At Incompass, we believe that strong community connections are the foundation of meaningful support, which is why we’re excited to introduce our new Community Engagement Manager, Katie Desmarais!
In this role, Katie is focused on building partnerships, raising awareness, and helping people better understand the resources Incompass has to offer. To help put a face to the name, we sat down with Katie for a Q&A where she shared more about her background, what community engagement means to her, and how she hopes to make an impact.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’ve always been passionate about building connections that create meaningful change. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on cultivating relationships that strengthen communities and open doors for individuals to thrive. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Digital Communication Leadership, which is helping me deepen my understanding of how strategic communication can drive inclusive impact. Outside of work, I’m someone who values curiosity, collaboration, and making a positive difference in everything I do.
Q: What does your role as Community Engagement Manager involve?
As the Community Engagement Manager, my goal is to amplify Incompass Human Services’ presence in the community by building strong partnerships, sourcing inclusive opportunities, and fostering meaningful relationships. I work to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not only seen but truly included—in workplaces, neighborhoods, and social spaces alike. My role is all about creating opportunities that help people feel empowered and connected.
Q: What excites you most about working with Incompass?
The mission of Incompass deeply resonates with me. I’m inspired by the organization’s commitment to person-centered care and its dedication to helping people live fully inclusive lives. I’m excited to contribute to a team that’s forward-thinking, compassionate, and truly driven by purpose. It’s a privilege to help expand that impact even further into the community.
Q: Any final thoughts?
I’m so grateful to be part of the Incompass family and can’t wait to get out in the community, meet our partners and supporters, and work together to build a more inclusive world. If you see me at an event—or even just around town—please say hi! I’m always up for a conversation and a chance to connect.
At Incompass Human Services, we know that navigating referrals and services can be complex, which is why we’re excited to introduce our Referral Coordinator, Sarah Kozel. After one year as the first point of contact for referrals, Sarah plays a key role in connecting individuals and families to the right supports. To help put a face to the name, we sat down with Sarah for a Q&A where she shared more about the role, their passion for this work, and what they want you to know about the referral process. Read the full conversation below:
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Referral Coordinator in November 2023. I graduated from Franklin Pierce University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and have spent my career working in the human services field. I’m passionate about connecting individuals and families with the support they need. Outside of work, I’m married and live with my 16-year-old cat, Chester—though, truthfully, he’s the one in charge!
Q: What does your role as Referral Coordinator involve?
A: My primary responsibility is to facilitate smooth and efficient program referrals. This means working closely with our partners, families, and internal teams to ensure every referral is processed quickly and accurately. I’m here to answer questions, provide guidance, and help make the process as seamless as possible.
Q: How can partners get in touch with you?
A: I’m always happy to connect! If you have any questions or need to send a referral, you can reach me by email: skozel@incompasshs.org or by phone: 978.349.3081. Whether it’s a new referral, a follow-up, or just to touch base, I’m here to help.
Q: What excites you most about working with Incompass? A: What excites me most about working for Incompass is the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Being able to connect individuals and families with the support they need feels incredibly rewarding. I’ve always been passionate about human services, and working with such a dedicated team makes the work even more fulfilling. It’s great to be part of an organization that genuinely cares about helping the community and making an impact.
Q: Any final thoughts for our partners?
A: I’m looking forward to collaborating with you all! Our shared work is so important, and I’m committed to making the referral process as smooth and effective as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to support you!
Have a referral or a question? Contact Sarah Kozel by email: skozel@incompasshs.org or by phone: 978.349.3081.
We are thrilled to share that several outstanding members of our Incompass team were recognized by the Lowell Area DDS Office for their exceptional service. Both Leslie and Philomena were nominated for the Providers Recognition Award, a prestigious honor that highlights their dedication and hard work in serving our community. While the nomination alone is an incredible achievement, we are especially proud to announce that Heike won the award!
Heike was nominated by Jen Allen, a supervisor at the Lowell DDS, for her commitment and exemplary service. In addition to Heike, Brittany and Neema were also recognized with Providers Recognition Awards. Neema’s nomination came from Susan, recognizing her remarkable contributions to the team.
We are excited to also acknowledge Lawrence and Scott, who were recognized for their efforts and dedication at the event. The recognition ceremony took place last Wednesday at the Lowell Area DDS Office, where Leslie and Philomena were also celebrated for their nominations.
Please join us in congratulating Heike, Brittany, and Neema for their outstanding achievements, and in celebrating Leslie, Philomena, Lawrence, and Scott for their well-deserved recognition. We are so proud to have such dedicated and talented individuals as part of the Incompass team!
We are thrilled to invite members of our community to visit our brain injury community center in Tewksbury. The Incompass Safe Minds Community Center (SMCC) supports those who have experienced a brain injury. It empowers participants to maximize their level of independence, self confidence, and dignity so they can experience full lives in their communities.
Community members will have a chance to mingle with SMCC participants and their families, and learn about the impact that the program has had on their lives. RSVP here.
We are thrilled that Care Champion and HR Recruiter Geri-Lyn Noble was recently featured in a career success story. After being laid off during the pandemic, Geri-Lyn decided that she wanted a change. MassHire Lowell Career Center stepped in to offer support. This success story demonstrates the benefits of utilizing community resources when job hunting. We are thankful to the career advisors at MassHire Lowell Career Center for making this wonderful connection. Check out the full story below!
August marks the end of the summer session for the DDS Urban Youth Collaborative Program. The 2023 Urban Youth Graduating Class included:
Rose Fuegue, Intern Peer Leader & Clinical
Miguel Camargo, Marketing
Annette Forchoh, HR & Day Program
Alice Obare, Strive2Thrive
Julia Sebilian, Safe Minds Community Center & CBDS
Gabrielle Victor, Strive2Thrive
Anna Yang, CBDS
Anna Wang, Safe Minds Community Center & CBDS
As always, it is an honor to welcome representatives of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to Omni Way for the annual graduation ceremony. DDS Commissioner Jane Ryder joined us along with her DDS colleagues:
Gerald Scott, Recruitment Manager
Tom Marshall, Area Director, Lowell Office
Beverly McGovern, Assistant Area Director, Lowell Office
Kelley Lawless, Regional Director, Northeast Region
This occasion was especially important because it marked the end of a new format for the UYCP, led by Community Recreation & Engagement Manager Brian Etheridge. This was the first summer where the program branched out of the day habilitation program, allowing students to also explore administrative departments at Incompass. In some cases, interns were able to split their time between two programs.
UYCP intern Julia Sebilian gave a heartwarming speech about her time in the program, the connections she made with fellow interns, and the impact individuals had on her. She was inspired by her observations while working in the Safe Minds Community Center, a new brain injury program offered at Incompass. Once she finishes graduate school, she hopes to get into program management in a human services setting. Hopefully with Incompass!!
The ceremony wrapped up with students presenting their legacy gift – a yearly tradition. Interns collaborated with participants in the day programs to create a beautiful art project. The marketing team nearly jumped out of their seats when they realized that it was a collage of art pieces forming the Incompass heart graphic. What a way to end the program! As always, we hope to welcome back these familiar faces next year, along with new ones. Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Urban Youth Collaborative Program. Learn more about the program here.
