MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Dr. Christina Walton joins Crouse’s Manlius practice

The appointment of Christina Walton, DO, to the primary care provider team at Crouse Medical Practice is a homecoming of sorts for the young physician, who is welcoming new patients at the Manlius office. The Central New York native was a member of Crouse’s Choices program and Junior Volunteer corps during her years as a student at Cicero North Syracuse High School.

“My experience at Crouse during my high school years provided a rich and rewarding experience, as well as a wonderful foundation as I pursued my career in medicine,” says Dr. Walton.

Dr. Walton earned a bachelor’s degree in public health and biology from the University of Rochester. She completed her medical degree at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Buffalo — Sisters of Charity Hospital. While in medical school, she received the J.T. Tai Foundation Scholarship, awarded for high academic standing, and the Cary F. Vastola D.O. Award, presented to the Intern of the Year, selected for demonstrating medical excellence and dedication to the osteopathic profession.

“I am so pleased to be back in the Syracuse area, beginning to practice at Crouse and being reunited with family,” said Dr. Walton. She and her husband, Dan, whom she met in high school, became first-time parents in May, welcoming a baby boy, Ollie.

CNY Arts responding to arts crisis

In mid-March, arts, culture, and heritage venues were closed in an effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This shutdown resulted in the significant loss of both earned and contributed revenue, including government funds. The loss of this revenue has placed us in the middle of an arts crisis.

According to artists and arts agencies in this region’s creative sector, this crisis is having an “extremely severe” impact on their livelihoods. Without support, many will be forced to close their doors.

In response to this urgent need, CNY Arts has established the COVID-19 Impact Fund with a goal of raising $1M to save Central New York’s vibrant arts community.

The arts unify communities, provide jobs, stimulate economic growth, foster creative thinking, and build social cohesion. Arts and culture are also a solace and outlet for people during challenging times.

The Central New York Community Foundation is assisting with this initiative by hosting the fund. CNYCF will provide professional management, help with gift administration, and provide expanded capacity such as online giving, pledges, and stock/mutual fund/ complex gifts.

To make a contribution to the COVID-19 Impact Fund, visit cnycf.org and search cnyartscovidimpact.

Liverpool native pens first book

Liverpool native Ella Maria LeBlanc will release her first book, entitled Your Path to True Freedom, at a virtual launch party on Oct. 7.

“The Your Path To True Freedom book is to put you on the path to have true freedom in your mind, body and spirit,” LeBlanc said. “Sharing my personal stories through writing this book has helped me to heal and become a better person and I hope it does the same for others.”

The book outlines 10 principles to help readers “live the life they deserve.”

LeBlanc said she attributes her ability to navigate life’s challenges to her faith and her family. A certified life coach, LeBlanc is a graduate of Liverpool High School and SUNY Albany. For more information or to participate in the livestream of the launch party, visit queenellamaria.com.

Seeley joins St. Camillus

The Centers at St. Camillus has welcomed Katrina Seeley as its new director of nursing services for the skilled nursing facility, where she will oversee the nursing practice across all inpatient and clinical programs, including long term skilled nursing (continuing) care, short-term rehabilitation and the specialized care in Central and Upstate New York’s only statecertified Brain Injury Center.

With a collective decade of successful experience in nursing and health care management, Seeley specializes in long term care, critical care medicine and advanced wound care. She has held positions responsible for clinical, operational and quality leadership for nursing and clinical inpatient services throughout New York’s Capital district and Central regions.

Katrina received her undergraduate education at SUNY Albany and is currently a master’s candidate. She is a diplomate of the American Professional Wound Care Association and is certified in nursing executive practice.

She has received several honors and awards throughout her nursing career, including the Capital District Region’s esteemed Nurse of Excellence Award.