Kim Sonafelt, Chief Executive Officer

Kim joined Mainstay as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2018. In her role, Kim provides executive leadership and strategic direction in all aspects of operations – including finance, human resources, information technology, property management, agency communications and fundraising – to ensure Mainstay carries out its mission to the fullest extent. Additionally, she is responsible for the development, management, administration, supervision and evaluation of programs, policies and procedures, and staff.

Kim has worked in human services for 30 years and possesses extensive experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. Prior to joining Mainstay, Kim served Merakey – also a leading provider of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country – as their Regional Executive Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services.

In addition to her professional achievements, Kim is a proud member of the Mental Health America of Southwest PA Board of Directors, Westmoreland County Block Grant Advisory Committee, Conference of Allegheny Providers Executive Board, Saint Vincent DePaul Society and 100 Women Who Care Pittsburgh.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and Master of Science degree in psychology from California University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Kim is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor within the state of Pennsylvania.

David Cochran, Director Residential Operations

Dave joined Mainstay Life Services in 1984. As Director of Residential Operations, he is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day program operations and leading the program management and direct care staff that support Mainstay’s person and community-centered principles and values.

Before taking on his current role, Dave was Mainstay’s Associate Director of Residential Operations. When he joined the organization more than 35 years ago, he was a Program Coordinator overseeing the apartment program and several community homes. 

Before joining Mainstay, Dave began his human services career at Easter Seal Society, and worked in a variety of roles at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern PA.

Dave attended Clarion University and the University of Pittsburgh, earning an online Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership.

Ned Ochester, Director of Community Services

 Ned Ochester has led Mainstay Life Services’ Community Services Department since 2012.  As Director of Community Services, he oversees Mainstay’s Home & Community Supports (Community Participation Supports, In-Home & Community Supports, and Companion Services), Employment Services, Life Sharing, and Supported Living. He joined the organization as a program manager in 1995 and worked in a number of capacities before assuming his current role. 

 Prior to joining Mainstay, Ned worked for a variety of social service providers in Chicago and Western Pennsylvania.

Craig Douglass, Chief Program Officer

Craig joined Mainstay as Chief Program Officer (CPO) in 2021. In his role, Craig provides strategic leadership for all Mainstay programs – ensuring efficiency, quality, stewardship, and an exceptional experience of care so Mainstay can carry out its mission. Additionally, he is responsible for compliance, program development, and building operating capacity for sustainability and growth.

Craig has over 20 years of progressive leadership and consulting experience in community-based healthcare and he has extensive experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disability and autism services. Prior to joining Mainstay, Craig served as Chief Operations Officer for Pittsburgh Mercy, a subsidiary of Trinity Health, where he had responsibility for ensuring the strategic alignment of clinical and administrative operations, designing and implementing population-based behavioral healthcare, driving profitable revenue growth, exercising programmatic vision to increase market share, and fostering collaboration for $110M multi-campus corporation serving 33,000 people annually. Craig is also the principal of CDG Consulting, a firm that specializes in helping organizations navigate the complex world of healthcare compliance, risk management, and service design.

In addition to his professional achievements, Craig volunteers for several community-based organizations including Footbridge for Families, a start-up organization that focuses on emergency financial relief for families facing economic instability.

Craig earned a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh. When he’s not on the job, Craig is an avid reader, writer and runner.

Jodie Esper, Chief Financial Officer

Jodie joined Mainstay as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2017. As CFO, Jodie is tasked with implementing the infrastructure and systems needed to support Mainstay’s mission, operations, financial objectives and strategic initiatives.

In this role, she works with fellow members of the executive leadership team on a wide range of strategic planning and internal initiatives, ensuring proper stewardship and exercising fiduciary duty over all public and private resources.

Jodie arrived at Mainstay with over 15 years of finance and operations experience, including extensive senior management, accounting and finance knowledge in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining Mainstay, she previously worked as the Director of Finance at Life’sWork of Western PA, Inc. Most recently, Jodie served as CFO of TCV Community Services.

