promoted to the Director of Program Services for Living Resources in 2010, Assistant Executive Director in 2016, and Associate Executive Director for Programs in 2021.

In 2018, Jen was awarded the Champion of Character Civic Leadership Award.

John Breitenbach

John Breitenbach

Director of Community Living

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John Breitenbach began his career at Living Resources in 2011 and has held a variety of positions in the organization. John currently serves as the Director of Community Living and is responsible for overseeing Community Habilitation programs in the Capital Region along with After School programs, Individual Support Services, Family Support Services, and a Supportive Apartment program. The mission of the Community Living Program is to provide reliable and effective services to individuals living in the community in their own homes or with family, outside of residences certified by OPWDD.

He grew up in Ticonderoga, NY and received both graduate and undergraduate degrees in Albany, NY. He currently lives with his wife in their home in Nassau, NY.

Myrissa Crossman

Myrissa Crossman

Deputy Director of Residential Services

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Meet Myrissa Crossman, Deputy Director of Residential Services at Living Resources. With 14 years of experience in the field, Myrissa has worked in various roles under the Residential umbrella, including Direct Support Professional, Assistant Manager, and House Manager. She started her journey as an Assistant Director in July of 2020 and was quickly promoted to her current role in early 2022.

Originally from the Adirondack Region, specifically Ticonderoga, Myrissa moved to the Albany Area in 2019 and now calls it her home. In her free time, she loves to be outdoors, enjoying activities such as hiking, boating on Lake George, archery, and camping with her fiancé and two daughters. 

Colleen Dergosits

Colleen Dergosits

Director of College Programs

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Colleen started for Living Resources working with The College Experience in 2009 as a QIDP teaching classes and overseeing student service plans. In 2010, she was promoted to Coordinator of Student Life and Admissions and then promoted to Director of Admissions for both The College Experience at the College of Saint Rose and CareerNext at SUNY Schenectady in 2019. In 2021, Colleen was promoted to Director of College Programs for College Experience and CareerNext programs.

Colleen graduated from the State University of New York at Oneonta with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and from Dominican College with her Master’s degree in Special Education and Teacher of Severe and Multiple Disabilities. Prior to joining Living Resources, Colleen taught special education for a local area elementary school.

Carlene Dorman

Carlene Dorman

Controller

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Carlene Dorman joined Living Resources in August 2013 as an Accountant, quickly rising to the position of Financial Operations Manager in March 2018. In this role, she successfully managed the financial operations of LR Certified Home Health Agency and LR Home Care Agencies. In October 2020, Carlene was promoted to Controller, overseeing day-to-day financial operations, providing accounting oversight, and conducting thorough financial reviews.

 

Carlene brings over 30 years of experience as a Director of Finance for various Not-for-profit organizations. Alongside her professional achievements, she finds joy in being a grandparent to six loving grandchildren and enjoys the tranquility of life on Sacandaga Lake.

Carlene earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Computer Information Systems from SUNY Institute of Technology, establishing a solid foundation for her successful financial career. With dedication, expertise, and a passion for financial management, Carlene Dorman continues to make a lasting impact on the financial health and growth of Living Resources.

Stephanie Fisher

Stephanie Fisher

Director of Behavioral Health Services

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Stephanie started her career at Living Resources in 2015, coming with a diverse clinical background.  She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and CASAC Master (Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor).  In 2022 she was promoted to the position of Director of Behavioral Health Services.  In this role, Stephanie oversees the operations of clinical programming for both residential and day services and the development of new clinical programs for clientele which includes the Virtual Reality Therapy program.  Many of the clients supported have extensive trauma histories or pervasive mental health challenges.

Stephanie has presented at numerous conferences on topics relative to the ID/DD population and general mental health topics for practicing clinicians.  Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from SUNY Albany, a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Albany, and a Dual Master’s Degree in Education and Genocide Studies from Gratz College. Stephanie also supports the Capital District community by serving on the Board of Directors at the Damien Center, as well as other community projects for mental health.

If you see Stephanie outside of work, she can typically be found either outdoors, crocheting, or cooking.

Joy Hudspath

Joy Hudspath

Director of Training and Staff Development

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Joy Hudspath, the Director of Training and Staff Development, has been with Living Resources since 2004. Starting as a Direct Support Professional in the Day Community Opportunities Program (DCOP), she later became a Community Coordinator in the College Education Program (CEP) before joining the Training Department in 2016. 
 
