Dr. James Campbell is a seasoned nonprofit leader, with three decades of experience. He is passionate about serving as a catalyst in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in being recognized and accepted as valuable contributors to the world around them.

James was inspired by his wife to make the transition to working with people with disabilities. He witnessed the happiness and joy she experienced, while supporting people with disabilities to achieve their goals and desires. He now has a strong passion for empowering people with disabilities to discover their full potential.

James was educated at Fayetteville State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration; North Carolina State University with a master’s degree in marketing & business education; and Indiana Tech with a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership & Organizational Management.

James’ passion for nonprofit leadership and empowering people with disabilities influenced his dissertation topic: A Case Study Exploring the Lived Experience of Direct Support Professionals: Examining the link between lived experience and leadership style. A key take-away of this topic is that the lifeblood of any social organization is people. Therefore, nonprofit organizations must embrace leadership and business practices which foster peace and happiness in employees, respect for others, and mission accomplishment for the people served.

James has been married for 37 years, with three wonderful children, and four lovely grandchildren. He grew up in Oakland, California and is a proud member of Raider Nation!

Chelsea grew up in New Jersey and attended Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania for her undergraduate studies. She then moved to Boston and achieved her Master’s in Human Resources from Suffolk University. She has maintained her PHR and SHRM-CP certifications since 2013.

Chelsea has a diverse background in Human Resources and has worked for large corporations, real estate companies and various nonprofit organizations. She has a passion for contributing to the greater good and helping others achieve their goals.

Scott Robertson is an accomplished strategic director with a comprehensive background spanning corporate, startup, and nonprofit sectors, Scott excels in driving organizational change and leading departments to success. With a deep expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and operations, Scott brings a proactive approach to organizational development, consistently delivering impactful solutions that improve efficiency and performance. Throughout his career, Scott has demonstrated exceptional leadership in financial planning, accounting, budgeting, and grant management. Scott has a proven track record of improving operational processes and internal controls, and is adept at managing diverse teams to achieve operational excellence.

Previously serving as Director of Financial Planning & Operations at Greater Lynn Senior Services, Scott oversaw a $71 million revenue portfolio and provided strategic leadership for 225 employees across multiple programs and departments. He has successfully implemented key performance indicators that align with programmatic goals, while also managing complex contract cycles and financial reporting for both private and government contracts.

Scott is a Certified Professional in Management (AMA-CPM) and holds a Master of Science in Management from Emmanuel College, graduating magna cum laude. He also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Purchase College and is an experienced community educator, having taught QuickBooks and Bookkeeping Basics for several years.

Scott currently resides in Saugus, Massachusetts with his wife and two children. When not at work, you can find him at the chess board or in the swimming pool.

Kathy began her career in human services in 1994. After 9 years working in the field of Child Welfare, she joined Communitas as a Residential Services Program Coordinator in 2003. During her time in Communitas’ Residential Services division, Kathy was responsible for the management of 5 community-based residential homes. She is also responsible for the formal development of what is now the Independent Home Supports program.

As the Director of Quality Enhancement, Kathy works with programs to develop quality enhancement tools and to track their effectiveness. She acts as liaison to licensing, certification and accreditation agencies and manages program compliance with training to enhance service delivery. Kathy has supported the agency through many DDS surveys and CARF surveys. She also coordinates the Policy Committee and is a member of the Employee Appreciation Committee.

As the Human Rights Coordinator, Kathy works closely with programs, individuals, families and the Human Rights Committee to promote Communitas’ commitment to ensuring that people’s rights are honored, their choices are respected and their voices are valued.

Nicole Boudrow studied psychology at UMass Lowell. Originally entering the University in the music program, it took one psychology class to learn that human services was the career field for her. She began her career in human services 12 years ago as an in-home therapist for children on the autism spectrum.

