Advisory Council

Overview

The Advisory Council, authorized in the Protection of People with Special Needs Act, provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations. The Council is comprised of a minimum of 15 members who are appointed for three-year terms by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Members include service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members and advocates.  

At least one-half of the members must be individuals or parents or relatives of individuals who are or have received services from programs within the Justice Center’s jurisdiction.

Council Members

Michael Agovino — Parent advocate (Bronx County)

Ijaz Ahmad, M.D. — Cardiologist and parent (Nassau County)

Lucina Clarke — My Time Inc. (Kings County)

Veronica Crawford — Self-Advocate, Care Design NY (Saratoga County)

Norwig Debye-Saxinger — Therapeutic Communities Association (New York County)

Geno DeCondo — Upstate Caring Partners (Oneida County)

Kathleen Gaffney-Babb — Helio Health (Onondaga County)

William T. Gettman — Northern Rivers Family of Services (Chair) (Albany County)

Jason Hershberger, M.D. — Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center (Kings County)

Walter J. Joseph, Jr. — Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie (Dutchess County)

Glenn Liebman — Mental Health Association in New York State (Albany County)

Joseph Macbeth — National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (Albany County)

Thomas McAlvanah —Lifespire, Inc. (Westchester County)

Kristin Orlando — Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center (Orange County)

Harvey B. Rosenthal — The Alliance for Rights and Recovery (Washington County)

Jeffrey Savoy — Odyssey House (New York County)

Ann Scherff — Parent, WNYDDSO Board of Visitors (Genesse County)

Winifred Schiff — InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies (Kings County)

Euphemia Strauchn-Adams — Parent, Families on the Move (New York County)

Meeting Dates

2026
  • January 28- Virtual
  • April 29- 161 Delaware Ave., Delmar
  • June 24- Virtual
  • September 23- 161 Delaware Ave., Delmar

Meeting Summaries

 

Compensation

Advisory Council members are eligible to be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred while attending in-person meetings.

202220232024 (estimated)
$0$907$4,550

 

Contact

Nikki O'Meara

Director of Quality Management and Special Projects

161 Delaware Ave.

Delmar, NY 12054

1-800-624-4143

Advisory Council Recommendations

The Advisory Council is authorized by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act to provide guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations to support the development and implementation of state policies which meet the needs of vulnerable persons and individuals with disabilities in a manner that is respectful of their rights and choices.  All recommendations have been approved unanimously by the Advisory Council.