Business Professional Women 2020

Honoring Professional Women &Women in Business

A Special Section of the Sullivan County Democrat • November 17, 2020 • Callicoon, New York • Section W

Featuring 13 Professional & Business Women in Sullivan County

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 2020

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Congratulations to all the Honorees!

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Investment Advisors Creating and Preserving Wealth Philip Coombe III, CFPÂŽ â&#x20AC;˘ Catherine M. Coombe, CFPÂŽ â&#x20AC;˘ Lynn McDonald

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Phone (845) 647-4800 â&#x20AC;˘ (800) 4 COOMBE â&#x20AC;˘ www.coombebender.com â&#x20AC;˘ Email: pcoombe@coombefinancial.com

NOVEMBER 2020

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Jaime Lynn Schmeiser

BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM

Age: 57 Place of employment: Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Current title and duties: President and CEO. I’m incredibly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to advance the mission of the Chamber to assist, support, promote and advocate on behalf of Sullivan County’s business community. I have been in this position since October 1, 2018.

Years of experience: I have 26 years of administration, leadership and rural community economic development experience. I have worn many hats from CEO to Board Member in a rural chamber of commerce, economic development partnership, main street organization and non-profits concerned with affordable housing issues and poverty alleviation.

Why did you choose this career?

I love making a difference in my community and working for a Chamber of Commerce gives me the ability to assist so many different organizations and businesses in my community to help make a difference.

Favorite part of your job: No day is ever the same. The variety of organizations, enterprises and people I get to work with on a daily basis keeps me on my toes and challenges me on top of my game each and every day.

Most challenging part of your job: See above Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: At the very beginning of the pandemic, the County, the IDA, the Partnership for Economic Development, the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association and the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce rallied to support our businesses in the county as a cohesive, unified force. We have always worked together in partnership, but

the pandemic caused us to work harder together than we ever have before. It made me appreciate our amazing community even more than I already did!

Education/Professional certifications: I have a bachelor’s degree in social science from the University of Wyoming, an associate’s degree from Northwest College in History and several vocational school certificates in grant writing, residential mortgage lending, banking, bookkeeping, notary public, and real estate sales. I am a recent graduate of the Leadership Sullivan Class of 2020 and a 2020 Fellow of Pattern for Progress of the Hudson Valley.

Favorite movie: Pride and Prejudice Favorite actor/and or actress: Colin Firth How do you spend your spare time: Cooking and reading Favorite vacation spot: New Orleans French Quarter Family: Four adopted children – the oldest is adopted from Bulgaria and she is out on her own now – the three youngest are siblings from Washington State.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: I played an active role in community partnership development, grant writing and volunteer management with such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Main Street USA, Economic Partnership, Rotary International, Head Start and Suicide Prevention. These many roles allowed me to create successful programs, to assist in the development and expansion of business-client relationships, building and strengthening coalitions, and working with community stakeholders.

I have served and serve on several county committees in relation to my work at the Chamber, which have included Workforce Development, Physical Accessibility Sub-

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Jaime Lynn Schmeiser

committee, Complete Count 2020 Census Committee, Economic Development Committee and Sneak Peek Sullivan. I also served on U.S. Congressman’s Antonio Delgado’s Small Business Advocacy Committee.

I love to volunteer and have

joined the Liberty, NY Chapter of Rotary International and The Jeffersonville, NY Lions Club. I also am serving as a current Board Member on the New Hope Community Board of Directors.

Dream job: I am doing it right now!

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Christine Westerman really liked what I was doing. When a full-time position opened up a few months later, I immediately applied. Even after 20 years, I still learn something new every day.

Our jobs are ever evolving, even without a global pandemic. As we learn about the health effects of various chemicals, we develop new regulations and new ways to treat those chemicals to help protect the public. When I was first hired, smoking indoors in public was commonplace; now it is not even permitted in many outdoor parks.

I’ve worked on initiatives to reduce children’s exposure to lead in the environment.

Favorite part of your job: Working with people and feeling I’ve really made a difference. The local health departments in this area of the state have very smart, experienced staff. With NYC part of

BY ISABEL BRAVERMAN

Age: 49 Place of employment: New York State Department of Health, Monticello Current title and duties: Regional Environmental Health Director. I work with local health departments in the lower Hudson Valley, NYC and Long Island on implementing environmental health regulations. We oversee restaurant inspections, fire safety and children’s camps, pools and beaches, and public drinking water, to name a few.