Nicole started her career at Communitas as the Day Habilitation Director in 2017. Having worked with children for the majority of her career, she was excited for the change. In 2019, Nicole transitioned to the director of the Career Services Program. Helping people become job ready and helping individuals gain career independence is incredibly exciting and rewarding for Nicole. Nicole revitalized the Career Services Program at Communitas to be an innovative program that combines on-site job training and group supportive opportunities for individuals to become job ready, including performing well at job interviews, dressing for success and creating meaningful relationships with their coworkers and peers. These groups are done both in the program and in the community.

In 2022 Nicole was promoted to Wakefield Day Program Director, overseeing both Day Hab and Career Services Programs.

In 2023 Nicole joined the Senior Leadership team, accepting the role of Director of Day Services, overseeing Career Services and Day Habilitation in all Day Services programs.

Judy SantaMaria, the Director of the Family Support, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare from Salem State College and her MSW from Wheelock College.

Judy entered the field of social work as a Family Service Officer in Boston and a social worker for Catholic Charities in Lynn.

She started her career in family support in 1997 with Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change and developed the Building Community Bridges project for families of young children with developmental disabilities.

Judy joined Communitas in 2001 as the Assistant Director of Family Support, where she assisted the Director of Family Support in daily operations of the Family Resource Center. She also developed the Successful Parenting Program for parents with intellectual disabilities, which provides home-based parenting education and supports.

In 2009, Judy was named the Director of Family Support at Communitas. Family Support includes services and supports funded by DDS, Adult Family/Foster Care, Recreation and the Successful Parenting Program funded by DCF.

For the past 40 years, Roger Plourde’s career in human services has been characterized by a commitment to supporting individuals with significant physical and behavioral challenges in their quest to find a home to call their own and in a community where they can thrive and realize their dreams.

Roger’s early years in the field provided him with an appreciation of system transition, from institutional care to community programs, and what that transition means to those within the system. From 1979 to 1982, Roger served as a direct support staff, providing overnight support to 22 young men at the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers, and later as a DSP and program director at a sheltered workshop program supporting individuals with intense behavioral challenges. Through these experiences, Roger honed his skills and shaped his philosophy for how services should be provided in spite of the barriers that people with disabilities face.

From 1988 to 2013, Roger applied his direct care expertise and management skills in positions of progressive responsibility at CHS, one of the largest residential providers in the Northeast, serving as Director of Residential Services.

Since 2013, Roger has served as the Director of Residential Services at Communitas, providing oversight and support to the Residential Division for their 24-hour supports community homes and the Independent Home Supports Program.

Roger received his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from the College of Public and Community Service at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and for many years has inspired generations of new human service workers with his work as a certified lead instructor for PABC training.

Laura is a dynamic professional with a training background in the fields of finance, consulting, and marketing, having earned her degree from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Throughout her career journey, Laura’s unwavering passion has centered on the design, implementation, and delivery of training programs across various industries.

Since joining Communitas in August 2015 as a Training Coordinator, Laura has continually advanced her role within the organization. Presently serving as the Learning & Development Manager, she leads strategic initiatives such as New Hire Orientation, Proactive Approaches to Behavioral Challenges, The Leadership Series, and Human Rights training. Her dedication lies in supporting and enhancing workforce performance through comprehensive training initiatives tailored to meet the evolving needs of our staff.

Tanner graduated from Stonehill College in 2019 with degrees in Criminology and Psychology. He began his career working for the Essex County District Attorney’s Office as a Diversion Coordinator, helping both juvenile and substance-dependent offenders participate and complete diversion programs as an alternative to prosecution. He then transitioned to the Domestic-Violence Unit as a Victim-Witness Advocate, aiding in the prosecution of criminal cases by providing support to victims, witnesses, and their families to help them understand the court process.

After the District Attorney’s Office, Tanner worked in Insurance Claims and Background Investigations which led him to have an interest in a career in Human Resources. In 2023, he joined the Communitas Team as a Human Resources Associate.

As an HR Associate, Tanner’s responsibilities place a high focus on employee onboarding, as well as employee satisfaction and appreciation efforts.

