Leadership

Senior Leadership Team

Daurice Cox, Psy.D., CAS, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Cox has been working in non-profit services and clinics since 1986 and has been with Bay State Community Services (BSCS) since 1995. She began as the Director of Clinical Services overseeing the agency’s five outpatient mental health and substance abuse clinics and four residential programs. During her tenure, she has played a critical role in the development of programs, services, and best practices. In December of 2014, Dr. Cox became the agency’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Cox was also an adjunct professor for almost 20 years teaching psychology to undergraduate students at Boston University.

Dr. Cox received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Fitchburg State College followed by a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College. In 1994, she graduated from Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She is a Certified Addiction Specialist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and licensed Psychologist.

Wanda Nascimento, MBA, Chief Financial Officer

Wanda joined Bay State Community Services in 2018 and is responsible for finance, budgeting, technology, cyber security, facilities, and risk management of the agency. Wanda brings over 25 years of combined successful experience in public accounting, auditing, finance and administration from her experience as a leader in non-profit organizations and government agencies.

Wanda received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bentley University and an Executive MBA from Suffolk University.

Theresa Burke, M.A., LMHC, Executive Vice President

Theresa has worked at Bay State Community Services since 1998 when she joined the Coastal Home-Based team working as an Outreach Clinician. Theresa has since served as Program Coordinator of the Family Stabilization Team, Program Director of the Home-Based Program and Director of Child and Family Services.

As Vice President of Children’s Services, Theresa was responsible for overseeing the Coastal CBHI Programs, DMH after school and community-based programs, the Lead Agencies, the Dianne DeVanna Center, First Steps Together and the Quincy and Plymouth Family Resource Centers. In her current role as Executive Vice President, Theresa is responsible for the Community Based Children’s Services, Community Development and Communications Departments of the Agency.

Theresa has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, and is licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. She previously worked as a Social Worker at DCF (formerly DSS).

Nicole Champagne, M.Ed, MS, LMHC, Vice President of Rehabilitative Justice

Nicole joined Bay State Community Services as a Program Director in the Plymouth Community Corrections Center in March of 2014, overseeing all rehabilitative justice services including the Community Justice Support Centers, Behavioral Health for Justice Involved Individuals, Massachusetts Impaired Driving and Second Offender Aftercare, Diversion programs with the Norfolk DA’s office, and Project NORTH with the Massachusetts Trial Court. In her current role as Vice President of Rehabilitative Justice, Nicole is responsible for the Agency’s court related programs.

Nicole received her BS in Sociology and Criminal Justice at Bridgewater State College in 2004. She received a Master of Science degree in 2006 in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State College and a Master’s in Education, Mental Health Counseling from Bridgewater State University in 2013 and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Anna Erdei, MBA, MA, LMHC, Senior Vice President of Outpatient Services

Anna joined Bay State Community Services (BSCS) in August 2020 and is responsible for overseeing the Outpatient Clinic, the BHCP program, and the criminal justice and correctional programs. In her current role as Senior Vice President of Outpatient Services, Anna provides supervision and support to all programs in the Outpatient Clinic, including the Director of the Heart-to Heart Program, Behavioral-Health Community Partners, and Recovery Coaching Services.

Anna obtained her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University and her MBA with concentration in healthcare management from Northeastern University. She received her LMHC licensure in 2007.

Cheryl Hebert, Vice President of Finance

Cheryl joined Bay State Community Services in March 2013 as Controller overseeing operations of the billing office and accounting policies and procedures.  Currently, as the Vice President of Finance, Cheryl is responsible for the financial reporting for the agency including oversight of accounting policies and procedures, developing, and maintaining proper internal controls, and providing financial reports to internal and external stakeholders.

