Family Service Society, Inc.'s Leadership Team

PictureCynthia Gee, PsyD, LMHC, Executive Director
Cynthia Gee, PsyD, LMHC, is the Executive Director of Family Service Society, Inc.  Cynthia has spent the past fifteen years serving our community through Pathways, Inc. In 2006, she started as a Family Counselor in the REACH Family-Based Treatment Program and most recently was their Vice President of Children and Family Services, where she oversaw community contracts, therapeutic foster care, community-based programs licensed or designated by the Office of Mental Health, Office of Children and Family Services, and the Department of Health. In 2004, Cynthia earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and American Sign Language from Keuka College. She then obtained a Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2006. In 2008, Cynthia became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State. In February 2020, Cynthia earned her Doctorate of Psychology with a focus on Behavioral Health Leadership from Walden University. Cynthia has been a strong advocate for the advancement of access to behavioral health services in our State. She has a long-standing history of collaborating with community partners and stakeholders in the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes Region, and Greater Rochester Area. Cynthia has extensive experience in leadership, program development, management, clinical supervision, counseling, and supporting teams through significant change.
PictureErinn Charlanow, SHRM-CP Director of Human Resources
​Erinn Charlanow, SHRM-CP is the Director of Human Resources for Family Service Society, Inc. She is a dynamic HR practitioner with over 10 years of experience in Leadership and Human Resources.  She has proven success in developing company culture, and implementing change to achieve workforce excellence. Erinn possesses experience in several aspects of human resources including: talent engagement, recruitment, staff development, policy creation, and benefits. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Keuka College in Organizational Management, as well as, HR certification and Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma. Prior to joining Family Service Society, Inc, Erinn was with Travelers Insurance where she led a team within a call center environment, transforming the culture to a customer-centric atmosphere.  For the three years preceding, she supported a team of over 200 employees working for Corning Inc. through strategic staffing service CTG as a Staff Support Manager. In this role Erinn developed expertise in new employee onboarding, talent management, HR administration, as well as managing the complete employee life-cycle. Erinn can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 607-962-3148.
PictureBianca Crandle, Youth Services Program Director
Bianca Crandle is the Director of Youth Services and Prevention Education.  Bianca holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Psychology and is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (Advanced CASAC).  Bianca previously worked for CASA-Trinity as a clinical supervisor of 26 staff members, oversaw a substance abuse clinic serving 600 clients and helped develop a mobile counseling services program.  She also provided supervision in CASA-Trinity’s Club House for teens in Elmira and provided oversite in their prevention services.  Bianca has significant training in trauma informed care and best practice treatment models.  Bianca is a great addition to our team.  Her educational background, training and experience will be a great asset to our youth services programs. You can reach Bianca at  [email protected] or by phone at 607-936-3507 extension # 314.
PictureKatie DeLaney, Director of Family Focus
Katie DeLaney, L.C.A.T, is the Director of Family Focus.  Katie holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Creative Arts Therapy.  She is a New York State Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. Katie has worked in the field on the Family Focus team for the last nine years. Katie supports parents in becoming cycle breakers, building resiliency, and empowering them to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. In addition to serving as the Family Focus program director, Katie has also served as the President of the Junior League of the Greater Elmira Corning Region and has held other leadership positions within the league. Katie has completed training in non-profit leadership, ACES-Resiliency, and trauma-informed practice. Katie is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the Family Focus team as previous director, Ruth Goodwin, LCSW enters retirement. 
PictureValerie Folnsbee, LMHC, Clinical Director
Valerie Folnsbee, LMHC, is the Clinical Director at Family Service Society. Valerie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Master’s of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University. Valerie is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in New York State. Prior to working for Family Service Society, Valerie provided therapy to clients of all ages in a local mental health clinic. Valerie began at our agency working within the Choice Program. Valerie has completed extensive training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as working with children who have endured sexual abuse and other significant trauma.
PictureJanalee Orfanides, Director of Communications and the Professional Training Institute
Janalee Orfanides is the Director of Communications and the Professional Training Institute. Janalee holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has been with Family Service Society, Inc. since December 1993.  Janalee spearheaded the formation of the Family Service Society Professional Training Institute in 1996, which has since served thousands of social workers, counselors, and human service professionals from throughout the country. She has organized over 130 training opportunities featuring some of the nation’s most prominent presenters in the world of mental health. Additionally, Janalee oversees all communications activities at Family Service Society, Inc., including public relations, marketing, and funds development.  You can reach Janalee at orfanidesj@familyservicesociety.org or by phone at 607-962-3148. 
PictureCari Stage, Director of Youth Mentoring and Empowerment Services
Cari Stage, M.A., is the Director of Youth Mentoring and Empowerment Services. Cari holds a bachelor’s degree in Music and Political Science, with a minor in Spanish, from Binghamton University as well as a master’s degree in Music Education from Mansfield University.  She is professionally certified to teach music K-12 in New York State.  Cari previously worked as a music educator in two districts in the Southern Tier, where she directed vocal music ensembles, the school musicals, and coached middle school volleyball.  She has also been a Concert Program Analyst at the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).  Prior to her graduate studies, Cari participated in AmeriCorps Kids First Initiative through Family Service Society at both the Corning Youth Center and Advantage After-School programs.  Throughout the past six years at Family Service Society, Inc., Cari has been the Youth Services Specialist, a Prevention Educator, and the Program Coordinator of Youth Mentoring of the Southern Tier (YMST).  Cari is an advocate of developing youth voice, and encourages personal growth and success in youth.  Cari has completed training in non-profit leadership, ACES, and a variety of prevention education curricula.  In addition to her work with Family Service Society, Inc., Cari is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (Corning-Elmira Musical Arts, Inc.) and is the Chorus Manager for the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes. You can reach Cari at [email protected] or by phone at 607-936-3507, x. 2309. ​