Many milestones have been achieved since the agency began with only a handful of people from Newburyport who participated in one program. Programs have been expanded to accomodate the specific needs of participants resulting in more individualized services without compromising the core values and quality.
In 1974, of a group of Greater Newburyport area residents who were concerned about the lack of support services available to adults with developmental disabilities and their families, founded Opportunity Works with the vision of empowering people with disabilities to experience the freedom to live, work and enjoy a valued role in society.
With facilities in Newburyport and Haverhill, Opportunity Works is a 501(c)3 private, non-for-profit corporation serving more than 300 men and women, ranging in age from 22 to 85, who come from 24 Merrimack Valley/North Shore communities. The agency operates with a staff of 150 professionals who bring a broad range of experience in working with people with disabilities. Additionally, hundreds of volunteers participate in fundraising and outreach events, serve on advisory committees, and volunteers in programs. The agency has consistently earned exemplary recognition for setting leading standards of excellence in the provision of employment, specialized day habilitation, community, and recreational services and programs for adults with disabilities.
The agency has consisitently earned exemplary recognition for setting leading standards of excellence in the provision of employment, specialized day habilitation, community and recreational services and programs for adults with disabilities.
Opportunity Works enhances the quality of life of people with disabilities by empowering individuals and promoting a culture of dignity and respect through integration, inclusion and independence.
Opportunity Works will continue to be a model for the advancement of community integration, personal growth and independence for individuals with disabilities.
Jane Harris-Fale, M.Ed.
Jane Harris-Fale, M.Ed.
[email protected]
(978) 462-6144 Ext. 231
Jane has led Opportunity Works since 2001. Her leadership and depth of knowledge in the industry have resulted in Opportunity Works earning the reputation of providing cutting edge person-centered services and earning the highest certifications and accreditations across the board. A UMASS Alumni, Jane resides in Haverhill with her husband and in her free time enjoys spending time with her grandchildren at the beach and pool.
Ken Moran
Ken Moran
[email protected]
978-462-6144 ext 224
Ken has been with Opportunity Works for over 2 years. Ken joined the Opportunity Works team following his retirement from the MA Department of Developmental Services (DDS). While in state service Ken served as the Assistant Area Director for the Merrimack Valley Area Office for over 12 years and served 7 years as a Quality Enhancement (QE) Specialist for Survey and Certification. Ken also has a strong background in the provider community having served as the Director of Residential Services and Director of Quality Assurance . Ken attended the University of Lowell. Ken brings a wealth of experience, passion and enthusiasm to the team.
Michael Sughrue
Michael Sughrue
[email protected]/a>
(978) 462-6144 Ext. 310
I have been at Opportunity Works, Inc. since August 2019. I received a BS – Accounting in 2007 from Plymouth State University where I studied abroad in AUSTRALIA and I am a proud alum of Haverhill High School. During my time here at OW, I’ve been spending most of it working on maximizing our funding to ensure our staff and individuals are receiving the opportunities that they desire. During non-work hours, I spend as much time as I can with my 5 year old son Joe, and 4 year old daughter Brynn.
Karen Nicholas
Karen Nicholas
[email protected]
978 462-6144 Ext. 240
Karen has worked for Opportunity Works for 17 years. Karen became an employee after volunteering for the Opportunity Works social group the Explorers and working on the Lend-a-Hand televised auction. Karen started part-time when her son was in elementary school and now enjoys following him around the country to his many marine corps bases. Karen is still an Explorer and enjoys volunteering for our many FUNdraising events.
Melissa Merrow, B.S.
Melissa Merrow, B.S. x 113
[email protected]
(978) 374-5281 x 113
Melissa Merrow has worked for Opportunity Works for 12 years. During this time she has held a number of titles via various promotions; most recently she was named Division Director due to the growth of the Haverhill location in 2015. Melissa is our task master, always making time to get each and every job done in a timely fashion. She is an organized, motivated, hardworking and dependable member of our Senior Team. Melissa graduated from Salem State College where she majored in Psychology, and upon graduation started her career in the Mental Health/Residential Services realm. This early experience was an asset to her, and it ultimately led to her taking a job at Opportunity Works in the Day Habilitation/Developmental Disabilities setting. When she is not working she is home with her husband and two children in Hampstead, NH. Melissa is also a shark enthusiast and her family very much enjoy taking their summer vacations on Cape Cod.
Monica Albach, B.S.,LSW
Monica Albach, B.S.,LSW
[email protected]
978 462-6144 Ext. 229
Monica has been with Opportunity Works since June of 2010. Currently in her role as Division Director she oversees all programmatic operations at the Newburyport site. She is a motivated, creative, and compassionate leader who has dedicated her career to helping people with intellectual disabilities. In 2017 Monica was recognized by the city of Newburyport with the 40 under 40 award which highlighted many of her accomplishments while working for Opportunity Works. Monica received a degree in Business Administration while working in the field of Special Education and later went on to obtain a license in Social Work (LSW) with the state of Massachusetts. Monica continues to strive and take pride daily to best advocate for the people supported and the hardworking staff at the Opportunity Works program.