Years of experience: Five in current position, 22 with NYSDOH Why did you choose this career?

After I came home from the Peace Corps, I worked for NYSDOH Monticello District Office as a summer Public Health Inspector and

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Christine Westerman

our region, we tend to see new issues before the rest of the state –

whether it is new and creative ways to prepare and store foods, or emerging infections. I am always learning from our partners. As a Sullivan County resident, I am biased and incredibly impressed by our partners at Sullivan County Public Health Services. It is a relatively small department but they handled the measles outbreaks last year incredibly well – and like everyone in public health this year, have been stepping up to the pandemic challenge.

Most challenging part of your job: This year has been challenging for everyone. I’ve worked in emergency response since the 9/11 attacks, including H1N1, measles outbreak, multiple floods and storm responses, oil spills in water supply reservoirs, and many foodborne illness outbreaks. There have been so many unknowns this year, but we’ve all relied on skills obtained in prior emergencies and are focused on what we’ve learned about the Coronavirus. As challenging as it is, I continue to be PLEASE SEE WESTERMAN, 6W

You’re going to like what you see!

Congratulations to all the Professional Business Women

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Women in Business

Honoring 13 women in a three-county region Published by

Catskill-Delaware Publications, Inc. Publishers of the

(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723 November 17, 2020 • Vol. CXXX, No. 46

Publisher: Co- Editors: Editorial Assistants: Production Manager: Design: Advertising Director: Assistant Advertising Director: Special Sections Coordinator: Advertising Coordinator: Business Manager: Assistant Business Manager: Telemarketing Coordinator: Monticello Office Manager: Classified Manager: Production Associates: Circulation & Distribution:

Fred W. Stabbert III Joseph Abraham and Matt Shortall Isabel Braverman, Margaret Bruetsch, Kathy Daley, Richard Ross, Jeanne Sager, Ed Townsend Petra Duffy Rosalie Mycka Liz Tucker Barbara Matos Susan Panella Lillian Ferber Susan Owens Patricia Biedinger Michelle Reynolds Margaret Bruetsch Janet Will Elizabeth Finnegan, Nyssa Calkin, Katey Dnistrian, Jessica Roda Anthony Bertholf, John Fischer, Phil Grisafe

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Amber Benson

BY CAROL MONTANA Age: 39 Place of employment: Jeff Bank – Jeffersonville Operations Current title and duties: Vice President/Compliance Officer/Audit Coordinator Years of experience: 16 Why did you choose this career?: After graduating from college, I wanted to find a job close to home (Callicoon at the time), but did not know what I wanted to do. I applied and accepted a Teller position in our Jeffersonville office in 2004. At that time, I did not realize this would be the beginning of my banking career. In 2005, I then accepted a temporary internal audit position, followed by Compliance Officer in 2008, and then adding Audit Coordinator in 2015.

Therefore, I would say this career chose me more so than me choos-

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ing this career.

Favorite part of your job: Knowing and appreciating that I work with friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable co-workers every day.

Most challenging part of your job: Interpreting New York State laws and regulations.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer, or memory: Earning the title of Vice President and becoming a member of Senior Management along with earning my Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager designation.

Education: Bachelor’s in Business Economics/Minor in Finance Professional certifications: Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) and Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer (CCBCO) Favorite movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

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Amber Benson

Favorite actor/and or actress: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Adam Sandler How do you spend your spare time: I enjoy spending quality time with my family, golfing, kayaking, mowing my yard, and putting puzzles together.

Favorite vacation spot: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Family: I have been married to my husband Tim for 15 years. We have two children: our daughter Kayla and our son Ryan. We also have one dog, Paisley.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: Former Girl Scouts leader Dream job: Executive Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 2020

WESTERMAN FROM PAGE 4W

impressed by my co-workers’ dedication and tireless efforts on both pandemic response and keeping our routine environmental health work at the forefront by continuing to protect food supplies, public drinking water, and recreational opportunities.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: Although the job focuses on enforcing regulations, the regulations are there to protect the public. Most of our operators are small businesses – restaurants, campgrounds, water suppliers – who want to protect their customers as much as we do.

