Leadership Team

Senior Leadership

Jane Vermette, MSW

Director of Operations

Ms. Vermette joined Access Family Services in 2015 bringing 20+ years of behavioral health experience. Jane started her career working with children at high risk in the community. Currently she supports the Regions across the state of North and South Carolina. Prior to joining Access Family Services, Ms. Vermette served as State Director for a behavioral health company, focusing on business development and development of the Regional Directors. Jane holds an M.S. from Simmons College.

Tatenda Perry, LCSW

Foster Care Director

Tatenda Perry is the State Foster Care Director for Access Family Services of North Carolina. Tatenda has always been passionate about improving the lives of children and families affected by trauma, and to advocate for disenfranchised populations in her community. Tatenda started her career as a therapist in Indianapolis providing mental health therapy to children and families involved in the child welfare system. From there, she became the Director of Foster Care Services where she has worked in social services administration and senior leadership advocating for children and families involved in the child welfare system. As a leader, Tatenda is interested in developing our social service systems through engaging in strategic planning, and developing procedures & quality improvement plans that enhance the effectiveness of social service programs. Tatenda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Purdue University in 2008 and a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) from Indiana University School of Social Work in 2011. She has experience managing behavioral health systems, crisis management, and case management for children and families in a variety of settings.  Tatenda joined AFS in November 2021 and brings 10+ years of child welfare experience, strong clinical skills, trauma-focused and culturally sensitive evidence-based practice, and a demonstrated commitment to serving at-risk populations.

Emily Swank, LCSW

State Clinical Director

Dr. James Lee

State Medical Director

Dr. Lee has been with Family Preservation Services of North Carolina since 2015 where he has been the State Medical Director since 2018.  He has also been the State Medical Director of Access Family Services since 2021.  Dr. Lee’s professional experience includes conducting molecular genetics research into Neuropsychiatric disorders when he was an Assistant Professor at Duke where he also did clinical work and taught Medical Students, Psychiatry Residents and Child Psychiatry Fellows.  He has also consulted at Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities and a State Hospital, conducted Clinical Psychopharmacological Research Studies and treated patients of all ages in both Inpatient and Outpatient settings.  Currently, he treats outpatients of all ages, participates in the development of clinical and administrative programs and supervises Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants.  Dr. Lee graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duke where he received his BA in Chemistry and Zoology.  He also earned his Medical Degree from Duke and completed his Residency in Psychiatry and his Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Duke. 

Jennifer A. Brady-Chitjian, Ed.D, BCBA-D

Director of Autism Services

Dr. Jennifer Brady-Chitjian has been with Access Family Services of North Carolina since 2020.  Jennifer  graduated from Dowling College  in NY where she received her BA in Psychology.  She earned a MA in Clinical/Behavior Psychology from the City University of New York Queens College.  Jennifer became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2008 and later received the Doctoral level status of BCBA when she completed her Doctorate in Educational Administration from Dowling College.  Her dissertation research focused on the use of Applied Behavior Analysis in inclusive classroom settings for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Jennifer served as an Adjunct Assistant Instructor in the Psychology Department at Dowling College for 23 years.   She has served as an Autism-Behavior Consultant for numerous schools in Long Island, NY and at NY Stony Brook Hospital.  Jennifer brings to her current position 30+ years of experience in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavior Analysis.

LaDell Prince, MSW

Director of QI/Compliance/State Privacy Officer

LaDell Prince is the QI Director for Pathways Access Family Services and Family Preservation Services joining the companies in 2021. LaDell oversees everything related to quality improvement and risk management utilizing her 20+ career in behavioral health working with children and families to ensure positive outcomes remains the goal.  LaDell also serves as part of the Federal Child Family Services (CFSR) team as an agile reviewer ensuring our states remain in compliance with Federal guidelines as they serve children and families.   LaDell holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Empire State College and a Master of Social Work from the University at Buffalo.

Chandra Austin

Director of Administrative Services

Pamela Freeley

State Business Analyst & Contracts Administrator

Central Leadership

Kaitlyn Lewis, MA, BCBA

Manager of ABA Quality and Training

LeeAnn Evans

Foster Care Training Manager

Talia Stewart, MA, FCT-Supervisor

Family Centered Treatment Training Director

Regional Leadership

TBD

Regional Director Asheville

Stephanie Brooks, LCSW

Regional Director Elizabeth City, Georgetown, New Bern & Wilmington

Stuart McLean, MA, LPCS, NCC

Regional Director Charlotte and Gastonia

Jen Boretti, LCSW

Regional Director Durham, Fayetteville, Raleigh and Wilson