Community Links
History
Transitional Living Services of Northern New York (TLS) is a private not-for-profit agency which was incorporated in 1977 to establish residential services for individuals in need of psychiatric, rehabilitative support who were unable to live independently in the community. Since 1977 our agency has expanded and now provides services to children, adolescents and adults. TLS’ primary goal is to assist people to live in the least restrictive setting possible. This goal is accomplished through varying levels of support.
TLS strives to develop services that stay within the parameters of our vision “Making the best care better”; and our Mission “Compassionate people providing dignified, person-centered services that promote mental health and empower people to achieve their goals, hopes and dreams in a community of mutual respect”. The Board of Directors and staff at TLS believe in accomplishing this mission through a strengths-based, person-and-family-centered, individualized approach.
By providing diverse levels of care for adults, children and adolescents, we feel we are better able to help individuals living with mental illness, children with emotional and or behavioral issues and disadvantaged youth. It is also our belief that prevention is the first and most important line of defense against future difficulties and struggles for the individuals we serve.
TLS currently provides services to adults and children in counties throughout Northern New York; these services include Supported Housing, Adult and Children’s Community Residences, Treatment Apartments, OMH Waiver Services, Supportive Case Management, St. Lawrence County Respite and most recently a SACC After-School Program (Student Connections) in Lewis County. The staff at TLS have extensive experience providing services to adults and children living with mental illness. Qualified staff include many Masters-prepared professionals as well as Registered Nurses.
Clients are linked with community resources and supports through a comprehensive continuum of care. Our staff are competent in all current best practices and evidence-based interventions receiving high levels of training annually.
TLS consistently receives the highest ratings from the New York State Office of Mental Health. Currently TLS is seeking to expand and provide an even more comprehensive array of services that will continue to support the communities we serve.
Partnerships
Director & Staff


Maureen Cean
Maureen P. Cean, Executive Director, brings more than 30 years of professional experience in human services. In her eight years of service with TLS she has worked variously in adult residential, housing and community-based services with an emphasis on business development, grant writing and contract management. She also has extensive experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages, as well as assisting low income and displaced workers to access training and employment opportunities. Her commitment to the local community is continued through a number of volunteer involvements including the Rotary Club of Watertown, the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization, the Jefferson County Community Services Board, the Northern-New York Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army and Hospice of Jefferson County. Mrs. Cean earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from St. Lawrence University and a Master of Science in Human Services/Counseling from the State University of New York at Oswego.


Natalie Bogdanowicz
Natalie Bogdanowicz, Director of Quality Assurance and Corporate Compliance since December 2007. Natalie has over 20 years of experience in the management and supervision of non-profit agencies and programs providing services to a diverse population that includes mental health, developmental disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injury. During this time she has worked closely with families, individuals and advocates to ensure person centered services. Natalie has also worked closely with state and federal bodies to ensure regulatory and licensing requirements are met for those services offered by the programs she has been responsible for. She is a Panel Member of the Surrogate Decision Making Committee for the Commission on Quality of Care for and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities. Natalie holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Syracuse University.


Jordan Jones
Jordan Jones, Director of Finance brings more than 10 years of professional experience in nonprofit accounting to TLS. Jordan began his career at TLS, starting as a Finance Clerk in the finance office before moving into various higher level roles within the department. Jordan left TLS to expand his skillset, first by assuming the role of Director of Finance of a local non-profit and then further by becoming an audit accountant with a local CPA firm. Jordan’s drive to help nonprofit organizations saw him return to TLS as the Director of Finance in July of 2021. His commitment to the community at large is reflected through his extensive volunteerism, serving on numerous boards including the Rotary Club of Watertown, Samaritan Long Term Care and North Country Family Health Center. Jordan earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Financial Information and Analysis from Clarkson University and a Master’s in Accountancy from State University of New York at Polytechnic.


Judith Shean, PHR
Judith has worked for TLS for 21 years after leaving the profit making world. She was hired in 2000 as a support staff. Gradually, Judith moved up becoming an Accounts Receivable Coordinator to the finance coordinator, and then Payroll & Benefits Specialist. She is now Director of Human Resources. Judith graduated from JCC with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. Judith has served on numerous boards in the community, currently serving as board secretary for the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living.