Cheryl has worked in the accounting field for over 18 years. Prior to working at BSCS, she was employed at Kevin P. Martin & Associates, P.C. in the audit department as a Senior Accountant for 7 years focusing on affordable housing and non-for-profit industries. Cheryl obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Jenn Hoffman, Vice President of Administrative Operations

Jenn joined Bay State Community Services in February 1997 as an Office Manager in the Outpatient Clinic managing third party billing.  Jenn coordinated the Agency’s shift from manual billing to an electronic billing system. She then became the Director of Third-Party Billing and oversaw the implementation of the Electronic Health Records system and helpdesk. Currently, as the Vice President of Administrative Operations, she is responsible for oversight of the third-party billing system, Electronic Health Records as well as looking at other ways to streamline these systems making services as accessible as possible to clients.

Jenn has worked in the field of Administration and Billing for mental health services for over 30 years. Before coming to Bay State Community Services, Jenn worked at HRI Hospital for 7 years and is the current chair of the Association for Behavioral Health (ABH) Billing Rules, Regulations and Policy Committee.

Rita MacKinnon, LMHC, Chief Operating Officer

Rita joined Bay State Community Services (BSCS) in 2006. During her time with BSCS, Rita has spent time working in our outpatient clinics and residential programs, in both clinical and supervisory roles. She also served as Vice President of Compliance, overseeing strategic planning, program development, utilization review, quality management, compliance with licensing regulations, and risk management.  In her current role as Chief Operating Officer, Rita oversees Human Resources, Administrative Operations for the Agency, Rehabilitative Justice programs, the Human Rights Committee, and Compliance.

Rita completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Assumption College, received her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University, and is licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts.

Maria F. Melpignano, MSW, LICSW, Senior Vice President of Residential Services and Public Health Initiatives

Maria joined Bay State Community Services (BSCS) in 2006 as Program Director of the Coastal STARR program in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Maria served as Program Director of Coastal STARR for 8 years. Prior to coming to BSCS, Maria was the Clinical Director for an adolescent substance abuse program located in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Maria also served as Vice President of Residential Services responsible for overseeing the agency’s four residential programs for adolescents: Coastal STARR, Plymouth STARR, Granite House, and Beal Street. In her current role as Senior Vice President of Residential Services and Public Health Initiatives, Maria oversees the Directors of Residential Programs and the Director of Preventions Services.

Maria received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master’s in Social Work from Boston University.

Administrative Directors

Christlie Calixte, MPA, Director of Talent Acquisitions

Christlie joined BSCS as the Director of Talent Acquisitions in 2020. Christlie brings ten years of experience in Talent Acquisition and Human Resource Management. From her years of experience, she has gained powerful insight in the areas of succession planning, strategic recruitment planning, evaluation, and control as well as training and development. In May 2023, Christlie received her Master’s in Public Administration from Suffolk University.

Drawing on her strong recruitment background, Christlie has assisted companies across a broad range of industries, including hospitality, social services, and healthcare. Christlie has been actively involved in supporting the restructuring and growth of Bay State Community Services by partnering with senior leadership to identify and onboard highly skilled, diverse candidates.

Shantae Holmes, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Shantae joined BSCS as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in 2022. She brings her life experiences, passion for inclusivity in human services, and years of working with the public to her role of Director of DEI. Shantae oversees BSCS’ AJEDI Committee and other DEI focused initiatives, policies, and BSCS’ goal of being a culturally humble organization.

Shantae earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling from Lesley University and is certified in Non-Profit Management for Practitioners, offered through MetroWest Nonprofit Network and Framingham State University. She believes strong and supportive leadership is one of the keys to a successful organization.

Glen McKenney, Director of Human Resources

Glen joined BSCS in August of 2020. Glen has extensive experience in Healthcare Human Resources and is an accomplished operations and Human Resources Leader, with experience in healthcare business operations, staff management, HRIS, budgetary management, and general human resource disciplines.

Glen is a graduate of Cambridge College with a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Business Management and is community advocate for Affirmative Action, Social Justice, Community Outreach, children with Disabilities, and Habitat for Humanity. Glen’s hobbies include gardening, baking and a proud parent of an incorrigible Shiba Inu canine.

