Our Public Health Service Teams
HVHD is organized into three Public Health Service Teams.
Operations Team
Environmental Health Team
Joe Kmetz, RS
Jeff Andrews, RS
Dennis Buell, RS
Michelle Laguerre, FITO
Alyssa Pannone, RS
Shelby Meier
Community Health Team
Amy Bethge, MPH
Director of Health
Amy Bethge has a Masters of Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University and has worked in Public Health and the healthcare industry for over a decade. Her previous work includes management of grants, community-based programs and research activities for Nuvance Health and Griffin Hospital. Most recently, more
Joe Kmetz, RS
Chief Sanitarian
Joe received a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University during the Spring of 1993. Joe has worked as a Registered Sanitarian for 28 years. At the end of 1993, Joe became certified in food inspections, phase 1 and phase 2 of subsurface sewage and then became a Registered Sanitarian in the spring of 1994.
Heidi Bettcher, MPH, RN
Community Health Nurse
Heidi Bettcher earned a BS in Nursing from Western Connecticut State University and Masters of Public Health from Goodwin University. She has been a practicing nurse for 25 years, specializing in pediatrics. Heidi has held various nursing positions, which include her position as a home care case manager and community health coordinator. more
As the Community Health Nurse, Heidi is in charge of clinical operations, which includes overseeing vaccine clinics, manages clinical personnel, monitors infectious disease cases, establishes community relationships with local health care providers, and plans and conducts a range of community health programs and screenings. In Heidi’s spare time, she enjoys hiking, spending time with her family, which includes four children, and traveling.
Operations Team
Jennifer Luis
Operations Manager
inbox@hvhdct.gov | 203.264.9616
Jennifer Luis has been working in office management for over 20 years and has worked for the Town of New Milford for five years. As the Office Manager, Jennifer is in charge of ensuring smooth office operations and functions, such as payroll, reports, more
Leslie Kuik
Public Health Office Administrator
inbox@hvhdct.gov | 203.264.9616
Leslie joins our team with over 10 years of experience in administration and customer service. She assists the Environmental Team with processing forms and applications, as well as assisting the community with questions and resource connection more
Environmental Health Team
Jeff Andrews, RS
Senior Sanitarian
Coming soon!
Shelby Meier
Health Inspector
After many years of working in healthcare, in both direct patient care and medical administration roles, Shelby joined our team. She has been eager to apply her skills and knowledge in her role as a sanitarian, where her more
Dennis Buell, RS
Sanitarian II
Dennis joins our team with 4 years of experience in the environmental health field and is certified in phase 1 and phase 2 subsurface sewage. He is responsible for investigating housing complaints, environmental plan reviews, and office administration.
Michelle Laguerre, FITO
Food Inspector
Michelle comes to HVHD with 11 years of experience as a Health Inspector/Environmental Health Specialist. She will take the lead on the District’s food inspections.
Community Health Team
Tigan De Carli
Community Health Administrator
Tigan joins us after working in Hair Styling and customer service for 6 years. She assists the Community Health Team and our Community Health Nursing Supervisor with administrative tasks.
Daniel Sibio
Medical Biller
Daniel received his Medical Coding Certification from Westchester Community College in 2021 and has previously worked as an accountant for Westchester Community.
Updated on July 21, 2026