When Cynthia Mason took on the presidency of MHAW’s component agencies in 2013, Clubhouse of Suffolk, the Mental Health Association in Suffolk County, and Suffolk County United Veterans were three independent organizations. She played a key role in shepherding the official consolidation a year later.

Cynthia had been associated with Clubhouse since 1993, first working as a Rehabilitation Counselor as well as a job coach, intake interviewer, and grant administrator. Her passion for working with those with mental illness, as well as her love for the Clubhouse model, made her a perfect choice for a spot on the Clubhouse board where she served for 10 years as Second Vice President, before being elevated to Board President.

Cynthia began working in the mental health field in 1977 at Kings Park Psychiatric Center. She rose from an aide, to supervisor, to administrator. Cynthia was part of the team that opened the original State Operated Community Residences (SOCR) and the Residential Care Center for Adults (RCCA), both on the Kings Park grounds.

While at Kings Park, Cynthia received her Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology and History from Stony Brook University. She went on to receive a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from The New School of Social Research.

Cynthia tutors middle school and high school students in writing, English and other subjects. During the summer, she teaches painting classes for teenagers at the Emma S. Clark Library in Setauket, NY.

Kristie Golden, Ph.D., has a Doctorate in Arts and Sciences with a concentration in Health Administration from Union Institute and University, a Master of Science in Education and Rehabilitation Counseling from Hofstra University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Stony Brook University. Dr. Golden is nationally certified as a Rehabilitation Counselor (C.R.C.), licensed in New York State as a Mental Health Counselor (L.M.H.C). She is currently the Associate Director of Operations for the Neurosciences Service Line at Stony Brook University Hospital, including Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery. In this role she works with hospital and physician leadership, department administrators, and key stakeholders to focus efforts on the success of the neurosciences service line through strategic planning, business development, and operational effectiveness. Prior to this role she served as the Administrator for the Department of Psychiatry at Stony Brook where she was responsible for clinical and business operations, planning, department finances, and overseeing human resource functions.

Previous experience includes her role as Vice President at South Oaks Hospital and Broadlawn Manor, where was responsible for ambulatory healthcare operations and business planning. She also supervised clinical oversight, budget management, quality improvement activities, legislative advocacy, grants, research, and community development.

Dr. Golden pioneered the first vocational rehabilitation program at South Oaks as well as other behavioral health and school transition services benefitting countless children, adolescents, and adults. She also created the first Grants and Research Department for the organization.

An adjunct professor at Hofstra University and Suffolk County Community College, Dr. Golden has taught graduate counseling and vocational rehabilitation. She is an advocate in the areas of primary care and behavioral health integration, vocational counseling, and work-skill development for those with disabilities as well as innovative prevention and treatment in the area of addiction.

Dr. Golden has served on several not-for-profit boards. She was President of the Mental Health Association in Suffolk County; Chairperson of the Provider Advisory Committee for the Long Island Behavioral Health Organization; Vice President of Clubhouse of Suffolk; as well as a board member of Concern for Independent Living, the School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, the Curriculum Advisory Board at Hofstra University, and the Transition Task Force with the Nassau County Mental Health Association.

Dr. Golden has also served on a number of legislative-appointed committees including the Suffolk County Heroin and Opiate Epidemic Advisory Board; the Nassau County Prescription Drug Task Force; and, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council of Suffolk County.

Dr. Golden has received several awards during her career including two Peer Recognition Awards and the George Estabrook Distinguished Service Award from Hofstra University as well as recognition as Organization of the Year Award from the National Rehabilitation Association.

Active in her local community, Dr. Golden is a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Boy Scout Troop Committee Chairperson.

Rosemary Speciale had a distinguished and successful forty-year career in commercial banking. She rose through the ranks to Vice President, concentrating on commercial lending and business relationship management.

Rosemary is a summa cum laude graduate of New York Institute of Technology having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance. She is a member of Delta Mu Delta Honor Society for Business and Economics.

