Stillwater RTF Staff

Karen Wright, MSW, LCSW
Executive Director

Karen Wright has been guiding Stillwater’s mission and vision since 1999. Her responsibilities include oversight of all programs and operations, staff, residents, strategic planning, finances, organizational mission and vision.

Under Ms. Wright’s leadership Stillwater RTF has transformed from a new facility, founded in response to a NYS Office of Mental Health initiative under the sponsorship of The Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference, to a thriving, effective organization that provides hope and healing for children and their families.

Ms. Wright successfully transitioned the facility from Children’s Home RTF to its new identity as Stillwater RTF in 2008.

Qualifications Snapshot

More than 15 years clinical and senior level administrative experience
Ms. Wright has authored or co-authored a number of professional publications.
Master of Social Work, Marywood University; LCSW, University of the State of NY, Education Department
Oversees all programs, operations, planning and finances for facility.
Clinical Instructor, Department of Psychiatry, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse
Member of NYS Coalition for Children’s Mental Health Services; Broome County Office of Mental Health Management Council; Broome County Children and Youth Services Coordinating Committee; National Association of Social Workers, NYS Chapter & Southern Tier Division; YWCA of Broome County Board of Directors; Rotary Club of Greene.

John J. Giglio, MSW
Associate Executive Director

Mr. Giglio draws on his extensive experience of almost 40 years in the field of residential child care. As an administrator at Stillwater his responsibilities include program oversight and supervision of all residential staff. His responsibilities also include oversight of the Maintenance and Food Service Departments as well as responsibilities within the educational program. Mr. Giglio has been instrumental in the smooth running of residential services and the development of a safe, stable environment at Stillwater. His sense of responsibility for and dedication to the children is apparent in all that he does.

Mr. Giglio is a resident of Binghamton, NY.

Qualifications Snapshot:

40 years professional experience in the field of residential childcare as an Administrator and Clinician
Master of Administration, Nova University; Master of Social Work (MSW), Marywood University
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Richmond College
Oversees Residential Services, Food Service, Maintenance, and also has responsibilities within the Educational program

Janee P. Valenzuela, MSW, LCSW
Director of Clinical Services

Ms. Valenzuela leads the Stillwater Clinical department by example. Her extensive case management and counseling experience adds depth to her understanding of the needs and goals of both residents and clinical staff. Ms. Valenzuela’s rapport building skills assist her in developing an environment based on teamwork and mutual respect, leading to the successful achievement of both long and short-term goals for her department, the residents, their families, and the organization as a whole.

She supervises 10 Clinical staff members including one child psychiatrist, two consulting psychologists, four masters-level social workers, one therapeutic recreation specialist, and two transition coordinators/case managers. Ms. Valenzuela also oversees the nursing department and supervises Stillwater’s nurse manager.

Ms. Valenzuela is a resident of Endwell.
Qualifications Snapshot:

18+ years clinical social work experience
Master’s Degree in Social Work, Arizona State University
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Psychology, University of Minnesota
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Supervises clinical staff and nursing department

Brenda Morrisey
Finance Director/CFO

Ms. Morrisey skillfully oversees all financial matters at Stillwater including day-to-day accounting, payroll and employee benefits, cash flow and budgets, as well as long term strategic planning and investments.

Over the course of her 30 year career, Ms. Morrisey has successfully guided several large and mid-size organizations in the areas of finance and employee benefits. She is a sought after speaker on the topics of workplace wellness and health care costs and has frequently been a guest speaker for the Broome Leadership Institute as well as a panel member for health care roundtable discussions.

Ms. Morrisey is a resident of Vestal, NY and is also active on the United MedManagement Board, Finance & Audit Committees and the UHS Workers Compensation PPO Advisory Board.

Qualifications Snapshot:

More than 30 years experience in senior level finance positions
Educated in Accounting & Finance at Broome Community College and Binghamton University
Manages day-to-day financial operations, long term financial strategies, and payroll/employee benefits for over 60 staff members.

Paul D. Smith, MA
Director of Operational Systems

The Operational Systems department is at the core of a successful, smooth-running facility.
As Director of Operational Systems, Mr. Smith is responsible for the areas of Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement, Utilization Review, Information Management, Evidence-Based Practice, and Risk Management. He also acts as the internal incident investigator and corporate compliance officer.

His analytical abilities, thoroughness and focus on detail complement his warm, caring nature and dedication to the well-being of children and staff.

Mr. Smith is a resident of Binghamton, NY.

Qualifications Snapshot

Over 17 years clinical and administrative experience in a variety of residential settings
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Master of Arts in Social Sciences, Binghamton University
Responsible for all Operational Systems including Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement, Utilization Review, Information Management, Evidence-Based Practice and Risk Management
Acts as internal incident investigator