Kelly D. Dumas, LCSW

Chief Operating Officer

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

Associates Degree at Oxford College of Emory University; BA in Psychology and English from Emory University; MSW from UB School of Social Work

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2012 as Clinical and Residential Support Specialist Supervisor at the Lighthouse Women’s Residence

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

All client serving operations, Racial Equity and Inclusion Initiative.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

Believing that what I do today will positively impact someone else’s tomorrow. Doing my part to create a better future for our sons and daughters.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Sleeping, singing, listening to books on audio, watching Judge Judy, House Hungers, My 600 lb. Life, and Naked and Afraid (I DVR these to binge watch when I can), traveling with my husband and children.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“This Too Shall Pass”

Joseph C. DiStasio, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

B.S. in Accounting, Canisius College

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

I was on the Board of Directors from 1991-2001 and joined the agency as the Chief Financial Officer in 2014.

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Accounting, Billing, Facilities and Purchasing

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

The diversity of services we offer to the people of Western New York.  I know we make a difference in our community.  Helping all who seek our help, including the most vulnerable.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Being with my family and friends, running, exercise in general, and I am fan of many sports, especially football.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“The race goes not always to the swift but to those who keep running. You have powers you never dreamed of. You are capable of doing things you never thought possible. There are no limitations on what you can do.”

Elizabeth Woike-Ganga, LCSW-R

President/CEO

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

BA, Yale University; MSW, University at Buffalo

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

MSW Student Intern, 2002

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

All agency clinical and administrative departments.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

“Empowering everyone to be their best self”, starting with staff.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Yoga, hiking, reading, traveling, hanging out with my kids, 11 & 14.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“To me, a leader is someone who holds her or himself accountable for finding potential in people and processes…. A brave leader is someone who says I see you. I hear you. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m going to keep listening and asking questions.”​
– Brené Brown

Steven J. Walters, Esq.

Chief Administration and Legal Officer

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

Canisius College, BS and ​University of Notre Dame School of Law

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2019, General Counsel

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Legal Department, Human Resources, Government Affairs, and Housing Initiatives (with Kelly Dumas).

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

It is all about making a difference and knowing that your work has a positive affect on the community. I have always lived my life from the perspective of helping make the world a better place, even if my individual impact is small. If we all do a little, the impact will be huge. Being part of an Agency that changes the lives of so many people for the better is an awesome feeling and really makes coming to work not seem like work at all.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Spending time with my family. I love being out in nature, whether taking a hike, relaxing on the water, or puttering around our gardens. There is something rejuvenating about being outdoors.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
– Ronald Reagan

Kevin E. Wiese, MS, CHCIO, CPHIMS

Chief Information Officer

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

BS, Canisius College; MS, Canisius College

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

I began work at BestSelf in December of 2013 as the Clinical EMR Manager.

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I am accountable for, and support, all Information System functions including Information Technology, Applications, Business Intelligence & Information Security.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

To inspire the success and well-being of others through a relentless pursuit of wisdom, and a life of integrity, humility, and patience.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Coaching soccer and hockey, anything physically active, reading, time and travel with my wife and two children, and time at the beach!

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Actions speak louder than words.”

Rita R. Cuda, MA, LMHC

Senior Vice President of Children and Family Services

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

MA, LMHC from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

1988 as a Child and Family Therapist.

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Children and Families Behavioral Health Programs including outpatient clinics and behavioral health services imbedded in schools and primary care offices:  Child Advocacy Center: Building Brighter Futures:  Children and Family Evidence-Based Treatment Programs.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

I love working with children and families. Working with children and families always presents an opportunity to learn from them as you are learning about them.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Exploring antique stores and refinishing furniture.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.​

Gregory P. Gawrys

Vice President of Facilities and Purchasing

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

Bachelor in Business Administration from Medaille College

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2005 as a Facilities and Purchasing Specialist

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I created and manage the Maintenance Department, Janitorial Department, Purchasing Department, Transportation Department, and the Quality Control Department.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

The chance to be creative, identifying a need and developing a solution, always looking for the next challenge and being a mentor for my team members. Knowing that the work we accomplish benefits the Western New York community is extremely important to me!

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I enjoy spending time with family, golfing, skiing, and home makeover projects.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“My relationships guide me to new heights.”

