Helen M. Hulings
Although having spent the majority of her career as a financial and insurance executive, Helen spent over thirty years as a member of the Agency’s Board of Directors with an unwavering passion and commitment to the Agency’s mission. Graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from St. Johns University, Helen ultimately went to work on Wall Street and dedicated her evenings volunteering at a local child care agency. Over a distinguished career, Helen has proven to be an effective, solution-oriented leader.
Anita Fowler, MBA
Anita joined the Agency in 2019 as the Comptroller and also serves as Treasurer for the George Junior Republic Union Free School District. Anita has been in accounting for over 22 years and held several positions in accounting from Corporate Internal Auditor, Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager and Controller. Her previous position was with a multi-billion dollar leading global water technology company with operations in more than 150 countries. Anita was a Global Business Services Controller for 12 separate ledgers in UK, Canada, Poland and USA. She holds an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Danielle Chase
LCSW, CASAC - Master,
C-AAIS, EAGALA Certified Mental Health Professional
Danielle started at the Agency in 2008 as a Behavioral Health Clinician in our Institutional Program and transitioned to our Youth Recovery Program in 2012 after completion of her Master in Social Work degree from Binghamton University. Prior to her current role, Danielle was the Program Director for the Agency’s outpatient Substance Use Disorder Program licensed by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Danielle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist, and an EAGALA Certified Mental Health Professional. She completed a fellowship program in the Executive Leadership Program at the Silberman School of Social Work of Hunter College in 2018. Ms. Chase is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the Agency’s non-residential operations and Compliance Program.
David Dankert, MSW
Dave began his career at The William George Agency in the Fall of 1993 after graduating from Ithaca College with a degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Juvenile Justice. Dave worked as a Residential Counselor for approximately two years before becoming a Cottage Manager and then a Cottage Director for nine years. During that he time he attended Marywood University to receive his Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2001. Dave has served the Agency since as the Director of Institutional Services and most recently as the Director of Residential Services.
Justin Herbel, CASAC - Advanced
Justin has his Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ft. Hays State University and has earned his Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor designation through the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Justin began his career as an intensive probation officer allowing him to develop and facilitate a first of its kind methamphetamine specific treatment program where client revocation rates were four times lower than the statewide average. While in the department, Justin became a parole officer, senior supervising officer, and eventually, the treatment coordinator for a sixteen county area. Justin began as a chemical dependency counselor at The William George Agency in 2007. In 2011, Justin helped to develop the Youth Centered Recovery Program. The program utilizes an integrative approach to treatment that incorporates mental health, family, and substance treatment in an attempt to address the whole needs of client.
Tiffany Sherman, LCSW
Tiffany started at The William George Agency in 2018 as a Behavioral Health Clinician in the Intermediate Care Program, later transitioning to the Strive Program. In 2021, Tiffany became the Assistant Director of Admissions. In these roles, she has proven her commitment to supporting the Agency and its referring agencies toward maximizing opportunities for at-risk youth. Tiffany received her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University in 2016 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Peter Natale
Pete began his career at The William George Agency in the Fall of 2002 after graduating from Cazenovia College with a degree in Human Services. Pete worked as a Residential Counselor for approximately four years before being appointed to a Cottage Manager, which he held for four years. He was then promoted to the position of Administrator on Duty until 2015, when he departed The Agency and accepted a position as a Senior Counselor at Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Center in Syracuse, NY. Pete was promoted to the Hillbrook Director of Operations after about two years, and remained in that role until 2020, when he returned to The Agency as the Assistant Director of Support Services. In 2023, Pete was promoted to the Director of Training and Managerial Services, and in 2025, he was promoted to the Director of Human Resources.
Tom Brown
Tom began his career at The Agency in the Fall of 1994 and has been as The Agency's Director of Support Services for the past 14 years. In this vital role, Tom ensures smooth day-to-day operations and the maintenance of a safe and secure campus. Prior to his current role, Tom held a variety of positions starting as Awake Overnight staff and quickly transitioned into a Residential Counselor. He was next promoted to Cottage Manager and managed several different cottages before advancing to the position of campus Administrator on Duty.
Patricia Bogie, M.A. Leadership
Patricia has a diverse background in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining the Agency, she was the communications director for a CT-based community foundation (The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven) and before that she was the corporate communications manager for an instrument manufacturer in the life sciences industry. In her early career, she worked for private nonprofit organizations supporting the personal and professional growth of individuals with disabilities. Patricia holds an M.A. in Leadership and a B.A. in English.
Samantha Bernardo
Samantha joined The William George Agency in 2022 as the Quality Assurance Data Analyst, working closely with the Director of Quality Assurance to strengthen data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement efforts. With a strong foundation in econometrics, data modeling, and quality systems, she quickly advanced within the organization—taking on the role of Business Optimization Analyst and serving as the Interim Director of Quality Assurance beginning in October 2024 until assuming the role of Director of Quality Assurance and Program Improvement in July 2025. Before her time at The Agency, Samantha cultivated a professional background in the insurance sector, with a focus on underwriting and risk analysis. She earned her degree in Economics with Honors from Niagara University, where she was a scholar-athlete in the Division I Women’s Golf Program and a member of the International Honor Society for Economics. A dedicated advocate for service and community empowerment, Samantha is a founding member of the Foundation of Courage, a charitable organization currently in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status. The foundation is committed to providing financial assistance to individuals in the community facing cancer diagnoses.
Board of Directors
WGA is proud to be governed by a dedicated and diverse Board of Directors who bring a wide range of expertise and experience in guiding our work and our mission.
The individuals here have agreed to be publicly recognized.
Richard Banks, Chair
Robert McDonald, Vice Chair
William T. Caldwell, Treasurer
Ron Abad, Secretary
Russell Booth
Frederick Butler
Mark Glosenger
Katherine C. Hastings
Andrew Kernan
Angus McDonald Jr.
Patrick J. Perry
Sean Whittaker
Ralph Wright
George Junior Republic Union Free School District
Sonia L. Apker, C.A.S., MS.Ed.
Superintendent
Sonia Apker has dedicated her career to the George Junior Republic Union Free School District, having worked as a special education teacher, curriculum coordinator, and principal before being named Superintendent in 2013. Sonia came to the District as a special education teacher in 1992. She has Master’s in Literacy and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from SUNY Cortland. She has been integrally involved in the District’s growth, development and educational innovations over the past twenty-six years. Sonia also serves as officer of the Special Act Coalition.
Tom Watts, C.A.S., MS.Ed.
Superintendent
Tom joined George Junior Republic in 2013, becoming Superintendent in 2025 having previously served as Principal and Assistant Superintendent. Tom has more than 20 years of experience in educational leadership, including roles as Program Director and principal at TST BOCES. He began his career as a teacher in Western New York receiving professional recognition over the course of his career including a national teaching fellowship from C-SPAN Network and the Cornell University Civic Leader Fellowship. Tom holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration.
Anita Fowler, MBA
Anita joined the Agency in 2019 as the Comptroller and also serves as Treasurer for the George Junior Republic Union Free School District. Anita has been in accounting for over 22 years and held several positions in accounting from Corporate Internal Auditor, Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager and Controller. Her previous position was with a multi-billion dollar leading global water technology company with operations in more than 150 countries. Anita was a Global Business Services Controller for 12 separate ledgers in UK, Canada, Poland and USA. She holds an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.