Office Staff and Advisors
Professionals dedicated to fulfilling the obligations and overall mission of the Office
The Office of the Ombudsman consists of a dedicated staff of professionals responsible for fulfilling the daily obligations of the Office. In addition, the Office has access to a team of expert advisors in correctional healthcare, infection prevention, and business intelligence/analytics.
Lauren “Laurie” M. Andersen, MM, RN, CEN, CCRN
Director/Ombudsman – Office of the Ombudsman
Lauren “Laurie” M. Andersen, MM, RN, CEN, CCRN, is a registered nurse with extensive experience in education, critical care, and emergency nursing. During the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) global pandemic, she worked as an intensive care unit nurse and then as a healthcare operations consultant supporting four (4) Department of Public Health hospitals as well as other inpatient facilities. Laurie began serving as the independent Ombudsman overseeing and reporting on the Massachusetts Department of Correction’s (DOC) efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the fall of 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Executive Director of the Office of the Ombudsman, she provided support and guidance to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the DOC during the COVID-19 pandemic, including comprehensive guidance on infection control to the DOC facilities. During this experience working with the DOC and the fifteen (15) DOC facilities, Ms. Andersen and the Office of the Ombudsman recognized the need to support the DOC staff and facilities in general wellness initiatives and expanded infection control post-pandemic. Presently, Ms. Andersen leads the Office in this expanded capacity.
Robert Charpentier, MA, CAGS
Regional Administrator
Robert Charpentier, MA, CAGS, is one of the Regional Administrators for the Office of the Ombudsman. Mr. Charpentier is a dedicated and enthusiastic professional with extensive experience in mental health and ombudsman-related services. Previously, Mr. Charpentier managed the concerns of members of a large healthcare corporation and worked as an ombudsman for that same corporation – both roles which uniquely position him for his role within the Office. Mr. Charpentier is dedicated to working with those in need, including innovating new and creative ways to support evidence-based satisfaction for individuals and groups. Mr. Charpentier works directly with DOC staff, inmates, and their families to ensure that all are represented regarding their wellness needs. Mr. Charpentier has professional experience and an appreciation for mental health wellness.
Jennifer Vars, MSN, RN, CEN
Regional Clinical Administrator
Jennifer Vars, MSN, RN, CEN, is one of the Regional Clinical Administrators for the Office of the Ombudsman. She is a dynamic professional with extensive experience in healthcare. Ms. Vars has been an emergency and critical care nurse for many years with experience in many settings, including education, and has also worked as a professor of nursing. She is dedicated to advocating for those in need, including innovating new and creative ways to support evidence-based satisfaction for individuals and groups. She works directly with DOC staff, inmates, and their families to ensure that all are represented regarding their wellness needs. Ms. Vars has experience and knowledge regarding physical and mental health wellness, as well as infection control.
Glenn Doher
Consultant
Glenn Doher is a retired Captain from the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) and works as a consultant to the Office of the Ombudsman. He is a dedicated corrections expert with a 30-year work history and the insight needed to understand the work of the DOC. Mr. Doher’s investment and passion for the experience of living and working in the DOC brings vision and connection to the staff and needs of the DOC. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he worked as a military police officer and attained the rank of corporal. Mr. Doher began his work in the DOC in 1992 and continued until his retirement in 2022 as a Captain at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center. He worked in multiple facilities in the DOC and was an active member of the Wellness Committee through the years.
Erin Bullock
Business Intelligence Analyst
Erin Bullock serves as Business Intelligence Analyst for the Office of the Ombudsman. Ms. Bullock’s responsibilities include creating visualizations to provide actionable insights and a better understanding of data. Ms. Bullock will also work with the Office to increase data analytics for the Office’s infection control and wellness initiatives.
Lynne Dionne
Administrative Coordinator
Lynne Dionne has worked at UMass Chan Medical School since 2012 and joined the Office of the Ombudsman as an Administrative Coordinator. A key member of the Office team, she contributes valuable experience (working with justice-involved populations, institutional knowledge, and organizational skills) to this essential role. Ms. Dionne is passionate about her work and enjoys working on a team. Her diverse skill set includes team management as well as the ability to work independently, and she thrives in a fast-paced, challenging atmosphere – all of which enhances the mission of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Advisors
The Office of the Ombudsman works with experts from ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan Medical School who serve as advisors to support the Ombudsman. Advisors include professionals with expertise in correctional healthcare, infection prevention, and business intelligence/analytics.