Tylica Pope, CASAC

Vice President of Specialty Substance Use Disorders Services & Housing

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

Associates Liberal Arts at ECC, BA from Empire State College, MHC from Medaille College (expect August 2021)

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2016 as a Clinical Supervisor

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

All SUD Specialty Programs, Housing, and Peer Integration

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

I was a service recipient and my life was changed as a result. I did not believe I was worth the time, energy, or common courtesy. I simply want to return the favor to everyone that needs it.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Cooking

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Those that was last shall be first” and “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice!”

Lindsey Rickard, LMHC

Vice President of Training and Access Optimization

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

BA in Psychology from Daemen College; MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2015 as a SUD Counselor at Lower West Side Clinic

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Programs: BestSelf Training Department, Front End Operations, Two CCBHC clinics, the Delaware Park Community Counseling Clinic and the 768 Deleware adult counseling program, BestConnections – SAMHSA grant program to provide services for individuals at risk of suicidal and also provides support for survivors of intimate partner violence and community awareness and training on Mental Health and Wellness.

Initiatives: Co-Chair of the REI Training and Resources Committee Member, Leadership Development Steering Committee, Training Project Leader, and Cerner Millennium Transition.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

I’m passionate about what I do because it changes lives and saves lives. As a counselor, it was a privilege to be trusted to bear witness to people’s struggles and to be the guide, helping them find their own path to healing and recovery. Now as an administrator, it is my passion to support the growth, development, and wellbeing of direct care staff doing the really hard and very important work with our clients. It’s been an amazing, fulfilling journey both at the direct care and administrative level, and I hope to continue walking alongside folks who need support, encouragement, and empowerment in their lives in whatever capacity I’m needed.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love traveling and sailing, often combining the two. I love learning about different ways of living and trying new foods! It opens up my mind and makes me more aware of my surroundings. It helps me be mindful and appreciate the beauty of a new land, new customs and a new culture.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; it’s choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.”

– Brené Brown

Jennifer Seib, LMHC, CASAC

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Integration

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

BS in Human Services from Hilbert College; MA in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2017 as the Associate Director of Substance Use Disorder Services

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Grant, program, and project start-ups; integration of services and programs; sustainability; and residential services.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

Everyone deserves a safe place to heal, learn, and grow free of judgment and stigma. My passion lies in striving every day to make BestSelf that place, thereby, improving the lives of individuals, families, and community.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Spending time with family, music, reading, and coloring.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

– Confucius

Margery L. Stanton, LMHC

Senior Vice President of Adult Services

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

Masters in Mental Health Counseling and Masters in Psychology, both from Medaille College

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2010 as a counselor in our Central Intake Department

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Adult clinic services, Club Houses, Opioid Treatment Program, PROS, ACT, Mobile Mental Health Services, Vocational Services & OnTrack.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

This field is inspiring and it humbles me to see the true strength people have. In my career I have worked in programs and now the pleasure of leading programs who severe a harder to reach population. Our clients need someone to go the extra mile and we do that here. Being in leadership has been a gift. I get the opportunity to empower my teams to be the best they can and support their goals while making lasting changes to our community.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Spending time with family, hiking, playing board games, cards and swimming.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Do small things with great love.”

– Mother Teresa

Rebecca S. Steffen, LCSW-R

Vice President of Quality Improvement and Accreditation

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

BA in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo and MSW from University at Buffalo

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

1990 as a Student Intern and then in 1991 as a Counselor

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Quality Improvement, COA and other accreditations, Quality Improvement Projects, Utilization/Case Record Audits, Value Network and Value Based Payment Opportunities

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

I want our consumers to have the best experience possible so that they get the help they need to function and live their best life.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Craft, art, home improvement projects, and spending time with my family.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

– Anne Frank

Sarah Wierzbowski, LCSW-R

Vice President of Clinic Services

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

MSW from the University at Buffalo

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

I began at CATS, now BBH in 2007 as a MSW Intern. I was hired as a therapist in August 2007 upon completion of my internship/graduate degree.

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I oversee the Children’s clinical programs, which includes 5 branches that primarily serve children and adolescents and their satellite locations at schools and pediatricians offices. This includes oversight of the Evidenced Based Programs for children and adolescents, including PCIT, DBT, and the Children’s Trauma Program.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

My personal why for doing the work that I do is helping children and their families live healthy, fulfilled lives. I am also passionate about helping staff in their work, including teaching and training staff and helping them to develop their skills and further their professional development.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Spending time with my family and outdoor physical activities, such as running, biking and hiking. I also enjoy baking and decorating cakes and cookies in my free time.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“What is meant to be will be.“

Katie Morreale, CPA

Vice President of Finance

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

Niagara University, BS in Accounting

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2015 as a Senior Accountant

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Finance department

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

I’m incredibly proud to work for and support an agency that helps so many people and makes such a difference in the community.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Spending time with my daughter, reading, and traveling.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Mindset is everything.“

Kim Luce, MS

Vice President of School-based Services

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, Bachelor’s of Psychology from the University of Buffalo and Masters of Science in Human Services Administration from Buffalo State College.

