Welcome to Harmonia

We want to welcome you into a collaborative process that will positively affect how you think, feel and act—improving your confidence, your relationships, your outlook and your life.

Special Events

Harmonia is happy to host a variety of events. Visit our Special Events page for more information and to register for an event.

Special Events

Here For You

The Mission of Harmonia Collaborative Care is to deliver best-practice health home, senior and behavioral health services to foster individuals' independence and improve their quality of life. Our Vision is to empower individuals to be healthy and fulfilled.

Our Partners and Awards

best places to work 2023 best places to work 2024

Expertise

Our clinicians are professionals who use a multidisciplinary approach to counseling. View our counselor credentials and specialized treatment methods in the Meet Our Staff section. You can also go to our Resources to learn more about our specialized techniques.

Advantages

Having experienced clinicians allows for provider autonomy. Our therapists value this and we are able to maintain low turn-over rates. Benefits to our holistic approach shine through in our team approach to your well-being. Our Senior Services, CarePanion and Health Home Services work in concert with our clinical staff to assure your needs are addressed.

Setting

Our friendly staff and relaxing, natural environment create an inviting atmosphere where you can feel comfortable exploring personal growth. Listen to our fountains and enjoy being creekside!

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Laura Spencer, PhD, LMHC

Director of Mental Health Clinics

I am the Director of Mental Health Clinics. I have my PhD in Counselor Education and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narcissistic Abuse, Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I provide parent training and treat mood and anxiety disorders. I enjoy working with people to help them recognize and attain “where they wish to be”. It honors me to be on the receiving end of someone sharing their lives. I have the opportunity to learn more about what shapes us as a community, and I treasure that greatly. At Harmonia, “Life. With Balance.” is not only our slogan but how we emphasize our model for work – work is important, but taking care of ourselves in other areas only makes us better in our work. I find my balance in my family and friends; both two legged and four legged. Spending time in green space, cooking big meals and exploring the world, near and far are also important to me. Our world is not a perfect place, but it is truly interesting and full of endless fun things to discover.

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Cherie B. Ruben, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Senior Clinician

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialized training in depression, anxiety and the mental health needs of older adults. I am certified in Medical Psychology and Psychopharmacology. My professional affiliations include the Psychological Association of WNY, Central NY Psychological Association, NYS Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association. I enjoy connecting with people to help improve their mood and outlook as they develop their own connections in their social world. My favorite moments at Harmonia are home visits to those who live in isolation in underserved areas. I find balance in singing semi-professionally and walking to work.

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Jordan Alston, LMHC

Clinician, Senior School Clinician

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, specializing in providing services to teens and young adults. I have been trained in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and I am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA). I love Harmonia because of my colleagues. I enjoy working with them and being able to learn from experienced professionals. What I most appreciate about my job is being able to offer guidance and support to people in need of help. Being outdoors calms my spirit. My balance comes from doing things in nature; I find it refreshing.

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Sarah Cozzemera, MA

School Programs Coordinator

I am the School Programs Coordinator for Harmonia. I hold my MA in English Composition and Theory from Fredonia State University. I am certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office as a Family Assistance Success Coach. Before joining Harmonia, I dedicated 15 years of my career path to educational and community support programs and service providers. My focus has been on building intentional communities and delivering excellence in program and project management. Harmonia has a strong culture of communication and understanding. Being able to build accessible programming and support which enriches the lives of students and families is very rewarding. I love being of service to the community! Nature, being outside and creating art move my soul. Learning, reading, thinking, meditating and exercising bring me joy. I frequently and humbly remind myself that “balance” is a constant negotiation.

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Tammy Lyn Davis, PhD, LMHC

Clinician

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with training in Progressive Counting and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I hold my Doctorate in General Psychology. I value the physical environment and energy at Harmonia that relates to an overall sense of well-being for both staff and clients. I enjoy helping facilitate healthy changes in my clients and giving back to my community to continue fostering positive mental growth. I find balance by spending time with family, friends and spending time in nature. I am an active volunteer member of the Springville 6-Star Post VFW Women’s Auxiliary where I work with my therapy dog, Beau, to support our local veterans.

