Barbara Bartell Steiner, 77

Friday, 01 March 2013 00:00

Barbara Dakin Bartell Steiner, CEO of Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services in Hicksville, one of Long Island’s pioneer advocates and leaders in the behavioral health field, passed away on Feb. 15 due to complications related to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She was 77.

Bartell was an entrepreneurial leader willing to take risks, aggressively develop programs and advocate for the needs of others. She strongly believed in the resiliency of the human spirit and each person’s ability to recover from mental illness and/ or chemical dependency.

Bartell began her illustrious 40-year career at Central Nassau as a receptionist the day the clinic opened its doors and rose through the ranks to become the CEO in 1991. Affectionately known as the “house that Barbara built,” Bartell transformed Central Nassau from a small outpatient clinic to a multi-service behavioral health organization offering a robust and diverse array of treatment services and supportive programs with more than 200 employees and a $13.5 million annual budget.   

In addition to her commitment to the agency, Bartell dedicated her time and endless energy to countless New York State and Long Island based committees and task forces as well as community organizations throughout the years. She most recently served as the treasurer of the New York State Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. She was also a member of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Women Economic Developers of Long Island, the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Professional Volunteer Administrators, the Delaney Council 5983 Knights Of Columbus, the Columbiettes, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Divorced Or Separated Catholics Of Long Island, the St. Bernard’s Widows and Widowers Group, the L.I. NAIM Catholic Widows and Widowers Club and the Maria Regina Parish Widow and Widowers Group.

Bartell received many awards and recognition throughout her career. She received Nassau County’s Outstanding Service Award for her dedicated services to those with mental health and chemical dependency disorders; the Town of Oyster Bay’s Woman of Distinction award for her positive impact upon the community; and in 2011, she was recognized as one of Long Island’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business by Long Island Business News.

Bartell grew up in Glen Clove and attended Glen Cove High School. She earned her bachelors and master of social work degrees at Adelphi University and became a licensed clinical social worker. 

Barbara was an inspiration to everyone she met. Her devotion to her work was only surpassed by her commitment to her family. Three wonderful husbands predeceased Barbara: James W. Bartell, Sr., John Steiner and Charles Clark as well as her dear brother Charles Dakin. She is survived by her loving partner Anthony Rimoli; her three children, James W. Bartell, Jr. (Diane), Pamela Driscoll (Steve) and Kathryn Mandeli (Steve); her grandchildren Kristen and Sean Driscoll, and Melissa and Victoria Mandeli; her stepchildren, Raymond Steiner (Jackie) and Jane Youngs (Robert); her step-grandchildren Catherine Landfried, Andrew Steiner, Michael Youngs, Michelle Mooney, Cecilia Chouinard, Daniel Steiner, Kevin Youngs; her step great-grandchildren Erica Jordan, Andrew and Connor Landfried, Benjamin and Abigail Youngs, Caidyn Chouinard; her beloved sister Kathryn Fitzpatrick (Brian); and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends all over the country.   

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Barbara’s honor be made to Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, 950 S. Oyster Bay Roa, Hicksville, NY 11801. Call (516) 822-6111 or visit www.centralnassau.org.