Located in the heart of Holyoke, this team provides navigation, respite coordination, and family leadership supports for hundreds of families each year. Known for its community events and bilingual staff, Holyoke emphasizes inclusive service and cultural connection.
Lilly Rodzen
Director, Holyoke Family Support ProgramsLilly joined MCS in 2019 as a Family Support Navigator and was appointed as the Director of Family Support Programs in Holyoke in 2023. She coordinates activities, trainings, and events at the Family Support Center, and loves helping families access resources, build independence, and celebrate milestones.
Aaron Smith
Family Support NavigatorAaron joined MCS in 2022 as a Family Support Navigator for adults and their families. He enjoys helping during challenging times, coordinating the video game club, and supporting the center’s social activities.
Azuline Rosas
Family Support NavigatorAzualine has been with MCS since 2017, supporting children and their families through the Family Support program. She enjoys helping with social activities—especially the Saturday and school vacation respite programs—where she gets to connect with kids and have fun.
Briana Dickersen
Family Support NavigatorBriana joined MCS in 2021 as a Navigator for Adults with Autism and Community Connection Specialist. She builds community partnerships that strengthen MCS and the people we support, and enjoys creating opportunities for connection and growth.
Chaneska
Family Support NavigatorChaneska joined MCS in 2019 and supports teens, young adults, and their families through transition services. She loves helping at group activities—especially the dances.
Elaisha Pagan
Family Support NavigatorElaisha joined MCS in April 2023 as a Family Support Navigator for children ages 0–15. She enjoys easing stress for families, appreciating the diversity of each one, and being part of the warm, family-like atmosphere at MCS.
Estelle Castaneda
Family Support NavigatorEstelle has been with MCS since 2002, supporting Latino families as a Family Support Navigator. She also leads the Padres Unidos en Acción group and loves celebrating with families at community events throughout the year.
Ivonne Dominguez
Family Support NavigatorIvonne joined MCS in 2014 and supports children and families through the Family Support and IFFS programs. She coordinates the monthly preschool playgroup and loves helping families achieve their goals and dreams.
Karlene Shea
Family Support NavigatorKarlene has been part of MCS Family Support services for more than 30 years. She’s known for her deep connections, advocacy, and dedication to the families she supports.
Lindsay Rodriguez-Diaz
Family Support Navigator/Respite SpecialistLindsay joined MCS in 2021, initially serving as the front office receptionist before transitioning to become a Family Support Navigator and Respite Specialist. She loves creating meaningful experiences for individuals and making a positive impact in the community.
Lisa Kochian
Administrative and Billing SpecialistLisa has supported the MCS Family Support program behind the scenes since 2013. She keeps everything running smoothly and enjoys helping at group events, where she loves seeing people have fun and share joyful moments.
Nicole Neto
Program CoordinatorNikki joined MCS in 2006 as a Direct Support Worker and now oversees all adult services in Holyoke. She loves supporting families through meaningful programs and seeing the joy individuals feel when they accomplish their goals—especially during Theater Group performances.
Sandra Cintron
Family Support NavigatorSandra joined MCS in 2022 and supports children and families in the Children’s and IFFS programs. She also helps with planned respite activities and loves learning something new every day to serve families and the community better.
Shanea Shumway
Family Support NavigatorShanea joined MCS in 2021 and works with children, transition-aged youth, and IFFS families. She loves supporting families during the holidays and helping them access resources to make the season memorable.
Sue Richards
Family Support NavigatorSue has worked with families since 1980 and has been a Family Support Navigator at MCS for over 12 years. She’s passionate about guiding families and helping them access the supports they need.
Tori Ross
Family Support NavigatorTori began volunteering with MCS in 2007 and became a Family Support Navigator in 2023. She loves building connections, making friendships, and knowing her work helps families thrive.
Serving the Springfield and surrounding communities, this office is home to the SOS Program and coordinates respite services and family training supports. The team is known for its strong community connections and personalized approach to family support.
Isabel Castro
Director, Regional Family Supports ProgramsIsabel leads the Cultural/Linguistic Family Support Center, MCS SOS, and Regional Family Support Services, including DESE/DDS, Medically Complex, Grandparent Support, and Family Leadership programs. With nearly 40 years of experience in human services and over 25 years at MCS, she’s dedicated to supporting families across the region.
