Nicole Ditata, Healthy Maine Partnerships Director
Nicole Ditata is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist currently leading initiatives as the Director at the Healthy Maine Partnerships. Armed with a B.S. in Community Health Education from the University of Maine at Farmington, she has dedicated the past 15 years to developing and implementing educational programs that enhance community health, particularly in Greater Franklin County. Nicole’s leadership has been instrumental in empowering youth through area Youth Summits and effectively managing the Drug-Free Communities program, demonstrating her commitment to fostering safe and healthy environments.
Her strategic efforts include spearheading the creation of a five-year substance abuse strategic plan using the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and founding the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition. Nicole has also worked closely with local schools to ensure they are safe, conducive spaces for student activities. Her work’s impact and innovation earned her a spot to present at the Society of Public Health Education in 2009, solidifying her reputation as a key figure in health education and promotion.
Olivia Alford, Director of Health System Reform
Olivia Alford is the Director of Delivery System Reform at the Healthy Maine Partnerships, where she spearheads initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery and policy effectiveness. She holds a Master of Public Health in Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, earned between 2012 and 2014. Olivia completed her undergraduate education at Brandeis University, obtaining a degree in Health, Science, Society, and Policy with a focus on Public Health and Sociology in 2008, where she was also active in Track and Field and the Student Global Aids Campaign.
Her professional credentials are enhanced by her certification in Health Leadership Development (XIII) from the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership, received in April 2020, and Mental Health First Aid from Mental Health First Aid USA. Olivia’s extensive education and certifications, coupled with her leadership role at the Healthy Maine Partnerships, underscore her dedication and influence in shaping health policies that address the needs of the communities her organization serves.
Paul Saucier, Aging and Disability Director
Paul Saucier serves as the Aging and Disability Director, where his expertise profoundly impacts the development and implementation of health and medication policies aimed at improving services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. His academic journey began at Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree, laying the groundwork for his focused career in public health and social services. Paul then advanced his specialization by obtaining a Master’s degree from the Muskie School of Public Service, concentrating on health policy and management, particularly within the context of aging and disability services.
In his role, Paul is instrumental in crafting and overseeing programs that enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare for these vulnerable groups. His work often involves coordinating with healthcare providers, policy makers, and community organizations to integrate effective medication management and health services. This ensures that the needs of the elderly and disabled are met with the most current, evidence-based approaches. Paul’s leadership not only shapes the strategic direction of aging and disability services but also sets a benchmark for compassionate and efficient healthcare delivery.
Puthiery Va, Director of Epidemiological Strategies
Puthiery Va holds the pivotal role of Director at the Maine CDC, where he steers public health strategies and epidemiological studies under the umbrella of the Healthy Maine Partnerships. His medical education was obtained at the University of New England, where he was rigorously trained in medicine, laying a solid foundation for his deep understanding of healthcare systems. Furthering his specialization, Puthiery pursued scientific research at the State University of New York at Buffalo – Roswell Park Cancer Institute, focusing on medical science and its applications in public health.
His expertise in epidemiology was further honed through his participation as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2016 to 2018. In his current capacity as Director, Puthiery leads the Maine CDC in developing and implementing comprehensive health programs and emergency response strategies. His work is essential to the Healthy Maine Partnerships’ goals of promoting disease prevention and ensuring the health and safety of the community. Puthiery’s leadership not only drives vital public health initiatives but also embodies the collaborative spirit necessary for advancing statewide health objectives.
Katherine Coutu, SUD Division Manager & State Opioid Treatment Authority
Katherine Coutu holds the critical position of Behavioral Health Licensor and SUD Division Manager/State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) within the State of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services, contributing significantly to the initiatives under the Healthy Maine Partnerships. She graduated with a degree in Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions from the University of Maine at Augusta and further honed her expertise by obtaining a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of New England between 2016 and 2020. Her education and training are foundational to her role in overseeing the regulation and improvement of behavioral health services.
Licensed as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor in Maine, Katherine’s professional credentials and experience are integral to her leadership in the state’s efforts against opioid addiction. Her responsibilities include setting standards for substance use disorder treatment and coordinating with various stakeholders within the Healthy Maine Partnerships to enhance access to essential recovery services. Katherine’s work not only influences policy but also directly affects community health, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to behavioral health and substance abuse treatment.