Nicole's Story | Hope Christian Services

A Testament to Care…

Today is our daughter Nicole’s 49th birthday. She is a happy resident of the ECCR where she has resided since 1980 at the age of seven. Nickie was an undiagnosed twin who suffered birth trauma which resulted in severe cerebral palsy. We were told to prepare ourselves that her life would be very short and that it would be remarkable if she was even able to live to the age of 12. A prediction which, thanks to the exemplary care she has received at Hope Christian Services, has turned out to be wholly inaccurate.

Her day to day care is all encompassing and skillfully provided 24 hours a day by her highly trained DSP’s (Direct Support Professionals) at The Retreat to Hope Christian. Her medical needs which are extensive and complicated are overseen by Dr. Costello and a staff of wonderful nurses. Nickie’s therapies and specialized equipment are also managed by Retreat’s excellent therapy department.

Nickie has a lovely social, recreational and spiritual life at the Retreat. She regularly participates in outings and worshiping events with lots of songs and music which she thoroughly enjoys.

We are so blessed that our daughter’s life is safe, healthy, happy and rich, thanks to the grace of God and all his wonderful angels at Hope Christian Services!

Gratefully,
Kathleen and Joseph and family

Verse of the Day

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10

Felipe Val’le Ly

Chief Human Resources Officer

Felipe Val’le Ly currently serves Hope Christian Services as the Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, Felipe advances the development and execution of human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, specifically in the areas of succession planning, talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, training and development, and compensation.

Felipe has a mission to ensure that our workforce across Northern New Jersey has access to professional development opportunities, staff wellness and support services, premium employee benefits and equitable compensation. He is also committed to cultivate employee relations and continues to help strengthen our culture of care and recognition to enrich each person’s work experience and increase the organization’s capacity to attract and retain people who have a desire and passion to serve others.

Felipe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Leadership from Arizona State University; is a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society and continues to seek academic advancements. Earlier in his career, Felipe worked at Zufall Health Centers and Emergency Response and Community Development.

In addition to his work at Hope Christian Services, Felipe has served on the board of directors of Dover Seventh Day Adventist and is a current member of the HR Advisory, Powered by Bennie Health, Inc.

Tribute Gift

A wonderful way to acknowledge a loved one or a milestone moment while support the programs and services at HCS.

Memorials—A gift made in memory of someone.

Honorariums—A gift made in honor of someone, a milestone or a special event.

Community Expansion Fund

Donations to this fund are designated to use for expenditures related to the HCS Community Expansion Project. HCS currently operates 15 facilities. Gifts for use in the new homes are accepted in this fund.

Facilities and Fleet Fund

Donations to this fund assist with maintaining 15 facilities and 33 vehicles.

Resident Fund

Designate your donation to be used for activities, equipment and expenditures for the residents of HCS.

Daryl Rogers

Chief Executive Officer

Daryl Rogers is responsible for the strategic direction, vision, performance and growth of HCS. His passion for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities grew when he served on the Board of Directors of Hope Christian Services (then Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat) from 2011 to 2017. Daryl was also the Chairman of the HCS Human Resources Committee and served on a variety of other committees.

Prior to his tenure at Hope Christian Services, Daryl was the Director of Professional Services and Business Development at the Atlantic Health System in Morristown, NJ. As a Registered Respiratory Therapist, Daryl has lectured across the country on clinical leadership in healthcare settings. He authored “Respiratory Care in Alternative Settings” which is published in Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care. He is also the Past-President for the New Jersey Society for Respiratory Care and currently in the House of Delegates for the American Association for Respiratory Care.

Daryl received a Bachelor’s of Science in Allied Health from Montclair State University. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds a Certificate of Specialization in Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School.

Laura Lupica

Chief Operating Officer

Laura Lupica currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Hope Christian Services. As COO, Laura is responsible for the daily operation of the Bushman Building, the Lodges, the RAVE day program, and the Community group homes. She also ensures compliance with licensing standards at these locations through regular monitoring.

Laura ensures quality of living and normalization for all residents by providing ongoing advocacy for residents’ rights. Laura also ensures a safe, and healthy environment for the residents and staff.

Laura became interested in working with Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a young age because she had a close relationship with her cousin who lived in a group home in New York.

Laura started working at HCS in July of 1987 in the Recreation Department while attending William Paterson University. Since her graduation, Laura has worked in different capacities at HCS before moving into her current role of Chief Operating Officer.

Laura graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1989, and Masters’ Degree in Psychology in 1998.

