Leadership

Executive Team

Debbian Fletcher-Blake

President and CEO

Opal Dunstan

Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer

Darcia Bryden-Currie

Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer

Tabitha Gaffney

Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Ernst Jean

Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

Frank Kploanyi

Senior Vice President and Chief Finance Officer

Justin Mitchell

Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer

Carmen Rivera

Senior Vice President and Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer

Inez Sieben

 Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

Natasha Vernon

General Counsel

Senior Management Team

Natalie D. Richardson, PhD,  is the Managing Director of Operations for Shelter Housing and Facilities at VIP Community Services. She is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, NYU Robert Wagner Graduate School, NYU School of Social Work, Capella University and Coro Leadership Program, NYC. She is an advocate for the homeless and has successfully propelled nonprofit organizations to meet and exceed their strategic plan goals and government assigned targets for over 25 years. Her areas of special interest include affordable, transitional and supportive housing for the homeless and vulnerable populations as well as economic stabilization for the less fortunate.

She previously served as the Vice President, Programs for Homeless Families for the nonprofit, Urban Resource Institute, where she provided expert oversight of a portfolio of 10 shelters ensuring best practices and compliance with OTDA Part 900 and other regulatory guidelines. She served as the Director of Residential Programs and Community Services for Heritage Health and Housing, overseeing a portfolio of 19 programs (over 300 beds) with funding from NYC Department of Homeless Services, HPD, HUD, HASA, HRA, NYS Office of Mental Health, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Medicaid billing operations. She oversaw the Hurricane Sandy Operation with 22 commercial hotels at SCO Families of Services, housing over 500 families and individuals. In addition, she provided leadership for a 200-bed single adult shelter that housed men experiencing mental health challenges and behavioral health issues. As the Executive Manager at Care for the Homeless she provided leadership and guidance over a 200-bed shelter for single adult women that were medically frail, active substance users, experiencing mental illness, and living with physical impairments. As the Deputy Executive Director and Compliance Officer for Veritas Therapeutic Community she provided oversight for multiple NYS-OASAS funded and licensed residential, outpatient and prevention programs serving on the executive team ensuring contract compliance.

Your contribution helps to ensure VIP’s continued ability to offer desperately needed services to under-resourced communities in New York City, regardless of people’s ability to pay. VIP offers family practice, internal medicine, pediatric services, womens health, and mental health.

Dana Coleman, MSW, CASAC-T, CARC, is the Assistant Vice President of Housing and Shelter at VIP Community Services. She has over 25 years of clinical and administrative experience, with over 15 of those years at VIP. She has held various positions at VIP such as Health Education Coordinator, Social Worker, Program Coordinator and Program Director. Dana has been an integral part of the VIP support team at most of the VIP programs and has been involved with SAMHSA grants throughout her VIP years. Before joining VIP, she worked as a social worker in a renal dialysis program and at a Ryan White hospital-based program. She received her MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work and her undergraduate degree from Herbert H. Lehman College. Dana is responsible for the oversight of VIP’s supportive and affordable housing sites, sanctuary facilities and shelters. Dana enjoys watching sports and playing basketball.

Ellen Hoffman, CASAC-G, SAP, MAC, CARC, FDC,  joined VIP Community Services in 1998. Ellen dedicated her time and attention to addressing the needs and care of VIP’s vulnerable population, consisting of individuals with substance abuse issues and co-occurring disorders as a clinical counselor. She sought out continuing education opportunities to develop the necessary skills and comprehensive understanding of the OASAS/CARF regulations to take on a supervisory position in 2010. While aiding OTP consumers, Ellen enhanced her CASAC license to further service gambling addiction issues and was then promoted to Clinical Director in 2013. Ellen later pursued her M.S. in Human Behavior Studies, as well as obtaining her SAP (Substance Abuse Professional, CARC (Certified Addiction Recovery Coach), MAC (Master Addiction Counselor) and FDC (Family Development Credential).

In 2016, Ellen was promoted to Senior Director of MAT and in this role, she provides direct supervision and oversees the advancement of the Opioid Treatment Program and all Medicated Assisted Treatment Services as well as overseeing grants for the following programs: MAT-PDOA, Bronx Hope, NY Community Trust and the 350-hour CASAC curriculum, offered through the continuum, in an effort to advance MAT in the community. She also oversees the OOPP (Opioid Overdose Prevention Program), providing training on how to properly use NARCAN to outside and in-house providers.

