Board of Directors
Board of Directors-Biographies
New Initiatives in Hamilton County

The Adirondack Arc is a grass roots not-for-profit organization established to support people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Board of Directors includes parents, professionals and people receiving Arc services. The Board meets monthly to establish and maintain the direction of the agency.

The committees of the Board of Directors, supported by agency staff, meet regularly to oversee activity in their designated area of interest. Committee members include family members, people receiving services from the Arc, interested professionals, individuals from the general public and Arc employees. Many Arc committees are organized geographically (Malone Area or Tri Lakes Region) to allow members to address the activities specific to their community. The various committee chairs make quarterly reports to the Board and recommend policy changes as needed.

To contact the Board of Directors click here.

Board of Directors-Biographies

President Dmitry Feld
Dmitry is the Marketing Director of the US Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. When not hustling sponsorships in seArch of Olympic Gold, he volunteers his time and leadership abilities as President of both the Adirondack Arc and Families for Early Autism Treatment. Dmitry enjoys organizing Alaska fishing excursions and preparing gourmet foods, especially specialties served with Dima's extra virgin olive oil! Dmitry's son receives support from the Arc.

Vice President Polly Sullivan
Polly is the chair of the Arc Guardianship committee. Polly is a special education teaching assistant. She is an avid runner. Polly has four grown children, including a son who receives support from the Arc.

Treasurer Jay Field
Jay has been an asset in evaluating locations for Independent Residential Alternatives (homes), and counseling staff on construction and repair issues. Jay's son receives support from the Arc. Jay is the Instructor of Building Trades at the regional Adirondack Education Center.

Anna Mack
Anna volunteers at the Arc-sponsored canoe races, and she is active in the self-advocacy issues of the organization. Anna enjoys bingo, crocheting and travel. She is employed at the Arc's Children's Corner Preschool in Tupper Lake and the Price Chopper grocery store. Anna receives support from the Arc.

Robert Kleppang
Bob was instrumental in the Arc's expansion of service area to Hamilton County, and is interested in seeing an increase in opportunities for supports to the people of Hamilton County. Bob is the Director of Community Services for Hamilton County. He is our chapter representative on the NYSArc Board of Governors. Bob enjoys golf and skiing.

Joseph Kostiak
Joe has been invaluable in providing expertise in environmental modification and IRA home conversions. He serves on the Guardianship committee. Joe's son Ian receives support from the Arc. Joe owns a construction business in Saranac Lake.

Nancy Shurtleff, RN
Nancy is a proactive, informed and tireless advocate for children with developmental disabilities. She is the mother of two daughters, Lauren, who is currently attending college in Boston, and Corinne, who attends Lake Placid Elementary School and has Downs Syndrome. If there is a committee to serve on, to promote access and rights of the people in need of support, she's on it!

George Cook, M.D.
George has had a pediatric and family practice in Saranac Lake since 1976. He is interested and involved in all aspects of the Arc's services. He initially became involved in the Arc because he wanted to develop a logical pattern of referral for the people he saw. He lives life by the minute–whether it's kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, bicycling, singing baroque, or enjoying life with his four children.

Michael Northrop
Michael aspires to assist others in self-advocacy. He plays the keyboards and enjoys entertaining any size audience. He enjoys walking and loves to cook. Michael receives support from the Arc.

Kathy LaLonde, LPN
Kathy has represented her community on a number of Arc Committees. She enjoys cooking, baking, snowmobiling and watching figure skating. She works closely with Arc staff to provide a full range of supports to her daughter.

Exciting New Initiatives in Hamilton County

Outpatient Clinic
The Adirondack Arc will be sponsoring the development of community extension clinics to bring increased services to people in remote areas. The new clinics will serve people with developmental disabilities living in Franklin and Hamilton Counties. The clinics will utilize space available at the Sunmount DDSO Day Habilitation sites in Speculator and Long Lake. Services available at the clinic will include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, language therapy and podiatry.

Supportive Employment Services
The Adirondack Arc has initiated Supportive Employment Services for people with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health diagnosis that present a barrier to employment. The program is based in Hamilton County for Hamilton County residents. The focus will be on job development, employment training and subsequent appointment. The program is funded by VESID, OMRDD and OMH through a partnership of the Adirondack Arc and the Hamilton County Community Services, and the Workforce Investment Board.

For more information contact Jim Pine in Blue Mountain Lake at Hamilton@AdirondackArc.org.