Our Team

Alain Beret, JD

CEO

Alain J. Beret, C.E.O and in-house counsel, came to My Choice Programs in June of 2013. As head of the organization, Alain believes that his role is to provide an environment for talented, self-motivated, and engaging people who can think “outside the box” to create something new. He states: “My goal is to collaborate with our Board and talented staff to deliver services that are dynamic and relevant for anyone with intellectual challenges who is striving for a more meaningful, self-directed life”. He is committed to making My Choice Programs the “first choice” for staff and consumers alike.

John Lazzaro

Chief Operating Officer

John Lazzaro, started with the agency in 1984 as an Outreach Specialist. John assumed the position of Chief Operations Officer in 2017. He states: “My greatest satisfaction is the experience of observing individuals gaining independent living skills to the extent that they grow to require less, not more services from paid supports. This is a true hallmark of successful service.”

Chris Ekman

Chief Financial Officer

Chris Eckman began working at My Choice Programs in July 2014, serving as the Executive Assistant. Knowledgeable and skilled in the area of accounting, contracts, and information technology, the My Choice staff widely considers Chris as the in-house “info tech guru” and computer troubleshooter. Moreover, his artistic and graphic design capabilities add to Chris’ multi-dimensional contributions to the My Choice team.

Jennifer Howard

Director of Community Supports

Jennifer came to My Choice Programs in June of 2016, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience in Human Services Administration. Her specialization is working with individuals and their broader support networks, with the goal of creating cohesive teams to facilitate the needs, hopes, and dreams of every individual served by her department.

Jennifer says, "When I came to this agency, I knew right away that working in Community Supports was the right niche for me, and that My Choice Programs was a perfect fit. I find so much joy in working with this diverse team of creative and compassionate people, to implement individualized plans for success, which meet people where they are and assist them, on their terms, to achieve their goals and deepen their relationship with their community."

Sherri Duquette, MS

Director of Employment Services

Sherri joined the team in October of 2017 and has over 20 years of experience in teaching, counseling, mentoring, and vocational rehabilitation. As Sherri sees it, “...my role as a teacher and job coach has exposed me to people who learn in a variety of different ways. This has given me the skills and patience to get the task complete despite the learning styles of students.”

Shannon McMillian

Director of Momentum & Human Rights Coordinator

Shannon joined the My Choice Programs team in 2021 and brings with her 5 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She is a graduate of Grand Canyon University with a Master's Degree in Legal Studies. Shannon began studying and advocating for disability rights in college when her nephew was diagnosed with autism and she wanted to learn more to be a support to him. She would like to advocate for disability rights at a legal/legislative level at some point to try and help improve the system and make services more available to those who need them. Shannon also has created a theatre company that serves and partners with programs that help individuals with disabilities, low-income families, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other communities that may not have the opportunity to participate in a theatre experience. She offers them a free theatre experience and says that she believes,"no one should be denied that experience."

Eduardo Batallas, MSW

Director of Shared Living

Eduardo joined the team in 2017. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston University and over 15 years’ experience in mental health and human services. Eduardo brings a wealth of knowledge along with a level of empathy and caring that allows him the ability to understand and support our individuals with the upmost dignity and respect. Eduardo is also bilingual in Spanish, which enhances the organization’s ability to support individuals who only speak Spanish. As Eduardo says “We have to meet every individual where they are. No matter race, gender, background or disability so that we can better understand and support them in every way we can. So that everyone can work towards meeting every single individualized goal that is identified and succeed.”

Wendy Amado, M.Ed.

Shared Living

Sr. Placement Coordinator

Wendy comes to My Choice Programs with a Master’s degree in School Adjustment, Mental Health with Trauma Studies from Cambridge College. With over 8 years’ experience in working in Mental Health and Human services, Wendy brings a wide range of experience and knowledge to our organization and the individuals we support. Wendy is also bilingual in Spanish, which enables the organization to continue reaching further into the community we serve.

Debra Aharonian, MSW

Human Resources & Quality Assurance

Debra Aharonian joined the team in 2017. She has over 30 years’ experience as a licensed Social Worker in the medical and social services fields. Debra says that her experience as a former Vice President and Director for larger organizations has given her a real appreciation for the familial atmosphere of My Choice Programs. She says, “It’s a quality that can be difficult to cultivate in larger organizations.”

