Priscilla Amankwah, RN began working at Nonotuck in 2022, which was also her entry into the human service field. She has been a nurse since 2020, and wanted to join Nonotuck because of her genuine desire to help people, as well as her desire to advocate for those in need. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to Gospel music, spending time with her family, and reading. Her favorite motivational quote is: “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Adwoa began in the field of human services in 2013 and was drawn to this field when she began working with Arc of Opportunity before she graduated from college.
Adwoa stated that the people we serve, employees and benefits is what drew her to Nonotuck. Adwoa believes that her empathy and self-awesomeness will be a valuable tool in the Nonotuck Community.
Stacie's journey into the Human Services field was inspired by a lifelong dedication to ensuring people enjoy lives that are not just safe, but rich in dignity and opportunities. Her decision to join Nonotuck was influenced by a very personal connection: her sister Jessie is a Care Manager in our Conz Street Northampton office.
Outside the office, Stacie enjoys kayaking and swimming.
One quote that particularly resonates with Stacie is by Kermit the Frog: “Life’s like a movie. Write your own ending!”
Martin Dawson has worked in the Human Services field in 2012. His initial foray into the world of human services began as a Special Olympics program coordinator—a role that ignited his passion for making a difference in people's lives. This experience, enriched by the interactions with athletes and their families, laid the foundation for his career and led him to pursue a path in human services, ultimately bringing his talents and dedication to Nonotuck.
Outside of work, Martin enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and sports. A quote that inspires him is: “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this,” by Henry David Thoreau.
Willie began working in the human service field in 2018. Her life long passion for helping others drew her to the human service career. Williemai became attracted to the Nonotuck because of our values: compassion, trust and inclusivity. In addition, Williemai was drawn to the company’s mission and was eager to grow, learn and provide for the individuals we serve. Her favorite food is Sushi and red velvet cheesecake. She also loves to R&B, Gospel and Pop music. Willie’s best lifetime memory was working a new student orientation during my undergrad years. During this experience, she built bonds with other staff and also friendships. In addition to this, being the first generation college graduate is also an important memory in her life. During her leisure time, Willie likes to bake new dessert from scratch. Her quote is I’ve noticed that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou. Willie believes that her sense of humor and putting a smile on people faces will be of great value to the Nonotuck community.
Geovanna Diaz
Care Manager
With Nonotuck since: 2013
Geovanna was born in 1990 in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and moved to Worcester at age of 11. She obtained a dual Bachelor of Science in psychology and spanish at Worcester State University in May 2012. She is currently finishing her masters and will be pursuing her Ph.D. in higher education, spring 2015. Prior to becoming a care manager, she did a one-year internship with Nonotuck and volunteered for four years to work with her community-youth population. She also lives in a home that provides shared living. Geovanna is bilingual/bicultural and strongly believes in perseverance, education and motivation as the way to success. Her top three values are family, education and community development. In her free time she loves to spend time with her loved ones, going out with friends or traveling overseas. She feels blessed to work with a great team that has dedicated social responsibility.
With a Human Services career that began in 2007, Kiara discovered her passion for the field while working in a residential program, thanks to a referral from a family friend. She was drawn to Nonotuck after several positive interactions with the organization's Care Managers, impressed by their professionalism, care, and genuine happiness in serving others. After researching Nonotuck's values, she knew it was a place where her passion and dedication could thrive.
Outside of her role at Nonotuck, Kiara has a wide range of hobbies, including basketball, coaching soccer, singing, dancing, painting, and cooking. Kiara brings a sense of creativity, warmth, and ambition to the Nonotuck community, always ready to make a meaningful difference.
Elorm, who prefers to go by "El" embarked on their journey in the human services field back in 2017. Their path to Nonotuck was fueled by a deep-seated passion for making a meaningful contribution to the community through compassion and care. Elorm's unique background in the medical field brings a fresh perspective and invaluable experience to our team, enhancing our ability to serve with empathy and understanding.