My favorite on the job moment is when we recognize that we all have the same goals. When we in environmental health can explain the science behind the regulation, most of the time, our operators can agree and move forward with compliance.

Education: Bachelor’s Degrees in Economics from Colgate University and Biology from Excelsior College, Masters in Public Health from SUNY Albany.

Favorite movie: Frozen and Frozen 2 are on repeat at my house lately Favorite actor/and or actress: Meryl Streep, Alan Alda How do you spend you spare time: Hiking, Kayaking, Swimming, Biking Favorite vacation spot: Any quiet warm beach Family: Incredibly supportive husband Bob, son Mason 4, and our weekend boys Gabriel 7, Richie 6 and Gabe 5 (former foster sons) Civic or volunteer affiliations: Rock Hill Business and Community Association and Sullivan Striders Running and Walking Club, certified foster family Dream job: Supreme Court Justice

Thank you Maria Bivins for a lifelong dedication to our hometown and its positive growth. Congrats from the Foster Supply team!

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Maria Bivins

BY CAROL MONTANA

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Age: 47 Place of employment: Life Repurposed, Vintage Gift & Thrift, 62 Main St, Livingston Manor.

I also operate two AirBnBs in Livingston Manor (62a on Main and 65a on Main). I recovered and refinished all of the furniture and fixtures and designed the spaces to be affordable, comfortable and homey.

I also produce the Livingston Manor-Roscoe Visitor’s Guide. It is a yearly publication that I took over a few years ago when my mother, Carolyn Bivins, retired.

Our goal is to showcase what the hamlets in the Town of Rockland have to offer to the tourists, second homeowners and year-round residents in our community.

Current title and duties: Owner Years of experience: 10

Why did you choose this career?: I really wanted a job that I loved to do every day that would work around my son’s busy school schedule. Key requirements were flexible, fun, sustainable and financially sound. I had been selling small used merchandise online using eBay and other platforms, and opening a “brick and mortar” store seemed like the next logical step. Opening the AirBnBs seemed like a great way to market some of my finished merchandise and optimize some of my real estate.

Favorite part of your job: Turning an old worn-out piece of furniture into a work of art and finding it a new home where it will be treasured.

Most challenging part of your job: Not enough hours in the day or days in the week. In other words, when you are self-

JILL C SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Maria Bivins

employed time management is critical.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: Honestly, every time that someone finds a treasure – whether it be a knickknack, book or a piece of furniture

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– it makes me happy that they have found something that will be loved and used and appreciated.

All of my customer memories are my favorite.

Education: Livingston Manor Central School Favorite movie: The Princess Bride Favorite actor and/or actress: Gerard Butler How do you spend your spare time: What spare time?

Favorite vacation spot: Any beach Family: 20-year-old son Nathaniel DePaul is a Junior at SUNY Albany.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: Program Director for Calliope-onMain Foundation that operates the Livingston Manor Little Free Pantry and sponsors the Livingston Manor Trout Parade, currently the Vice President of the Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce and member of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association.

Dream job: Doing it!

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Commercial Office Specialists: Kyocera Printers

Computer Desks Desk Chairs, Chairs, Chairs Low Volume Printers & Multifunction Black & White & Color Laptops Desk Computers Supply Items

CONGRATS M AR

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46 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY

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Harvey CONGRATULATIONS TO

At Rourke Law we know the value of Professional Women as we depend highly on our paralegals, Jennifer Shampine & Nancy Esposito

From all of us at

From all of your Co-Workers at

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COMMUNITY

ROLLING V BUS CORPORATION

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and all of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipients.

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Congrats to Maria Bivins

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED for your ALL THE OUTSTANDING DEDICATION and WORKING HARD EVERY DAY! You make this a better place.

HONOREES! We are Proud to work side by side with you!

845-434-0511

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

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Karrie Ann Jara

BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM Age: 53 Place of Employment: Margaretville Memorial Hospital (prior to that I worked at Catskill Regional Medical Center).

Current title and duties: Emergency Room Registered Nurse Years of Service: 12 Years Why did you choose this career? I chose this career after being a Volunteer EMT for 20 years. I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and chose to become a Registered Nurse.