In her spare time, Ellen likes to spend time with her children and is very family-oriented.

Nicholas Jefferson, LMSW, CASAC-G, FDC, CARC SIFI, joined VIP Community Services in 2012 as a supervisor in the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), later becoming Director of the Admissions Department.  Currently he serves as Assistant Vice President of Admissions.

Nicholas is a licensed social worker in New York and a clinical supervisor for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services. Nicholas has been in the human services field since 2002 and specializes in working with individuals with substance use and mental health diagnoses, at-risk high school-aged youth/young adults, and people without homes. Nicholas also specializes in program development and educating addiction treatment and recovery professionals.

Nicholas earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at John Jay College and a Master’s in Social Work at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College-CUNY. Nicholas has more than 18 years of experience with a diversity of patients and settings, including both long-term and brief interventions. For 14 years, Nicholas has taken his field experience to the classroom as an adjunct instructor and lecturer at colleges and training centers across New York City, including Fordham University and John Jay College.

Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys sports and reading.

Alison Maling, LCSW serves as Assistant Vice President of our CCBHC. Her responsibilities include the operational and clinical services for outpatient mental health and substance use programs.

Alison has worked in the Bronx since moving to New York in 2005 and enjoys working with communities that are often overlooked and watching the resiliency shine. Her passion is to bring creative ways to help people make a difference in their own lives and the lives of those they care about.

Alison has been a master’s level clinician for 25 years and has worked with a variety of organizations and agencies whose focus has been the mental health of people in those communities. Whether it was working with at risk youth identified by their school system in the DC area, to running residential programs and working on crisis teams in the Boston area to now merging her skills to address substance use and mental health in a holistic way, teamwork and the commitment to healing has been her clinical focus.

She has a “kitchen table” full of friends and family who support and guide her; she holds a MSW from the Catholic University of America and a BSW from Trinity College of Vermont.

Victoria Robinson, LMSW, CASAC-M, joined VIP Community Services in November 2020, as Program Director at the 764 Residence. Victoria has worked in residential treatment settings for the past 20 years servicing populations with substance use and mental health disorders. Victoria has strong leadership skills as evidenced by a unique ability to motivate others to take pride and quality in the work that we do while leading by example. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brooklyn College, CUNY, a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Hunter College, CUNY, and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Certified Master Level Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-M). Victoria strives to provide quality care by developing systems to enhance a positive treatment experience and promote a healing environment. Victoria’s passion, dedication, and commitment propelled her to her new role as Assistant Vice President, Residential Services.

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Debbian Fletcher-Blake, APRN, FNP, is President and CEO of VIP Community Services. She served as a clinician and administrator at multiple New York City healthcare facilities, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that specialize in providing care to unhoused people. Debbian also worked in academia serving as the Clinical Director of the Mobile Health Program and instructor at New York University College of Nursing. Debbian has been active in building culturally competent workforces, tackling healthcare inequities, focusing on strategies to eliminate disparities, and working to ensure community members are active participants in deciding systems of care. Due to her vast experience in quality assurance, physical, and behavioral health care, Debbian has served as subject matter expert on numerous clinical and administrative projects both locally and nationally.

Debbian has received numerous quality awards from the Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). She collaborated with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to establish State guidelines for licensing small nontraditional clinics to allow individuals to receive health care in places that are convenient, safe, and accessible. She collaborates with multiple community stakeholders to improve access to mental health and addiction services for people in under-resourced communities. 

Debbian is an elected Member of the National Advisory Council on the National Health Services Corps (NACNHSC) – Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Workforce, effectively advising the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, acting as a sounding board for proposed policy changes, identifying the priorities for NHSC, bringing forward and anticipating future program issues and concerns on a national level. 

Additionally, Debbian serves on several Boards, including the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as the regional director for Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands), Montefiore Nyack Hospital, Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates (COMPA) of New York State, and InUnity. She also serves as the Co-Chair of CHCANYS Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Council. She collaborates with colleagues, legislators, and other stakeholders locally and nationally to impact health care for people in underserved communities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, geographical location, and social conditions from the dual perspectives of a clinician and administrator. Additionally, Debbian continues clinical practice to get firsthand experience of the community’s medical/behavioral health needs to influence her advocacy and administrative responsibilities.