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Rachael Ann Dudczak, LMHC

Clinician

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 25 years of providing therapeutic counseling to adolescents, adults and families. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, ODD and ADHD. I believe success in coping occurs by finding the authenticity in relationships with ourselves and others. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of individuals’ journeys of self-exploration. Being a part of a shared community of therapists which support staff is a value to working at Harmonia. We complement each other in our roles of assisting others. Plus, the visual serenity of the Hamburg Location, parallel to 18-Mile Creek is the best way to start and end my workday. I find balance spending time with family, exploring nature, listening to music, reading and spending time in my garden.

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Julia Hackford, LMSW

Clinician

I am a Licensed Master of Social Work trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I specialize in treating diagnoses including anxiety and depressive disorders, and substance use. I am professionally affiliated with the National Association of Social Work (NASW). I strongly believe that everybody in this world needs at least one person who listens non-judgmentally and wants to assist you in achieving goals. That one person can make all the difference. I enjoy working at Harmonia because it serves the community where I was born and raised. To have the opportunity to give back to my community is something very valuable to me. I find my balance through being present and practicing gratitude. Being in or near Lake Erie, listening to music with my feet in the grass, reading a book, or being with my loved ones (including furry friends), are some of my favorite things.

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Lisa Greene MHC-P

Clinician

I am a Mental Health Counselor trained in grief and loss counseling, trauma-informed care and interventions, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders. I specialize in treating clients of all ages in the treatment of trauma, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, and co-occurring substance use. I am professionally affiliated with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), American Counseling Association (ACA), American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA/NYMHCA) and the International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling (IARTC). Helping clients understand themselves more fully is an absolute privilege for me. I love supporting and empowering people to meet their recovery goals and improve their quality of life. Harmonia provides a person-centered, vibrant, and collaborative atmosphere. I enjoy working here because everyone works together to best support the people we serve, as well as one another. My balance is found spending time in nature, listening to music, and reading good books. Finding times for humor and laughter, and practicing mindfulness also bring balance to my life.

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Erin Figiel, MHC-P

Clinician

I am a Mental Health Counselor who is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I specialize in treating adolescents and young adults with depressive and anxiety disorders. I am professionally affiliated with the New York Mental Health Counseling Association (NYMHCA). Harmonia provides a relaxing and supportive environment for both staff and clients. The person-centered approach assures client’s needs are being met. As a member of this community, it is personally amazing seeing Harmonia’s positive impact on the community. Working in this field gives me the ability to witness the positive changes clients have made in their lives. I am honored and privileged to assist and support clients during challenging times. I find my balance in spending time with my rabbit and dog as well as skydiving! I enjoy participating in my weekly bowling league with friends and attending Sabre’s games. I also incorporate mindfulness in my daily self-care routine.

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Grace Harvey, LMSW

Clinician

I hold my Master’s in Social Work. I have been trained in NYS Cultural Competency, Benefits of Movement for the Brain, Mindfulness and Meditation, Grief and Loss, Trauma Informed Care and Treatment, and Diversity and Oppression. I work with individuals of all ages to treat anxiety, depression, grief and loss, family and peer relationships. I’m experienced in working with younger children and adolescents. Harmonia offers a sense of community in a supportive and collaborative environment that is cultivated by the staff. Seeing the passion that lives through the people that work here is a great reminder of the impact we can have on one another and the communities we serve. Working in this field has provided me with the opportunity to find meaning outside myself. Being able to “give a voice” and advocate for others has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I find balance in my passion for music, exercise and movement. Spending time with friends and family, and even chance interactions with strangers is uplifting to me. A routine of daily self-care is something I have found extremely important.

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Sophia McKeone, LMSW

Clinician

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker certified in Embedding Coaching and trained in Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Working at Harmonia gives me the opportunity to work in the community that raised me. That is a gift! I believe that every person is special and unique when they allow for authenticity and vulnerability. My career allows me to be a part of the journey of each person who has the grit to do the challenging work required for healing and wellness. I can’t think of a more worthy way to spend my time. I find balance in my yoga practice even on the days where I fall out of every pose. I love nature and I spend hours in pursuit of wildflowers! Humor is one of my core values. Laughter is key and “finding the funny” has always been a tool to see some of my most challenging moments from different perspectives.