With her dedication to quality staff training, Joy has risen through the ranks from Training Specialist to Assistant Director of Training and, finally, to her current position. Her qualifications include certifications from the American Red Cross, OPWDD, and the National Safety Council (NSC), as well as a BA in Psychology from Houghton College.
Michael Keane

Michael Keane

Director of Human Resources

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Mike Keane serves as the Director of Human Resources at Living Resources. He is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the Human Resources function including recruitment, employee relations, and benefits. Mike joined the Living Resources HR Team in 2013 and has served as the Sr. HR Generalist and Assistant Director. Mike is a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College and The College of Saint Rose.

Mike is rather active within his community outside of work.  He currently sits as a member of the South Colonie School Board. Mike also serves the New York State PTA as their Male Engagement Specialist and previously served his South Colonie community as a PTA Leader for 10 years. Additionally, Mike has coached softball, soccer, and basketball for kids within his community.

Mike and his wife reside in Colonie with their two amazing children. Away from work, when not cheering his daughter on at the softball fields, Mike enjoys traveling, sports photography, music, and finding the best mozzarella sticks in the Capital District.

Jennifer Kirkpatrick

Jennifer Kirkpatrick

Director of Residential Services

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Jennifer was promoted to Director of Residential Services in the Summer of 2019. She began her career at Living Resources in 1998 as a Direct Support Professional. Throughout her years at Living Resources, Jennifer has held various managements roles in the residential program and as a Senior Behavioral Specialist in the Clinical department.

As the Director of Residential Services she is responsible for the oversight of program operations in Residential Services. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from SUNY in Albany, NY, and her Master of Science degree in Psychology from Sage Graduate School in Albany, NY.

Jennifer has one beautiful daughter (who also works for Living Resources).

Keith Harriman

Keith Harriman

Director of IT

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Keith has been at Living Resources since May of 2023. As the Director of IT, Keith is responsible for the security, maintenance, and updating of the agency’s IT infrastructure. Keith has over 18 years of experience in the IT field including numerous years of experience as director of IT for another not-for-profit organization.

Keith grew up in Poestenkill and has lived in the Capital Region his entire life, he now resides in a suburb of Troy. Keith enjoys boating, riding dirt bikes, and playing tennis and golf with his two sons Christian and Liam.

Andrea Mattas

Andrea Mattas

Director of Nursing

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Andrea Mattas commenced her career at Living Resources in 2018, initially joining as an agency nurse. Her exceptional dedication and expertise resulted in her extended stay at the organization beyond her agency contract, where she transitioned into the role of an Living Resources residential nurse in 2019. Demonstrating her outstanding capabilities, Andrea received subsequent promotions to nurse manager, followed by the esteemed position of Director of Nursing.

Andrea’s nursing education was enriched at Amsterdam Memorial College of Nursing. Beyond her professional endeavors, Andrea finds immense fulfillment in spending quality time with her cherished family and friends. These personal connections serve as her primary source of enjoyment and leisure.

Ian J. Mott

Ian J. Mott

Director of Employment Services

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Ian J. Mott currently serves as the Director of Employment Services at Living Resources. He’s responsible for overseeing The Employment Department, Brain Injury Program, and Veterans Services Program. Employment staff provide an array of vocational and educational services, including classroom instruction and internships experiences for students of The College Experience Program at The College of Saint Rose. Dedicated and talented staff in the Brain Injury Program provide Service Coordination and Structured Day Program. The Veteran Services Project is a growing program that aims to satisfy the unmet needs of Veterans in the Capital District.

Ian joined Living Resources in January 2019. Prior to his tenure as Director of Employment, he held several positions with The State of Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, most recently as District Supervisor for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Southwest Colorado. Ian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Connecticut College, Master’s Degree in Counseling from Hunter College, and is a Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.

When free from work and familial obligations, Ian devotes much of his time to creative musical endeavors. He happily resides in Delmar, NY with his wife and two sons.

David Noonan

David Noonan

Director of Corporate Compliance and Quality Improvement

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David Noonan has been an accomplished and dedicated professional integral to Living Resources since 2005. From a Specialist for Day Services, he swiftly rose to become the Program Manager for Albany County, earning further promotions as a testament to his exceptional leadership.
With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, David’s passion for making a difference led him to embrace a role as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, enriching lives for a decade. He later transitioned to Quality Assurance, ensuring exceptional services for those in need. David was promoted to Director of Incident Management and Mitigation in 2023. David achieved another milestone in 2024 when he was promoted to Director of Corporate Compliance and Quality Improvement, showcasing his expertise and dedication. He eagerly supports the Agency in this new endeavor.
A lifelong resident of the Capital District, David’s community connection runs deep, complemented by his education at Nazareth University. With prior experience in Information Technologies, he adds versatility to his achievements.