Angela Gutierrez RN
AFC Registered Nurse
With Nonotuck Since: 2023
Angela Gutierrez RN brings 19 years of experience as a registered nurse to Nonotuck. She is interested in a career in human services because of a passion for helping people and communities at large meet their needs and improve quality of life.
She likes working at Nonotuck because she’s able to provide one-on -one care to her clients while using her clinical experience to make their lives better. She brings a strong work ethic, a sensitivity to many cultural values, and a passion for caring for others to Nonotuck.
Outside of work, she enjoys browsing yard sales, walking trails, going out to eat and spending time with her kids.
A quote that inspires her is “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”-Mahatma Gandhi
Sharon graduated from Framingham State College, magna cum laude. She worked in the Boston area for about 10 years as an account manager before working in social services, including another large agency (Seven Hills) for a few years before coming to Nonotuck. She loves her job and the people she works with! Sharon lives in Worcester with her husband and son.
Serah joined the Nonotuck family, bringing tremendous experience in the ever progressive human service field. Serah was first introduced to the field in the early 90s when she started working as a direct care professional. Over time, she has continued to advance professionally and has held various positions in the field within the state of Massachusetts. She has worked cooperatively with persons with developmental disabilities and their families. She also brings experience and ability to work with persons with dual diagnosis including developmental disabilities/mental health and others. Serah graduated from Worcester State College in 1996 with a double major; psychology and health sciences. In 1998, she received a master's degree from the program of studies in rehabilitation counseling at Springfield College with a concentration in pediatric/developmental disabilities. She is currently licensed as a certified rehabilitation counselor/clinician. Serah's familiarity with both institutional and community settings, breadth of knowledge with medical and psycho-social issues give her an unusual range of talent. As a member of a cultural minority, Serah brings excellent sensitivity and consciousness to the issue of disadvantage and disability. Serah takes pride as a shared living provider supporting a young woman for the last 11 years. She is very passionate about the program as she believes in the philosophy of shared living and is certain that her values mirror the values of Nonotuck. She looks forward to years of service with the organization with a focus on person-centered treatment. Serah's interest include: community volunteer, reading, writing, hiking, travel and networking. Serah is also passionate about professional development and she hopes to enroll in a doctoral program when time and family demands allow in the future.
Kerrie graduated from Bridgewater State College in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Since 2001, she has worked in the field of human services. In March of 2010, Kerrie was given the opportunity to start the agency’s first AFC only program out of our Auburn office. It has been an exciting period of growth and development and she is proud to be a part of such a dedicated effort. She gets great pleasure from working with the AFC program and feels her work is appreciated by the agency, AFC members, and their caregivers. She looks forward to each visit she has with “her families” and praise their dedication and knowledge. As the Adult Family Care program continues to grow, and Nonotuck continues to educate families on the benefits available to them, she plans to be with them every step of the way.
Carmen holds a bachelor's degree in microbiology from Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia, where she was born. She received her nursing degree in 2012 at Massachusetts Bay Community College. Previously, she worked at St. Patrick’s Manor Rehabilitation Center in Framingham for 11 years and Fresenius Medical Care/Blackstone Valley Dialysis in Milford for almost two years. Her goal is to provide services for each member with which they may feel comfortable and advocated for. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, photography, and walking her dog, Leo.
Suzanne graduated from Assumption College with a bachelor's in social and rehabilitation services in 1981 and with a master's in rehabilitation counseling in 1982. She has worked almost exclusively in programs that provide shared living services and is a firm believer that with the right match and supports it is the best model for almost everyone. Her favorite part of the job is hearing stories of how people are doing in the weeks and months after they have moved in with a shared living provider. She loves to read, cook, spend time with her family and friends and to run (not really, but she feels so good when she is done!).
She completed a half iron distance triathlon in June 2014!
Debra began working with Nonotuck in August of 2011. Upon completion of her bachelor's in sociology from Framingham State College, she worked with adolescents and transition-aged youth in a variety of community-based and residential settings. She found her work in nurturing, home-based settings to be the most beneficial for the individual, as well as the most satisfying from a professional perspective. She enjoys working as part of an agency that is driven by a person-centered mission and value system.