Favorite part of your job? The favorite parts of my job are being able to Save a Life and know that I make a difference to every patient with my care in their time

of need.

Most challenging part of your job? It is challenging to stay calm and being able to respond in the stressful and emergent situations when one minute can make a difference in the patient’s outcome.

Also, giving comfort to a family who suffers from a devastating loss.

Favorite on the job moment: My favorite memory was when our ER team had to “shock” a patient because his heart was in an arrhythmia that was life threatening while he was alert.

Since that day he thanks me for saving his life whenever he sees me, but asks the next time he PLEASE SEE JARA,10W

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Congratulations Karrie!!

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Karrie Ann Jara

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1908 Old Route 17, Roscoe, NY 12776 (607) 498-4405 www.theroscoediner.com

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Your mother Bonnie, your father Ralph & stepmother Susan along with the rest of us are all very proud of your accomplishments.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Congratulations Karrie!!

JARA FROM PAGE 9W

needs to be shocked to please use some BBQ sauce.

Education: Graduated third in class from Roscoe Central School in 1985 with regents diploma. I graduated from OCCC in 1986 with associates degree in computer science. I graduated from SCCC in 2008 with associates in Nursing and member of Phi Theta Kappa.

Professional Certifications: RN, EMT, BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, PEARS, NAEMT. Sullivan County Town of Rockland PRIDE Recipient -2008 Catskill Mountain Professional Woman’s Club – Woman of the Year Community Service Award 2007 Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing How do you spend your spare time? I spend my spare time

Thank you for all you do Your friends at the Roscoe-Rockland Ladies Auxiliary

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NOVEMBER 2020

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT ®

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- VOLTAIRE

Age: 49 Place of employment: Care Center at Sunset Lake Current title and duties: I am the Principal Account Clerk in the Finance Office. My current duties include Billing and Accounts Receivable.

Years of experience: 29 Why did you choose this career?: You could say this career chose me. I started here right after college and enjoyed my job and never left. I work with a great bunch of people here at the Care Center.

Favorite part of your job: Favorite part of my job is interacting with the residents that live here.

Most challenging part of your job: I find the most challenging part of my job is to try to explain to the residents and their families the

ins and outs of Medicare/Insurance coverage and how it applies to them here at the Nursing Home.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: The most rewarding moments are when a resident approaches me and is worried about paying the bill here, and I can assure them that it has been paid by their family or insurance.

Education: Attended high school at JYCS in Jeffersonville and Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake.

How do you spend you spare time: In my spare time I read and just really enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Favorite vacation spot: I enjoy vacationing in North Carolina and trips to the shore.

Family: My husband’s name is Rudy. We have two sons Rudy and Michael.

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NOVEMBER 2020

Heidi Bauer Age: 31 Place of employment: Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center Current title and duties: Group Sales Administrative Assistant. I work with our group sales team at the resort, to enter group contracts, setup room blocks, create invoices, and assisting our guests with making their reservations to stay at the resort.

Years of experience: Four years in the Group Sales Office but 10 years at the Villa Roma in total Why did you choose this career? I actually didn’t originally choose this career. I started at the Front Desk of the Villa Roma to get on the job experience; with the plan of applying to work at a bank eventually, but ended up really

enjoying the hospitality industry and decided to stay with the Villa Roma.

Favorite part of your job: Setting up rates and data entry. I know it sounds strange but I truly love the data entry and working the numbers part of my job. I’m also very happy to have met so many great people during my career at the Villa Roma both guests and co-workers. Being at the same place for the last 10 years many of my co-workers and our group leaders saw me when I got engaged, got married, knew when I was pregnant, have met my kids; it’s like having a whole other family that has watched you grow up over the years.

Most challenging part of your

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Heidi Bauer

The Villa Roma Resort would like to say THANK YOU to Heidi Bauer for all her years of dedication and hard work.

You are truly appreciated for everything you accomplish in addition to being an amazing mother.

356 Villa Roma Rd, Callicoon, NY 12723

(800) 533-6767 www.VILLAROMA.com

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BY ISABEL BRAVERMAN

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Eleanor Davis

BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM

PHOTO BY KARL RABE

Eleanor Davis

Place of employment: SUNY Sullivan Current title and duties: Dean of Communications and Admissions. I oversee public relations, communications, marketing, and admissions and recruitment for the college, as well as special events and other campus activities.