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Kristine Ingro, PMHNP-BC

Prescribing NP

I am a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I hold my Master’s in Nursing from D’Youville College’s Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program. I have over 12 years of nursing experience in both the medical and psychiatric settings. I specialize in treating adolescents, adults, and families in a wide range of psychiatric disorders. I am Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and I am professionally affiliated with the American Nurses Association (ANA) and American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). Mental illness effects every one of us in some way. My goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of those suffer, and their families through compassionate, patient-oriented care leading to improved quality of life. I enjoy the close-knit, supportive atmosphere at Harmonia. From the day I interviewed I knew I wanted to be part of the Harmonia Team. Everyone displays a kind and caring spirit towards each other and the patients we serve. My balance in life comes from spending time with my three children, my dog and three cats. I also love running and participating in road races including marathons and half marathons.

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Lena Baxter, PMHNP-BC

Prescribing NP

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified by The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). I specialize in working with adolescents, adults and families. I enjoy helping clients transform their lives, accomplish their goals and grow as individuals. Harmonia has the most welcoming environment. It truly feels like a family, and everyone is dedicated to the community. They go above and beyond for the clients they serve. I find my balance at home, spending time with my puppy. I also enjoy cooking, reading and watching documentaries.

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Rachael Ruppert, PMHNP-BC

Prescribing NP

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- Board Certified by The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). I have experience caring for adolescents and adults, managing a spectrum of disorders. I have six years of medical background, including emergency medicine and critical care. I am happy to be able to make a significant impact in the lives of patients suffering from mental health disorders, resulting in positive patient outcomes and improving overall quality of life. Since day one, Harmonia has created a comforting atmosphere for me and the patients. All of the support staff are pleasant to work with and respectful which has cultivated a professional environment. Traveling with my husband, getting together with my friends, or relaxing with my dog, Frank is where I find balance.

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Valerie Nowak, LMHC, MPA

Chief Executive Officer

I hold my master’s degree in Public Administration. I also have a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and I am licensed in NYS. I am a Health Leaders Fellow through the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, and certified in Continuous Quality Improvement. I am professionally affiliated with the American Counseling Association, NY Mental Health Counseling Association (state and local), Buffalo Niagara Chapter Co-Coordinator 2013 – 2017, President 2017-2018 and Kappa Gamma Pi Honor Society. From my first days at the organization until today, I have felt at home. The staff and leadership celebrate and support each other. I value their growing together as a team to help our clients reach their goals. As a therapist, I love seeing people improve. I believe everyone is collectively better for it. As a CEO, my position allows me to learn and innovate. Being able to improve processes, develop staff and grow Harmonia is invigorating. I find my balance in attending festivals, eating good food, listening to music, spending time at the beach and in nature, crafting and laughing with family and friends. I believe we find balance when we use the right ingredients at the right time. Listen to what your soul needs and feed it!

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Michelle Chiappetta, AA

Director of Finance & Administration

I have an Associates of Arts & Science in Accounting. I have training in Accounting, and I am certified in HIPAA, Compliance for Health Care Professionals and Human Resources. I am a Six Sigma Yellow Belt. I value the team atmosphere at Harmonia. I appreciate how everyone works together toward a goal of helping our clients get the quality services they need to feel their best. I believe my work in strengthening the organization’s internal systems supports those working directly with Harmonia’s clients. I find my balance in practicing yoga, spending time with my family and reading.

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Beverly Eagan, BS

Human Resources & Compliance Specialist

I am the Human Resources & Compliance Specialist for Harmonia. I hold my BS degree in Business Studies from Buffalo State College, and I am a certified Professional in Human Resources through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Additionally, I have a certification from Cornell University in Labor Relations. No two days are alike in my field; which I love. HR and Compliance cover so many aspects and always offers new learning opportunities. I have held positions in a variety of industries, and I find Harmonia to be very welcoming. The agency tries to accommodate employee needs and requests. The staff is focused on providing the best service for our internal and external clients in a generally relaxed environment. I find balance when trying new recipes, reading about history and spending time with the great friends I have been blessed with. I also enjoy travel; my last trip was to England, Scotland and Wales!

