JCEO Directors
Nicole Laurin, Chief Executive Officer
Nicole joined JCEO in June of 2019 as the Development Director and was promoted to CEO in October of 2021. She is the former President of The Plattsburgh Rotary Club and is active in several Rotary committees. She serves on the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction and Boy Scouts Good Scout Award Committees, serves on the Senior Citizens Council, is a member of the Chazy PTO and a member of New York State Community Action Association’s Membership Committee.
As Chief Executive Officer, Nicole provides strategic direction for the agency and oversees day to day operations to ensure compliance with JCEO policies and procedures, as well as federal and state rules and regulations.
Nicole graduated Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and reading.
“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou
Angela Williams-Minehan, Director of Head Start and Early Head Start
Angie graduated from Plattsburgh State’s Human Development, Family Relations Program with a concentration in Child Care Management and has been an active member of the local Early childhood community ever since. Angie worked with the Daycare Program at JCEO right out of college and then went on to spend 16 years as Director of the Child Care program at Clinton Community College, before joining the JCEO Head Start/Early Head Start Program as the Education Services Manager for Clinton County in the Fall 2016. Angie was promoted to Director in July of 2021.
Angie serves on the advisory committee for the Early Childhood Education Program at CV-TEC and is member of the local chapter of Kiwanis.
"Go fast enough to get there, but slow enough to see." Jimmy Buffett
Robert Mihal, Chief Financial Officer
Robert (Bob) Mihal joined JCEO in November of 2019 as the Chief Financial Officer. He oversees the Fiscal Department which handles $9 million in federal, state, and local grant funding. Bob was born and raised in this community and graduated from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business.
Bob has worked in our community ever since he graduated. He spent the last four years working in public accounting before he joined JCEO. Bob is an active member in Plattsburgh Rotary.
In his spare time, he enjoys bowling, golf, kayaking and spending time with his family.
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
Christina Danussi, Director of Day Care
Christina has been with JCEO since 1986, when she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from SUNY Plattsburgh. She began her career at JCEO under the pretense of working on a 6 month grant, but the grant continued and Christina has been a part of the Day Care Program ever since.
As the Day Care Program Director, Christina is responsible for the day to day operations of both the Child Care Resource and Referral Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Christina is a member of Child Care Advisory Committee at CVES. She is also a Verified Health and Safety trainer in Clinton and Franklin Counties.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu
Stephanie Carlisto, Associate Director of Head Start and Early Head Start
Stephanie is the Associate Director of Head Start and Early Head Start at JCEO. She assumed this position in 2018 and oversees the day to day operations of the Head Start and Early Head Start program in Franklin County. Prior to this position she was the Education Services Manager at JCEO from 2015 to 2018.
Stephanie has over 20 years of experience working in a variety of educational settings. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Masters of Science degree in Reading Literacy from SUNY Potsdam.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Lisa Goodrow, Director of Community Outreach
Lisa came to JCEO in October of 2011 as an intern and was hired in April of 2012 as a Medical Transportation Worker. She was promoted to Community Outreach Associate Director in 2018 and then promoted to Community Outreach Program Director in 2021.
As Program Director, Lisa is responsible for the Community Outreach Program, the Medical Transportation Program, and the Food Services Program in Clinton and Franklin Counties. Additionally, she oversees the Food & Nutrition and HEAP programs in Clinton County. Lisa Graduated from Clinton Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. Prior to starting at JCEO, Lisa was a certified daycare provider for 10 years and a CNA prior to that.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss
Julie Stalker, Director of Senior Outreach
Julie began her career with JCEO in October of 2000 when she joined the Head Start staff as a Family Worker for the Cumberland Head and Beekmantown Centers. In 2001 she was promoted to the position of Senior Outreach Program Coordinator, and in 2008, she was promoted to Senior Outreach Program Director. Julie received her New York State Family Development Credential in 2003 and completed certification as a National Certified ROMA Implementer in 2017.
Julie takes an active role in the community, serving with Community Care Partners, Action to Health, the Senior Celebration Planning Committee, and the Stop Domestic Violence Task Force. Julie also serves on the Lake Forest Senior Living Community Board of Directors and The Samuel F. Vilas Home Board of Directors. She is a past Event Chair of the American Cancer Society Plattsburgh Relay for Life and is currently the Event Chair for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein
Ellie Jent, Director of Development
Ellie joined JCEO in October of 2021. She is the former Vice President of Adirondack Young Professionals, current Board Secretary of the Senior Citizens Council of Clinton County, a volunteer with the City of Plattsburgh Climate Task Force and member of the City of Plattsburgh Zoning Board of Appeals. Before JCEO, Ellie spent four years working as a Housing Counselor at Friends of the North Country, where she provided counseling services, helped apply for and facilitate grant programs, and managed a housing counseling team.
At JCEO, Ellie coordinates JCEO fundraisers and events, and assists with securing grants and donations. She oversees the organization’s social media and website presence, manages advertising and branding initiatives, produces JCEO’s publications, and oversees the Community Action Angels volunteer group, which operates the Backpack and Fostering Komfort programs.
“I am not saying you will find the meaning of life in other people. I am saying that other people are the life to which you provide the meaning.” - Neil Hilborn
Jaime Whittaker, Director of Human Resources
Jaime began her career with JCEO in November of 2013 as a HEAP Intake worker. In 2014, she returned as Energy Services Clerk, and in 2019 she assumed the position of Payroll Clerk/Administrative Assistant. In September of 2022, Jaime was promoted to Human Resources Administrative Assistant, and in 2024 she was promoted to Director of Human Resources. Jaime received her credential as a Certified Payroll Professional by the American Payroll Association in 2022, and Certification in Human Resources Management in 2023.
As Director of Human Resources, Jaime is dedicated to providing empathy and advocacy for the employees of JCEO, as well as working closely with its directors in a strategic manner in coordination with the mission, values, and goals of JCEO.
“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” - Carol Burnett
Laurel Polttila, Director of Facilities
Laurel joined JCEO in April of 2024.