He is also the proud father of a lively and fluffy Golden Retriever named Jango.

Brittney was a college intern in 2007 when she began working with Communitas. As an intern in the summer of 2007, Brittney worked at all of our residential programs. After graduating college, she continued to work as relief until December 2008, when she was promoted to Program Director for the Haven and Village Street programs. Brittney supervised the Haven and Village programs as Program Director for almost 4 years, while also serving on extra committees such as the Staff Appreciation and International Night Committees. In April of 2012, Brittney was promoted to her present position of Residential Program Coordinator, overseeing the comprehensive programming for five Communitas group homes.

Brittney is a tireless and enthusiastic participant in events and activities, making Communitas feel like home. Her consistent dedication to put in extra time and energy into Communitas, through many different avenues, is a representation of her committed character.

Christine began her Human Services career in 2007, working as a Home Health Aide while pursuing her education. After graduating from SUNY Utica with a degree in Health Information Management, Christine began working as a medical coder but found herself unfulfilled, as she missed working with and supporting people. Upon moving with her family to Massachusetts, Christine joined Communitas as a Direct Support Professional in 2014, and has grown through the ranks to work in the Assistant Program Director and Program Director positions at Pitman Drive. In 2023, Christine accepted a promotion to her current position of Residential Program Coordinator, where she oversees comprehensive programming for three Communitas group homes. Christine is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and appreciates being able to both celebrate their successes and support them through challenging times.

Crystal is a proud Newburyport native with a diverse career journey. After gaining experience in transportation, manufacturing, and sales, she discovered her true calling in the human services field. In 2014, Crystal joined Communitas as a Direct Support Professional, and her dedication and passion quickly propelled her into leadership roles, including Assistant Program Director and Program Director at Rustic Lane.

By 2021, Crystal was promoted to Residential Program Coordinator, where she now oversees the programming for three Communitas 24-hour support homes. With a heart full of compassion and a strong commitment to the people she supports, Crystal is a fierce advocate, helping individuals achieve their goals and live as independently as possible. She takes pride in every success and is a steady source of encouragement during tough times—truly embodying the values of care, empowerment, and growth.

Nancy joined Communitas in 2007 as a part-time, In-Home Supports Mentor. Over the next few years, she took-on additional roles within Communitas in our Life Choices Day Program and the former School to Work Program. Prior to working in the Human Service field, she raised three boys; one of which was diagnosed at a very young age with developmental disabilities and autism. These diagnoses changed Nancy’s life and from that day on, she devoted herself to advocating for him and others with disabilities. In 2009, Nancy was asked to become the In-Home Supports Coordinator; at that time she had 1 month old twin boys at home, but knew she could not turn down the opportunity.

Nancy is very proud of this program, her staff and all the individuals the program supports. Her son with disabilities is now an adult and attends the Communitas Day Program in Woburn and works three days a week at Market Basket.

Ali is a dedicated and passionate individual with a significant impact in the realm of human services. With nearly a decade of experience as a therapeutic harpist at Beth Israel in Boston, she honed her supervisory skills and developed a profound understanding of the transformative power of music in healing and supporting individuals.

Since joining Communitas in 2022 as a Skills Instructor at the Beverly Day Hab program, Ali has discovered her true calling in human services. She has seamlessly transitioned through various roles within the organization, including Skills Instructor, Case Manager, and Assistant Director. Now serving as the Beverly Director, Ali’s leadership has been pivotal in cultivating a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive within the compassionate community at Communitas. Her unwavering commitment and vision continue to drive positive change and empower those she serves.

Emily grew up in Gloucester Massachusetts and has been in Human Services for the past decade with a focus on Developmental Disabilities.

Prior to joining the Communitas, Emily was a Residential Program Director. She has worked with children as young as two, older adults, and all phases of life in between. She is experienced in various settings including community-based, in-home, ABA centers, Special Education focused schools, group homes, and adult day programs.