Keith Rando, CAGS, LMAC
Keith Rando, CAGS, LMAC
[email protected]
(978) 374-5281 x 120
Keith has worked for Opportunity Works for 6 years. With his Behavioral Services Department that also includes Kate Tyburc, LSW and the soon to be retired Linda Shaktman, he has done a remarkable job overseeing the team that provides clinical and behavioral services that include behavior assessments, behavior protocols, specialized training in Positive Behavior Supports, extensive staff training and chairing clinical meetings for individual-related needs. We are very fortunate to have Keith as part of our Opportunity Works family. He studied psychology, special education and counseling psychology at Salem State University, Boston College, UMASS and Northeastern University. He lives with his girlfriend in Beverly. Keith is dedicated and passionate about supporting individuals and families at Opportunity Works. When he’s not here, he loves spending time with family and friends relaxing by the pool or engaged in many different activities in many different places.
Paul McKoy
Paul McKoy
Paul McKoy Jr. joined Opportunity Works as Director of Transportation. Paul, was previously an Operations Manager at FedEx; retiring with thirty-three years of service. Included in his work history he was employed at Nurtury where he was the Transportation Manager and Project Manager. He has received many awards throughout his years at FedEx including; Five Star Award, Service Award, Bravo Zulu Award, Purple Promise Award and Quality Driven Management Cup all of which recognize him for commitment to the company. Paul attended Northeastern University and Eastern Nazarene College. He is married and is a resident of Haverhill MA. He has two sons who actively serve and served in the military. He has a daughter who oversees the care of the Veteran’s in the Boston area. He believes in meeting the needs of others while exceeding their expectations.
Kathleen Pruett, AS
Kathleen Pruett, AS
[email protected]
978-462-6144 x 234
Kathleen has worked in Human Services for 25 years and as well as events and fundraising throughout the last 15. A NECC Alumni Kathleen is a lifelong resident of Haverhill. She is passionate about sharing awareness and opportunities for individuals with Developmental Disabilities and the funding needed to support services. In her off time she enjoys lakeside camping and sports, particularly hockey with her husband and family.
Mary Alice Prenaveau, BS, MBA
Mary Alice Prenaveau, BS, MBA
Mary is a new member of the Opportunity Works Team and is excited about helping to develop the Opportunity Works Shared Living Program. Mary enjoyed being a Shared Living Provider for many years. She is passionate about the stability and enhanced relationships that often result from this person-centered model. Mary has worked in the Human Service field for over 25 years overseeing various models of service. She received her BS from New Hampshire College and her MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. Mary is an avid reader and writer. She has been a performing poet and has two published chapbooks.
“Opportunity Works has a reputation of being
Creative, Innovative and Responsive
to the needs of the people served. Its openness and willingness to think outside the box have contributed to its long history of providing excellent services.”
– CARF International, Survey Summary, June 2011
Specialized Day Habilitation Services
Christienne Wesley, AA, AS.x 105
Day Habilitation Services
Michael Ferrick x 174
Community-Based Day Services
Lorren Rodriguez x 110
Assistant Director of Behavioral Services
Kate Tyburc, B.S.,LSW. x 121
Project SEARCH Manager
Jessica DelRosso
Community Works Manager
Mindy Hanlon
Specialized Day Habilitation Services
Emmalina Rodriguez x 219
Community Based Day Services
Melissa Charest, B.A. x 303
Suzanne Roberts
(978) 374-5281 ext.104
Lauri Dyment
(978) 462-6144 ext 347
Opportunity Works seeks passionate and caring professional staff who are motivated by our mission and committed to creating a positive experience for the participants we serve; including their families, staff, volunteers, and service providers. We encourage professional development, work/life balance, and a supportive environment. We value honesty, professionalism, and diversity.
Opportunity Works is proud of its excellent reputation it has earned as a leader in the provision of individualized, innovative, and exemplary services for people with disabilities.
As Opportunity Works takes great pride in its responsibility to the participants served, all staff and volunteers must agree to a thorough screening process prior to their acceptance including; in-person interview(s), reference checks, and CORI.
Updated 8/1/23
PART TIME
Drivers
Haverhill, MA and Newburyport, MA
FULL-TIME
Direct Care Staff/Developmental Specialist
Dayhab, Newburyport
CBDS, Haverhill
For more information or to apply, please contact:
Director of Human Resources
Karen Nicholas
Opportunity Works
10 Opportunity Way Newburyport, MA 01950
Email: [email protected]
Call 978-462-6144 ext. 240
Certified and Licensed by:
The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
Accredited by:
The Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
For more information about the agency’s performance of its accredited services, please contact:
Jane Harris-Fale
Executive Director
(978) 462-6144 ext.231
[email protected]