By Brad MacDougall, Chair, Incompass Board of Directors
As we celebrated Thanksgiving, I found myself reflecting on how my experience on the Incompass Board has reframed how I view gratitude in action. To me, it looks like the everyday commitment of our Care Champions who show up with compassion, creativity, and resilience for the people we support. It looks like families placing their trust in us to empower their loved ones. And it looks like a community that believes in the power of accessibility and inclusion.
This holiday season I am deeply grateful to our Care Champions. You make Incompass what it is. You create safe, joyful, person-centered environments where the people we support are encouraged to dream big, learn new skills, and live full lives. You embody our founding families’ mission, and all of us on the Board are thankful for your unwavering dedication.
This is also the time of year that we launch our Give for Good campaign, a month-long effort to raise critical funds that directly enhance the experiences of the individuals we serve. While state funding covers the essentials, it does not cover many of the community-based activities that define the Incompass experience. Things like trips to Fenway Park, outings to museums, meals at local restaurants, inclusive celebrations, and the everyday adventures that bring joy and connection.
These moments matter. They build confidence and connections. They represent our commitment to inclusion, and they are only possible because of your generosity. So today, I’m asking for your support!
Give if you are able. Share the Give for Good campaign with friends, family, and your networks. And spread the word about the impact Incompass has on the individuals and families we proudly serve.
Every gift, no matter how large or small, makes a difference.
Thank you for being a part of our mission, and for being a champion for inclusion. At Incompass, we are all Care Champions, and I’m grateful for that every day of the year!
Incompass Human Services proudly announces the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors: Amee Dhoria, John Stempeck, Rich Blatt, and Mary Petricone.
“These newest members of the Incompass Board of Directors bring a diverse range of expertise, leadership, and lived experiences at a pivotal moment for Incompass,” said Jean Phelps, Chief Executive Officer. “Their skills and perspectives will help ensure that we continue to grow thoughtfully and sustainably, while always keeping the people we serve at the center of our work.”
The Board members participated in a comprehensive orientation at Incompass Human Services over the summer, where they met with Incompass Care Champions, toured group homes, and spent time in day programs. They were joined throughout the day by Phelps, Board Chair Brad MacDougall, and Vice Chair Emily Young.
Meet the New Board Members:
Amee Dhoria
Founder of Amee Dhoria Design, Amee is an NCIDQ Principal and Director of Strategy & Interior Design. With more than 25 years of experience in her field, she has developed transformative workplace strategies for Fortune 500 companies, guided by her passion for how physical space shapes human behavior.
John Stempeck
John is the founder of Avalon Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm serving Fortune 1000 companies in industries ranging from manufacturing to marketing. With a BS in Electrical Engineering from MIT and an MBA from Boston University, John is also an angel investor and an active volunteer at the MIT Venture Mentoring Service.
Rich Blatt
A skilled Mediator, Rich specializes in negotiation strategy and conflict resolution. His career spans high-stakes agreements in both start-ups and large public companies. He holds a JD from Massachusetts School of Law and a BS from Boston College and brings to the Board deep expertise in building consensus and navigating complexity.
Mary Petricone
Mary is an experienced Accounting Controller with a background in financial accounting, tax preparation, and management dashboard reporting. She holds an MBA from Bentley University and a BS from Emmanuel College. Mary is also the mother of an individual who has been supported by Incompass for more than a decade, bringing a deeply personal perspective to her role.
The addition of these four accomplished leaders reflects Incompass Human Services’ ongoing commitment to strong governance and mission-focused growth.
“As we expand programs, services, and advocacy efforts, having a Board comprised of people who are both accomplished in their fields and passionate about our mission is essential,” said MacDougall. “We are delighted to welcome Amee, John, Rich, and Mary to the Incompass community.”
Incompass Human Services proudly announces that CEO Jean Phelps has been honored with the first-ever “Community Award” by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). This prestigious national award was presented to Ms. Phelps earlier this month at the AAIDD Annual Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky, recognizing her remarkable contributions in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The “Community Award” is a new addition to the AAIDD’s recognition programs, designed to honor leaders who have made substantial contributions to the advancement of the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. Jean Phelps, who has led Incompass Human Services for nearly 20 years, was recognized for her dedicated efforts in championing the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Under her leadership, Incompass has grown its service portfolio through a combination of organic program growth, construction of new group homes, and mergers & affiliations – ultimately contributing to more inclusive and accessible community.
Upon receiving the award, Ms. Phelps shared her thoughts, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and lead such an incredible team of Care Champions. It’s really a testament to the commitment of every person at Incompass Human Services who work tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, is valued and given the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.”
Brad MacDougall, Chair of the Board at Incompass Human Services, added that “Jean is a wonderful person whose leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Incompass. She has not only steered our agency towards new heights but has also profoundly impacted the broader community by setting a standard for inclusion and advocacy. This award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her visionary approach and unwavering dedication.”