Emily is passionate about her work and has worked her way up through different positions, starting as direct support. She feels this is a strength she brings to the team and allows her to better relate to and support her staff.

In addition to her work at Communitas, Emily enjoys volunteering for organizations that support and provide experiences for people with developmental disabilities. One of her favorites to be a part of is Miss Amazing Inc., which is a national self-esteem movement for girls and women with disabilities.

Anna’s passion for human services began in her youth in Italy, where she grew up surrounded by relatives and friends with diverse abilities. Observing how society often kept its distance from these individuals, Anna felt compelled to make a difference. She immersed herself in understanding their needs, aiming not only to provide assistance but also to showcase their enriching impact on society.

Upon moving to the United States three decades ago, Anna continued her journey in human services, starting as a PCA for her cousin, and quickly advancing to roles of increasing responsibility within Communitas. Over twelve years, she transitioned from Mentor to Lead Instructor, Case Manager, and progressed to Associate Director, and ultimately Director of the Woburn Day Program.

Anna brings extensive experience in operational management, administration, and strategic leadership at the Woburn facility, consistently maintaining exemplary standards of care. As Director, she is committed to expanding programs, cultivating strong community partnerships, enhancing staff development, and leading the Woburn Day Program with dedication and vision.

Gia Smith, Program Director at the Woburn Day Program, brings six years of experience supporting individuals in the Human Services field with a focus on Developmental Disabilities. Starting as a skills instructor in Wakefield in 2018, Gia’s passion and dedication propelled her to the role of Assistant Director in the Career Services Department.

Through commitment and a deep understanding of participant needs, Gia advanced to the position of Associate Director, managing Wakefield Career Services and Woburn Day Services. Her journey continued as Associate Director of Woburn, where her skills in career services and day services flourished.

Now in the role of Wakefield Day Hab Director, Gia’s leadership fosters a supportive environment, enabling individuals to flourish within our caring community at Communitas.

Michael Senese is an accomplished Transportation Director with over 28 years of experience in logistics and transportation, primarily with US Foods. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management/Administration from Boston University. Throughout his career, Mike has honed his expertise in optimizing transportation operations, ensuring safety compliance, and driving overall efficiency.

In previous roles as a Transportation Supervisor and Logistics Manager, Mike has demonstrated a strong ability to lead teams, manage schedules, and implement cost-effective solutions that enhance operational performance. Since joining Communitas in 2018, he has been overseeing the agency’s fleet and managing its drivers, ensuring smooth and efficient transportation services.

Mallory MacLeod has been a dedicated member of Communitas since 2019. She began as a Case Manager for the Adult Family/Foster Care (AFC) program, later advancing to Lead Case Manager and eventually becoming the AFC Director. Mallory holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a minor in dance. She also obtained her teaching license and, through her work in public schools, developed a passion for special education.

Her prior experience as a 1-to-1 educator and behavior therapist has given her invaluable insights, equipping her to support individuals through both joyful and challenging moments. In addition to her leadership in the AFC Program, Mallory offers home services to two individuals.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, practicing yoga, exploring nature, and snuggling with her pets.

Lauren is a graduate of Merrimack College from the School of Health Sciences where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and later her Master of Science degree in Health and Wellness Management. She is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Senior Fitness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise.

Lauren brings extensive skills and knowledge in adaptive fitness and recreation as well as organizational leadership. With a background in neuro rehabilitation and health promotion, she has worked in many healthcare and community settings including inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, senior living communities, community centers, and health clubs.

With additional interests in art, music and leisure activities, Lauren is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to serve our community with an emphasis on chronic disease prevention and health promotion as they relate to quality of life. As the Recreation Director at Communitas, Lauren plans and oversees a full calendar of community-based recreation programs for both adults and children including art, music, sports, fitness, outings, and social activities. Through these programs, she aims to promote self-confidence, friendship, and pave the way to a healthy and fulfilling life for the individuals we serve. Lauren is always eager to expand her programs and connect with the community to promote healthier, more vibrant lives.