Years of experience: I’ve worked in media related fields for around 25 years, first as a producer in broadcast television and moving into nonprofit management and communications for higher education.

Prior to SUNY Sullivan I worked for many years as Director of Public Relations at Bard College.

Why did you choose this career?

Every day I feel that I am contributing something very positive by promoting accessible, quality public education. Seeing how I can have an impact on helping people improve their opportunities and

the quality of their lives is very meaningful for me. And the day-to-day work of doing community outreach, planning events, developing communications materials, working on creative and strategy, and figuring out the latest media tech is really fun.

It’s the perfect fit for me.

Favorite part of your job: It sounds corny, but working in education you are surrounded by a lot of wonderful people— faculty, staff, and especially the students.

It’s the best business to be in.

Most challenging part of your job: Predicting anything during the COVID-19 pandemic! We have been working semester to semester to support students, and I think the college community has pulled together to do a great job under the circumstances. It’s kind of amazing when I think about it. But I also think a lot about the financial and logistical challenges that PLEASE SEE DAVIS, 19W

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Anne-Louise Scandariato

BY ISABEL BRAVERMAN Age: 52 Place of employment: Sullivan Renaissance Current title and duties: Volunteer Program Manager. I promote community engagement through the recruitment, placement, and retention of volunteers and manage the Sullivan Renaissance Volunteer Corps. I also facilitate the intern program. Yearly, in partnership with the Sullivan County Center for Workforce Development, Sullivan Renaissance hires several part-time seasonal Interns to work with community volunteers on Renaissance projects.

This paid internship is an excellent opportunity to be part of the movement to change and shape the future of communi-

ties throughout Sullivan County. A leadership component is provided which brings Interns together for discussions on a variety of topics presented by professionals, community leaders and volunteers from diverse backgrounds. It is an opportunity to acquire knowledge about community related issues as well as to develop skills in public speaking, work readiness and project management.

Years of experience: Not sure how to answer because my background is in another field.

However, the skills from my other jobs/career support my success at Sullivan Renaissance.

Why did you choose this career? The career chose me. I relocated to Sullivan County from Long Island in 2013 and

started volunteering with Sullivan Renaissance in 2014. As a volunteer, I was grateful to support an organization that provided an immediate impact within communities and showed deep appreciation to the volunteers. In mid-2017, the Volunteer Program Manager position opened up and the rest is history.

Favorite part of your job: I love working with the community volunteers and interns.

They create a positive and affirmative atmosphere while putting ideas into action. To witness and participate in the transformation of spaces, comPLEASE SEE SCANDARIATO, 15W CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Anne-Louise Scandariato

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Volunteer Progrram Manager, Sullivan Ren Vo naissance To allll off the th incred i dible dibl d women being b i recogniz izedd for f th their i inspirationall leadership in Sullivan Couunty Thank you for your o dedication and professionalism.

Yo ou are motivating forces, especially to the young wom men in our community.

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Visit us at SullivanRenaissance.org E Q M 845-295-2445

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Building g beautiful, active com communities

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Araceli (Ari) Mir-Pontier

BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM

Age: 64 Place of employment: NY Senate - Senator Jen Metzger - District 42 Current title and duties: Constituent Services Manager. I manage Senator Metzger’s satellite office located in Liberty, NY, and handle Sullivan County cases. I am also bilingual and translate for our Spanish speaking constituents.

Years of experience: Almost 2 years.

Why did you choose this career?

To make a difference in our county and our state.

Favorite part of your job: Meeting so many wonderful people, and hearing their stories.

Most challenging part of your job: Finding the right help for individual needs.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: So many to choose from, but I am particularly proud of being of help during the pandemic.

Education: Good old fashion parochial schools!

Professional certifications: NYS Insurance Broker Favorite movie: The African Queen.

Favorite actor/and or actress: Humphrey Bogart.

How do you spend your spare time: Making art. Usually painting along the Delaware.

Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica.

Family –– Husband: Glenn Pontier; Children: Bryan Useo, Chris Useo, Nicole Slevin Nikolados and Elena Mir; Grandchildren: Elijah, Asher, Teddy and Macenzie.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: Sullivan 180 Advisory Board, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance Board, Barryville Area Arts Association.

