Meet Our Staff - Group Facilitators
Not all, but the majority of our facilitators are themselves cancer survivors; if not, they are the loved ones of survivors.  In addition to their professional training, they carry the experience and empathy of ones who have walked the walk.
Pamela Berry, MS

Pam facilitates the Transitions bereavement group for those who have lost a loved one to cancer, as well as the Partners group for partners of men living with prostate cancer.  She has been with Ann’s Place since 1999.

A family relations counselor in the court system by day, Pam says her clients in that job are forced by the courts to face issues in their personal relationships, while her evening volunteer work at Ann’s Place offers her a different view of people coping.  “I am energized by the group.  It reminds me of the positive side of people – how helpful people can be to one another, even when they are going through some tough times themselves.”
Mary Burke, Co-Founder 

Our beloved Co-Founder leads the following groups:
  • Post Graduates for Breast cancer survivors
  • In Common for women with cancer related edema
  • Danbury New Voices for men and women who have had a laryngectomy
  • Coffee & Conversation for senior women
  • Keeping On for people with recurring or chronic cancers.
Mary’s gentle and abiding concern for her clients inspires the entire staff.
Lynn Buttner, MSW, LCSW

Announcing Lynn's retirement January 1, 2008. We celebrate Lynn's fabulous gift of 10 years of service to Ann's Place. We wish Lynn & Ron the best as they embrace retirement and make new friends in Florida. Lynn joined us in 1998 and facilitated Women Together, the support group for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.  This group is often the very first resource recommended by physicians and hospitals.  Lynn treats her clients’ vulnerable initial entrée into the uncertain world of navigating cancer with concern for the dignity and comfort of each woman. She was an angel for thousands of our clients.
James Coffey, MA

Jim leads our very active monthly Men Together group for men living with prostate cancer on the first Wednesday evenings of the month.  This group is active in continuing education and enjoys bringing in guest speakers. An avid golfer and two time cancer survivor, Jim is retired from a career in education and counseling. He came to Ann’s Place in 2004.
Jean Conover, MA

Jean has served cancer patients at Ann’s Place faithfully since 1996, after her retirement from school counseling.  She has facilitated many groups over the years and currently leads the Daytime support group for mixed diagnoses and provides individual counseling.  Jean has also served as co-chair of the Quilter’s Corner for our Festival of Trees & Traditions since 2003.  Jean does vacation relief for clinical office staff each April.
Esther (Pat) Goldman, MS

Pat came to us in 1999 after retiring from a rewarding career helping children and their families at the Danbury Regional Child Advocacy Center.  She facilitates the Women Together Graduates group for breast cancer survivors, post treatment, an important time in the progression to wellness. Pat notes that women living with breast cancer still have important issues to deal with after their initial treatments have been completed.
Paula LeFebvre, MS, LMHC

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.
Ellen Seidman, MSW

Since November 2001, Ellen has run various groups and training sessions and fills in when the need arises for group coverage due to vacations or illness.  Ellen’s clinical skills, as well as her caring and her humor are very appreciated.
Carol Woodruff, MFT

Carol, a therapist working in the prison system in New York, has been with us since 1996.  She co-facilitates the Caring Group for family members and friends who have a loved one living with cancer.   Carol’s long path to becoming a volunteer at Ann’s Place included living in some exotic places, like China.  Carol and Paula enjoy the synergy that comes from co-leading this vital group.