Staff-Clinical

CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Suzanne (Su) Murdock, MSW, LSCW, OSW-C

Su joined Ann’s Place in 2000 with a medical social work background in Connecticut and New York through positions at the Connecticut VNA, Homecare, Vassar Brothers Hospital and the Salvation Army. She is active in community organizations and is a member of the Association of Oncology Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers.

Su is a compassionate advocate for cancer survivors. She completed a two year Practicum at the Mercy Center in Madison, CT, on Spiritual Direction. Su has recently completed an advanced certificate in Contemplative Clinical Practice at Smith College of Social Work in Northampton, Massachusetts.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Margaret (Margie) Blake, CLC

Margie has been Program Director since 1996. She holds a BA from Immaculata University in PA and did graduate work in Educational Psychology at Sacred Heart University. Margie worked as the site manager of a social service agency for 10 years, after an earlier career in teaching. Margie is a Certified Life Coach and is adept at helping people navigate through challenging times.

CLINICAL MANAGER, FAMILY NETWORK

Cheryl Koeber, MSW, LCSW

Cheryl brings us a wealth of experience in working with cancer patients and their families. After an early career with Cancer Care, Cheryl worked with Regional Hospice for many years. She joined Ann’s Place in 2006. Cheryl works with the Family Network Programs, including Kids Kan/Climb® and Family Days. Cheryl also does individual counseling work.

COUNSELOR, REIKI MASTER

Paula LeFebvre, MS, MHC

Paula came to Ann’s Place as an Intern while working on her Master’s degree in Counseling, then joined our staff after graduation in 2000. Paula is a certified Reiki master and schedules Reiki sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays. She does individual counseling and co-facilitates the Caring Group for family members, as well as facilitating other groups as the need arises.

ART THERAPIST, SOCIAL WORKER

Cheryl Dury, MSW, MPS, ATR-BC

Cheryl came to Ann’s Place as a volunteer and continued in that role for four years as a Masters level art therapist. She also holds a Masters from Fordham University in social work. Cheryl joined the full time staff at Ann’s Place in February 2010. She has completed the advanced candidate program at the Westchester Institute for Training in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy and now holds a degree in Psychoanalysis. She has a wide range of experience with many types of client populations. Cheryl provides individual and group art therapy services to children and adults, individual counseling, and co-facilitates the Keeping On support group.

“I was attracted to Ann’s Place because of the warmth and caring of the staff and because of the mission of Ann’s Place.”

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Maureen Gianni

Maureen Gianni embraces life with purpose and passion. As a cancer survivor who was also widowed by cancer while only in her thirties, Maureen truly understands why there is a need for Ann's Place to exist.

After serving as Community Executive for Health Initiatives for the American Cancer Society for a decade, Maureen retired from full time work. She came to Ann's Place in April 2010. In her part-time grant funded outreach position at Ann's Place, Maureen introduces and guides newly diagnosed patients to our services. She also conducts inservice programs with oncology groups and hospitals throughout the region.

After cancer, Maureen felt that she had to find more meaning in her life. Her path over the last few decades led her to Ann's Place where she is delighted to be able to directly support others diagnosed with cancer.