Update as of April 21, 2025
The Big Read finale event, “From a House of Cards to a Strong Foundation: Redefining Success in our Community,” rescheduled after inclement weather caused organizers to postpone the discussion, will now be held on Monday, May 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Fayetteville-Manlius High School Auditorium.
Plan to bring friends, family, and your older students to join the district for this important conversation. There is no need to RSVP, and everyone in the district, along with those who live in surrounding towns, are welcome to attend. For more information on the speakers, see the article below.
As the Community Big Read comes to a close, F-M Central School District is hosting one final conversation featuring a panel of special guests.
The Big Read finale, “From a House of Cards to a Strong Foundation: Redefining Success in our Community,” will take place this spring. Keynote speaker Dr. Melissa Carman will be joined by three panelists to discuss how to pursue success while staying true to what matters to you. Panelists will share practical advice, stories, and insight.
Unlike with other F-M Big Read events, there is no need to RSVP. This event is open to adults and students within the F-M district, along with those from other local and surrounding school districts. The event will livestream on YouTube for individuals who are unable to attend in person.
Panelists include:
- Dr. Melissa Carman: Keynote speaker, CEO/Founder of CNY Mental Health Counseling and Dr. Melissa Carman Coaching
- Will Hartley: Student Assistance Counselor at Jamesville-Dewitt High School, Social Worker
- Kate Houck: CEO of David’s Refuge, CEO/Founder of Brave CNY
- Dr. Kaushal Nanavati: Integrative Medicine Physician, Assistant Dean of Wellness at Upstate Medical University
Dr. Melissa Carman is the Founder and Executive Director of CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC, a thriving group practice with 14 counselors located in Manlius and Fayetteville. A Central New York native, Dr. Carman’s journey has taken her from Cornell University, where she earned her B.S. in Human Development, to the University of North Carolina for her M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, and back to her CNY roots at Syracuse University, where she completed her Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision.
After starting her career at the Syracuse University Counseling Center, where she specialized in supporting student-athletes and the broader student body with holistic well-being, performance enhancement, emotional regulation, and navigating academic, personal, and identity challenges, Dr. Carman launched her private practice in 2011. Over the years, her passion for enhancing accessibility to high-quality mental health care has driven her to transform the practice into a collaborative hub for individuals, couples, and organizations through the creation of formalized partnerships. CNY Mental Health Counseling is a proud partner to the Fayetteville-Manlius School District.
Today, Dr. Carman’s focus extends beyond traditional counseling. Through her coaching practice, Dr. Melissa Carman Coaching, LLC, she works with executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders in healthcare, education, and private sectors to help them thrive as leaders. By addressing blind spots and navigating both personal and professional challenges, she empowers clients to foster growth, resilience, and meaningful impact.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Melissa loves spending time with her husband and their six children in their various activities, cherishing the energy and connection of their blended family. They find joy in traveling, hiking, discovering new restaurants, spending time with their cousins and grandparents, and recharging at their camp on Lake Ontario.
Will Hartley brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his work as the school social worker at Jamesville-DeWitt High School, where he has served students, families, and the school community for over 25 years. A Princeton University graduate and former collegiate lacrosse player, Will’s commitment to teamwork and resilience created a foundation for his professional life. In addition to his impactful role in education, Will has maintained a thriving private practice for adolescents, individuals, and families, helping clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion and expertise.
A natural mentor, he has also coached various sports and spent time as a teacher earlier in his career, showcasing his passion for empowering young people in all aspects of their development. Outside of work, Will embraces the joys and adventures of a “Brady Bunch” blended family, raising six children aged 20-26. His dedication to fostering connection, building resilience, and promoting growth shines through in both his personal and professional life, making him a trusted and valued presence in his community.
Kate Houck is the Executive Director of David’s Refuge, a Central and Western NY organization dedicated to supporting parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening illnesses. Since joining in 2015, Kate has led the organization to significant growth, earning recognition as one of Central New York’s Best Places to Work (2019-2023) while exceeding development goals and reducing caregiver burnout.
In 2023, Kate launched Brave CNY, a coaching and consulting company dedicated to supporting leaders in their professional development, fostering positive company cultures, and driving greater outcomes. Drawing on her extensive leadership experience, Kate empowers clients to navigate challenges and unlock their full potential.
Previously, Kate spent a decade with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in leadership roles. She is a 40 Under 40 honoree, has completed advanced leadership and DEI training, and actively contributes to community organizations, including Profound Mastermind, Women United and the Marcellus Forward Nonprofit Leadership Group.
Kate, a SUNY Cortland alumna with a degree in Communications, treasures her family—husband Paul and their two teens, Nathan and Leah. Her passions include nature, exercise, and fostering positivity, guided by her favorite quote from Carole King: “You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart.”
Dr. Kaushal Nanavati, is an Integrative Family Physician at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY who enjoys educating people on wellness, self-care, and achieving contentment and peace in life using humor, stories, and real, tangible examples. He was born in India and grew up in Rochester, NY. He has over 28 years of experience as a Family Physician and is also board Certified in Integrative Medicine. He is the Assistant Dean of Wellness at Upstate and also Director of Integrative Medicine and Survivorship at the Upstate Cancer Center.
He has enjoyed learning karate and coaching his son in basketball, has completed a marathon, loves to play tennis and golf, and cherishes personal time with his family. He is also an author having written a book series, CORE 4 of Wellness, which is a culmination of insights addressing the importance of nutrition, physical exercise, stress management, and spiritual wellness to achieve a balanced life.
He is a sought after speaker and has spoken to multiple groups internationally and here in the U.S. Groups include: Wells Fargo, Royal Bank of Canada, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and multiple academic conferences. He conducts workshops on organizational wellness and personal well-being.