Monika received her bachelor's in music with a psychology minor from Salem State University in 2009. In 2011, she completed her master's degree in expressive therapies, with music therapy specialization from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She became a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Massachusetts in 2015. Prior to joining Nonotuck, Monika worked with children, adolescents and families using a variety of therapy techniques. In residential and home-based settings, Monika applied expressive therapy techniques, trauma and substance abuse practices, as well as standard cognitive-behavioral approaches. Through her work she fulfilled her dreams and passion for helping others. Monika truly believes in a client-centered style of therapy, creating a non-judgmental, empathetic and supportive environment for all the people she works with. At Nonotuck, Monika has an opportunity to not only guide and support the people we serve but also use her skills to help improve an individual’s quality of life. That particular work aspect is exceptionally rewarding for her! In free time, Monika enjoys drawing/painting, music, outdoor activities and spending time with her family and friends.
Sheri Vaillancourt brings with her over three decades of experience in the Human Services field, which she entered in 1991. Her passion for helping people with disabilities live to their full potential was deeply inspired by her Great Uncle, who, despite having cerebral palsy, lived a full life thanks to his family's support. Sheri's commitment to empowering others has guided her career, and she was drawn to Nonotuck by the company's longstanding reputation and the glowing recommendation of a former colleague.
Outside of work, Sheri enjoys a variety of activities, from farming and gardening to kayaking and attending concerts. She has a deep love for all types of music, letting her mood dictate her playlist. One of her fondest memories is the day her beloved dog found her, a moment that symbolizes the joy and companionship she values. Inspired by Gandhi’s quote, "The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane," Sheri brings humor, warmth, and personal experience as a former shared living provider to her role at Nonotuck, helping her connect with the people she serves in meaningful ways.
Doug Watts
Assistant Program Director & Quality Enhancement
With Nonotuck since: 2016
Doug began his career working overnight shifts in a group home, and was immediately hooked on helping people with disabilities. That job inspired what has turned into a 35-year career in human services. He has been with Nonotuck since 2016 and puts his decades of experience to work every day, improving the lives of the people served by Nonotuck. A long-time “Dead Head,” Doug also enjoys scuba diving and spending time with family and friends.
Roxana’s passion for the human service field was sparked by the joy she feels helping others. She started in the field in 2011. She was drawn to Nonotuck by the company’s history and the stories of lives that have been changed. “I knew this is where I belonged,” she says. She enjoys Jamaican food and reggae/dancehall music. When she’s not at work, Roxana likes to spend time with her children and family and volunteer. Roxana says she’s an optimist who says she sees opportunity in every difficulty. She is inspired by the Bob Marley quote, “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”
Susan “Susanne” Witkowski brings robust experience in the Human services—she has worked in the field since 2002!—to her work as a Care Manager at Nonotuck. She was attracted to work here by what she calls our climate and concern for employee wellbeing.
Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering, watching her son play hockey, and travel. A quote that inspires her is: “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” -Dr. Seuss
With a passion for helping others that began in high school, Kristen has been in the Human Services field since 1989, starting as a Big Brother Big Sister volunteer and assisting in local nursing homes. She was drawn to Nonotuck by its mission and the genuine care the agency shows for the individuals it supports. Kristen is excited to bring her extensive experience and compassion to her role, where she strives to make a positive impact every day.
Outside of work, Kristen enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly walking and hiking with her two dogs, as well as biking and reading. Known for her ability to break the ice and make people smile, Kristen brings warmth, humor, and a deep dedication to the Nonotuck community.
Dylan began working in the human services field in 2012 as a residential counselor and states that he began in this field because he enjoys helping people.
Dylan believes that as a society it is our job to support each other and has built his career around that philosophy. He was drawn to work at Nonotuck because he worked with an agency in the past that had day clients through Nonotuck. He enjoyed his interactions with providers and case managers.
Outside of work, Dylan enjoys soul music, hiking, gardening, and spending time in nature. A quote that resonates with him is “the best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer someone else up."