Lisa Scanlon, MA, Director of Communications and Development

Lisa joined Bay State Community Services (BSCS) in 2012 as a member of the Board of Directors, where she served for 8 years. As the Board’s Communications and Marketing Chair, Lisa helped to establish The Bay State Community Services Bridge Fund, an emergency fund for clients who are facing life-altering financial challenges. Lisa brings more than 20 years of communications, marketing, and development experience to her current role as Director of Communications and Development. A self-proclaimed, raving fan of Bay State Community Services, Lisa enjoys sharing all that BSCS has to offer to the community.

Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Boston University. In 2022, Lisa obtained a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Human Services Management.

Clinical Directors

Linnea Norris MA, LMFT, Clinical Director of Children’s Services-Plymouth

Linnea joined Bay State Community Services (BSCS) in September of 2006 as a Services Manager in our Plymouth LEAD Program. Since 2006, Linnea has served as a LEAD Services Manager; the LEAD Program Director; Assistant Program Director of Children and Family Services; and Senior Program Director of Home-based Programs – Plymouth. In her current role as the Clinical Director of Childrens Services for the Plymouth office, Linnea oversees the homebased programs and community contracts, supervises clinical staff, engages community providers to offer BSCS supports, and works collaboratively with community partners.

Linnea is a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and holds a License in Marriage and Family Therapy or LMFT. Linnea has been in the field of child welfare for 40 years.

Jennifer Seaberg, MFT, Clinical Director of Parenting Services

Jennifer joined Bay State Community Services (BSCS) as a Care Coordinator for the Plymouth CSA in 2013. Jennifer became the Program Director for the Plymouth Dianne DeVanna Center in 2015 and has since worked with the agency to build capacity to offer Parenting and Recovery support programs across the South Shore and South Coast. In her current role as Clinical Director of Parenting Services, Jennifer is responsible for The Dianne DeVanna Centers in Braintree and Plymouth, the Plymouth Outpatient Recovery Coaching program, FIRST Steps Together in Braintree and New Bedford, and Parents As Teachers in Brockton.

Jennifer received her BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut in 2005. She received a Master of Family Therapy (MFT) degree in 2008 from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.

Kayti Sylvia, LMHC, Clinical Director of DMH Community-Based Services

Kayti started at Bay State Community Services in 2015 as a Clinical Supervisor supporting the Continuum Program’s home-based services. After playing an integral role in the growth of the Continuum Program, Kayti served as the Program Director for the LEAD agency in the Plymouth DCF Office. Prior to serving in her current role of Clinical Director of DMH Community Based Services, Kayti supported BSCS’ DMH contracted services with the Flex Team. As Clinical Director of DMH Community Based Services, Kayti supports the Create, Respect, Empower, Wellness (CREW) ; Intensive Home-Based Therapeutic Care (IHBTC); and Flexible Support Services (Flex) Programs.

Kayti received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Boston University, her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts.

Board of Directors

Chair
Robert King, Retired Executive Vice President, Gillette

President
Daurice Cox, Chief Executive Officer, Bay State Community Services

Treasurer
Wanda Nascimento, Chief Financial Officer, Bay State Community Services

Secretary
Thomas Williams, Attorney, Thomas F. Williams & Associates, P.C.

Directors
Leslie Brown, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Atlantic Broadband Finance
Christine Driscoll O’Neill, Executive Director of One Life at a Time
Janet LaBerge, Retired-President, Business/Social Services
Donna Milani Luther, Head of School at Inly Montessori School
Jennifer Pompeo, Community Outreach Officer, Weymouth Police Department
Jason Tracy, M.D., Emergency Medicine at South Shore Hospital
Matthew Yohe, Principal at Morgenthaler Private Equity
Joseph Yotts, Relationship Manager at TD Bank