Peer and Family Advisory Group

"One of the consumers' biggest frustrations has been the perception that every facet of their lives is related to their illness."
- Brian Phillips, WNYCCP Peer and Family Coordinator

The Peer and Family Advisory Group is composed of two representatives from each county, meets monthly, advises the Steering Committee and recommends the three voting members from its groups who will serve on the Steering Committee. The county representatives are:

• Chautauqua County: Marian Merlino and Lisa Tuozzo
• Erie County: Sharon Ward and Richard “Doc” Dimado
• Genesee County: Bradley Snider and Cheryl LaFarnara
• Monroe County: Judy Lightoak and Pat Sine
• Onondaga County: Lisa McChesney and Sharon Lathrop
• Wyoming County: Colleen Bellezza and Susan Altoft

The three representatives who sit on the Steering Committee are Sue Gagne, Doc D'Amato, and Pat Sine.

Work has begun on developing local peer and family advisory groups. These groups meet monthly to discuss county specific and program wide issues. They vary in size and inclusion and will be working on becoming more involved in the program at the county level. These groups and others will form a network of peers and family members to support the Steering Committee’s efforts to bring about change.