Dream job: Helping people while surrounded by art. Luckily, I have that pleasure now. Our office displays the work of talented local artists.

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Araceli (Ari) Mir-Pontier

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munities and individuals is indescribable. I also get to hang out with Rennie the Rooster!

Most challenging part of your job: Currently, the pandemic and limited face-to-face interactions.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: Most days I am fortunate to have a new favorite memory and encounter inspiring people. I am lucky to work with and be supported by a wonderful team of co-workers.

Education: BS from New York University and MS in Creative Arts Therapy. Dance/Movement Therapy Favorite movie: I grew up on old movies and musicals, so it is Singin’ in the Rain but I also love John Hughes’ movies.

Favorite actor/and or actress: Gene Kelly How do you spend your spare time: Exploring all that Sullivan County has to offer, refining my mixology skills, laughing, and spending time with great people.

Favorite vacation spot: Sullivan County, unless there’s too much snow, then anywhere in the Caribbean.

Family: I have no immediate family in Sullivan County, however I am blessed with many Sullivan County friends whom I call family. A huge thank you to Anthony Scandariato for introducing me to Sullivan County in 2004!

Civic or volunteer affiliations: Monticello Interfaith Council Dream job: Back-up singer for Jimmy Buffet

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 2020

Abyssinia Pla El

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Elena Byrd

Elena Byrd

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Abyssinia Pla El

BY PATRICIO ROBAYO Age: 29 Place of employment: Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Current title and duties: Operations Coordinator. My current duties include recordkeeping, database management, social media management, serving as the association local IT person, accounts payable, and creating various marketing and communication materials such as flyers, brochures, and ads.

Years of experience: I started working at CCE Sullivan in October 2019, so for most of my duties, I have one year of experience. I do have four years' experience in recordkeeping and database management.

Why did you choose this career? I relocated to Sullivan County a few years ago and was looking for a job that I would enjoy. I found that at CCE Sullivan.

Favorite part of your job: Creating marketing materials.

Most challenging part of your job: Currently, I am learning accounts payable. This is chal-

lenging because it is something new that I am trying to master.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer, or memory: Working in the garden with my coworkers this summer.

Education: BBA in Business Management from Baruch College.

Favorite movie: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a favorite movie, but I love sci-fi thrillers, psychological thrillers, and romantic comedies.

Favorite actor/and or actress: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have one.

How do you spend your spare time: I spend my spare time reading, baking, writing, watching Black 90s sitcoms, hiking, doing puzzles, and trying new foods.

Favorite vacation spot: Any place hot.

Family: My partner and our two cats Luna and Rain. Also, my mother, four sisters, and one brother.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: I participate in crowdfunding for single mothers, domestic violence victims, and the LGBT+ community.

Dream job: A writer and book reader.

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BY CAROL MONTANA Age: 48 Place of employment: Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills Current title and duties: Unit Management Supervisor, Nursing Administration – Primarily responsible for the Nursing Division Unit coordinators, daily staffing of the Nursing Division employees, i.e.

RNs, Nursing Assistants, Techs, Unit Coordinators, etc., along with the payroll functions for the Nursing Division employees, processing payroll, ensuring that the time and attendance system is used accurately and in line with contract language and hospital policies.

Years of experience: 17 Why did you choose this career?: I didn’t, this career chose me. I always felt there is a reason for everything that happens in our lives. I am originally from Brooklyn and moved here with my family 20 years ago. I started working at the hospital in 2003 as a food service worker and from there I have worked my way up into our Nursing Administration Department as a Unit Management Super-

visor. I have been in this department for over 14 years and I have no regrets. I love my job and those that know me are probably saying “yeah right Elena how many times have you said you hate your job,” but that’s only when I am having a moment - LOL, I would not trade it for anything in the world.

Favorite part of your job: Interacting with our staff, which to me is more like my family – being surrounded by such wonderful people, our unit coordinators, nurses, nursing assistants, and our Leadership Team, such hard working people, caring, loving, so supportive and understanding. We laugh together, cry together and argue with each other, but always kiss and make up as if we never argued – just like a family.

Most challenging part of your job: Definitely staffing and scheduling.

