AVALON STAFF
Clinical Team Leaders & Specialists in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorders & Obesity
Art Boese, Owner and Board Member
A message about the Founder
Art Boese, Owner and Board Member of Avalon Eating Disorder Treatment Center comes by his work honestly. He is the father of three young women, and has seen his children and their friends struggle with body image and eating disorders. While many parents feel helpless, Art and his wife Kit have made it their personal mission to help Avalon succeed in helping those with suffering from eating disorders.
Art is devoted to working very hard daily in support of Avalon. While it has been operating for nine years since 1998, Avalon far exceeds the national average for the recovery of patients. He has made it a point to surround himself with the finest people in the field and has worked diligently for mental health parity for patients. Both the Boese family and the Avalon family are extremely proud of what they have achieved.
PARTIAL HOSPITIALIZATION PROGRAM
Co-Medical Director — Maria Nickolova, MD
Maria Nickolova, MD is a board certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in psychopharmacology. She is a graduate of the University of Buffalo Psychiatry Residency and has had extensive experience in Buffalo's psychiatric community. She has previously worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings at Buffalo General Hospital, Erie County Medical Center and the Horizons Human Services outpatient centers. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, Program Chair at Western New York Psychiatric Society and a Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Department of Psychiatry. Maria is also part of a private practice group at Suburban Psychiatric Associates in Amherst, New York. She serves as co-medical director of Avalon Centers Partial Hospitalization Program for adolescents and adults.
Co-Medical Director — Maria Cartagena, MD
Dr. Maria Cartagena is a board certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. She currently is an attending psychiatrist at BryLin Hospitals in Buffalo, New York and is part of private practice group at Suburban Psychiatric Associates in Amherst, New York. Dr. Cartagena trained at the University of Buffalo Department of Psychiatry Residency, located at Erie County Medical Center. She served as medical director of the Blue Suite at Kaleida Health's Buffalo General Hospital's Inpatient Psychiatry Unit and at the Community Mental Health Center from 2000 to 2005. In addition to her current private practice at Suburban Psychiatric Associates and work at a local domiciliary, Mary Agnes Manor, she serves as co-medical director of Avalon Centers’ Partial Hospitalization Program for adolescents and adults.
Executive Director — Jayne Haley, BSN, BA, CASAC
Jayne Haley earned a Bachelor Degree in Nursing from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Bachelor in Psychology and Religious Studies from Canisius College. She is also a New York State Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). Jayne has extensive experience in both mental health and substance abuse treatment. Jayne's clinical experience includes 13 years at BryLin Hospitals where she worked with patients with eating disorders, psychiatric disorders, and chemical dependency. At BryLin Hospitals, Jayne served in a variety of roles including Nursing Supervisor, Nurse Manager, Clinical Supervisor, Director of Inpatient and Outpatient Chemical Dependency Services, and Vice President of Patient Care Services.
Nutrition Director — Lisa Rychlicki, Registered Dietician
Lisa graduated in 1980 from Buffalo State College with a Bachelor Degree in Dietetics. For several years, Lisa worked at Boston City Hospital as the Chief Clinical Dietician. She has also worked as a Nutrition Consultant and at Nutrition Dynamics conducting nutritional presentations for the community and local corporations. As Nutrition Director, Lisa provides nutrition education, therapeutic supervised meals and snacks, and individualized meal planning. Lisa also works with anorexic, bulimic, and obesity clients to stimulate awareness of thoughts and emotions behind eating disordered behaviors and body image distortions.
Intake Coordinator — Colleen Myers, Registered Nurse
Colleen is a registered nurse with a 19-year history of psychiatric nursing with expertise in mental health, chemical dependency, and eating disorders. She has been a member of the Avalon clinical team since 1998 and has developed extensive expertise in assisting patients with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and obesity. Colleen works closely with patients during the intake and admission process and throughout their stay. She conducts a weekly group and provides medical monitoring of patients vital signs and weight.
Clinical Therapist — Laura Weston, RN, CASAC
Laura is a Registered Nurse and a New York State Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). She has over 20 years of experience in mental health, chemical dependency, and family counseling. Her previous work experience includes BryLin Hospitals and Mid Erie Human Services where she provided treatment for patients with a variety of mental health illnesses and addictions. Laura’s therapeutic skills and expertise in relapse prevention provides eating disordered patients with the knowledge and support they need in order to maintain a successful recovery. Laura also co-facilitates Avalon’s Recovery Support Group.
Clinical Therapist — Sandra Oberkircher, LMSW
Sandra earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from the State University Of New York at Buffalo and also has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW). Sandra has a wide range of mental health experience working with children, adults, and families. Her work experience includes Horizon Heath Services and Family & Children’s Service of Niagara. Sandra conducts a variety of therapeutic and educational groups at the Avalon Program to help patients understand underlying aspects involved in their eating disorder.
Clinical Therapist — Heather Canti, LCSW
Heather earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Heather has experience working with both children and adults suffering from numerous psychological disorders. She has worked in a number of mental health facilities including Spectrum Human Services and Western New York Institute for the Psychotherapies. She has also worked with students and their families in the Tonawanda School District. As part of Avalon’s continuing care program, Heather facilitates Avalon’s Recovery Support Group.
Yoga Instructor — April Harrington, MS Counseling Education, CRC
April obtained her Masters Degree in Counseling Education from Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. She is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Registered Yoga Teacher. April has extensive experience working with mental health, chemical dependency, and eating disordered patients. As part of Avalon's holistic approach to treatment, April conducts a weekly Yoga class that is tailored for anorexia, bulimia, and obesity patients.
Art Therapist — Katie Foley, MS, ATR
Katie is a Registered Art Therapist who earned her Masters Degree from State University College at Buffalo, NY. Katie has developed her clinical expertise working in a variety of settings including Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Niagara Hospice, Lewiston & Porter Central School District, and Alcoholism Council in Niagara County. Katie's weekly Art Therapy Group is an integral part of the Avalon Program. Her creative skills make this a group that is highly enjoyed and appreciated by Avalon patients.