In 2022 Debbian was awarded Crain’s New York Notable Black Leaders as well as 2022 Schnepps Media Healthcare Heroes Award for her contribution and dedication to the healthcare community. In 2021, for her role in rebuilding New York City during the pandemic, she was recognized as an Empire Whole Health Hero and showcased on the Bronx Power List as the one of the most influential and impactful individuals in the borough for her continued commitment to improving the Bronx under-resourced communities. In 2019, Debbian was selected as a CRAIN’s Notable Women in Health Care. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Philip W. Brickner Award Honoree from CHCANYS for advocating and being a champion for the medical needs of those who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness.

Debbian is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in New York State. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Pace University School of Nursing. With an Executive Leadership Certificate in Health Information Technology from the University of Colorado School of Nursing, Debbian brings expertise and efficiency in the coordination of health and social services programs through health information technology. Debbian holds an Executive Leadership certificate from UCLA School of Business and Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing and Chemistry.

Opal Dunstan joined VIP Community Services as the Chief Operations Officer in March 2020. Opal has been in healthcare leadership for over thirty years in both hospitals and ambulatory care FQHC settings. She worked with Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx Hospital as Associate Executive Director with responsibility for various areas such as Quality Management, Regulatory Affairs, Utilization Review, Inpatient Services, Risk Management, and Outpatient Surgery.

Most recently, Opal worked for over twenty years at Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, where she served in various roles such as Chief Operations Officer, Acting Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Executive Officer.

Opal holds a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from New York University and a Certification in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). She is committed and dedicated to the belief that the population we serve should receive quality efficient healthcare.

On a personal note, Opal enjoys music, gardening, and cooking. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, Opal has two adult twin daughters, Tisha and Tracy and resides in Fishkill, NY.

Darcia Bryden-Currie joined VIP Community Services in January 2018 and currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer for Health Services and Wellness. 

Darcia has more than 20 years of experience in the health care field. She has served as a provider, and more recently as an administrator. Her work as an administrator was to address the challenges faced by her colleagues and patients within the New York health care system. Prior to joining VIP, she served as Vice President of Health Services for a local FQHC. Darcia also has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges.

Darcia holds a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska and a Ph.D. in Public Health from Walden University.

Tabitha Gaffney comes to VIP with 23+ years of experience working in social services and non-profit organizations that provide services and support to consumers who have a history of homelessness, mental health and substance use issues, physical and mental health and care coordination needs. Tabitha’s track record of success includes driving program and project development, implementation and management, quality improvement projects, and effectively restructuring and rebuilding failing programs into high performing programs. Tabitha’s expertise in Corporate Compliance, Privacy Compliance, Risk and Incident Management, Training, Team Development, Quality Improvement, Program/Project Development, Implementation and Management are critical in her role as Chief Compliance Officer for VIP where she is responsible for the oversight and management of the Corporate Compliance Program and HIPAA Privacy Management.

Dr. Ernst Jean has been at VIP Community Services for over a decade and has over 20 years of experience in Addiction Medicine/Outpatient Behavioral Health and Ambulatory Medicine.

He obtained his Medical Degree from the State University of Haiti, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, in Port-au-Prince.

He completed his training in Internal Medicine at the State University of Haiti Hospital, and his training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Albert Einstein College affiliated hospitals in The Bronx. He studied Forensic Pathology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Ernst worked in the early 90’s as a New York City Medical Examiner and in the late 90’s as an HIV Specialist. He was a founding member of the NY Chapter of the Minority Providers in HIV Care. He previously worked at Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn & Queens, Inc.

Ernst is fluent in French, English and Creole. He is committed to addressing the disparity in health and inequities in healthcare, with patient education and empowerment combined with excellence at and access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).

Frank Kploanyi joined VIP Community Services in December 2017, providing leadership in the organization’s financial management and strategy. He has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry — specifically in FQHCs and community-based organizations and hospitals — with a strong background in financial management, reimbursement, organizational process design, and improvement. Frank’s prior position was as Director of Finance, Business Development at Northwell Health, Physician Partners.

He has previously served as CFO at both 1199 SEIU Training and Employments Funds and Morris Heights Health Center, and as Director of General Accounting at Beth Israel Medical Center. Frank is a CPA, is a member of the American Institute of Certified Accountants and serves on the Boards of a couple of non-profit organizations.