Dr. Gregory Costello

Medical Director

Dr. Costello has been working with people with disabilities for over 40 years in various organizations as a volunteer as well as in his work. In addition he has served on the Board of Directors of multiple organizations including The New Jersey Institute of Medicine and Public Health, Eva’s Village, Friends of the Word, Paterson Eye and Ear Clinic, and The American Special Children’s Pilgrimage Group to name a few.

His efforts for the victims of hurricane Katrina in 2007 earned him a Senate and General Assembly Citation from the State of New Jersey as well as a Certificate of Commendation at the county level. Dr Costello continues his active membership as a Medical Officer in the United States Disaster Medical Assistance Team for the Federal government’s Department of of Health and Human Services and National Disaster Medical Systems

Ever since he was a teenager, Dr Costello’s goal was to become a physician and work with people with disabilities. Dr Costello has now been the Medical Director at Hope Christian Services for over 20 Years. He believes that his history of volunteer work, education and administration has always been a path leading to his arrival at HCS.

After completing his Master’s degree in Microbiology from Fordham University, Dr Costello graduated from medical school and completed his Residency through the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey / Seton Hall University Program in 1997. Some of Dr. Costello’s administrative background includes Associate Director of the Family Medicine Department at Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Associate Medical Director at Barnert Hospital, and Medical Director of Passaic County Jail, in New Jersey.

Janet Meier

Chief Financial Officer

Janet Meier currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Hope Christian Services. As CFO she is responsible for all aspects of Finance for the organization that include Budgeting, Financial Reporting and Audits as well as day-to-day transactions.

In the 9 years that Janet has been with Hope Christian Services Finance has gone through a major transformation with the transition to Fee for Service and the opening of 5 group homes in that last 6 years. She is a key player in the future of Hope Christian Services as it continues to expand.

Janet started her career in healthcare finance 33 years ago with her first job at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Her career in the non-profit sector started 29 years ago at Village Care of New York a Healthcare facility in Manhattan starting as a Junior Accountant and ending her career there as the Controller.

Janet earned her bachelor’s degree from Baruch College, City University of New York.

Kimberly Salles

Director of Development and Technology

Kimberly Salles currently serves Hope Christian Services as Director of Development and Technology. She began her career at HCS in 2003 as the Community Relations and Volunteer Coordinator. Her responsibilities have increased during her tenure and she now serves as the Director of Development and Technology.

In her time at HCS, Kimberly has overseen the growth of the Development Department. Donor cultivation and retention, grant applications, event planning and execution, strategic fundraising and social media all fall under this department. She continues to diversify the donor base, create fundraising opportunities and maintain financial growth.

The Technology Department has formed under Kimberly’s leadership. Understanding the technology infrastructure and networking needs of HCS has brought on the growth of this department.

Kimberly has served in various board and volunteer positions. Her professional career has been in nonprofit leadership for the past 30+ years.

She attended the University of Rhode Island for her Bachelors of Science degree in Human Science and Services and Nyack College for her Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership.

Lorraine Balestracci

Director of Operations

As Director of Operations, Lorraine helps ensure the quality of living for all who reside in community residences by regularly monitoring all aspects of programs to confirm compliance with community services licensing standards as well as assisting the Chief Operating Officer to set up and open new group homes as they continue their mission into the future.

Lorraine was first introduced to Hope Christian Services through a work study course while pursuing her bachelor’s degree. She began her tenure at the organization working in the RAVE day program as an aide. After receiving her Bachelor degree, Lorraine moved to the role of Instructor in the department and continued to gain experience working closely with the residents. Throughout her years of service, Lorraine has developed many close bonds with the residents and their families. With the state mandate to move the residents into more community based settings, additional group homes were planned to be added to the five existing HCS community group homes. It was at that time in 2015 that Lorraine transitioned to work closer with the community residences as the Assistant Residential Director, eventually transitioning into her current role as Director of Operations.

Lorraine has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology.

Jen Tuttle

Director of Nursing

As Director of Nursing, Jen oversees the nursing operations for the HCS programs. In this role, Jen ensures coordination of medical treatment and care for the residents. She also oversees and ensures state regulations are being met. Jen’s main goal is both the quality of care and quality of resident’s wellbeing.

Jen has worked in community healthcare, psychiatric, and substance abuse programs. Jen’s career has been focused on the underserved population throughout non-profit programs.