A former Rotarian who was honored with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award, Rosemary has a strong history of community service and volunteerism. She joined the Clubhouse of Suffolk board in 1992 and within a few years was named Vice President and Chair of the Finance Committee. She currently serves as MHAW’s Treasurer.

Rosemary has lived in Islandia since 1973 and was a catalyst behind the village’s incorporation in 1985. She has two adult daughters and three grandchildren.

Carl J. Baldini is Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education in the Wyandanch Union Free School District where he has served for ten years as a school psychologist.

Carl’s academic credentials include both an Advanced Certificate for School Psychologist and a Master of Science in Education from Brooklyn College. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland.

His post-graduate training includes studies with the School Leadership Program at The College of Saint Rose in Albany.

Carl holds a New York State School District Leader Professional Certificate, a School Building Leader Certificate, and a School Psychologist Permanent Certificate.

A resident of Manorville, Carl is also a certified instructor of Aikido, a non-violent martial art. He also practices traditional methods of meditation.

W. “Scott” Bradley is an information technology (IT) enterprise executive with strategic-level experience designing and managing major IT production environments within complex organizations.

Currently serving as the Commissioner of Information Technology for the Town of Brookhaven, he has an exceptional reputation as an effective leader of large IT organizations and expert technologist with a comprehensive understanding of IT strategic planning, project management, and cutting edge technologies.

Scott has more than 30 years of experience in a variety of IT leadership roles in the federal government, as an independently incorporated senior consultant, and as an IT Systems Officer in the US Marine Corps, including a tour as a Communications Detachment Commander in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Scott has M.S. in Information Technology from Johns Hopkins University, is certified as both a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), in addition to being certified in ITILv.3 Foundations.

Entrepreneur Virginia Cravotta is a pioneer in the field of long term care. In 1976 she launched Geriatric Planning, Inc. (GPI), the nation’s first company to help families deal with long term care needs. Her guidance, and that of her professional healthcare team, has enabled families to communicate more effectively, acknowledge the functional needs of their frail loved ones, and make informed decisions and choices.

GPI later expanded to include elder law and financial planning services, transforming the firm into a “one-stop shopping” resource for seniors and their families. Virginia’s expertise in nursing and the field of aging resulted in her becoming a featured speaker for the National Council on the Aging, Hofstra University, and County and State Offices of the Aging.

Her quest to publicize her business and to discuss the critical issues confronting the rapidly aging population on Long Island planted the seeds for a second career in broadcasting.

Realizing that seniors didn’t have a strong voice in the media despite their growing numbers and increased financial clout, Virginia took to the airwaves with a four-year run hosting a local radio program on older adult issues. Its success led to a weekly half-hour program on Cablevision titled “Young at Heart,” which ran for an unprecedented eight years due to its rapid commercial success and positive viewer-feedback. That became the springboard for a regular spot on News 12 Long Island as the station’s Senior Affairs Correspondent.

A frequent speaker and workshop presenter, Virginia is currently the president of Senior Care Solutions of New York, a geriatric care management firm. She is also active in the community and devotes her time and expertise to many not-for-profit organizations such as Literacy-Suffolk and PUPS for Parkinson’s Disease, Inc.

Robert E. Detor retired in 2015 as the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Long Island Home, a member of Northwell Health System, which operates South Oaks Hospital, a 193-bed behavioral health facility with ambulatory services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. He also oversaw Broadlawn Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a 320-bed skilled nursing facility with a sub-acute care and rehabilitation specialty as well as an adult day health program.

Previously, Bob served as Director of Health Services for the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s Catholic Charities, Executive Director of the North Suffolk Center, and the Director of the Bureau of Training for Narcotics and Drug Research, Inc.

