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.
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 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 and Religion. He previously worked for a Congressional leader and eventually Governor Christie. He joined Community Options in 2017 and was most recently Vice President of Strategic Operations. He oversees Government Relations, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Media, Marketing, Grants and Development. He interfaces with government leaders and funding entities for continued development and marketing.
Lacie Parker
Regional Vice President, Maryland, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania
Lacie is the Regional Vice President for Community Options in Maryland, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. She has been a dedicated member of the Community Options team since 2012. Her career journey is a testament to her leadership, beginning as a Direct Support Professional and advancing through roles including Program Manager, Program Specialist, Residential Director, Executive Director, and most recently, Vice President of Pennsylvania. Lacie holds a bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University.
Michael Burnett
Regional Vice President, Arizona and Utah
Michael is the Regional Vice President for Community Options in Arizona, Iowa 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.
Tyna Anderson
Tyna holds an MA in Organizational Leadership from Buena Vista University and a BA in Psychology and Criminology, along with a certificate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, from the University of Northern Iowa. She has more than twenty years of experience working with adults with disabilities across a wide range of services and roles, including Intermediate Care Facility settings, 24-hour residential services, day habilitation programs, hourly support services, supported employment, and quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.
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.
Jessica Primo
Jessica earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Certificate in Leadership and Management from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She brings over 20 years of experience in human services, leading residential services, program development and quality assurance initiatives. Jessica now serves as the New Hampshire State Director, overseeing statewide residential and employment supports.
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 holds a Master’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University and 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 and now serves as the Tennessee State Director, overseeing services in Nashville, Cookeville, Chattanooga, Greater Knoxville and Rutherford. With over 30 years of experience in the disability field, Meika has held progressively responsible roles 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.