Carina DeLeon
Director, In-Home Clinical Support ProgramCarina joined MCS in 2018 as a Family Support Navigator and later became the Coordinator of the In-Home Clinical Support Program in 2021. She holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to supporting families at home.
Erika Ynguanzo
Family Support NavigatorErika rejoined MCS in 2023 as a part-time Service Navigator for the Family Bridges Program. She also collaborates with Head Start, bringing extensive knowledge of community resources and making her a valued member of the SOS team.
Haran Phaneuf
Director, Family Leadership Program – Central RegionHaran joined MCS in 2022 as the Central Region Coordinator for the Family Leadership Program. As both a parent advocate and a professional, she empowers families through leadership, mentorship, and systems advocacy.
Joanne Cruz
Administrative Assistant/Family Support NavigatorJoanne has been part of MCS since 2000, working in several roles before becoming the Administrative Assistant and Family Support Navigator at the MCS SOS site. She’s often the first friendly face families meet, helping them connect with the services and supports they need.
Karla Nieves-Padilla
Family Support NavigatorKarla joined MCS in 2016 after seeking services for her medically fragile son. She supports families through the MCS SOS and Family Bridges programs, bringing deep experience as a former Family Partner and current social work student.
Katelyn Lonczak
Family Support Program SupervisorKatelyn joined MCS in 2018 as an intern while studying social work at Westfield State University and became a Service Navigator after graduating. She now supervises Family Support Programs, serving families in the Family Bridges and DESE programs.
Nydia Sanchez
Family Support NavigatorNydia serves as a Family Support Navigator with the MCS SOS and Family Bridges Medically Complex programs. She also coordinates the Grandparent Support Network and works as an interpreter for MCS Translation Services.
Robert Carmichael
Family Support NavigatorRob joined MCS in 2018 as a Direct Support Professional and was promoted to Service Navigator for the SOS and Family Bridges programs in 2023. With a background in business, he found his passion in helping others through social work and human services.
Samantha Michelli-Rivera
Family Support Program SupervisorSamantha joined MCS in 2017 after first connecting as a parent seeking services for her son. A former teacher, she now supervises Family Support Programs and coordinates the Family Support Center while pursuing her master’s in social work.
Sue Crosby
Director, Family Leadership Program – West RegionSue joined MCS in 2016 as the Family Leadership Coordinator for the Western Region, where she provides training and mentoring for families. A licensed clinical social worker, she holds a master’s degree in social work from Springfield College.
Yaril Castro
Family Support NavigatorYaril first came to MCS 15 years ago as a parent seeking support for her son with autism. With over two decades of experience in human services, she currently works as a Family Support Navigator in the SOS and Family Bridges programs while pursuing her bachelor’s degree.
The Springfield team coordinates a wide range of supports for families and individuals with disabilities, including clinical and behavioral services, translation assistance, and training programs.
Mary Beattie
Director, Springfield Family Support ProgramsMary joined MCS over 25 years ago and now directs the Family Support program for the Springfield and Westfield offices. She’s dedicated to ensuring families receive the resources and guidance they need to thrive.
Anaili Lopez
Family Support NavigatorAnaili joined MCS from Wayfinders, bringing strong community connections and bilingual skills. She enjoys helping families navigate services and building relationships along the way.
Ashley Davis-Morasi
Coordinator, Planned RespiteAshley coordinates Planned Respite, matching guests with programs that align with their interests and needs. She’s dedicated to ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Carmen Torres
Intake Specialist and Community LiaisonCarmen has been with MCS since 1999, serving in many roles, including Direct Care Worker, Group Leader, and Navigator. She now works as the Intake Specialist and Community Liaison, helping families get connected to services and community supports.
Dana Dansereau
Administrative AssistantDana has been part of MCS for over 30 years in several roles. After a brief retirement, he returned as the Administrative Assistant for Family Supports, continuing his long-standing commitment to the MCS team.
David Hill
Family Support NavigatorDavid joined MCS after working as a support counselor and now serves as a Navigator on the adult IFFS team. He leads the Men’s Group and enjoys helping individuals find confidence and connection.