Our first priority is to make sure we have appropriate staffing on our medical units to safely and appropriately care for our patients. Sometimes, unfortunately, we can’t always approve certain requests, or we have to mandate staff to work longer than

they expected. It’s not easy and the staff is not always happy. But at the end of the day we all understand how important our patients are to us and our organization, and the reason why we are here and our purpose.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: I have many, and this might sound crazy, but I feel my favorite on-the-job moment has been working through this pandemic – feeling scared but also proud, feeling nervous, confused but proud, feeling worried but proud.

Proud to be essential, watching our staff and our community come together in such a horrific and confusing time. Being a part of that has changed my life. This is a very emotional time in my life, but I am so grateful to be doing what I do, and this is a memory I will never forget and always cherish.

Education: Mabel Dean Bacon, Vocational High School, Manhattan NY. Professional certifications: Completion of Leadership Academy, Certificate of Appreciation Outstanding Care Award, Employee of the Year.

Congratulations Elena Byrd Nursing Administration Unit Management Supervisor Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills Congratulations to Elena Byrd for being recognized as one of the Sullivan County Democrat's Professional Women & Women in Business for 2020. Garnet Health is proud to have Elena as a member of our team, working to keep our community safe DQG KHDOWK\ :H FHOHEUDWH KHU FRQWULEXWLRQV WR RXU VWD΍ DQG patients, and admire her commitment to providing exceptional experiences in the workplace. garnethealth.org

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Favorite movie: Pretty in Pink Favorite actor/and or actress: Angela Bassett How do you spend your spare time: Cooking, helping out in our family restaurant - Main St. Eatery every once in a while, spending time with all my family and friends, getting together, BBQs, etc.

Favorite vacation spot: Matthews, NC with my in-laws, they are such beautiful people and have a beautiful home. I love to see the excitement in my husband’s and my boys’ eyes when they are able to visit that other side of our family. I just wish we were able to visit more often.

Family: Married to my wonderful husband for 21 years. We have two beautiful strong boys 19 and 11 years old.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: Registered Voter.

Dream job: Never really had one, as long as I am able to always provide and take care of my family I am satisfied. I guess if I had to pick a dream job it would be, being a mother – that’s a job in itself, so I guess I am one of the lucky ones to have my dream job.

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NOVEMBER 2020

Deirdre Stawowy

BY MATT SHORTALL Age: 34 Place of employment: Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility Current title and duties: Human Resource Director – payroll, new hire process (interview, paperwork, compliance with state and federal regulations), tending to employee relations issues, benefits, unemployment, corporate compliance, etc.

Years of experience: I have 15 years overall at Achieve and more than five years as the Human Resource Director.

Why did you choose this career? It is something that progressed over time. I started at Achieve as a Domestic Aide; making beds, filling water pitchers, stocking supplies on units. It was a summer job while I was home

from college. I was eager to learn and asked for more and more responsibility, cross training in several other positions (Nursing Secretary, Staffing Coordinator, Reception). After graduating from college, a FT position as the Administrative Assistant became available and I asked for consideration. After being given the opportunity as the Admin Assist, I continued to ask for more challenging work which is when I began assisting in Human Resources in 2008.

Being offered the HR Director role in 2015 was the final step in the journey.

Favorite part of your job: In healthcare, it’s everyone’s job to take care of the residents. Except me, it’s my job to take care of the people that take care of the residents - the employees.

Most challenging part of your

to Dierdre ThankCongratulations you to all our firemen and women! and all the hardworking We appreciate all that you do! business and professional women!

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SHORT-TERM REHAB. LONG-TERM CARE.

Private Rehab Suites • Excellent Quality Care Lake Street, NY •• Facebook: 845-292-4200 170 Lake170Street, Liberty, NY •Liberty, 845-292-4200 Achieve Rehab

www.AchieveRehabNY.com

75772 87188 29498

Deirdre Stawowy with daughter Aubrey

job: Terminating employees is never easy.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: It’s hard to choose one. I’ve made so many great memories over the years with people who have been mentors, colleagues and grown into friends.

Education: I have a BA in Psychology Favorite movie: The Boondock Saints

How do you spend your spare time: With my husband and children.

Favorite vacation spot: Lake George Family: I have two children; a six- year-old daughter (Aubrey) and a four-year-old son (George Jr.) with my husband, George. I also have four older brothers and my loving mother.