Cindy Dubay

Transitional Assistance &

Respite Coordinator

Cindy joined the team in 2016 and has many years of experience in the field of social services. She says that, “over the years at My Choice Programs, I’ve been able to excel and expand my skills doing a job that matters, with people that matter.”

Amanda Chaves

Autism Spectrum Coordinator

Amanda joined the team in 2020. She has over 15 years’ experience in human services, teaching, coordinating, and direct care services. She is currently the ASD coordinator, serves on the Human Rights Committee, and supervises several outreach staff. Working closely with a myriad of people she utilizes her strengths to help empower others, facilitating a work environment of positive relationships and independent growth. Amanda says “she is fulfilled by witnessing the people we support grow into the lives they desire through identifying what is important to them, exploring possibilities, and building skills that will carry them into their future.” She feels that uplifting people is the greatest gift one can give.

Erika Kallio

Assistant Director of

Community Supports

Erika joined the team in 2018. She has 15 years' experience in the Human Service field and has a real passion for coaching and supporting individuals to achieve their goals. She says that, “Giving back to the community is something I know I need to do.”

Kat Hastings, BS

Senior Outreach Specialist/Community Resource Coordinator

Kat joined the My Choice Team in January of 2019 and has over 15 years of Human Services experience. Kat remains committed to education, empowerment, self-development, advocacy, and leadership for everyone. Kat’s beliefs are deeply rooted in a can-do positive attitude.

Essence Brown

Outreach Specialist

Essence joined My Choice Programs in August of 2022. She comes to My Choice Programs with 9 years’ combined experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant and working with children and parents in the behavioral health industry. Essence says she has a passion for people and assisting them in achieving their highest goals.

Joel Jean-Michel

Outreach Specialist

Joel joined the team in 2020. He enjoys fitness, wellness and helping individuals find ways to be more active in their day. “I enjoy finding creative ways to help individuals set goals and embrace self-care.” Joel is a big fan of Red Robin’s and Ben and Jerry’s!

Danielle Anderson

Adult Respite Coordinator

Danielle began working as a Senior Outreach Specialist in July of 2022. She has a wide range of knowledge and experience within the health and medical field as a Phlebotomist, Medical Scribe and Medical IT Consultant.

Danielle says her position is the perfect way for her to do what she does best, coaching and encouraging others.

Nicci DeOrio

Outreach Specialist, Community Support Services

Nicci joined the team at My Choice Programs June of 2021. She has 25 years’ experience in the field working in group homes, day programs and home care.

Nicci says that working at My Choice Programs “has been a great experience, with amazing co-workers, and the individuals I have been honored to meet.”

Barbara Daigneault

Individual Support

Coordinator

Barbara joined My Choice Programs in August 2021; she has 5 years' experience working in social services and 25+ years working in healthcare. Barbara is very dedicated to coaching others to find creative ways to use their strengths, to improve their lives, and gain the confidence needed to become more independent.

Rachida Beret

Outreach Specialist,

community support Services

Rachida Beret has been an employee at my choice since July of 2017. She has a strong background in the human service field and takes great pride in her work. Rachida is fluent in Arabic and French and brings with her a warm personality and a big smile when working with individuals who rely on her service. She is dedicated to improving the lives of others and is a great asset to the My choice team.

Othello Kapel, Outreach Specialist,

Community Support Services

Othello joined my choice program in November 2024. For nearly ten years, he has worked in human services. He says he is passionate about working with individuals to achieve their goals, and really enjoys helping others when needed.

Angie Mayol, Outreach Specialist,

Community Support Services

Angie joined My Choice in June of 2023. She has 30 years of experience in human services and has an associate's degree in criminology and a BS in Sociology. In addition to community support, she has worked in employment and shared living.

Angi loves working with individuals and watching them grow more independent, fulfilling their goals, learning new things, and following their dreams. She says, "it makes working at My Choice a wonderful experience."

