Lexi Hoff

(she/her)

NYDOH ITS Developer

Lexi Hoff is a software developer at the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and a main developer on the MATTERS platform. She recently graduated from the University at Albany with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Aside from the MATTERS platform, she has also contributed to the state’s COVID-19 response: Lexi helped develop the COVID-19 school survey, which records daily COVID-19 statistics from schools across the state. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and composing music.

Emily Payne, MSPH

(she/her)

NYDOH Epidemiologist & Data Evaluator

Emily Payne is an Epidemiologist with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Office of Program Evaluation and Research working primarily with data related to opioid use and overdose. Some of her main duties include managing, analyzing, and disseminating data from the MATTERS program through creation of data presentations and dashboards. Emily has five years of experience as an epidemiologist with expertise in chronic disease, communicable disease including COVID-19, and maternal and child health (MCH). Prior to joining the NYSDOH, Emily worked as an epidemiologist at both state and local health departments in Colorado. Emily obtained her Master of Science in Public Health degree focused on MCH and epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2017.

Emma Furlano,  MD

(she/her)

Capital Region Physician Liaison

Emma Furlano is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Albany Medical Center. Prior to attending medical school at Stony Brook University, she completed her undergraduate degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and served as an emergency medical technician in the Albany area. She graduated from Albany Medical Center’s emergency medicine residency program and completed a medical toxicology fellowship at NYU/Bellevue Hospital. Her interests currently include opioid use disorder treatment, medical education, and prehospital medicine.

Candace Ellis

(she/her)

Capital Region Coordinator

Candace Ellis is the Director of Special Projects at Catholic Charities Care Coordination Services. Candace has been working in the health and human service fields for the last 20 years. Candace received her bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany in psychology, child development, and women’s studies. She then furthered her education by completing the Massage Therapy program at The Center for Natural Wellness in Albany, New York to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. Candace has completed additional training and certification in the provision of Trauma Informed Services. Candace lives in the Saratoga area with her husband and three children.

Coming soon!

CNY Regional Care Coordinator

Michelle McDonough

(they/them)

Finger Lakes Regional Care Coordinator

Michelle McDonough is the Consumer Relations Specialist for Trillium Health’s Harm Reduction program. They recently completed their Bachelors in Social Work at The College at Brockport. Michelle has experience working with the homeless population in Rochester, as well as with serving the LGBTQ+ community as an educator. Michelle is an avid harm reductionist, advocate, and activist. In their spare time, Michelle likes to knit shawls and take long walks with their husband.

Sarah Santos

(she/her)

Hudson Valley Regional Care Coordinator I

Sarah received her BA in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz. Her outreach and advocacy are informed by the principles of harm reduction. She has years of experience serving people who use drugs as well as those without homes. Prior to her current role she worked with Hudson Valley Community Services as a peer navigator for the syringe exchange program in Poughkeepsie and Kingston, NY.

Sharon Thomas

(she/her)

Hudson Valley Regional Care Coordinator II

Sharon Thomas is the Director of Health and Community Services at the Urban League of Westchester County.  She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University.  Sharon has extensive experience working with people who use drugs, the mental health population, homeless communities, formerly incarcerated and at-risk youth, etc.  Sharon is a strong advocate for opioid overdose prevention and is a certified trainer.  Sharon also has over 17 years of experience empowering African Americans and other disenfranchised groups to secure a first class education, economic self-reliance and equal respect of their civil rights.

Coming soon!

Long Island Regional Care Coordinator

Jaie Breedlove

(she/her)

North Country Regional Care Coordinator

Jaie Breedlove is a Regional Care Coordinator working for the Alliance for Positive Health in their Harm Reduction program. She has a BA in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology, which she received from the State University at Plattsburgh. Jaie spent 12 years working for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Through this work she was able to help many individuals with linkage to needed supports and services as well as assisting them to maintain a better quality of life. Jaie joined the Alliance for Positive Health in January 2020 as an Adult Health Home Care Manager. She worked to find medical care, including HIV Specialists, Primary Care Providers, and Specialty Care Providers for the people she supported. She also helped to coordinate referrals for mental health, substance use, legal assistance, and domestic violence services, making her knowledgeable in community resources available to people in need. Jaie is passionate about ensuring people have the knowledge and resources they need to successfully achieve their goals.

Kurt Kleefeld

(he/his)

Southern Tier Regional Care Coordinator

Kurt Kleefeld received his BA in Education and Leadership from Marietta College and MEd in Organizational Leadership from Keene State University. He taught in private and public schools for 17 years before changing gears to human services. Kurt has been a Program Manager for adults with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses and substance use disorders and is now serving as the Regional Care Coordination Program Manager for Southern Tier AIDS Program.  Kurt is passionate about the role of leadership in service and service learning.

Michael Korzelius

(he/his)

WNY Regional Care Coordinator

Michael Korzelius is the Referral Coordinator for Evergreen Health Services Harm Reduction Center. Michael is a Licensed Master of Social Work in the state of New York. Michael recently received their Master of Social Work from University at Buffalo.  Michael has a background working with kids with developmental disabilities, the forensic population and in Student Affairs. Michael is passionate about public health, LGBTQ+ issues, and other various macro social work topics. Michael enjoys playing video games, hiking and nature. Michael also enjoys spending time with his boyfriend and their cat, Bailey.