At Citizen Advocates, we are committed to making lives better. The individuals, families and communities we serve receive a full range of health and lifestyle care through innovative, industry-leading services and programs. All of this is achieved through a person-centered approach that supports and celebrates each individual’s choices.

We are here to make a positive difference in the life of any individual needing help along the unique road to health, independence and fulfillment. The work we do is driven by respect for humanity and the rights of individuals as they explore what it means to define their own future. We are proud to provide quality, compassionate care and do so from the bottom of our hearts.

Our work may be difficult at times, but that’s what makes it meaningful. We will persevere with courage and optimism. We are Citizen Advocates.

Our Mission & Values

Mission: Strengthening access to high-quality convenient behavioral health, physical health and developmental disability services, as well as housing, transportation, employment and food security programs.

Vision: To be known as a collective of innovative social care providers, focused on advancing the wellness of the communities served by delivering convenient, whole person care with a balanced and stable portfolio of services operating under sound fiscal stewardship.

Our Services

At Citizen Advocates, we are committed to making lives better. We offer mental health, addiction recovery and intellectual and developmental disability services and programs, along with a host of related support services, within the communities we reside.

Our History

Originally founded in 1975, Citizen Advocates served as a work program for individuals with a need for developmental and behavioral health support. At the time, the organization had 12 employees serving 50 individuals. Today, Citizen Advocates employs 750 health professionals and support staff who provide a broad range of services with compassion and skill to 8,100 individuals and families on an annual basis. With administrative offices in Malone, NY, Citizen Advocates provides developmental disability, mental health and substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services.

Community Health Needs Assessment

Citizen Advocates aims to make a positive difference in the life of any individual needing help along their unique road to health, independence and fulfillment. The whole-health organization positions itself on the leading edge of transformative health and well-being initiatives by focusing on enhanced health outcomes driven by high-quality, coordinated care for individuals and families receiving developmental disability, mental health and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery services. The work is driven by respect for humanity and the rights of individuals as they explore what it means to define their own future. To provide these essential services, Citizen Advocates must remain diligent in assessing the needs of the community continuously. The following report summarizes findings resulting from a Community Health Needs Assessment targeted to identify behavioral health needs for the communities in which we provide services.

Community Health Improvement Plan

A Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is a long-term effort to address public health based on the findings of the Community Health Assessment. Community Health Improvement Plans are strategies that set priorities and measurable objectives to address the needs of the community through a work plan.

The following work plan are the health priorities Citizen Advocates identified in its Community Health Needs Assessment, and the related actions the agency is taking to tackle each health-related focus.

Social Responsibility

Our position in the community gives us the ability and responsibility to drive progress and improve futures. We stand firm in our commitment to social and environmental initiatives, helping ensure that Citizen Advocates’ impact on our communities and the planet is always driven by our mission to make lives better. We stand firmly committed to our four pillars of impact: Purpose, People, Profession and Planet.

Leadership team

James Button, President & Chief Executive Officer

James Button serves as President & CEO of Citizen Advocates, St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers, Harison Place and the Fieldstone Foundation. A mission-driven leader, James has guided Citizen Advocates through a period of strategic growth marked by thoughtful affiliations, service expansion, and innovation across behavioral health, addiction recovery and Intellectual/Developmental Disability services.

Appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul to the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council and previously by Governor Andrew Cuomo to the New York State Rural Health Council, James has helped shape statewide policy to improve access and equity for New Yorkers in need of care.

Under his leadership, Citizen Advocates has advanced next-generation models of integrated care—such as behavioral health campuses that bring multiple disciplines together under one roof, and Harison Place, an innovative supportive housing community designed to promote stability, independence and recovery.

Recognized as a gifted public speaker and storyteller, James is known for communicating complex ideas in a way that inspires action and unity. He holds master’s degrees in Education and Clinical Social Work from the State University of New York and a Healthcare Administrator’s Certificate from the University of Vermont.

He lives in upstate New York with his wife Camelia, their sons Ben and Jake, and their German shepherd, Paris.

