Executive Staff/Program Staff

Eric A. Toth, LMSW, MBA Chief Executive Officer

Eric A. Toth, LMSW, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]

As Chief Executive Officer, Eric is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the organization, corporate development, business operations and strategy. During his career, Eric has developed and supervised a wide range of programming, including services for children, seniors and veterans, as well as those involved with the criminal justice system. He holds a BA in Literature from The New School, an MSW from Hunter College, and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business.

Cynthia J. Ott Chief Financial Officer

Cynthia J. Ott
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]

Cynthia oversees all Business and Technology services at CoveCare Center and is responsible for the overall financial operations of the agency. She earned her BS from Pace University and has over 20 years of not-for-profit experience.

Perry Branson, MD Chief Medical Officer

Perry Branson, MD
Chief Medical Officer
[email protected]

Dr. Branson is responsible for the hiring and supervision of CoveCare Center’s medical staff and for coordination of medical services across all agency departments. He is a member of the Critical Incident Review and Quality Improvement teams at CoveCare Center. Dr. Branson earned his degree at the New York University School of Medicine and is a graduate of the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Liza Szpylka, LCSW Senior Vice President of Clinical Strategy & Operations

Liza Szpylka, LCSW
Senior Vice President of Clinical Strategy & Operations
[email protected]

Liza has been active in the field of social work in both direct practice and administration for over 25 years. She has oversight of all clinical and community based services within the organization. Liza earned a BA at Baruch College and an MSW from Columbia University, and she is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner.

Angela Roberts Vice President of Human Resources

Angela Roberts
Vice President of Human Resources
[email protected]

Angela is responsible for all aspects of Human Resources including recruitment, staff development, benefit administration, compensation, and compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations. She earned her BS in Paralegal Studies from Saint John’s University and an MA in Criminal Justice with a specialty in the Study of Deviance from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Angela has over 10 years of Human Resources experience and more than 10 years of paralegal experience.

Mariel Roth, LCSW-R Vice President of Programs

Mariel Roth, LCSW-R
Vice President of Programs
[email protected]

Mariel oversees Care management for Children and Adults, Senior Partnership Services, Rapid Rehousing and the Intake Department. She holds a BS in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta and an MSW from Fordham University. Her areas of interest are in behavioral health and expanding integrative services to assist those in need.

Krista Zanfardino, LCSW Vice President of Programs

Krista Zanfardino, LCSW
Vice President of Programs
[email protected]

Krista is responsible for data collection and analytics for the agency, along with oversight of several agency recovery programs. She earned her BS at SUNY Fredonia and her MSW at Adelphi University. Krista’s areas of interest include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Brief Action Planning, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Treatment Planning and Measuring Program Outcomes.

Raju Alengadan, BS Director of Information Technology

Raju Alengadan, BS
Director of Information Technology
[email protected]

Raj brings 20 years of experience in technology management and consulting to his role as Director of IT at CoveCare Center. After receiving a BS in Physics, he worked in various computer database management and network administrator roles before forming RNS Associates, Inc., providing consulting services specializing in small business support. Raj has been with CoveCare Center since 2009.

Jane Amsden, LCSW-R Program Director, Mental Health Counseling & Treatment Services

Jane Amsden, LCSW-R
Program Director, Mental Health Counseling & Treatment Services
[email protected]

Jane oversees the management of the Mental Health Clinic, including clinical and administrative oversight of the staff, records, related policies, procedures and projects. She earned an MSW from Adelphi University, is a certified graduate field instructor, and has been working in community clinics since 1990. She serves on the Children Advocacy Center’s Management Board and holds a seat on CoveCare Center’s Continuous Quality Improvement Team.

Keri Forster, CASAC, Program Director, Substance Use Services

Keri Forster, CASAC
Program Director, Substance Use Services
[email protected]

Keri manages CoveCare Center’s non-intensive outpatient clinic for clients with substance use issues, providing group, individual, psychiatric, and medication treatment. She is also responsible for the Prevention Education program, promoting behaviors and attitudes that support healthy choices in area schools and camps and oversees the Family Navigator Support Program. Keri holds an Advanced CASAC, BS in Community and Human Services, and a CDC certification. She has worked in the Human Services field for well over a decade with a concentration in Substance Abuse services.

Melissa Marino, LMHC Program Director, PROSper Rehabilitation Services & AOT Coordinator

Melissa Marino, LMHC
Program Director, PROSper Rehabilitation Services & AOT Coordinator
[email protected]

Melissa is the Director of the PROSper Program, which provides recovery and rehabilitation services for adults living with serious mental health conditions. She holds an MA in Psychology and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing. Melissa’s areas of interest include trauma-informed treatment and integrating creative arts as a tool for mental wellness.

Christina McGuigan, MHC Program Director, Children’s Community-Based Services

Christina McGuigan, MHC
Program Director, Children’s Community-Based Services
[email protected]

Christina is responsible for the oversight and supervision of the Family and Children’s Community Based Programs. She earned a BA in Justice and Law Administration and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Connecticut State University.

Melinda Marinaccio, Director of Fundraising

Melinda Marinaccio
Director of Fundraising
[email protected]

Melinda is responsible for the overall fundraising efforts and strategic plan while acting as liaison to partner with individuals and organizations. Her efforts also focus on event planning, community outreach and marketing. Prior to CoveCare Center, she spent 10 plus years in the sales and event planning field executing high-end events and meetings. She earned a BBA from Pace University as a Marketing Major with a focus in Advertising.

Amy Galiano, Director of Communications

Amy Galiano
Director of Communications
[email protected]

Amy oversees Communications for CoveCare Center.  She brings a blend of experience from both the Corporate and Non-Profit sectors, specializing in Finance, Project Management and Communication.  Amy has a BA in English from Purchase College, and has been with CoveCare Center since 2014.