Due to inclement weather, all locations will be closed January 1, 2024.

Our Leadership

Senior Management

Dr. Michael Purdy, OD, MSPH Interim Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Michael Purdy, OD, MSPH

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Purdy received his BS in Biology in 1999, a Doctor of Optometry from The New England College of Optometry in 2003, and a Master’s in Public Health in 2019.  He joined HCHC in 2010 and has worked for over 19 years in Community Health, including his role as Chief Clinical and Community Service Officer. In 2023, he was appointed CEO for HCHC..

Vickie Dempesy Chief Operating Officer

Vickie Dempesy

Chief Operating Officer

Vickie joined HCHC as the Chief Operating Officer in 2020. She brings over 30 years of experience with increasing responsibility in healthcare organizations, strategic planning, operational efficiencies, with a goal of high quality clinic care while promoting patient, staff & provider satisfaction. Prior to joining Hilltown Community Health Centers, she directed outpatient services at Shriners Hospital for Children where she was responsible for performance improvement and implementation of change working with inter-departmental teams, resulting in dynamic performance and improvement projects. Vickie is honored and proud to be with the Hilltown Community Health Center team where she finds that staff embody courage, dedication, passion, integrity, kindness, and selflessness.

Debra DiStefano, PhD Chief People and Equity Officer

Debra DiStefano, PhD

Chief People and Equity Officer

Dr. Debbie Lee-DiStefano serves as the Chief People and Equity Officer for Hilltown Community Health Center.  In her current role she collaborates with staff to create an inclusive space for both staff and patients.  She oversees HR and works with the HR Manager to create policies and procedures that speak to the mission and vison of HCHC.  She oversees career development and recruiting, building connections with local institutions to build a strong, consistent, culturally competent primary care workforce. She partners with local organizations such as the Hilltown CDC, the Community Foundation of Western Mass, the City of Amherst and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to foster awareness regarding equity and inclusion and how these fit into discussions of health care.

Dr. DiStefano served as a professor of Spanish at Southeast Missouri State University for 18 years.  She is a Latin Americanist whose area of expertise is the history and cultural production of the many populations of Asian descent in Latin America.  She has published a monograph, two co-edited collections and several articles, as well as delivered several presentations, regarding the experiences of and literary production of writers of Chinese and Japanese descent.  She also explores topics of mestizaje and historicity of racist ideology that permeated the founding philosophical discourse of Spanish American society. She co-created the Asians in the Americas symposium, which produced four symposia along with an edited collection.  After moving to Massachusetts Debbie taught ELA, ESL and Dual Language for Springfield and is licensed to teach ESL in Massachusetts.

Department Heads

  • Jaime Gogol, Clinical Operations Manager
  • Kiirsten Cooper, School-Based Programs Manager
  • Marisela Fermin-Shon, NP, Medical Director
  • Cynthia Magrath, Dental and School-Based Operations Manager
  • Bridget Rida, Human Resources Manager
  • Karen Rida, Billing Director
  • Kim Savery, Director of Community Programs
  • MaryLou Stuart, DDS, Oral Health Director
  • Franny Huberman, MSW, LICSW, Behavioral Health Director

Board of Directors

Lee Manchester, Chair, Board of Directors

Lee Manchester, Chair

Chesterfield, MA
Nancy Burke, Vice-Chair, Board of Directors

Nancy Burke, Vice-Chair

South Deerfield, MA
Dr. John Follet, Treasurer, Board of Directors

Dr. John Follet, Treasurer

Cummington, MA
Alan Gaitenby, Clerk, Board of Directors

Alan Gaitenby, Clerk

Huntington, MA
Avatar image representing an HCHC staff member

Emma Aldana

Springfield, MA
Matt Bannister, Board of Directors

Matt Bannister

Hatfield, MA
Kathryn Jensen, PhD, Board of Directors

Kathryn Jensen, PhD

Plainfield, MA
Avatar image representing an HCHC staff member

Jennifer Moyston

Amherst, MA
Jennifer Pappas, Board of Directors

Jennifer Pappas

Russel, MA
Elizabeth Zuckerman, Board of Directors

Elizabeth Zuckerman

Florence, MA

We’d like your feedback!

We encourage your feedback regarding the care you’re receiving. Please help us make sure we’re meeting your needs and let us know what you’d like to see improved. Please take a minute to share your experiences at HCHC.

Request an Appointment

To make an appointment, please call (413) 238-5511 or complete the form below:

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We're Moving

Our Community Programs will be relocating from 9 Russell Road to our health center locations. Starting August 1, our Community Health Workers and Insurance Navigators will serve all patients and clients in the Huntington, Worthington, and Amherst health centers. This move will help better serve you and your family.

If you have questions, please call: