​​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 of operational leadership in healthcare and social services organizations. Throughout her career, she has served diverse populations including domestic violence survivors, geriatric patients in skilled nursing facilities, and children and adults with developmental disabilities. Her expertise spans a range of care settings, including group homes and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs), where she has overseen programs focused on person-centered care, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.

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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, Licensed Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) in New Jersey, and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). She is currently enrolled at Rutgers University, pursuing 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 Auriemma holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kean University and brings extensive experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As a certified Handle with Care instructor, he is committed to fostering safe, respectful, and supportive environments for both staff and participants. As Program Director, Ralph oversees key operational areas, including state and DDD compliance, Human Resources, Billing, Banking, Staff Training compliance, and participant job placement. His leadership ensures the organization operates smoothly while maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism. Beyond administrative responsibilities, he works closely with the Executive Director to help participants build meaningful connections to supported employment opportunities within the local community, empowering individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.

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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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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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