Samantha Cooley,

Shared Living Placement Coordinator

Samantha joined My Choice Programs in April 2023, bringing 10 years of healthcare experience and studies including Nursing, Public Health, and Accounting. She has worked in the Healthcare industry providing Home Care and Support services to individuals of various backgrounds. Samantha says that what she enjoys most about working at My Choice is "being able to utilize my knowledge and skills to have a positive influence on others in their journey to self-fulfilment."

Robert Tatro

Employment and Community Specialist

Robert joined the My Choice Programs team in May of 2024, bringing with him over a decade of management experience and five years of expertise in logistics. His distinctive combination of skills, paired with a profound commitment to empowering others to achieve their dreams, makes him a unique asset to our team. Robert embodies the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, who said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This philosophy resonates deeply with him and guides his every endeavor at My Choice Programs.

Katy Nason

Assistant Director

Momentum Program

Katy has been with My Choice Programs since June 2023 working as an employment specialist. Previously, she worked as a Nutritionist and a Life Coach, and she brings these qualities and lessons with her to her current position. During her time at My Choice Programs, she has continued to develop her passion to coach individuals to live life to the fullest and independently as possible. She enjoys using her coaching skill and making a difference in peoples lives.

McKenzie Saunders

Outreach Specialist

McKenzie is an Outreach Specialist originally from Windham, Maine. She earned her degree from Worcester State University, majoring in History with a minor in Spanish. She began her career in social services with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, working in group homes where she supported individuals with daily living needs such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, and running errands. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and creating art across a variety of mediums.

Karen Schotanus

Outreach Specialist

Karen joined My Choice Programs in 2025. She brings a combined 10 years' experience working with both children and adults with disabilities. This includes education, employment supports and residential services. Karen enjoys working with our individuals to support their independence and provide new experiences in the community.

Devin Kell

Outreach Specialist

Devin joined My Choice in January 2025, bringing nearly eight years of experience in the human services field. She has worked across various programs, including shared living, individual support, and day services. Passionate about hands-on engagement, Devin loves coaching individuals to learn and grow. She is committed to furthering her education to enhance her contributions within human services at My Choice.

Brenden Elder
Outreach Specialist

Brenden became a part of the team in 2025 after graduating from the of New Hampshire. He is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Westfield. Brenden is dedicated to making his clients' days brighter and coaching them towards personal fullfillment and independence. In his free time, he enjoys comics, sports, and pop culture, and he shares his home with several pets, including, cats, and a bird.

Diane Pickett,
Shared Living
Recruitment Specialist

Diane brings to the team over 25 years of experience in human services and a decade spent in Shared Living. Diane comes to us from OpenSky, where she worked in several key roles such as a behavioral health care coordinator, shared living recruiter, & placement coordinator. Diane's diverse experience in human services is a tremendous asset to our growing Shared Living Program, where she is responsible for recruiting and supporting shared living providers here at My Choice Programs.

Diane is an ally and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her son & family.

Maria Watson
Outreach Specialist

María Esther Watson has a solid track record of over thirteen years in the field of care and support for individuals with special needs. Her experience and commitment have been essential in providing comprehensive care focused on dignity, respect, and the well-being of everyone.

In her home country, María Esther also worked as a registered nurse, allowing her to combine clinical knowledge with a deep vocation for service. Her passion for helping others, along with her sensitivity and empathy, have made her a highly valued professional among the families and communities she has served.

She stands out for her ability to provide personalized support, emotional guidance, and high-quality care—always with a compassionate and human-centered approach. Her work reflects a strong commitment to community service and the continuous improvement of the well-being of those in her care. Maria joined the team in April 2025.

Azeddine
Outreach Specialist

Azeddine's career experience is founded on a diverse background, including extensive social service work assisting recent immigrant arrivals, serving as a Health Benefits Advisor in Worcester, and the management of consular services at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers. His ability to speak French and Arabic and a novice level for Spanish has allowed him to connect with individuals he serves. He listens actively, resolves conflicts with empathy, and adapts his style with cultural humility to empower and effectively serve clients from all backgrounds.

Patrick Beret
Utilization & Billing Manager

Patrick brings extensive experience in healthcare and human services to his role as Utilization Manager. With a background that includes ownership and management of a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company, Patrick has developed a deep understanding of effective resource allocation and service coordination. He is dedicated to ensuring that participants of My Choice Programs receive the most efficient distribution and utilization of services. His work is guided by a commitment to person-centered care and operational excellence.

