Advisory Board

The New York State Psychiatric Institute’s Center of Excellence for Cultural Competence has a Community Advisory Board comprised of a broad spectrum of community leaders, health and mental health experts as well as residents from Washington Heights, Inwood, and Harlem. The board members, representing both local and state wide constituencies, were selected to ascertain and represent the health interests of people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds residing in Northern Manhattan as well as New York State municipalities.
The mission of the board is to create a forum for exchange between the Center of Excellence for Cultural Competence and communities of Northern Manhattan and New York State. The board informs the activities of the Center by extending their expertise on community health and mental health issues.  Other responsibilities include reviewing and providing recommendations on center’s strategic plan and project activities as well as participating in the development and implementation of project deliverables.  Board members also participate in project outreach, assist in special projects, provide guidance by sharing their knowledge on the community’s health priorities and promote an environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas.

Board Members

Luis Barrios, Ph. D.
Sigfrido Benitez
Celia Brown
Eric Canales  
Allan J. Formicola, D.D.S.
Ingrid A. Gonzalez, LMSW
Karen Gormandy
Aminah Henderson
Rosa Lavergne, Ph. D.
Glen Milstein, Ph. D.
Sister Mary Nerney
Danny Porro
Nancy Simmons, Sr.PHE