Bob currently serves, or has served, on the following boards: The National Association of Psychiatric Health System; LeadingAge New York; United Way of Long Island; Health and Welfare Council of Long Island; Hands Across Long Island; Clubhouse of Suffolk, and; the Victims Information Bureau. He was also a gubernatorial appointee to the Mental Health Services Council.

Bob completed his graduate work at Syracuse University and resides in Port Washington.

Elvira Lovaglio Duncan serves as the Mature Worker Program Regional Director for the Urban League. In this role, she is responsible to help provide low-income and employed persons 55-years and older with job training, placement, and employment retention services that increase the number of full and part-time mature workers in the private sector.

Each year in late September, in recognition of Older Worker Week, Elvira hosts a job fair to bring awareness of the valuable resources older workers possess and to foster opportunities for employment.

A member of the Oyster Bay-North Hempstead-Glen Cove Workforce Investment Board (WIB), Elvira holds a Master’s degree in Labor Relations from Stony Brook University.

Marni Ehrlich has over twenty-five years of senior management experience in global health care, telecommunications, information technology, internet services, wireless communications, and software development and solutions for healthcare markets.

Over the past ten years, Marni has founded and led two healthcare consulting and training firms: TechLeaders Consulting and JEMS Training. They provide electronic medical records services, grant development, educational services, and strategic planning for healthcare providers/practices and medical centers. Marni is certified by American Health Information Management Association for consulting and implementing IT solutions for physician practices. He has in-depth understanding of the federal guidelines and incentive program.

Marni led the development of the first Behavioral Health New York Informatics Conference held in 2010. His extensive background includes strategic planning, technology planning, and integrated care programs. TechLeaders Consulting provides consulting services to over 500 providers nationwide.

As a father of disabled child, Marni has a special interest in providing services to those with behavioral health and developmental disabilities.

Elizabeth Hausner has enjoyed a 30-plus-year career in healthcare serving all age groups and diverse community demographics in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Her focus has been on services to seniors concerning community health and residential living options.

Elizabeth has been an advocate of assisted living and has worked to advance the licensure and recognition of this residential option in New York State. She is currently working with Atria Senior Living as a Community Sales Director. Elizabeth works to help families find solutions to their healthcare and residential needs with a goal to enhance the quality of life of seniors in their resident communities.

Elizabeth joined the MHAW board, she says, because of, “a commitment to the mission of helping people reach their personal goals, achieve recovery, and lead full, meaningful lives.”

Silas Kelly brings diverse experiences in the fields of social work, teaching, and broadcasting to his role on the MHAW board.

He presently serves as a Social Work Counselor at Concern for Independent Living in Medford, and had previously been an Independent Living Skills Counselor at The Wayback in Port Jefferson.

Silas is also a computer and communications instructor at the Branford Hall Career Institute in Bohemia.

In addition, as an independent public affairs radio producer, Silas has created a half dozen radio programs and segments focusing on various social and public health issues for Long Island radio stations.

A resident of Copiague, Silas earned a Master of Social Work degree with honors from Adelphi University, and also holds two Bachelor degrees from Brooklyn College: in Broadcast Journalism and Public Communications. He gained has earned more than thirty awards, scholarships, and honors over the course of his career.

Lonnie Mathis is a mental health counselor and certified life coach specializing in trauma, suicide risk assessment, dissociative disorders, family therapy, and conflict resolution. She also has expertise in Child Protective Services procedures.

Lonnie holds two Master of Science degrees in Community Mental Health Education and School Counseling from SUNY Brockport. She also earned a certificate in Life Coaching from the Life Coaching Institute of Orange County in Costa Mesa, CA.

A co-founder and group facilitator of Transitions to Freedom based in West Babylon, Lonnie helps incarcerated individuals end undesirable behaviors, make adjustments to life outside of jail, and promote healing and growth.

A native of West Babylon, Lonnie also worked as a Workshop Facilitator for the Herstory Writers Workshop where she facilitated memoir-writing programs at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, Wyandanch High School, Clubhouse of Suffolk, and other organizations. Her responsibilities included group management, feedback and assessment, and editing for publication.