Karen Kell
Outreach Specialist

With over 20 years of experience in human services and a strong background as CNA and PCA, she is passionate about getting to know each individual and working with them to achieve their personal goals. She started with My Choice Programs in February 2023 as a part time staff and transitioned to full time in May 2025.

Our Support Staff!

Meet the teams' pets!

Ashley Jones

Romy & Sassy

Romy is a 15 year old English Setter who is pictured here with Sassy, her 20 year old girlfriend.

(Alain is our pet).

Don Francis

Ginger

I’m a 10-year-old gal that loves take her owners for a walk. I’m a Bishon Poodle they call Ginger, but deep down I know I’m the Duchess of Sutton.

(I share Alain with Romy and Sassy).

Alexa Young

Kusala

Jennifer would like to introduce you to Kusala. He is an 18-year-old male who is famous for his theatrical poses and regal demeanor. He’s well aware that he is beautiful.

Robert Rose

Smokey Baker Dubay

I'm a 7-year-old boy. I bite, scratch and do other fun things to humans. When no one is around I stalk the dog. (I share Cindy with Brutus).

Robert Rose

Brutus Batman Dubay

I’m an 11-year-old boy. Don’t let the size fool you, I have a big attitude. Life is good.

(Cindy is my pet and Smokey the cat is our roommate).

Robert Rose

Pepe

Pepe is a 13-year-old Toy Poodle who enjoys following Eduardo around the house into every room. He loves sleeping, sitting on the porch, and going for car rides. Pepe’s favorite thing to do is make himself cough for attention so that he can get a treat! Eduardo says he is the best dramatic actor out there, and on his way to winning an Oscar!

Robert Rose

Maple

Maple is Shannon's 2-year-old energizer bunny disguised as a dog. She is a mix of a chihuahua and a miniature pinscher. She loves to run around the house, yell at everything that moves outside the house, and sleep all day on her owner or big sister. She likes to act like she is a big tough dog with a deep bark, but she is a baby who would do anything for snuggles and wouldn't know how to hurt a fly.

Robert Rose

Marnie

Marnie is a 6-year-old ball of fluff who is the best therapy animal in the world according to her best mates, Shannon and Maple. She has great perception of when something is wrong and she is always willing to snuggle with her owner or play and rough house with her little sister.

Robert Rose

Mia is a 3 year old Husky Chow

and Londra is her human pet.

She restes on the polished floor, paws crossed like a CEO of looking fabulous while doing absolutely nothing.

Milo is Karen Kells little buddy.

He looks completely blissful — the way he's snuggled up with the spotted stuffed toy, eyes half-closed, like he found pure heart-melting comfort. There’s a quiet trust in its face, as if he’s thinking, “This is my spot, and I’m not moving for anything.”

Stella is Erika's furry lady. She looks like pure sunshine wrapped in fur — confident, joyful, and full of heart. Her yellow bandana perfectly matches her cheerful energy; she looks like she’s about to bound over and greet you with a grin and a wag that could power a windmill. With her Halloween bandana and serious pose, she seems to be saying, “Yes, I clean up nicely too.”

There’s a lovely balance in her — playful spirit outdoors, thoughtful poise indoors.

Bruin is Barbara's companion.

In the hush between moments, he reigns. Paws together, shoulders proud, gaze unwavering. Stripes of earth and shadow trace his coat while a white chest catches the morning light, noble as an old soul clothed in fur. His eyes are golden and contemplative.To live with him is to live in the presence of grace unspoken.

Our Team

Brenden Elder Outreach Specialist​

Diane Pickett, Shared Living Recruitment Specialist

Maria Watson Outreach Specialist

Azeddine Outreach Specialist

Patrick Beret Utilization & Billing Manager

Karen Kell Outreach Specialist

Our Support Staff!

Brenden Elder
Outreach Specialist

Diane Pickett,
Shared Living
Recruitment Specialist

Maria Watson
Outreach Specialist

Azeddine
Outreach Specialist

Patrick Beret
Utilization & Billing Manager

Karen Kell
Outreach Specialist