TAMMY AUSTIN-KETCH
Tammy Austin-Ketch is a 1990 graduate of the Niagara County Community College Nursing program. After NCCC, she continued her education at University of Buffalo and is currently a candidate for her PhD at UB School of Public Health and Health Related Professions in the Department of Social and Preventative Medicine.
Tammy is a Clinical Assistant professor in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at the University Of Buffalo School Of Nursing. She also works as a Nurse Practitioner in the Migrant Health Program at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, as well as at a private family practice office in Niagara Falls.
Tammy has served the Niagara County population health care needs for nearly twenty years through her service at the Migrant Health Outreach Program and the Tuscarora Indian Health Center. She mentors students in the School of Nursing at the University of Buffalo through the clinical program, and instructs coursework for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Her vast knowledge of her clients’ bio-psychosocial needs, as well as an in-depth understanding of the cultural norms and practices of the migrant farmwork and Native American population is admired by her students and colleagues alike.
She has assisted in the development of a new curriculum and a training grant to expand the family nurse practitioner program to include focused work on r addictions and mental health issues in primary care. Her experience in clinical settings and her research has been demonstrated in her numerous published articles in professional nursing journals. She has been a presenter at numerous local and national conferences for her research and health care teaching modalities employed with her migrant and seasonal farm workers.
Tammy is a board member of the New York State Agribusiness Child Development Center and the Medical Director for Rathgaber Agri-Business Child Development Center. She was also recently elected to serve as the Northern New York State representative to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
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CARMEN PRESTI
Carmen Presti has been a steadfast friend to primates in need of protection from the time he was a youngster and in 1990, he realized a lifelong dream and with his wife Christie, established the only primate sanctuary in New York State.
Eager to educate the public about the compelling need to protect primates and preserve their habitats, Carmen works tirelessly to present the sanctuary’s outreach programs throughout the Western New York area. A frequent presenter at area schools and senior residences, he provides a rare opportunity for young and old to interact with these highly social creatures. In conjunction with NCCC, he maintains an internship program and each semester trains a new crop of students from the Animal Management Program in a wide range of responsibilities for the upkeep of the primates. Carmen rehabilitates and nurtures rescued primates, many who have suffered cruel and harsh treatment from their owners.
Carmen is the head trainer and handler for Monkey Business; and trains Charlie and Kiko, “The Karate Chimps” and other primates for TV commercials, appearances, promos, photo shoots and movies. Carmen works closely with the Department of Environmental Conservation, US Department of Agriculture, the ASPCA, and the Niagara County Animal Rescue Team rescuing animals from disaster areas and accidents. He is a volunteer for the Niagara River Anglers Association, the Variety Club Telethon and serves as a board member of the Neighborhood Housing Services and the Wilson Business Association.
In addition, Carmen is a karate instructor for children and adults in Tang Soo Do and UFAF (United Fighting Art Federation) and specializes in children’s classes for both white belt and black belt. He is also a personal trainer for weight lifting and cardiovascular workouts and provides basic nutritional guidelines for children and adults.
Carmen graduated Niagara County Community College in 1985 with a degree in Math and Science.
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