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Our People

Cedarcrest is led by a president/CEO and a team of managers with expertise in social services, nursing, special education, finance, and marketing/communications. A board of trustees guides policies and oversees the organization’s fiscal sustainability. Additionally, an advisory council advocates on behalf of Cedarcrest’s mission and, drawing on clinical and technical expertise, advises trustees and management staff. Implementation of policy and general administrative responsibilities fall to the president/CEO and a leadership team.

Leadership

Jay Hayston

LP.D, President/CEO

Kristin Targett

MSW, Director of Programs

Amanda Coe

Head of School

Buffy Meliment

RN, BSN, MS, CNML
Director of Nursing

Jim Yannizze

MBA, Director of Finance

Erin Dallas-Patch

MSOL, PGCHRM, SHRM-SCP
Director of People Operations

Trustees

Cedarcrest, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation organized under the laws of New Hampshire. Our Board of Trustees has governance authority in matters related to the mission, strategic direction, and policy; and has fiduciary responsibility for the organization’s investments, property, and financial sustainability.

Chair: Kevin Forrest – Swanzey, NH
Vice Chair: Donna Dunlop – Contoocook, NH
Secretary: Cindi Coughlin – Walpole, NH
Treasurer: Kathy Willbarger – Marlborough, NH

MEMBERS
Christine Betts – Swanzey, NH
Gina Burke – Keene, NH
Annie DiSilva – W. Chesterfield, NH
Jed Donelan – Peterborough, NH
Matthew Goodwin – Keene, NH
Margaret “Lou” Guill – New Hill, NC
Ann Heffernon – North Swanzey, NH
Jillian Montmarquet – Wilton, NH
Victoria Prestejohn – Merrimack, NH
Susan Simonds – Swanzey, NH

Advisory Council

Our Advisory Council links Cedarcrest with professional and social communities across New Hampshire and beyond. Council members provide external perspective as well as advocacy and support for the mission, strategic direction, and programs. Members include retired medical professionals, public service professionals, human resource managers, former Trustees, and past resident family members who provide wonderful insights and input into the operations of the organization.

Debra Albrecht
Tiffany Boyd
P. Donald Brehm
Karen D. Burgon
Deb Cannon
Michael Chelstowski
Cari Coates
Christopher Coates
Deb Ganley
Susan Gilbert
Glenn Galloway
Cathy Gray
H. Roger Hansen
Emily Hartshorne
Carol Jue
Sharon Kaiser
Molly Kelly
Michael Kiser
Peg Knox
Kristen Leach
Ed McCaul
Jan McGonagle
Heather McGreer
Ted McGreer
Allen Mendelson
Charles Michal
Jillian Montmarquet
Erik Murphy
Jim Murphy
David Nash
Elizabeth Olmstead
Scott Olmstead
Liz Peets
Paul Pezone
Bryant Robertson
Mary Rooney
Lisa Sandstrum
Jay Smeltz
John Snowdon
Pat Stoudt
Alan Stroshine
Sarah Tatro
Cameron Tease
Gary Tochterman
Pam Wilder
Lynne Yeiter

Jay Hayston

LP.D, President/CEO

Jay Hayston serves as the President/CEO of Cedarcrest, bringing 18 years of nonprofit and human services experience to the role. Jay holds a doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University, an MBA from Strayer University, and a BA in Psychology from Lesley University. Jay previously served as the Operating Vice President of both Seven Hills Aspire and Seven Hills Rhode Island, two affiliates of the Seven Hills Foundation. Jay is a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Surveyor, specializing in both programs and administrative guidance. He is also a guest lecturer and adjunct in Northeastern University’s Doctor of Law and Policy program. Jay serves on the board of the New Hampshire Health Care Association, on the IDD and Not-for-Profit Councils of the American Health Care Association, and on the board of the national Pediatric Complex Care Association. Jay believes strongly that he is at his best when he is creating an environment where children, staff, and families can be successful, and works each day to that end. Jay lives in Swanzey and enjoys time with his children Isla (age three) and Bear (age one).

Kristin Targett

MSW, Director of Programs

Kristin Targett has led the admissions and social service operations at Cedarcrest since 2009. Previously, Kristin was the executive director of The Samaritans and a social worker for the Visiting Nurses Association in Gardner, Massachusetts. She holds a master’s in social work from New York University and a bachelor’s in social work and education from Wheelock College. Kristin is a current participant in Leadership New Hampshire, alumna of Leadership Monadnock, board member for the Keene Housing Kids Collaborative, and a member of the Keene Lions Club. Kristin resides with her two children in Keene, NH.

Amanda Coe

Head of School

Amanda became Head of School in early 2023 after teaching the high school classroom at Cedarcrest since 2005. Amanda received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from Westfield State University, holds a General Special Education license from New England College, and is currently pursuing a master’s of education degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Amanda lives in Keene with her husband, son, two cats, and two turtles.

Buffy Meliment

RN, BSN, MS, CNML Director of Nursing

Buffy Meliment joined Cedarcrest in December 2024 as the Director of Nursing, bringing with her over 30 years of experience driving positive change in healthcare. Her leadership journey includes key roles at renowned institutions such as Boston Children’s Hospital, where she served in the Emergency Department, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where she led teams in the Birthing Pavilion, NICU, PICU, and various Pediatric centers. Buffy holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership from the prestigious The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her blended family in Belmont, NH, and embracing the New England seasons through snowboarding and boating.
 
 

Jim Yannizze

MBA, Director of Finance

Jim has been in finance roles for 33 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from Franklin Pierce University. Before joining Cedarcrest, he served as director of finance with Swish White River, Ltd, and held multiple finance roles with United Natural Foods and the Brattleboro Retreat. Jim lives in Plainfield, NH with his wife, Mary.

Erin Dallas-Patch

MSOL, PGCHRM, SHRM-SCP,
Director of People Operations

Erin has served as a leader of our Human Resources (now People Operations) department since February 2021. Erin received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Keene State College and began her human resources career in 2014 after earning her master’s degrees in organizational leadership and HR management/personnel from Southern New Hampshire University. She is President-Elect of the Greater Monadnock Society for Human Resource Management and serves on the Board of the Keene Community Kitchen. Erin resides with her husband and two daughters in Keene, NH.

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