Beyond work, David finds joy in family time at their new home, working on the property and supporting his favorite sports teams. His journey and unwavering commitment inspire all at Living Resources.

Lucy Olive

Lucy Olive

Director of Payroll

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Since joining Living Resources in April 2021, Lucy Olive has proven herself as a valuable asset to the organization, contributing to the organization’s success in her role as Director of Payroll through her experience, education, and commitment to excellence.

Lucy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Cornell University, equipping her with a strong foundation in business principles. Complementing her undergraduate education, she later pursued her MBA from the University of Phoenix. With a wealth of experience in payroll, Lucy’s proficiency stems from years of hands-on involvement in the field, previously working for companies, such as General Electric, in finance and payroll for more than 20 years.

Originally from the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York, Lucy’s journey brought her to the Capital Region in 2005. Beyond her professional achievements, Lucy finds joy in pursuing her culinary passions. In her free time, she channels her creativity into cooking and baking, producing delightful creations in the kitchen. Additionally, she embraces an active lifestyle, often seen running around and spending time with her children.

Frank Prevratil

Frank Prevratil

Director of Day Services

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Frank has been working with Living Resources since 2001. Currently, Frank works as Living Resources’ Director of Day Services. In this position he is responsible for the Day Community Opportunity programs, Site-Based Day Habilitation programs, and Living Resources’ Art programs. Frank is very proud of the fact that his programs are able to serve people from the New York City/New Jersey border all the way to Lake George. He has been instrumental in the creation of Day Habilitation without walls throughout New York state.

Frank has been a lifelong resident of Colonie, NY where he raised his three children and two grandchildren. Frank is very involved with his local community. He currently serves as a trustee for the Pinegrove Methodist Church. He is also a current member of the Village of Colonie Zoning Board of Appeals and the Village of Colonie Board of Ethics. Additionally, he is the chairman of the Village of Colonie traffic committee and serves as the Commissioner of Elections for the Village of Colonie. Frank is also a past member of the Town of Colonie Planning Board. Additionally, he was the President of the Colonie Little League, a past secretary for the Colonie Little League, and coached baseball for over 15 years.

David Putman

David Putman

Director of Facility Management

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David Putman has been employed with Living Resources since 1994. He previously was the Director of Residential Services until 2009, before moving into his current role as Director of Facility Management. He is responsible for overall maintenance of all agency properties. This includes ensuring buildings are safe and compliant with all rules and regulations. David also oversees the acquisition and renovation of new buildings. Additionally, he is responsible for the oversight and safety of the agency vehicle fleet.

David holds a BS in health science with a concentration in administration from SUNY Cortland. Outside of work, David likes to go golfing and hiking.

Erica Smith

Erica Smith

Director of Nursing

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Erica Smith began her career with Living Resources in November of 2019 as a Registered Nurse Manager. Her exceptional skills and dedication led to her promotion as Nursing Director in November of 2020. Currently, she holds the responsibility of overseeing region 2 of Nursing Care Managers.

Erica holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the esteemed College of St. Rose. With a strong background in the human services field, spanning over 15 years, she decided to further her education and pursued a degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica.

In addition to her professional achievements, Erica cherishes her role as a parent to three beautiful children, alongside her husband. Balancing her career and family, she finds immense joy in spending quality time with her loved ones. During the summer, Erica indulges in her passion for relaxation by the lake or on their boat, enjoying the serene ambiance of Sacandaga.

Joseph Sterling

Joseph Sterling

Director of Incident Management & Mitigation

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Joe Sterling began his career with Living Resources in 2013. Joe’s first full-time job out of school was as a Direct Support Professional. What was supposed to be a job quickly turned into a rewarding career spanning over 15 years. Joe’s passion for empowering independence, and strong team-building skills allowed him to hold various roles under the residential umbrella including Residential Habilitation Manager, and Assistant Director. In 2024 Joe was promoted to the role of Director of Incident Management and Mitigation, and is responsible for the oversight and investigation of the agency’s reportable incidents.

Originally from the small town of Ilion NY, Joe moved to the Albany Area in 2013 and now calls it his home. In his free time, Joe is an avid supporter of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a charity that raises funds and awareness for men’s mental health services across the world. Joe is also a passionate motorsports enthusiast, spending most of his weekends working on cars or racing them.