Senior Leadership Team
The senior leadership team oversees the daily operations of programs and services to ensure they align with the agency's mission, vision, and values. They are dedicated to serving the community's needs, fostering collaboration with local partners, and devising innovative strategies to improve access to behavioral health services across Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington counties. They are grateful to the agency's staff, whose unwavering commitment is vital for individuals to receive the care and support they require.
Christy Daggett, MPP
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
In her leadership role, Christy oversees the agency's mission in accordance with AMHC's philosophy of service, organizational values, strategic vision, and the policies established by the Board of Directors. Before joining AMHC, she worked in public service in Maine for nearly a decade, holding program-oriented and leadership roles at MCD Public Health, the Maine Center for Economic Policy, and the Aroostook County Action Program. She has served as Board President of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Maine Affiliate, President of the Aroostook Training and Education Coalition (ATEC), and Board Member of the Maine Children's Alliance. A native of Presque Isle, Christy earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Maine and her master's in public policy and management from the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. She has testified as an expert on rural public policy issues before the Maine Legislature. Her pieces have been published in many statewide and national forums, including health policy research on Medicaid expansion, healthcare price transparency, cancer screening access for rural Mainers, and the correlation between school-based health clinics and better graduation and attendance outcomes for K-12 students.
Lori Deschaine, LCSW
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Lori Deschaine, LCSW, is Chief Operating Officer. She oversees AMHC’s day-to-day operations across all services and sites in partnership with the senior leadership team. Lori joined AMHC in 1998 and has worked in roles such as therapist, forensic interviewer, and supervisor of the Children’s Advocacy Center. Lori graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from the University of Maine at Fort Kent in 1998, then earned her Master of Social Work from the University of New England in 2004. She resides with her family in Westfield.
Kennard Brown
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Kennard Brown is the Chief Financial Officer, responsible for providing leadership to the organization's financial and administrative systems. Before joining AMHC in 2025, Kennard was part of the Career Systems Development Corporation/Loring Job Corps since 2017, serving in multiple roles with increasing responsibility. He was most recently the Director of Finance and Administration, where he had oversight of finance, purchasing, warehouse, food services, information tech, and facilities. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Economics at the University of Maine, Presque Isle. Kennard received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Maine at Fort Kent in 2015, his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in 2017, and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Maine at Orono in 2022. He resides with his family in Caribou.
Brittany Ballard
Director of Human Resources
Brittany Ballard is Director of Human Resources. She joined AMHC in 2008 and has been part of the human resources team since 2013. Before that, she worked as an adult crisis counselor at the Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit and as an Emergency Services Specialist for the Emergency Services program. She graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle with a degree in Psychology and from Seacoast Careers School with a license in massage therapy. Brittany is an active member of the Society of Human Resources Management. She resides in Caribou with her daughter.
Kimberly Jacob
Program Director of Community Integration
Kimberly Jacob is the Program Director of Community Integration. She supports individuals with diverse needs, ensures access to resources, and fosters community partnerships to enhance social inclusion and quality of life. Kimberly joined AMHC in 2018 and has served in roles including Supported Housing Coordinator and Behavioral Home Health Coordinator. She also served as a Residential Counselor at Skyhaven. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Mental Health from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University.
Bobbie Chasse
Program Director of Children’s Services
Bobbie Chasse is the Program Director of Children’s Services. She oversees AMHC’s children’s behavioral health services across Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington counties, including case management, home and community treatment, and family visitation services. Bobbie has more than 20 years of experience serving children and families in Aroostook County.
Ashley Pesek, LCSW
Program Director of Crisis Services
Ashley Pesek, LCSW, is Program Director of Crisis Services. She provides leadership and oversight for crisis services across Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington counties and is based out of AMHC’s Ellsworth Outpatient Office. Ashley joined AMHC after building extensive experience in crisis work and has grown as a clinician within the agency. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hawaii Pacific University and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Nebraska and the University of Maine at Orono. In addition to her role at AMHC, Ashley serves as Founder and Executive Director of Cody’s Closet, as an Adoption Match Coordinator, and as Program Director of the Opiate-Free Island Partnership on Deer Isle-Stonington.
Julia Macek, LCSW
Program Director of Adult and Recovery Services
Julia Macek, LCSW, is the Program Director of Adult and Recovery Services. She oversees a variety of substance use and mental health programs and services for adults, children, and families. In addition, Julia is responsible for leading new program development, enhancement, and implementation; most recently, leading the agency’s CCBHC, Certified Community Behavioral Health Center initiatives. She has over 30 years of experience in behavioral health, spanning hospitals, residential treatment, outpatient mental health, and, most recently, early care and education. She is a certified poverty coach, president of the board for Healthy Maine Families, and Vice Chair for the Maine Association of Infant Mental Health. Julia received her MSW degree from Washington University in St. Louis and has been an LCSW for 33 years.
Julia (Miller) Garland
Program Director of Prevention & Sexual Assault Services
Julia Garland is Program Director of Prevention and Sexual Assault Services with programming in Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington Counties. She oversees youth prevention and leadership initiatives provided by Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp (ATLC) and youth prevention education in school settings. She also oversees Sexual Assault Services along with two Children’s Advocacy Centers. Julia served the Mi’kmaq Nation for 25 years as Tribal Clerk, then as Program Director for Domestic & Sexual Violence, and finally as Tribal Administrator. She is a trained advocate in both domestic and sexual violence. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, graduating cum laude. She is a co-founder of the Wabanaki Women’s Coalition (WWC 2012) and has served as a board member since its inception and as chair for many of those years until 2021. In 2014, Julia and other colleagues were honored by the Office of the United States District Attorney of Maine for their work in developing WWC, and in 2016 by the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) for their work in building bridges between programs. Julia is also a fully trained Reiki master who has assisted in grounding her in this work.
Confidential Helplines
Discover essential support services tailored to your needs. From crisis helplines to behavioral health resources and youth assistance, find the guidance you seek. Access confidential and free help today!
988 Helpline
The Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
OPTIONS Maine
Contact your local OPTIONS liaison for guidance on naloxone, Maine's Good Samaritan Law, or suitable substance use disorder (SUD) services for yourself or a loved one.
AMHC Sexual Assault Services
Free, confidential advocacy, education, and prevention services for survivors of sexual violence, available 24/7 by phone, with support from trained counselors.