Staff

Amie Post brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Executive Director of the Center for Family Systems Theory (CFST). Her journey to this position is a testament to her deep commitment to Bowen Family Systems Theory and her exceptional ability to teach and inspire others.

With a diverse background as a teacher, sports coach, non-profit leader, and therapist, Amie has cultivated a unique perspective on human relationships and organizational dynamics. Her extensive training and study in Bowen Family Systems Theory have equipped her with powerful insights into how individuals and organizations can move forward from challenges with capacity, conviction, and courage.

Amie’s involvement with CFST began when she was invited to lead a 6-month training program for scholarship recipients. Her remarkable teaching abilities and enthusiasm for the work quickly caught the attention of the CFST board. Impressed by the growth she fostered in her students and her deep understanding of Bowen Family Systems Theory, the board recognized in Amie the leadership qualities needed to guide the organization into its next chapter.

As an educator, Amie is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a keen ability to help others see relationship systems more clearly. Her learning sessions are designed to help participants appreciate the intricacies of these systems, understand the impact of anxiety, and explore possibilities for more mature functioning through the lens of Bowen theory.

Amie’s approach combines rigorous study with practical application. She has a particular talent for helping leaders see beyond unresolved emotional processes, guiding them toward more meaningful and mature connections within their organizations. Her years of research into complex relationship systems and individual functioning inform her strategic guidance, enabling leaders to take concrete steps toward improved organizational health.

In her role at CFST, Amie continues to inspire and educate professionals across various fields in Western New York and beyond. She is committed to expanding the understanding and application of Bowen Family Systems Theory, believing in its power to transform individuals, families, and organizations.

As she leads CFST forward, Amie Post embodies the organization’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and training in Bowen theory. Her leadership promises to chart new paths for growth and impact, furthering CFST’s role as a vital resource for systemic thinking in the community.

Christina Cocca, LCSW, is a clinical leader with experience in community mental health, school-based behavioral health services, and systems-oriented clinical practice. Throughout her career, she has worked with children, adolescents, families, and multidisciplinary teams in both direct practice and leadership roles, with a focus on strengthening collaboration across families, schools, and community systems. 

Christina currently serves as Senior Program Manager for School Based Services at CCWNY, where she oversees school-based mental health programming, clinical supervision, staff development, and program operations across Western New York. Her background includes leadership in outpatient mental health, crisis intervention, Multisystemic Therapy (MST), and preventive services. 

She has advanced training in Bowen Family Systems Theory, Applied Behavior Analysis, attachment-based play therapy, trauma-informed care, and solution-focused practice. Christina also serves as Faculty with the Center for Family Systems Theory of Western New York, where she encourages Bowen thinking amongst her colleagues and engages in ongoing professional development focused on systems thinking and family theory. 

Christina is passionate about clinician development, relationship-based care, and creating thoughtful, collaborative systems that support long-term growth and wellness for children, families, and communities.

Samantha Makowski is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She has experience working with those linked with parole/probation, as well as working with adults with significant mental health diagnoses. Currently, Samantha works at Horizon Health Services in the Children’s Clinic as an Advanced Practice Clinician. She collaborates with families and schools to best support the children and their family systems.

Samantha has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Canisius University, Buffalo, NY). She first became interested in Bowen Family Systems Theory when asked to attend a local training in Fall 2023. Samantha continues to explore the theory in her own life, as well as in her work with families. She is also working towards her certification in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

Eric Fleischmann is a dedicated mental health and addiction counselor with nearly a decade of experience serving communities across Western New York. Since 2017, Eric has been an integral part of the clinical team at Horizon Health Services, a premier non-for-profit healthcare agency providing vital outpatient and residential services across Erie, Niagara, and Genesee Counties. Grounded in Horizon’s mission of recovery, transformation, and saving lives, Eric brings a deeply compassionate, evidence-based approach to his counseling practice.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from St. Bonaventure University and earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Medaille University, where he graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His academic excellence, paired with his long-term clinical experience in Buffalo, makes him a trusted advocate and support system for individuals navigating the complexities of mental health and substance use disorders.

Patti keeps our multi-project practices running smoothly, managing the complex logistics and behind-the-scenes details that allow the team to focus on high-value client work. A Buffalo native, she holds a degree from Niagara University. Known for her reliability and care, Patti ensures every deadline is met and day-to-day operations run seamlessly.