Jennifer A. Pelton
Jennifer currently oversees Residential Services for Adults in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. She has over 12 years’ experience in the Human Service field. Starting as a relief staff in the community residence program 9 years ago, Jennifer continued her growth and experience with TLS in the following positions: Apartment Case Manager, Assistant Apartment Program Manager, Intake Coordinator/ Eating Disorders Case Manager, Community Residence Manager, Operations Manager, and Assistant Director of Adult Services. Jennifer has an Associate’s Degree in Human Services and an Associate’s Degree in Chemical Dependency from Jefferson Community College. She also has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Social Work from Keuka College. Jennifer welcomes new staff to TLS when she conducts TLS orientation each month. She also provides an overview of the agency and trains in the areas of SAFE Talk, Allegations of Abuse and the Code of Conduct. Jennifer is a strong advocate for individuals receiving mental health services.


Jon Queal
Jonathan Queal, Director of Operations Children Services has over 17 years of experience working in the Human Services Field. Jon currently oversees the Jefferson and Lewis Home and Community Based Services Waiver Programs, Children’s Intensive Case Management Program in Lewis County, the Child and Youth Community Residence and Student Connections program. Jon has worked for TLS for 14 years and has worked in the following positions: Residential Aide, Recreations Supervisor, Treatment Leader, HCBS Skill Builder, Mobile Crisis Counselor, and Assistant Director of Children’s Services. He has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from SUNY Oswego.


Angela Boliver
Angela Boliver has been with TLS since 2012, starting her career as a case manager. As a Health Home Care Manager, she received the Employee of the Year Award from the NYS Care Management Coalition in 2014. Currently, she is the Director of Community Operations in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties overseeing the community-based programs for adults. Prior to that, she worked in the educational field for over 10 years working with at-risk students and families. Angela has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and History and a Master of Education in Literacy from SUNY Potsdam.


Brenda Moulton
Brenda Moulton is a St Lawrence County native, having over 19 years of experience working in the Human Services Field at SLC DSS in the Children’s Services and Child Protective Services. Brenda also has 2 years of experience at Clarkson University in the field of grants/compliance. Brenda holds as Masters of Adult Education from Capella University and a Bachelors of Business, Management and Economics with a Concentration in Human Resources from SUNY Empire State.


Melanie Saber
Melanie Saber, LMSW graduated from Syracuse University and brings years of mental health experience to our clinic, including the management of school based health clinics and behavioral health clinics. She is highly experienced in working with diverse populations including people with mental health and developmental disabilities. Melanie is also experienced with OMH regulations, as well as having various trainings in the mental health field including treatment styles, techniques, suicide awareness, special investigations, disasters in mental health, etc. Melanie is also the Co-Chair of Jefferson County Suicide Coalition.


David Bush
Dave started his career with TLS in 2013. He has been the maintenance manager for all of the St Lawrence County Properties since he started with our agency. He began his work in the not-for-profit sector in 1999 on the same properties that TLS now owns in St Lawrence County. After being able to help homeless families and individuals obtain safe housing, and get back on their feet, he made the decision that this was where he wanted to be in life. Dave became the Facilities Manager for TLS in February. He enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren. Dave’s hobbies are carp fishing, hunting, and also dabbles in small engine repair.
If you would like to reach anyone on our Senior Team, please call (315) 782-1777, contact Toni Miller, Executive Secretary at
Woodruff Conference Center
Transitional Living Services proudly introduces the North Country’s most state-of-the art conference center located at our main administration office. The Woodruff Conference Center comfortably seats 50 in classroom style or 70 in theater style. The room can also be set-up in classic board room style to meet your business team needs (such as strategic planning or a Board of Director’s retreat).
Located at 482 Black River Parkway and within view of the historic Black River, the Woodruff Conference Center is ideal for your professional needs. The room is reflective of the famous Hotel Woodruff and contains décor from that early 1900’s time period. Your business will be impressed with the layout, as well as the technology available from power point presentations, video conferencing, audio conferencing, webinars, etc.
For pricing details, scheduling, availability and other information, please contact Toni Miller at
Catering options are available upon request.