Kati Jock, Network Senior Vice President

As the Network Senior Vice President, Kati oversees all financial matters and operations for Citizen Advocates and its affiliates. Her focus is on providing accessible and convenient Behavioral Health, Housing and Disability Services to the communities we serve. During her tenure at Citizen Advocates, Kati has led geographic expansion efforts and launched three Behavioral Health Campuses. Her greatest accomplishment is bringing the teams at Citizen Advocates and St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers together to collaborate and learn from one another.

Kati brings nearly two decades of experience in strategic and business planning for health systems. Her career has included leading affiliations and mergers, designing business plans to support primary care expansion, and working closely with executive teams to shape organizational vision, drive profitability and sustain growth. Her previous roles include Director of Behavioral Health at Citizen Advocates.

With a passion for strategy and analysis, Kati is committed to using data-driven approaches to transform information into meaningful action that enhances health outcomes. She especially enjoys teaching teams how to interpret financial data and make strategic decisions through strong project management and planning.

Kati earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Technology and a Master’s in Business Administration from Clarkson University. Outside of work, she volunteers her time as a member of the Board of Directors for United Way of Northern New York. She enjoys walks along the shores of Lake Champlain, spending time with her family and hosting celebrations.

Jennifer Dishaw, Network Chief of Staff

Jennifer Dishaw serves as Network Chief of Staff at Citizen Advocates and its affiliates, where she helps lead and coordinate the day-to-day priorities of the Executive Leadership Team. In this role, she supports enterprise alignment and follow-through on the organization’s most important initiatives, translating strategy into clear execution across functions.

Jennifer provides management oversight of Government Affairs and the Fieldstone Foundation. She is known for steady judgment, deep institutional knowledge, and a disciplined approach to navigating complex organizational dynamics with discretion and clarity.

Prior to becoming Network Chief of Staff in 2019, Jennifer led a major initiative to modernize Citizen Advocates’ electronic medical record system, strengthening operational and clinical infrastructure across the network. Earlier in her career, she managed the Billing Department for 11 years, building strong expertise in healthcare reimbursement and the financial systems that sustain access to care.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and brings a grounded, mission-centered perspective to leadership, with a focus on strengthening the systems and relationships that support people and programs across the organization.

Jennifer DiTullio, Network Chief Operations Officer

As the Network Chief Operations Officer, Jennifer leads strategic initiatives to enhance the delivery of comprehensive health and social support programs for the communities we serve. She started her career in foster care where she developed a deep understanding of and empathy for the variety of challenges faced by children and families. She has built upon this experience with over 10 years of leadership experience in the field of health and human services.

Jennifer’s journey led her to Citizen Advocates, where she has successfully supported cross-functional teams, managed large-scale projects and advocated for policy changes to advance the organization’s mission. In addition to her current role, she has previously held the positions of Director of Community Support, Director of Behavioral Health and Senior Director of Operations.

With a commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, Jennifer is particularly focused on enhancing program accessibility, optimizing service delivery models and leveraging community partnerships to address systemic issues in health and human services.

Jennifer holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Clarkson University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam. She is a dedicated mom, proud wife and enjoys doing DIY renovation projects.

Courtney Frank, Network Chief Financial Officer

As Network Chief Financial Officer, Courtney oversees Finance, Revenue Cycle, Population Health and Planning, and Electronic Health Records for Citizen Advocates and affiliates. Her strategic focus includes strengthening financial foundations, aligning resources with organizational priorities and driving innovation that supports accessible, high-quality care.

Courtney’s journey with Citizen Advocates reflects both dedication and growth. She began her career on the front lines as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and, over the past 15 years, has taken on leadership roles spanning operations, technology, revenue cycle and finance. Most recently, she has served as Network Associate Vice President of Finance.

Her leadership philosophy is rooted in connecting financial stewardship to improved access and convenience for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction. She believes that sound financial planning is essential to deliver compassionate, mission-driven care.

