Employment Services

For the past twenty-five years, AEI has been putting people to work.

Our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program helps students aged 14-22 focus on employment and post-secondary education. We also run an adult employment program, Employment Supports, where we work with those 18+ who are interested in finding competitive employment. We work with referrals from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to help individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment in their communities. In addition to our job placement and retention services, AEI provides extensive work readiness programming and career exploration services.

While other AEI programming focuses on meeting the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, our employment team works with a wider variety of folks with disabilities, including those living with mental health conditions, social-emotional health conditions, and/or physical health conditions. Our goal is to individualize each service to meet our consumer’s needs.

Meet the Employment Team

John has been working at AEI for over 25 years, where he worked in several different departments. When he first started partnering with MRC 20 years ago, he had just a handful of clients. Now, AEI's employment program serves approximately 300+ individuals each year and spreads throughout southeastern Massachusetts.

508-409-8440

jraposa@aeima.org

Ryan is a Rhode Island native with over ten years of experience working in human services. She has been working at AEI since 2019, and so far, it has been a great experience. She alternates her time between the Employment Supports and Pre-ETS programs. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2015 and then completed her MA from Brown University in 2019. Ryan received her degree in Public Humanities, where she focused on education, accessibility & inclusion, and non-profit management.

508-223-6848

rsaglio@aeima.org

Brendan joined AEI in 2022 after a moving to the South Shore. He studied Psychology at Bridgewater State University and has worked in assisted living, peer support, day programs, group homes and schools. In his free time, he enjoys walking to local restaurants and hanging out with his hurling team, Providence Hurling Club.

508-223-6713

bbyrne@aeima.org

Kate joined the AEI team in 2024. She recently moved to Rhode Island with her dogs. Originally from Pennsylvania, she has been working in Employment Services in Delaware for the past 3 years. She's excited to bring her experience to Massachusetts and get folks working! When she's not working, Kate likes to hike, cook, and hang out with her many pets.

508-840-9076

kholzbaur@aeima.org

Kamazia joined AEI in 2024 and has worked in the Human Service field for just over 13 years in various roles such as group homes, day programs and assisted living facilities. She is a recent graduate of Johnson & Wales University where she studied Hospitality and Tourism. In her free time, she loves making candles, and cooking culturally diverse foods.

508-840-3361

kmims@aeima.org

Rebecca joined AEI in April 2023. She has worked with all sorts of individuals ranging from infants to the elderly, and she found a love for Human Services when she entered the field several years ago. Rebecca has a passion for helping others and believes everyone deserves the chance to be successful in their own way. Employment is so important for so many people and can truly change a person’s life. When Rebecca is not at work, she is spending time with family, friends, and her two golden retrievers Teddy and Ellie.

508-223-6440

rmaterne@aeima.org

Elise joined AEI in 2022 and has an extensive history working in mental health, with time spent working at both Bradley Schools and Fuller Hospital. She currently lives in Massachusetts and is a die-hard New England sports fan! She is a mom to three kids and a houseful of pets. Elise has her BA in Psychology and a MA in Elementry Education.

508-223-7171

esousa@aeima.org

Christine joined AEI in 2023 as a Pre-ETS Instructor and was then promoted to Employment Specialist. In 2024, she changed gears and transitioned into the program's administrative assistant. She graduated from Bridgewater State in 2019 with her degree in Early Childhood Education. When she’s not working, Christine likes to read, spend time with family, and play board games.

cfoisy@aeima.org

Meet the Pre-ETS Team

Nichole joined AEI in 2015 and has worked in several different programs, including Day Habilitation and Residential, before joining the employment team originally as a Transition Specialist.

Nichole graduated from BCC in 2007 with her degree in Early Childhood Development and then from Fisher College with a degree in Human Services in 2015. She has over ten years of experience working in child care centers; she has done everything from Teacher's Assistance to Director.

Nichole lives in Rhode Island with her husband and her two daughters.

508-409-8426

ngary@aeima.org

Ashlynn studied Political Science and Sustainable Food Crop Production at the University of Connecticut earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2020. After graduating, Ashlynn spent a year doing service with AmeriCorps in Burlington, VT where she helped to develop and implement an online program to teach adults with disabilities necessary computer skills in today's technological age.

Ashlynn developed a passion for helping others at a young age and continued to pursue this passion when she joined AEI in 2022 working in the Pre-ETS program.

amorse@aeima.org

Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Psychology from Framingham State University, and a post bachelor’s credential in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School. With a decade of experience as a teacher and advisor, Amanda has also been active for the past five years in non-profit leadership, consulting & resource development. She is passionate about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and see their community thrive. Amanda joined the AEI team in 2024. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time at the beach.

508-409-1852
acataldo@aeima.org