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2000 as a Case Coordinator for the Child Advocacy Center

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

School and Community Based Services/Building Brighter Futures which includes 21st Community Learning Centers, Closing the Gap, Extended School Day, Advantage after-school programs, Empire and Community Schools partnerships with Buffalo Public Schools, Charter School and Community Based Organization collaborations.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

To be succinct as possible. Making a difference by promoting resiliency and emotional wellness in youth is part of my core and I strongly believe that as a society we have only tapped the surface of its potential value.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Spending time and staying active with family through sports, travel, down time, coaching and reading.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man person who points out how the strong man person stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man person who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself themselves in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he they fail, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

– Theodore Roosevelt (slightly revised)

DeWan Stroud

Chief People Officer

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

BS in Business, specialized in Human Resources, from Daemen College

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2021 as the Chief People Officer

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Human Resources, Recruiting, Employee Experience, Employee Wellness

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

I enjoy helping people develop and achieve their personal and professional goals.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Coaching youth sports and spending time with family.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Be better today than you were yesterday.”

David Wheeler, LMHC

Vice President of Adult Clinical Services

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

BA in Psychology from Canisius College; MA Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

2015 SUD Counselor at Lower West Side

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Abbot Corners Counseling; Abbott Corners OTP; Sweet Home Counseling; Broadway Health Mall Counseling; North Collins Counseling; North Collins PROS; Niagara Riverview Counseling; ClubWest; ClubSouth; 24/7 Virtual Care Team; Programs and Services associated with the SAMHSA CCBHC-Expansion Grant.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

I’m passionate about helping people in all walks of life. This includes the clients of BestSelf, the people of the Western New York community; and the BestSelf Staff that serve them. Every interaction that we have is an opportunity to provide that help. From a deeply impactful therapeutic session regarding trauma; a check-in with a staff member who is having a tough day; or a warm greeting at the front desk of one of our clinics. It is my goal to help the people I interact with daily to achieve their best version of themselves.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I enjoy spending time with my family and setting aside time daily to practice spirituality. Learning new activities and hobbies such as board games, woodworking, painting/drawing and anything that allows me to be creative..

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.”

Sharon A. Ray, LCSW-R

Vice President of Evidence Based Services

DEGREES AND WHERE YOU GRADUATED FROM:

BSW from Niagara University and MSW from State University of New York at Albany

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN AT BESTSELF AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

I began working at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic (before it was renamed Child and Adolescent Treatment Services) in 1986, as a Clinical Social Worker at Buffalo East.

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I support the leaders and staff of several clinical programs, including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Comprehensive Adolescent Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Children’s Trauma Programs (TF-CBT and EMDR), and our new initiative offering evidence-based treatment for adolescents with problematic sexual behaviors and their families.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

My “Why” is reflected in “Kasserian ingera”, a traditional greeting shared by Masai warriors which means “How are the children?” What would it be like if we asked that question at the start of every interaction, every meeting? If only we could say, “All the children are well.”

My hope is that I can do my part by promoting access to cohesive models of care for children and their parents beginning prenatally and throughout development, and by supporting the dedicated staff and emerging leaders who are doing this critical work with our consumers and communities.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love being with family and friends, walking or hiking, reading books, biking, and relaxing at the beach.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary.”
– J.M. Barrie

Kevin Beckman, LMHC, CASAC

Vice President of Health Home Services and Crisis Intervention

WHAT PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES DO YOU OVERSEE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Oversight, expansion, and support of adult health home care coordination programming, and well as oversight of the Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK? WHAT’S YOUR “WHY”?

To put it very plainly, I want to help people heal and recover, and I care about this community.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I enjoy watching Anime and Science Fiction movies with my family, well with our daughters. My Wife is supportive, so she joins in. I also enjoy family gatherings and telling stories.

WHAT QUOTE OR MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
– Barack Obama

Therese Fuerst

Chief Marketing and Development Officer