Courtney holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and an MBA with a concentration in Accounting. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, home renovation and decoration projects, and cheering on her four children in their sports and dance activities.

Heather Wenzel, Network Chief Human Resources and Compliance Officer

As the Network Chief Human Resources and Compliance Officer, Heather oversees Human Resources, Compliance and Communications for Citizen Advocates and affiliates. Her strategic focus includes building a supportive and engaged workforce, ensuring compliance practices that protect both employees and those served, and fostering clear communications that connect teams internally and with the broader community.

Heather began her career as a Direct Support Professional and brings over 25 years of experience in health and human services. She has held various operational leadership roles and is driven by the belief that when employees feel supported, valued and engaged, the care delivered to communities is at its strongest.

Her leadership philosophy centers on empowering others and cultivating collaboration and learning as the foundation for lasting impact. She has led cross-functional initiatives that strengthen organizational culture and compliance, and she continues to champion efforts that align employee experience with mission-driven outcomes.

Heather holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and English Writing, as well as a Master’s in Rhetoric from SUNY Potsdam. She is a credentialled leadership coach and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership Studies from Louisiana State University–Shreveport. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and two rat terriers. She also serves as a Board Member for Youth Advocate Programs. 

Matthew Jones, Network Associate Vice President of Infrastructure & Technology

As Network Associate Vice President of Infrastructure & Technology for Citizen Advocates and its affiliates, Matt is responsible for facilities, maintenance, transportation, capital projects, safety, procurement, information technology, security and Harison Place Housing.

Prior to joining the Citizen Advocates team, Matt spent over 15 years in progressive leadership roles in hospital healthcare. He has a servant leadership style and is passionate about creating a team atmosphere where individuals feel supported and valued.

In his previous roles, Matt has led initiatives to enhance access to many services including imaging, infusion and physical rehabilitation services. He successfully managed a community hospital through the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining safe operations and quality care. He has overseen the completion of major capital projects, including a Skilled Nursing Facility, Primary Care Offices and major renovation projects. He also has implemented practices that have improved purchasing processes and efficiencies, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in supply costs.

Matt received a Bachelor’s Degree of Liberal Arts with a concentration in Economics from Hamilton College and went on to receive his Master’s in Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Operations from Capella University. He is a passionate about his family and an avid sports fanatic. He volunteers his time on the Board of Directors for Malone Minor Hockey and has coached many of the youth levels within the program.

Joseph Riccio, Network Associate Vice President of External Affairs

Joseph Riccio serves as Network Associate Vice President of External Affairs for Citizen Advocates and its Network of affiliates. In this role, he is responsible for strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including the workforce, patients, executive leadership, boards of directors, community leaders, elected officials, governmental and regulatory partners, and current and potential affiliates.

His work ensures that Citizen Advocates and its affiliates are well-positioned to advance their mission while navigating an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

With two decades of experience in healthcare communications, marketing and government affairs, Joseph has worked across a broad spectrum of care settings—from acute and primary care at Adirondack Health in Saranac Lake to mental health, addiction and disability services at Citizen Advocates in Upstate New York. He also brings a decade of political experience, having served as both a village trustee and mayor, which deepened his understanding of how governmental partnerships and community engagement are vital to building healthier, stronger communities.

Joseph believes that effective external relations and governmental affairs are essential for ensuring access, sustaining growth and influencing policies that support high-quality, convenient care. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife Joanne, whether it’s outdoors, cooking a great meal or travelling to visit their daughter in California.

Daxia Board of Directors

Nick Eells, Chair
Felix Tam, Secretary
Paul Goodrow, Treasurer
Marc Gitlitz

Citizen Advocates Board of Directors

Nick Eells, Chair
Felix Tam, Secretary
Dallas Sutton, Treasurer
Marc Gitlitz
Paul Goodrow
Rebecca Preve

Harison Place Board of Directors

Paul Goodrow, Chair
Greg Langdon, Secretary
Brian Stewart, Treasurer
Dallas Sutton