Staff Directory for Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center (ADAC)

Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center Staff

Taher Zandi, Ph. D.

Director
Office: Sibley Hall 0227
Phone: (518) 564-3377
E-mail: zandit@plattsburgh.edu

Dr. Zandi is a licensed clinical neuro-psychologist with extensive training in the field of Geriatric Psychology. He has authored numerous papers on dementia related issues and has presented internationally. Dr. Zandi is a Distinguished Service Professor of Psychology at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Learn more about Dr. Zandi

Kenna LaPorte, M.A., NCC, LMHC

Community Education and Support Specialist
Office: Sibley Hall 0323
Phone: (518) 564-3370
E-mail: laportkl@plattsburgh.edu

Kenna oversees all support groups in our tri-county area, organizes our annual Alzheimer's Walk and annual Conference, and provides community and professional education and in-service training. She has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and Gerontology from Ball State University. She has been involved in the field of Aging since 1989.

Valarie Drown, M.S., NCC, LMHC

Office: Sibley Hall Room 0323
Phone: 564-3364
E-mail: drownvl@plattsburgh.edu

Valarie is a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in geriatric mental health. She provides adult counseling services and community and professional education and inservice training. She also provides psychotherapy to nursing home residents within the tri-county area and is Coordinator for the Third Age in Malolne.

Mary Ann McGovern

Clerical Specialist, Fiscal Operations
Office: Sibley Hall 227
Phone: (518) 564-3360
E-mail: mmcgo001@plattsburgh.edu

Mary Ann is the fiscal operator of projects associated with the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center. She oversees financial operations within all projects.

Kristen Chapin-Lavigne

Office Manager
Office: Sibley Hall 0227
Phone: (518) 564-3377
E-mail: klavi001@plattsburgh.edu

Kristen is responsible for management of the ADAC office. She provides administrative support to Dr. Zandi and the Associate Director, as well as clerical support to all other staff. Kristen functions as a main point of contact for inquiries into programs associated with the ADAC that includes scheduling patient appointments and referrals.