Deborah Mayo, a retired Registered Nurse from St. Catherine’s Medical Center in Smithtown, has a remarkable record of leadership in mental health on Long Island.

She is President of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Central Suffolk and has been a board member since 2006, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth. Deborah has also held numerous leadership positions within New York State NAMI, including three community mental health awards.

Deborah has served on numerous committees and advisory councils associated with the New York State Office of Mental Health, and has been an MHAW advisory board member since 2014.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Molloy College and is also a Reiki Master Teacher. Deborah lives in Stony Brook with her husband. As one of her adult sons has a mental health diagnosis, Deborah notes that “his daily courage has inspired me to make mental health advocacy work a priority in my life.”

Thomas McOlvin is a Clinical Social Worker who graduated from Adelphi University with a Master of Social Work degree.

Starting his career as a Mental Health Therapy Aide working with adult and geriatric patients, Tom spent much of his 37-year career in mental health supporting the needs of children, adolescents, and families.

He has held supervisory and administrative roles with the New York State Office of Mental Health and also at the Pederson Krag Center in Huntington. In 2014, he retired as Executive Director of Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center in Melville.

A former adjunct faculty member at Suffolk County Community College, Tom has also served as a Quality Management Consultant. He took part in the State’s response to the events of September 11, 2001 through service at the Disaster Relief Center in Lower Manhattan.

A resident of Holbrook, Tom and his wife, Marie, have two adult daughters. Tom’s interests include architecture and his classic car, a Mercury Cougar.

Dr. James Mullin’s distinguished career in Social Work spanned five decades. He practiced in such fields as criminal justice, Veterans and the military, developmental disabilities, mental retardation, mental health, homelessness, and education.

Dr. Mullin holds a Doctorate in Public Administration from NYU, a Master’s degree in Social Work from Syracuse University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Siena College.

Most recently, Dr. Mullin served as Director of the Undergraduate Social Work Program at Adelphi University’s School of Social Work. He also held various senior-level positions with the State Office of Mental Health both in Albany and on Long Island.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mullin has focused attention on addressing the emotional and social work-related challenges facing Veterans and active members of the military. In the late 1960’s, Dr. Mullin was a Social Work Officer with the US Army, including a year of active service in Vietnam. Dr. Mullin and his wife, Fran Greene, live in Smithtown.

Dr. Davis Pollack is a local, state, and national leader and advocate for people with mental illness.

In 2013, Dr. Pollack retired as President of the Mental Health Association in Suffolk County, Suffolk County United Veterans, and Clubhouse of Suffolk, 23 years after he led a group of six family members to form the latter organization.

After graduating from dental school in 1947, Dr. Pollack served as Captain in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. When he returned home, he opened a successful dentistry practice in Babylon.

After two of his children were diagnosed with a mental illness, he and his wife, Helen, a licensed Social Worker, decided they needed to get involved in mental health advocacy.

Dr. Pollack joined the Board of Directors at Fountain House in New York City, an organization that was at the forefront of the “clubhouse model,” a community-based center for facilitating vocational and social integration. Dr. Pollack went on to became a national advocate, serving as the First Vice President of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Needing a local affiliation, he established a Queens/Nassau NAMI chapter at Long Island Jewish Hospital. In 1998, Dr. Pollack co-founded Venture House, a clubhouse program located in Jamaica, NY. Within two years, he and his wife, Helen, founded Clubhouse of Suffolk and in 2006, was inducted into the Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame for improving the quality of life for Long Islanders.

Dr. Pollack’s advocacy and drive to open Clubhouse was personal and with it the firm belief in the potential and productivity of all people in recovery. When asked about the success of Clubhouse, Dr. Pollack summed it up this way. “We realized my vision: a successful program that treats people with dignity to achieve life goals including housing, work, socialization, and becoming productive citizens of society.”