Doritza Hernandez
Family Support NavigatorDoritza, a former preschool teacher, joined MCS as a Transition Navigator. She enjoys helping families navigate change and supporting both youth and adults as they grow more independent.
Felicia Rios
Family Support NavigatorFelicia recently joined MCS and has quickly become a valued member of the team. Her energy and positive spirit shine through in everything she does.
Geisser “Gigi” Oliveira
Family Support NavigatorGigi spent years in direct care before joining Family Support as a Navigator. She’s creative and resourceful, always finding ways to connect families with helpful community supports.
Ida Borrero
Family Support NavigatorIda transitioned from the Family Support program to the Autism Program and is recognized for her extensive knowledge of community resources. She’s a trusted guide for families navigating available supports.
Ivonne Berrios
Coordinator, WEPIvonne works full-time at the Center School and leads two MCS groups in her spare time, including one for Spanish-speaking adults. She’s known for her creativity and for providing fun, engaging opportunities for participants.
Jessica Fuentes
Program ManagerJessy joined MCS as an Adult Services Navigator and now oversees the Autism Program. With a background in counseling, education, and advocacy, she brings deep compassion and expertise to her work supporting individuals with autism.
Joe Pirro
Coordinator, Group Respite ProgramJoe started at MCS at 18 and now coordinates the Activity Clubs for kids, teens, and adults in Westfield and West Springfield. His long-time commitment helps keep these programs vibrant and fun.
Kristal Melendez-Castro
Family Support NavigatorKristal came to MCS from Wayfinders, where she worked alongside her “long-lost sister,” Anaili. She’s a bilingual navigator who brings warmth, humor, and dedication to her families.
Leslie DesRoberts
Program ManagerLeslie has worked with adults for over a decade and now oversees all Adult Services at MCS. She’s also known as the team’s resident grant writer and problem-solver around the office.
Maggie Serrano
Family Support NavigatorMaggie joined MCS after years of encouragement from friends, bringing warmth and experience to every program she touches. She’s bilingual and deeply committed to supporting families.
Maribell Dones
Family Support NavigatorMaribell is a bilingual navigator who joined MCS after transitioning from a business to a human services role. She’s passionate about helping families connect with meaningful supports and resources.
Marissa Phelan
Family Support NavigatorMarissa joined MCS through a friend’s referral and is now a valued member of the Transition team. She’s passionate about helping young adults and their families plan for the future.
Mary “Tate” Paquette
Program CoordinatorTate joined MCS a decade ago to help with a short-term project and never left. She now coordinates Children’s Services and enjoys supporting families, seeing their children thrive.
Nilda Reyes
Family Support NavigatorNilda has been with MCS for over 25 years and is recognized for her dedication and the strong relationships she has built with families. She’s as famous for her kindness as she is for her delicious rice!
Roz Mestre
Program CoordinatorRoz has been with MCS for more than 25 years and currently supervises the IFFS and Transition programs. She’s known for her dedication, expertise, and love of learning from the families she supports.
Senaida Peguero
Family Support NavigatorSenaida brings years of experience in human services to her work as a Navigator. Her compassion and positivity brighten every space she enters.
Suleika Ferrer
Family Support NavigatorSuleika joined the Autism team in 2023 as its newest Navigator. She’s excited to support individuals and families while learning and growing within the program.
Syuzanna Malyarenko
Family Support NavigatorSyuzanna transitioned from MCS’s residential department to the Family Support team, joining the ILP team. Originally from Ukraine, she’s bilingual in Russian and English and passionate about helping families thrive.
Takisha Holley
Family Support NavigatorKisha has worked at MCS in several roles and now supports both Transition and Children’s programs. She loves connecting with families and helping them access the resources they need.
Timothy Lieu
Coordinator, ASD GroupsTim has been part of MCS since his youth and now coordinates all group activities for the Autism Program. He’s passionate about creating inclusive, engaging experiences for participants.
Tony & Sue Restivo
Program CoordinatorTony and Sue lead the Fun & Fitness program, offering a wide range of activities for independent adults. Their enthusiasm and dedication inspire everyone who participates.
Van Nguyen
Program CoordinatorVan manages the ILP Program and brings extensive expertise in immigration and family advocacy. Originally from Vietnam, she’s known for her extraordinary dedication to the families she serves.