Board President
Barbara Johncour
Ms. Johncour has worked in social services since graduating with a degree in Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. Early in her career, Barbara worked for a County Board of Assistance, served on the Board of Directors for one of the early day programs for young children with mental health and intellectual disabilities and for a County Department of Children and Youth Services, was a director of volunteer services at a hospital and long term care facility, served as a case manager for those with developmental disabilities and was a director/manager of a hospice program. As her career and expertise became focused on children and youth with mental health and behavioral challenges, Barbara served as a county Child and Adolescent Service System Coordinator (CASSP) and for many years was a children’s services specialist for the Pennsylvania Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) in the Harrisburg Field Office and the Bureau of Children’s Services.
More recently, Ms. Johncour devotes her time to her family and friends , the MHA Board of Directors and ,as a Grief Recovery Specialist, facilitates Grief Recovery Method group sessions. Barbara may be reached through the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties.
Vice President
Melissa Masters
Melisa Masters serves as the Vice President for the Board of Directors at the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties (MHAFF). In this leadership role, she plays a key part in guiding the strategic direction and supporting the overall mission of the organization.
In addition to her work with MHAFF, Melisa is the SDOH (Social Determinants of Health) Coordinator at the Center for Community Action in Fulton County, where she focuses on addressing social factors that impact the health and well-being of the community.
Melisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Kutztown University, along with an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, General Studies, and Art from the Allegany College of Maryland. Her diverse educational background equips her with a unique perspective in her professional endeavors.
As an active advocate for community health, Melisa also serves as a Board Member for the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, contributing her expertise to efforts aimed at reducing substance use and supporting recovery in the local community.
Melisa’s dedication to community service, leadership, and financial oversight helps strengthen the impact of MHAFF’s programs and initiatives.
Secretary
Lauren E. Sulcove, Esq.
Lauren Sulcove is a partner at Black and Davison, P.C., a law firm located in Chambersburg. She became a licensed attorney in 2004, after graduating from Temple University Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia. She began her career as a prosecutor specializing in family violence, domestic assault, and homicide cases. She served as an Assistant District Attorney in Franklin County, and later as the First Assistant District Attorney, from 2007 to 2017. Lauren had the opportunity to practice as a Pennsylvania Deputy Attorney General from 2017 to 2019, where she represented Pennsylvania State Police troopers as well as corrections officers employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. In 2019, Lauren accepted a position at Black and Davison, P.C., where she currently practices family law and estate administration. In addition, she serves as guardian ad litem for children involved in custody disputes, and as mental health counsel for inmates at the Franklin County Jail.
Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband Jerrold, who is also a partner at Black and Davison, P.C. In the past, they adopted and raised two greyhounds and are currently “parenting” a black lab mix named Lady Bird (a.k.a. Birdie).
Treasurer
Lewis Goshen
Lewis has worked in social services since graduating high school. He
attended Hagerstown Junior College and Mount Alloysius College
Specializing in Developmental Disabilities. Early in his career, He
worked for the Mental Health Center as the Assistant Director of the
Adult Day Program for persons with Intellectual disabilities. Served
on the Board of Directors for a day program in Fulton County. He
continued to work in Human Services working for an agency in
Franklin County as the Intellectual Disabilities Director and continuing
with another agency as the Chief Operating Officer and then later
changing careers and is presently the manager of a local funeral
home in Franklin County. He joined the MHA Board in September
2024.
Currently, continuing to work at the Funeral Home, he enjoys
spending time with his family and three grandchildren at home and
at the beach. He is Grief Share Facilitator at a local church. Lewis may
be reached through the Mental Health Association of Franklin and
Fulton Counties.
At Large Members
Jennifer S. Buffenbarger, Ed. D.
Dr. Buffenbarger primary career has been in nursing. Her nursing career began as a LPN in upstate New York, working on the Medical/Surgical Unit in a local hospital. With her husband being in the military and assigned overseas, her studies continued through military affiliated universities. Whilst overseas, Dr. Buffenbarger volunteered with American Red Cross, and supported various Army clinics to include vaccination of soldiers deploying to combat areas. On return to USA (Arizona), Dr. B. worked in long-term skilled facilities, earning certification in Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. B. transitioned into hospital based medical/surgical nursing as a LPN and then as RN when she passed her nursing boards. Her husband was re-assignment to South Carolina. Dr. B. initially continued with medical/surgical nursing, and with successful completion of critical care course, transferred into critical care. On her husband’s retirement, they both transferred to Shippensburg, PA. Dr. B. career path continued in hospital-based nursing with multiple career experiences: Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Out-patient surgery center, Educator, Director Medical/Surgical/Rehabilitation Units, and Nursing Supervisor over the course of 14 ½ years. During this timeframe, Dr. B. earned her MSN and Ed.D.
Dr. B changed her career path 3 ½ years ago, by joining Wilson College Nursing Department as one of their full-time Assistant Professors. Dr. B. teaches the first year of nursing, mental health nursing course, and functions as a clinical instructor for these sections.
Dr. B. serves on the Franklin County Suicide Coalition, and most recently, accepted to be one of the board members for the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties.
Dr. B. is affiliated with American Holistic Nursing Association and is currently enrolled in their Integrate Healing Arts Program for Holistic Nursing, focusing on the Mind, Body, Spirit, and Emotions.
Dr. B. may be reached through the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties.
Dr. Sheri Morgan
Dr. Sheri Morgan brings an extensive background in nursing, public health, and leadership to her role as Vice President of the Board of Directors at the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties (MHAFF). With a PhD and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Sheri has dedicated her career to advancing health equity, supporting mental wellness, and strengthening community systems.
Sheri’s connection to MHAFF spans many years, beginning with her impactful work as the organization’s epidemiologist. During her tenure, she played a key role in using data and research to inform program decisions and improve outcomes for individuals served by the agency. She also stepped up to serve as Interim CEO on two separate occasions, offering steady leadership during pivotal times in the organization’s growth. After a brief hiatus, Sheri returned to MHAFF as a board member, where her deep institutional knowledge and public health expertise continue to be invaluable.
Outside of MHAFF, Sheri is active in local politics, where she advocates for policies that center on health, equity, and community resilience. Her broad experience and unwavering commitment to service make her a powerful voice for progress and inclusion in both healthcare and civic life.
Stephanie States
Stephanie States joined the Mental Health Association Board in May 2023. Stephanie is currently the Director of Student Support Services for the Waynesboro Area School District. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Education with a
focus on Special Education both from Shippensburg University. She also possesses an Educational Administration certification (K-12) and a Special Education Supervisory certification, also from Shippensburg University.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time reading, watching football, and taking walks with her Goldendoodle (Stoney).
