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Mental Health Department Welcomes a new Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health Services
(Ithaca, NY – July 7, 2021) – Harmony Ayers-Friedlander joined Tompkins County as the Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health and Director of Community Services in March 2021. She has dedicated almost three decades in educational, community based, and residential settings providing clinical services to children, youth and families.
Frank Kruppa, Commissioner of Mental Health stated, “We are excited to have Harmony join us at Mental Health. She brings excellent experience to our County. Harmony is thoughtful and patient, but also has a strong understanding of state regulations to navigate the requirements for our Department. She has initiated conversations with many community partners and led the process for developing our Priority Plan for mental health services in Tompkins County.”
Kruppa continued, “Harmony is coming on at a critical time as COVID dissipates, but the fallout from this pandemic will be apparent for years to come, especially in the area of mental health needs. Public Health and Mental Health are also beginning to implement the full merge into one department. I am thrilled to have our leadership team in place as we move forward with this process.”
Harmony Ayers-Friedlander, Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health stated, “I have learned so much during the past few months and, as a long-time resident of Tompkins County, I know all the amazing resources and dedicated programs we have for addressing the ongoing mental health crises. I look forward to working with our partners, community members, and clients to have conversations, seek feedback and input for developing programs and processes, and ultimately improve access, quality and equity of our services.”
Harmony most recently worked as the Executive Director of Family Service Society, Inc. where she led the agency in providing quality professional counseling and community services for children and families throughout Steuben County and the surrounding area. Harmony holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Liberty University and is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University with an Advanced Certificate of Study in Health Services Management.
Information about Tompkins County Mental Health Services can be found on the website at https://www2.tompkinscountyny.gov/mh and by phone, (607) 274-6200.
