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Employees of the Month

Hello, my name is Jane Shulkin LMSW. I am a graduate of Fordham University. I would like to welcome everyone to our website. My passion to help people has been an influence on my professional and private life. I have 31 years of recovery and love working at Veritas Villa. I look forward to meeting you when you visit the Villa.








My name is Roger Hetherington and I would like to welcome you to our web site. I am the Director of Maintenance. I have been in recovery for 5 years. As a result of my recovery I have received many miracles in my life. I look forward to meeting you when you visit the Villa.








My name is Ken Lavery and I am the Men’s Treatment Program Coordinator at Veritas Villa. I would like to welcome you to our website. I am 23 years sober and have worked here for 21 years. I am an active member of “Friends of the Villa” and would encourage everyone to join. Friends of the Villa help me immensely in my early recovery. I hope to see you all when you visit the Villa.





My name is Diane Dunn, LPN and I would like to welcome you to our website. I am a nurse who works in the Medical Department. I have worked at “The Villa” since September 1993. Wow, it seems like only yesterday! I look forward to seeing you when you visit us.








My name is Matt Ryan and I would like to welcome you to our website. I am 25 years sober and have worked at Veritas Villa for 16 years. I am a counselor on the men’s clinical team. I presently work with the uniformed officers and union members that served at Ground Zero. I believe that unresolved trauma will ultimately prevent some people from getting sober therefore it needs to be addressed in a safe supportive environment in early recovery. I look forward to seeing you when you come to the Villa!




My name is Sue Heath and I would like to welcome you to our website. I am the Special Projects Coordinator for the Villa and I have worked here for 12 years. I have 12.5 years in recovery which has enabled me to be a pillar of support to my family. One of my biggest gifts in my life is being introduced to recovery and realizing the importance of forgiveness. I find immense strength in sharing my experience, strength, and hope with new people coming into recovery and recognizing everything is a process. Please come visit us at the Villa. I hope to see you at the picnic this summer on July 12th.




My name is Lester McCandless and I am the General Manager here at the Villa. I would like to welcome you to our website! I have worked at the Villa for 26 years. I am sober 36 years and have enormous gratitude for AA and the 12 steps. I have lived a life beyond my wildest dreams and love sharing my experience and hope with people coming to treatment. I am glad to be part of the mission here at the Villa!

My name is Pat Cooney and I am the Supervisor of the Environmental Services Department.  I have been at the Villa for over 20 yrs.  After going through treatment at the Villa I stayed in the extended program for a period of time.  I married in 1989 and today, I have two teenage children and I am happily married.  I am proud to work at the Villa as it allows me to share my experience with people who are coming into treatment.





Hello my name is Lyn Rubin and I am the Clinical Director of the Women's Program. I have worked here for three years. I have been affiliated with the Villa since the mid 1980's as Chair Person of "Friends of the Villa". I interned in 1993 and was mentored in the Villa Philosphy of Recovery. I am grateful on a daily basis to be working with recovering women.






Hello, my name is Bonnie Ab-Ale. I have worked at the Villa for 5 years. I was first employed by the Villa as the Front Desk Receptionist. I now work as the Medical Secretary working directly with the Doctors and Nurses coordinating services to the clients. I am responsible for appointment scheduling, pharmacy ordering and transportation. I experience immense joy working with recovering people.

Featured Employee

Welcome to our website. I am Michele Panko, CASAC and have been working at Veritas Villa for 10 years. I began as an Intern on the Women’s Unit and stayed on to become a Counselor’s Aid until I began my counseling career with the Women’s Treatment Team. I find my work extremely fulfilling and rewarding helping women to start their lives over in recovery as I was helped 13 years ago when I began my own journey. I look forward to seeing you when you visit the Villa.