Meet the Center for Learning Staff

Janice Daley, MSW, is the Director of the Center for Learning.  In that role, she oversees CFL Staff and works closely with DHHS Office of Adult Mental Health Services and Office of Adult Cognitive & Physical Disabilities Services Staff to plan the overall training and staff development.

Mary Kelley, MS, LCPC, is a Coordinator, Developmental Services.  She works with DHHS Office of Adult Cognitive & Physical Disabilities Services Staff to plan educational events.  Mary came to the Center with extensive clinical and administrative experience in community mental health, specializing in services to adults with mental retardation. 

Anne Conners, MA, is a Policy Associate who collaborates with members of DHHS Office of Adult Mental Health Services to research, develop, and promote community-based behavioral and wellness initiatives. She has extensive experience in community outreach and education efforts, coalition building, grassroots organizing, and implementing empowerment-based training models.

Alli Vercoe, is a Policy Associate I who collaborates with members of DHHS Office of Adult Cognitive & Physical Disabilities Services Staff on training and policy issues.  Alli came to the Center with experience in community programming and administration, specializing in services to adults with developmental disabilities.  Alli has a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from U.S.M. and is currently working on the Master’s in Counseling, Rehabilitation through U.S.M.

Jacinda Dionne, MEd, a Project Specialist, assists the MHRT Coordinator with reviewing applications and making recommendations for MHRT/OCMHP certification.  In addition, she assists in monitoring policies and providing feedback into the development and revision of MHRT trainer and curriculum standards.  Jacinda has worked within IPSI for several years in varying capacities, most recently as a Project Assistant with the Child Care Data Capacity and Healthy Maine Partnerships grants.  A Maine native, Jacinda earned both her B.S. in Human Development and Psychology and her M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Maine.  Her professional background and interests lie in research, evaluation, and program/curriculum development in various issues relevant to education and social services.

Helen Hemminger, MMHS, (Master’s in Management of Human Services), is a Research Associate in the area of Adult Mental Health. Helen has twenty years experience in managing housing and human service programs, and has conducted housing market analyses for municipalities and developers. Helen recently completed dual certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and in Applied Research and Evaluation from the Muskie School. At the Center for Learning, she works in collaboration with the Maine DHHS Office of Adult Mental Health Services to analyze data related to Maine’s mental health services.

Linda Kinney, Staff Associate, is the administrative lead for most major conference coordination. She supervises the Center's Administrative Assistants. Linda has been with the project since its inception in 1996.

Scott Bernier, MS, Project Assistant, provides administrative support for the MHRT, OQMHP and MHSS certification programs. If you need a copy of your certificate, have general questions in regards to certification, or wish to apply for the MHRT Tuition Reimbursement program contact Scott.  He also oversees the Workshop Allocation program for DHHS-Behavioral and Developmental Services employees.  He is the current webmaster for the Center's Website.  Outside of CFL, Scott is very active with the Boy Scouts and currently serves as the Roundtable Commissioner within the Kennebec Valley District.  Born and raised in central Maine, Scott has earned both a Bachelor degree in Meteorology and a Master degree in Atmospheric Science.

Elaine Ecker, Project Assistant II – Behavioral Health, possesses strong organizational skills, creative talents, and confidence under pressure. Presently, she works extensively with the seven Community Service Networks around the State and the Office of Adult Mental Health Services, acting as project liaison and contact person. Elaine lives in Vassalboro with her husband Michael, and grandson, Gabriel.

Julia Mason, Administrative Assistant II for the Center of Learning, moved to Maine several years ago. She grew up moving around with a military family, and has a 20-year background in Data Processing, 12 of which were spent in a Mental Health environment. She now enjoys her work here using various administrative and technical skills to assist the Project Specialists in the planning and set-up of conferences, workshops, and trainings.

George Newell, Administrative Assistant II for the Center For Learning, assists the Project Specialists in planning and setting up conferences, workshops and training programs. George has experience in administrative support, social services, banking, data processing, computer programming & operations, customer service, technical support, and sales. In his free time, George likes canoeing, hiking, volleyball, karate, and hunting. He also volunteers his time on community service projects for the Augusta Area Jaycees.

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