Jodie received her Bachelor of Science Business Administration (B.S.B.A) Accounting and Master of Science degree in accounting from Robert Morris University in Moon Township, PA.

Dorothy Gordon, Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer

Dorothy joined in 2021 as Mainstay’s first ever Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer (CAEO). In her role as CAEO, she spearheads fundraising efforts and promotes Mainstay’s mission through the donor experience. Additionally, she is responsible for leading the effort for raising philanthropic dollars through major giving, annual giving, legacy gifts, grants, and special events.

Dorothy came to Mainstay with over 20 years of leadership in the financial management and nonprofit development sectors, within both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Prior to joining Mainstay, Dorothy worked as the Executive Director of Development and Communications at Merakey Allegheny Valley School (AVS) in Coraopolis, Pa., where she was responsible for managing all development activities, including fundraising events and appeals, communications, and community engagement initiatives.

In addition to her extensive professional experience, Dorothy is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Executive Women’s Council, and 100 Women Who Care – Pittsburgh Chapter.

Dorothy earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in business at Franklin & Marshall College and her Master of Business Administration in Marketing, Finance, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Rochester.

Aaron Lucas, Administrative Director

Aaron joined Mainstay as Administrative Director in 2019. As Administrative Director, Aaron is tasked with overseeing operations of facility management, fleet management, strategic development and general administration.

In this role, his responsibilities include acquiring new homes and managing existing ones for Mainstay’s residential services and being actively involved with new business opportunities and program expansions.

Aaron brings an impressive skillset and extensive experience in project and budget management to Mainstay. He previously worked as a financial consultant at Geneva College, as well as an accounting analyst, financial analyst and project manager at BNY Mellon Corporation. He also brings with him valuable experience in the non-profit sector, having most recently held the position of project manager and senior budget analyst at Merakey (Allegheny Valley School), another non-profit organization that provides services to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Aaron received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Olivet Nazarene University and later went on to get his Master of Business Administration from Geneva College.

Willette Walker, Chief Human Capital Officer

Willette Walker joined Mainstay in 2022 as its Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO). In her role she supports the organization’s strategic human capital initiatives as a multifaceted leader through organizational development, employee relations, talent strategy and strategic business partnering.

Willette comes to Mainstay with more than 25 years of leadership experience in human resources and organizational development. Most recently, Walker served as EVP of Human Resources at A Second Chance, Inc. where she provided leadership and oversight over the full spectrum of the organization’s human resource functions. In addition to Walker’s previous experience, she spent six years as an educator with Pittsburgh Public Schools where she developed and implemented lesson plans designed to facilitate student learning.

Willette received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Wilberforce University, her JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law and her master’s degree in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh.

Barb Dyer, Director of Quality & Performance Improvement

Barbara joined Mainstay in 2010 as a Community Services direct support professional and was promoted into the positions of Community Services Manager and Community Services Coordinator before accepting the role of Director of Quality & Performance Improvement (DQPI) in 2022. In her role as DQPI, she will provide leadership to assess the needs of the organization to enhance the quality of services and supports and improve the capacity of our colleagues for excellence in care through training, coaching, and continuous quality improvement, all to improve our services and supports while also maintaining quality assurance and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Since 2015, Barb has been a crisis prevention/staff effectiveness trainer using the Devereux Safe & Positive Approaches Curriculum. In 2019, she completed the three-day workshop on Social Role Valorization (SRV) theory as well as the five-day PASSING workshop. She provides leadership implementing SRV theory at Mainstay as a strategic priority, weaving SRV concepts into the daily practices of the agency. Additionally, she works with advocates at Mainstay encouraging them to use their voices and be decision makers so they can live their best lives. She is keen on facilitating opportunities for community inclusion and advocacy for all people with disabilities.

Prior to joining Mainstay, Barb worked for over 20 years in higher education as a Student Affairs professional where she had responsibilities in the areas of program development, leadership development and training, project management, and quality assurance and assessment.

Barbara earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Cultural Anthropology from Case Western Reserve University and a master’s degree in Human Services from Murray State University. She currently serves as a member of the board for the Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center.