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Kristy Gasiewicz, MS

Health Home Director

I have a bachelor’s degree in Health & Wellness and a Master of Science in Adult Education. I value the intimate feel of a small agency where you are more than just a number. I have years of experience in the field and enjoy making a difference in peoples’ lives. I am passionate about connecting people to services that advance their health. I find my balance at the gym and with my dogs, 4-year old chiweenie, Molly; 7-year old dachshund, Coco; 15-year old dachshund, Weenie, and 4-year old English bulldog, Bertha. I am actively involved in animal rescue and fostering dogs. One dog comes in when the other dog finds its forever family. I am also a Girl Scout troop leader for my daughter’s troop.

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Jennifer L. Gunia, BS

Director of Senior Services

I have a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and I am a certified Person-Centered Case Manager. I am professionally affiliated with the WNY Integrated Care Collaborative, Network in Aging and the Southtowns Coalition Group. I have a passion for helping those who are frail and isolated. I believe that at the end of the day, no matter the age, everyone wants to be in their own home. I am thankful that our Case Management staff can help our clients achieve that wish. I find my balance with my husband raising our twin boys. Going down to the beach is my happy place.

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Howard Martin - Chairman of the Board

Self-employed, Professional IT Services Consultant

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Louis Atti, CPCU - Vice Chairman

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Senior Vice President, Personal Lines Manager

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Rajan Patel, CPA - Treasurer

Freed Maxick CPAs P.C., Director

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Christine J. Kluckhohn PT, DPT, MSHSA - Secretary

Self-Employed, Healthcare Consultant

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John Grennell, Esq. - Director

Self-employed, Attorney

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Tristan Keelan, MBA - Director

CCNY, Director of Business Development

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Francesca Tioleco, MA - Director

Self-employed, Digital Marketing Consultant

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Suzanne Jasinski

Board Member Emeritus

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Paul Cessana, MSW - Director

Retired; Former Executive Director of The Resource Center, Dunkirk

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Lisa Denton, Ph.D. - Director

SUNY Fredonia, Associate Professor of Psychology

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Kathy Murray, CPHQ - Director

Kaleida Health, Sr. Director Quality Reporting & Information Systems

Meet Our Team

The Harmonia team welcomes you to discover the tools you need for a balanced life. Get to know us.

Join Our Team

Select a staff member to read their bio.

Laura Spencer, PhD, LMHC

Director of Mental Health Clinics

Cherie B. Ruben, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Senior Clinician

Jordan Alston, LMHC

Clinician, Senior School Clinician

Sarah Cozzemera, MA

School Programs Coordinator

Tammy Lyn Davis, PhD, LMHC

Clinician

Rachael Ann Dudczak, LMHC

Clinician

Julia Hackford, LMSW

Clinician

Lisa Greene MHC-P

Clinician

Erin Figiel, MHC-P

Clinician

Grace Harvey, LMSW

Clinician

Sophia McKeone, LMSW

Clinician

Kristine Ingro, PMHNP-BC

Prescribing NP

Lena Baxter, PMHNP-BC

Prescribing NP

Rachael Ruppert, PMHNP-BC

Prescribing NP

Valerie Nowak, LMHC, MPA

Chief Executive Officer

Michelle Chiappetta, AA

Director of Finance & Administration

Beverly Eagan, BS

Human Resources & Compliance Specialist

Kristy Gasiewicz, MS

Health Home Director

Jennifer L. Gunia, BS

Director of Senior Services

Howard Martin - Chairman of the Board

Self-employed, Professional IT Services Consultant

Louis Atti, CPCU - Vice Chairman

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Senior Vice President, Personal Lines Manager

Rajan Patel, CPA - Treasurer

Freed Maxick CPAs P.C., Director

Christine J. Kluckhohn PT, DPT, MSHSA - Secretary

Self-Employed, Healthcare Consultant

John Grennell, Esq. - Director

Self-employed, Attorney

Tristan Keelan, MBA - Director

CCNY, Director of Business Development

Francesca Tioleco, MA - Director

Self-employed, Digital Marketing Consultant

Suzanne Jasinski

Board Member Emeritus

Paul Cessana, MSW - Director

Retired; Former Executive Director of The Resource Center, Dunkirk

Lisa Denton, Ph.D. - Director

SUNY Fredonia, Associate Professor of Psychology

Kathy Murray, CPHQ - Director

Kaleida Health, Sr. Director Quality Reporting & Information Systems