Jen has been a registered nurse for over 2 decades. She had graduated from Dominican College with a Bachelors in Nursing. She is currently doing her graduate work at Wilkes College to obtain her Master’s in Nursing.

Melissa Camille Doyle

Director of Adult Training

As the Director of Adult Training, Melissa oversees the overall operation and maintenance of the adult day program.

During her time at Hope Christian Services, The Adult Day Program has expanded the population serviced. This expansion now encompasses the medically needy as well as the developmentally disabled. A new, more inclusive curriculum has been implemented and the results have been very positive. The adult day program at Hope Christian Services prides itself on the diverse care and consideration it puts into every specific resident. Community inclusion is what the Adult Day program strives for.

Melissa has over 11 years’ experience working within the social service field. Prior to coming to the retreat, Melissa worked for the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency. She also has experience working with the adult mentally ill population.

Melissa graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in psychology and a double minor in biology and sociology.

Yohan Lee

Lead Chaplain

As Lead Chaplain, Yohan and his team ensure that the residents and staff at HCS have access to spiritual content that edifies and encourages them. During any given week, HCS chaplains can be seen leading worship services, sharing Bible lessons, praying for residents, engaging in activities, or just spending time with the HCS community. The chaplains also network with outside faith organizations and recruit volunteers so that our residents can experience God’s love from a variety of sources in their neighborhoods.

Prior to coming to HCS, Yohan served in pastoral ministries at various churches for almost 10 years. He also has a background in engineering and construction, which he did before becoming a pastor. Yohan received his master’s degree in Bible from Cairn University and an undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

Joan Walsh

Quality Assurance Analyst

Joan Walsh began her career at ECCR in 1981, thanks to her High School Guidance Counselor who suggested she knew of a great place to work.

Since joining ECCR in 1981, Joan worked as a Daily Living Assistant, a Counselor in the Summer Recreation Program, and as an Inclusion Coordinator for the Life Skills Department.

In 1996, Joan left ECCR to further her education and spend time with her triplet nieces and nephew.

In 2017, Joan returned to ECCR as the Quality Assurance Analyst. As the Quality Assurance Analyst Joan is responsible to identify areas in need of improvement and highlight areas of excellence. Joan’s focus is making sure that each resident has a loving, and safe home, as well as best quality of life possible.

Joan has over 41 years of experience working with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. While working at ECCR in the 80’s, Joan also worked for the Paterson Public Schools from 1985 until she retired in 2016.

Joan graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Women and Gender Studies.

When not at work, Joan loves spending time with her family, relaxing by the water, and kayaking.

John Vanderzee

Director of Facilities

John Vanderzee currently serves Hope Christian Services as Director of Facilities. He began his career at HCS in July 2022 and his responsibilities include the effective oversight of new construction and maintenance of our 14 group homes as well as facilities projects and daily activities at our main campus. John also oversees the use, repairs and maintenance of HCS vehicles used by our staff.

With his team, John works hard to keep the facilities clean, safe and organized in order to optimize the quality of life for our staff and residents. He has overseen the renovations, repair and regular maintenance at Hope Christian Services and he uses technology and networking whenever available to meet the needs of the organization. John is always eager to help with fundraising opportunities and understands the importance of financial growth of the organization.

John has a cumulative knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems as well as infrastructure repair and maintenance which is required in each project. John has a total of 15 years experience in the automotive industry and 10 years experience with infrastructure, plumbing, buildings and grounds.

John graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration.

John is looking forward to many successful years here at Hope Christian Services. He works every day to grow the organization and to support HCS’s mission the community.

Michele Harris

Director of Lodges

As the Director of the Lodges, Michele helps to ensure the quality of living and normalization for all residents, ensure a safe and healthy environment as well as maintain relationships with their families and friends. She also regularly ensures the Lodges follow HCS’s Policies and Procedures, as well as ensures compliance with licensing circulars/standards as well as maintaining Community Care Program standards.

Michele began her journey in 2009 as a RAVE (Now The Possibility Center) Instructor, then Team Leader before making the transition to Case Management. Throughout this journey, Michele gained knowledge of the residents in the Bushman Building as well as those living in the Community and Lodges. August of 2022, Michele made the transition to work in her current role as the Director of the Lodges.

Michele graduated with her Bachelor of Sciences degree in Sociology from William Paterson University in 2002.

Annual Fund

Donations to the Annual Fund are used wherever HCS needs them most. These important gifts provide HCS with an ongoing source of income that allow us to provide extraordinary care to our residents.

Nicole’s Story