United Counseling Service (UCS) welcomes new Director of Developmental Services, Henrietta Edgar

United Counseling Service (UCS) welcomes Henrietta Edgar as its new head of Developmental Services, which serves Bennington County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. Edgar most recently served as Administrator of Residential Services for the Center for Disability Services in Albany, NY, and brings over a decade of experience in the health and human services field.

“We are excited that Henrietta is joining the leadership team,” said Lorna Mattern, Executive Director of UCS. “She has extensive experience and will be an asset during this period of change in the industry.”

“I look forward to developing programs in our Developmental Services division and creating more housing options for individuals,” says Edgar. “There are not enough housing options, including respite and crisis beds, emergency housing, and Shared Living home providers. as a team, we are actively working on that.”

Edgar’s career has largely focused on ensuring high quality services and care for individuals with developmental disabilities in New York State, and she is excited to provide that quality of care in Vermont. The challenge of the human services field is what initially drew Edgar to the field, and she enjoys that every day offers new challenges and experiences. “No day is cookie cutter,” says Edgar. “As you work to establish services, find housing, provide additional services like community supports, and explore clients’ interests, this job allows you to take different paths.”

Edgar has also worked as a Developmental Assistance Supervisor for the New York State Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Care Manager for the Department of Health’s Health Home and Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, and Community Relations Manager for LIFEPlan CCO NY LLC. She holds a BA in Public Justice from SUNY Oswego, BS in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State College, an AS in Humanities from Onondaga Community College, and certificates in Practical Nursing and as a Certified Nursing Assistant from Central Tech Vocational Center.

“I’m someone who has to resolve issues—I feel a need to be challenged and accomplish things,” says Edgar. She enjoys the interaction with community members and providers that comes with her role. “You get to know people and what they do and rely on them for support. You don’t just show up at your office—you show up to do the work, which can be on any given day—anything.”