MetroWest Staff
The staff at MWCIL are experts on the available services, skills and advocacy needed to support and promote independent living. Most have personal experience with disabilities, and understand the challenges that people with disabilities might encounter. Counselors and Coordinators work one-on-one so that consumers have all the information they need to make their own best choices. Independent Living Coordinators work on long term goals. Options Counselors work on a short term basis to provide support and information so that individuals can remain in the community.
"Your people at the CIL must come to understand that their job is to provide Permission, Encouragement and Support. That is it. No less and no more. They can do it. Each is capable. But they gotta wanna."
---Roland Sykes, 2004
---Roland Sykes, 2004
- Paul Spooner - Executive Director - Paul has been the Executive Director since 1992, and ensures the Center remains an important resource for people with disabilities. With over 30 years of experience working at centers, Paul guides the staff in applying the philosophy of Independent Living to real situations. He has a long history of advocating for equal rights and continues to be a champion for independent living. As director, he keeps the center evolving in sync with current laws and issues. Click on paul_bio2.pdf for a more complete biography.
- Rose Quinn - Assistant Director - Rose has worked at the center since 1991, making her the longest-serving employee. As a member of the management team, she has supervisory, financial and human resource responsibilities, as well as the infamous "other duties as assigned". Rose is currently treasurer of the Framingham Disability Commission, and is also a member of other local advocacy groups.
- Jini Fairley - Director of Services - Jini manages staff members to provide Direct Services to consumers, in addition to her role as an IL Coordinator. She pairs each consumer with a Coordinator, completes required federal and state reports for the center, coordinates with the ADRC and MassRehab, and ensures that all Coordinators are up-to-date on available services. She has been at the Center since 2005, and participates in MWCIL advocacy efforts.
- David Correia - Independent Living Coordinator - Dave provides skills training, counseling, advocacy and other supportive services to consumers. His background at the MetroWest Latin American Center, his ability to get things done, his sense of humor and his tri-lingual abilities enable him to help consumers understand their own value, and what they can do by trying. Dave is also the Center's Access Monitor - in this advocacy role, he handles accessibility issues and complaints such as curb cuts and access to new buildings. Taking photos and measurements, Dave determines AAB (Architectural Access Board) compliance, and follows through with official complaints when necessary.
- Keolise Ebogbue - Nursing Home Transition Coordinator - Keolise assists people who want to leave nursing homes and institutions and live independently in the community of their choice. She coordinates the needed services such as PCA's, housing, food stamps, and social security benefits. If assistive technology, a wheelchair or bed is necessary, Keolise will locate it. Skills training may be provided or coordinated. Consumers are further empowered to live independently through peer counseling, encouragement, and realistic advice.
- Pat Elgart - Independent Living Coordinator - Pat has been an IL Coordinator at MWCIL since 2006. Pat’s personal experience as a person with a disability helps her to understand the challenges that her consumers face in the course of daily living. She is skilled at navigating complicated bureaucracies and advocating for deserved benefits. Pat is the Center’s Certified Peer Specialist, with advanced training in Vocational Peer Support. Pat provides support and resources to bring hope while assisting people to move forward with their vocational goals. She also is a great resource for housing applications and options, and has experience with independent living skills training such as budgeting, cooking, laundry and transportation.
- Julie James - Options Counselor - Julie has worked as an Options Counselor since 2008. Options Counseling is a short-term service provided by MetroWest ADRC for individuals who are 18 or older. A typical situation is when a consumer is at risk of being placed into a nursing home. Julie is knowledgeable about community, state and national resources and services and answers questions and makes referrals. She works closely with ASAP (Aging Service Access Points) and other community organizations. Julie also does community outreach with presentations describing her work and the options available in our area.
- Michael Gentile - Computer Skills Trainer - Michael is the Systems Administrator for the center's computer systems. He teaches a variety of computer classes to consumers. These classes run in 4 - 6 week sessions. Using his technical skills, Michael runs the program to refurbish donated computers. These recycled computers are given (free) to qualified consumers.
- Roni LeBeau - Peer Counselor - Roni is a registered Alcohol and Drug Addictions Counselor. She has experience in Human Services, and is currently working towards a degree in Human Services at Mass Bay. As a part-time employee, Roni provides peer counseling to consumers.
- Tina Allison - Peer Counselor - Tina's experience at working with people is a real asset at MWCIL. As a part-time employee, Tina provides peer counseling to consumers.
- Sue Rorke - Information Specialist - As Information Specialist, Sue works on the website(s) and the newsletter. She photographs most events.
- Lily Delgado - Administrative Assistant - Lily has an important role as the Center's Administrative Assistant. She greets all consumers and visitors in person or by phone. When a caller or visitor is interested in Independent Living services, Lily will collect basic information and refer the consumer to our Director of Services for assignment. Her other duties include general office duties, function and meeting coordination, as well as other center activities.
