Community Options National Staff
The strength of Community Options has always been its people. The careful selection and training of staff members has created a culture based on commitment to community-based support and respect for individual dreams. The corporate structure provides national support and local autonomy. The early decision to maintain one corporate entity nationwide and to centralize functional departments has proven effective. Planning, human resources, fiscal services, technology, training and public relations support are all based in Princeton, New Jersey.
This allows executive directors to concentrate on people and program issues. National staff members maintain a sharp focus on the corporate mission through connections with the people receiving services. This convivial atmosphere allows employees at every level to celebrate individual triumphs and to understand the direct link between job performance and the quality of life for people with disabilities. Employees are valued for the professional and personal talents they bring to their positions.
Robert P. Stack
Robert Stack founded Community Options in 1989 as one of the first nonprofit organizations in the nation to develop community-based housing and employment supports for persons with disabilities. Holding an MBA and BA from the University of Dayton, he also studied at University of Fribourg, University of Rome, and University of London. Robert taught at Kent State University and was a recipient of its Graduate Student Teaching Award. He also served as an adjunct professor for the graduate school at Kean University. Robert authored three books: I Matter-So Does Your Cause – Starting a Nonprofit, Meaningful Day: Day Program Services Curriculum and Staff Guidebook and Silent No Longer: Advancing the Fight for Disability Rights, scheduled for release in September 2025.
David P. Sweeney
David graduated from Rutgers Business School with an MBA from LaSalle University. He has a CPA license in PA and is responsible for financial operations. David spent his career working in the healthcare sector managing operations. He has twenty years of comprehensive financial management experience.
Courtney Eidel
Courtney has an MBA from Georgian Court University and a BS in International Business and Management from Montclair State University. Courtney has over twenty years of experience in employee relations, talent management and compensation and benefits in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Svetlana Repic-Qira
Svetlana oversees operations in Iowa, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee. She earned a BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of Connecticut. Svetlana joined Community Options in 1998 as a Senior Direct Support Professional. She has also served as an executive director for North Jersey, a community support coordinator, and administrative coordinator.
Lisa Smith
Lisa has worked over two decades at Community Options. She began her career as a Direct Support Professional and eventually promoted to executive director for southern New Jersey. She is responsible for federal, state and local compliance oversight, licensure, quality assurance and administers oversights for platforms memorializing individual plan monitoring and auditing.
Wei-Han Zhou
Wei-Han has a BA from Rutgers in Political Science. He worked for a Congressional leader and eventually Governor Christie. He joined Community Options in 2017 and has been promoted to Vice President. He oversees Government Relations, Media, Marketing, Grants and Fundraising. He interfaces with government leaders and funding entities for continued development and marketing.
Lacie Parker
Vice President, Pennsylvania
Lacie joined Community Options in 2012 as a Direct Support Professional. After finishing her MA from Pennsylvania State University, she was appointed as Vice President. During her tenure she held various roles within the organization to include Program Manager, Program Specialist and Executive Director. Lacie began her career as a mental health worker for families with at risk youth.
Michael Burnett
Regional Vice President, Arizona and Utah
Michael is the Regional Vice President for Community Options in Arizona and Utah. A graduate of Auburn University, he resides in Phoenix, where he is a devoted father to his son, Ryan, who has significant disabilities. Michael is deeply committed to expanding housing and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive. His leadership and advocacy continue to drive meaningful change in the communities he serves.
Samantha Cutler
Regional Vice President, New Mexico and Texas
Samantha is the Regional Vice President for Community Options, overseeing operations and strategic initiatives in Texas and New Mexico. A graduate of St. Mary’s University, Samantha brings a wealth of leadership experience in nonprofit management, community development, and program oversight. With a deep commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities, she plays a key role in ensuring high-quality services and advocacy efforts across the region.
Elizabeth Nelson
Elizabeth holds a BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology and a master’s in social work from Indiana University. She has over 15 years of experience in managing Medicaid waiver services across the country.
Tigest Alemu
Tigest began her career as a Direct Support Professional, progressively building 15 years of experience and education in developmental disability and healthcare management. She recently became a Certified Project Management Professional and has a Master of Business Administration from Wilmington University in Delaware.
Shannon Cote
Shannon obtained her BA from the University of New Hampshire and her MS from the University of Massachusetts. She has over 25 years of leadership experience, and has excelled in program development, team management, and community engagement.
Noemi Rivera
Noemi received her BA in Sociology and MBA in Healthcare Management from New Mexico State University. Noemi joined Community Options in 2009 as a Direct Support Professional in Las Cruces, NM. Her career steadily progressed to Program Manager, Service Coordinator, Director of Program Services, Associate Executive Director and then to Executive Director.
Fatimat Adekoya
Fatimat received her BS in Healthcare Management from Stony Brook University and her MSW from Fordham University. She began her career as a Direct Support Professional and has over 17 years of experience supporting people with disabilities. She joined Community Options in 2021 as Executive Director in Queens and has also served as Regional Director.
Lindsey Daniel
Lindsey received her BA in Sociology from the University of South Carolina. Lindsey started her career with Community Options in 2007 and has 20 years of experience in the Human Services field. During her tenure with Community Options, Lindsey has worked in various positions to include Program Manager, Residential Director, and Executive Director.
Meika McClendon
Meika has a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Kentucky University. She began her career at Community Options in 2018 as Executive Director of the Nashville region. Meika brings more than twenty-five years of experience in progressively responsible roles within the disability field including Direct Support Professional, Program Manager, Case Manager, Residential Director, and Corporate Conservator.
Ashlyn Visser
Ashlyn received a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Administration from Weber State University. She joined Community Options in 2024 as Utah State Director. A native of Utah, Ashlyn has over 11 years of experience in direct care and management for long term services and supports.