Occasionally, Frank teaches courses in Accounting, Auditing, and Cost Accounting at the City University of New York, York College, as an Adjunct Professor. Frank received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Ghana, Legon, and his MBA in Management Accounting from Pace University Lubin School of Business in New York. Outside work, Frank’s interests are tennis and golf.

Justin Mitchell joined VIP Community Services in February 2020 and serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer, where he provides clinical and administrative leadership for VIP’s substance use disorder programs including opioid treatment, residential, outpatient, and harm reduction services. Justin brings almost 25 years of experience working in the substance use and mental health disorder field. Prior to joining VIP, Justin held various leadership positions at Odyssey House, a New York City based social service agency, for over 15 years, including as the Vice President of Residential Services. His extensive managerial experience includes a record of success in ensuring regulatory compliance, prioritizing staff development, and in spearheading clinical initiatives that have increased consumer satisfaction and program outcomes.

Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science in Education (Rehabilitation Counseling) from Hunter College, CUNY, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Carmen G. Rivera serves as Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer for VIP Community Services. Carmen served on the Board of Directors of VIP Community Services for 35 years, and as Board Chair for 20 years. She is an active community organizer and activist who facilitated a myriad of community partnerships throughout her many decades with the organization.

Carmen was born in Bayamon, in Puerto Rico and is the third of six children. Her bilingual and bicultural background provides her with sensitivity to the plights of immigrants and those with language barriers. She began a career of volunteerism, most notably at her local parish of St. Anthony’s where Rev. Father Robert Banome helped to nurture her thirst for spiritual ministry and activism. These ecumenical efforts helped to propel Bronx leaders into providing housing, food, and substance use disorder treatment.  Carmen became a leader in the provision of those services in her community.

Her community leadership has spanned decades. Carmen has served on Community Board 9 for 17 years and held a post on the Executive Committee for 9. and 14 years as Housing Chair. Carmen honorably served as parish trustee for 18 years, and President of Parish Council for Church of St. Anthony. She serves as a mentor and leader to young girls ages 7–18 years and provides spiritual mentorship and community projects to create future Latina leaders. She also serves as a member of the Executive Committee of Discovery for Justice Coalition, a nonprofit organization that advocates for criminal justice reform.

Her early professional career was in Publishing. Carmen was employed as the National Sales Manager at Bookazine a Book Wholesaler, later becoming National Trade Sales Manager at Lectorum/Scholastic Publishing marketing Spanish books nationwide. Carmen was a member of the American Library Association, American Bookseller’s Association, and a member of Reforma, supporting the needs of Spanish speakers through library services. In 2009, Carmen was honored with the first Lifetime Achievement Distinction providing services to the Latino community.

Her most important role is the matriarch of her family. Carmen is mother to Yolanda and Jeanette and grandmother of Jasmine, Destiny, and Brandon. She is great-grandmother to Hailey and Dominick. She is a proud resident of Bronx, and is an avid reader who enjoys culinary arts and travel.

Inez Sieben comes to VIP with over 30 years of experience in numerous public health, social services and health programs.

As Chief Operating Officer of OneCity Health Services, a subsidiary of Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), she ramped up the program to meet key DSRIP goals, developed and implemented strategies subsequently approved by the subsidiary’s governance and achieved 99% of DSRIP funding.

Previously Inez served as Chief Operating Officer for the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), a non-profit that promotes health information technology that ensures secure access to patient data across New York State. In collaboration with stakeholders and the State, Inez coordinated the development of the Statewide Health Information of NY (SHIN-NY).

She served as Vice President of Nonprofit Consulting and Special Projects at Public Health Solutions, and as Executive Director of the SKILL Center, a training and employment program for home health aides.

Her degrees include an MPH from Boston University and a BA in women’s health from the University of Massachusetts.  Inez is passionate about art and is a professional artist whose art is regularly on exhibit throughout New York.  Her art can be seen at www.inez7.art.

In her prior roles, Natasha participated in numerous contractual negotiations and transactions. She also managed litigation and arbitration cases on behalf of healthcare providers in the Midwest and the Eastern United States. She completed her legal studies at the University of Law in London and at CWRU School of Law as the fully-supported Emmerich De Vatel Scholar. Additionally, Natasha is a fully qualified mediator and arbitrator and has served as a neutral on commercial cases. She currently sits as a neutral on a national panel and serves as a volunteer mediator in the Bronx. Prior to law school, Natasha earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and worked as an international consultant for several Fortune 500 companies. Natasha is proficient in Spanish.