AMHC announces leadership moves

4 years ago

CARIBOU, Maine — Ellen Bemis, CEO, Aroostook Mental Health Center, has announced the following senior leadership updates: Michelle Ferris, LCSW, to director of emergency services; Lorraine Chamberlain, LCSW, CCS, to director of integration and behavioral health in Aroostook County; and Debra L. Jacques as director of marketing and development. 

“I am pleased to share these updates regarding our senior leadership team,” said Bemis. “Each of these women possesses a great deal of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. They will be a great asset to AMHC in their new roles as we work as a team to support our clients and their families, expand our services and increase our presence in the communities we serve.”

Ferris is responsible for AMHC’s Mobile Crisis Services and Sexual Assault Services in Aroostook, Hancock and Washington counties, and crisis stabilization units for both adults and children in Aroostook County. She has been with AMHC for 14 years. She has held several positions since 2006, most recently serving as emergency services supervisor in Aroostook County. 

Chamberlain is responsible for substance use and intensive outpatient program services including the residential treatment facility in Limestone, medicated assisted treatment and behavioral health services in the five outpatient offices in Aroostook. In addition, she oversees children behavioral health services that include the behavioral health home services, therapeutic foster care and supportive visitation.  She has served in many capacities since joining AMHC in 1982, most recently as the director of emergency services, a position she held for 19 years. 

Jacques is responsible for the agency’s marketing, planning and development activities. She has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and development and was most recently the community relations manager for Katahdin Trust. The majority of her career has been in non-profit work, serving as the business development director for Eastern Maine HomeCare (now Northern Light Home Care and Hospice) and as resource developer for Aroostook County Action Program. 

AMHC has 20 service sites and 325 employees located across Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties providing mental health, substance use, crisis and sexual assault services. For more information, connect with AMHC at www.amhc.org