Dream job: I would like to go on to be an Administrator one day.

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many of our students have been facing and how we are able assist them, and about folks who have lost their jobs and what we can do to develop new programs to help them get back into quality careers.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: When the college donated all of our PPE and respirators to the local hospital at the height of the pandemic last spring. One staff member was 3-D printing face shields, seven days a week from home. Our Nursing and Respiratory Care students went into the community to work in support of health care organization. I was very moved by all of the hard work and good will that flowed out of the college to support the community during the crisis and proud to be associated with the effort in my small way.

Education: I completed a BA in American History and Political Science, (I am a total history nerd), and then attended a community college where I earned a Certificate in Broadcasting. That was how I broke into television where I worked for many years. But what has influenced my thinking the most was graduate study with the late media theorist and educator Neil Postman. He was amazingly prescient but quite cynical about mass media, and he forced me to think about the power of education in new ways. Neil taught me

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BAUER how to ask questions and how to learn, which really is the most useful part of an education.

Favorite movie: Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire – it’s about an angel who falls in love with a trapeze artist.

Favorite actor/and or actress: There are so many wonderful actors that it’s hard to choose just one, but I would be interested to see Tom Hardy play James Bond.

How do you spend your spare time: What spare time? I like to read, hike with my dogs, and take pictures (of my dogs).

Favorite vacation spot: Everywhere – especially old places.

Family: My young-adult son John is working remotely from home, which no one was expecting!

Civic or volunteer affiliations: Until recently I led an education foundation which I founded over 10 years ago, recruiting a volunteer board. Together we accomplished many things, supporting teachers, seeding programs, and assisting economically disadvantaged students, but most importantly raising funds and community support for an auditorium for Red Hook schools (they had never had one).

I learned so much about the power of individuals working together in a local community and how selfless people can be.

Dream job: Promoting accessible, quality education to as many folks as possible.

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job: The most challenging part of my job is the industry itself, I would have to say. Travel and hospitality trends are always changing; and it can be tough trying to navigate through the changes and stay up-to-date with what people are looking for in a vacation, a family reunion, or a corporate getaway.

Favorite on-the-job moment, customer or memory: I have made a lot of amazing memories over the years at the Villa Roma, but one that I have always truly appreciated is one day when I was still working at the front desk I had a particularly rough day. The next day our General Manager at the time and our Director of Sales had flowers, a huge bag of sour patch kids (my favorite), and a very sweet card waiting for me when I arrived at work. They just wanted to remind me that we all have frustrating days at work but that there are also lots of good days and that I was an appreciated employee. It’s

things like that; that really stick with you.

Education: Graduated From Sullivan West in 2007, Graduated From SUNY Morrisville College in 2009 with my Associates Degree in Accounting.

Favorite movie: Death Becomes Her Favorite actor/and or actress: Bruce Willis / Sarah Jessica Parker How do you spend your spare time: My days off are spent hanging out with my kids, and enjoying time outdoors.

Favorite vacation spot: The Beach! We travel to Florida every year to visit family and also enjoy trips to Dover, Delaware.

Family: I am married to my husband Norman for five years and have two children; my son Dylan who is three and my daughter Abigail who is one and a half.

Dream job: I already have it. If it wasn’t for really enjoying my job with the Villa Roma, I would most certainly see myself with a career in banking.

THIS WAKES YOU UP.

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baking, reading, being with friends and volunteering in the community.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Alaska Family: Troy and Brittany (son and daughter-in-law); Kiko granddog; Bonnie Girard – mother; Ralph and Susan Kirchner – father and stepmother; Kristie and Howard Gerber – sister and brother-in-law; and Hannah and Drew Gerber – niece and nephew.

Civic and volunteer affilia-

tions: R & R Volunteer Ambulance Corp – Captain and Treasurer; Roscoe Kiwanis Club – Treasurer; Roscoe Rockland Fire Commissioner; Roscoe Rockland Ladies Auxiliary; Sullivan County EMS Deputy Coordinator; Hudson Valley Honor Flight Safety Team Member; Roscoe Flood Relief Committee Member; and Town of Rockland Weekly Food Pantry.

Dream Job: I am working my dream job now as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse.

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THIS OPENS YOUR EYES.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 2020