Program Leadership
​​Executive Director
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Michelle Matics, MHA, LNHA, CALA, CDP
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Michelle is an experienced C-suite level executive with 15 years working in operations in healthcare and social services organizations. She has served various populations throughout her career including domestic violence survivors, geriatric patients in a skilled nursing facility, and children and adults with developmental disabilities. Ms. Matics earned her Master's degree with academic distinction in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University, and her dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from Rutgers University. She also holds the following post graduate certifications: Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) in New York State, a Licensed Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) in New Jersey, and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). Ms. Matics is currently enrolled at Rutgers University where she is working towards her second Master's degree in Social Work with a clinical focus on family therapy and developmental disabilities.
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Program Director
Ralph Auriemma, B.A.
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Ralph is a graduate of Kean University with a Bachelor’s degree in History. Ralph has been working with children through adults with disabilities for 19 years and has been working at Quest for since 2013. He has had various roles including job coach, senior job coach and lead administrative coach and has taken more of an administrative position though budgeting and billing. Ralph works closely with support coordinators through the year to maximize participant budgets and provide participants with the services and programming they need. Ralph is also a Handle with Care Instructor and provides training to staff of Quest Autism Programs.
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Clinical Manager
Melissa Packowski, M.A., BCBA, LBA-NJ
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Melissa is the Clinical Manager and has been with Quest since 2013. She holds a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College. Her undergraduate studies included a dual major in elementary and special education with a concentration in English. She holds a MA in Professional Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology that focused on applied behavior analysis and organizational behavior management. Also, Melissa is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She has worked with children with developmental disabilities in the public school system for five years prior to joining the team at Quest. At Quest, she is responsible for creating and monitoring ABA programing, managing ongoing staff trainings in ABA and DDD specific requirements.
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Clinical Assistant
Alison Suto, M.A.
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Alison received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Speech Communication from Montclair State University and her Master of Arts in Psychology and Post-Master Graduate Certificate in ABA from Seton Hall University. With Ali's 15 years of experience, she is familiar with DDD protocols, working with adults diagnosed with Autism, and working with implementing behavior plans and training staff.
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Program Manager
Bryan Schwartz, B.A.
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Bryan is a graduate from Thomas Edison State University with a degree in Health and Wellness. He has over 17 years experience in special education and program supervision and has been with Quest since 2017. Bryan specializes in staff coordination, client support, system management, overseeing scheduling, staff training, billing, and prior authorizations. Bryan is committed to maintaining compliance, promoting safety, and ensuring positive outcomes for both participants and staff.
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Program Coordinator
Rhonell Castillo, B.A.
Rhonell holds a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University, where he gained early hands-on experience through fieldwork at The Douglas School. With over 16 years of experience supporting children and adults with autism across various day programs in New Jersey, he has provided direct care in program, community, and home settings. Rhonell also brings expertise in crisis management and remains deeply committed to addressing the unique needs of the individuals under his supervision.
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