Leadership Team - Mainstay Life Services

Kim SonafeltChief Executive Officer

Craig DouglassChief 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.
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Alexandra CalabreseChief Human Resources Officer

Alex has been the Chief Human Resources Officer at Mainstay Life Services since 2000. In this role, she manages all policies and programs relating to personnel, recruitment and salary and benefit administration to maximize the effectiveness of human resources, meet the goals of the organization, and enable employees to gain personal satisfaction in their work. Alex is also responsible for the effective management of the training department.

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Jodie EsperChief 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.

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Aaron LucasAdministrative 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.

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James R. Kirk, Chief Executive Officer

After helping Idlewood Center and Horizon Homes merge and become Mainstay Life Services in 1999, Jim stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

As CEO, Jim 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, he is responsible for the development, management, administration, supervision and evaluation of programs, policies and procedures, and staff.

Jim’s 40 years of progressive experience in human services spans disability and residential services, as well as leadership functions and contract analysis. Prior to joining Mainstay Life Services, Jim served as executive director of Horizon Homes, where he significantly grew revenue and greatly expanded the range of agency services to serve people with disabilities.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim is a proud member of The Provider Alliance, Pennsylvania Association of Resources and Conference of Allegheny Providers.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from California University of Pennsylvania. He broadened his education at the Non Profit Management Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and the Leadership Institute at the Office of Developmental Programs in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Jodie Esper, Chief Financial Officer

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.

Traysean Harris

Traysean Harris has been a member of the Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 2020. Supported by Mainstay Life Services since 2015, he is an active member of our Self Advocates Advisory Board. Traysean sees his role as bridging the communication between these two very important boards. Traysean has spoken publicly about his experiences as a self-advocate and how Mainstay Life Services supports him as he lives his “good life.” He has been employed in customer service at Home Depot for the past six years, has been a community volunteer and is active in advocating for the needs of himself and others.

Aaron Lucas, Administrative Director

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.

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.

Dana Schutte, Chief Operating Officer

Dana joined Mainstay Life Services in 2001. After serving as the Associate Director of Program Operations and Director of Program Operations, she became the agency’s Chief Operating Officer in 2014.

In this role, Dana works closely with the senior leadership team in the development, implementation, evaluation and modification of agency policies and procedures, as well as program standards and content. She also oversees all service delivery, property development, and maintenance and management functions.

With nearly 30 years of experience in program and residential services, Dana has a strong background in staff supervision and program development and coordination. She began her career at Chartiers MH/MR, where she supported individuals with disabilities as a Resident Advisor and supervised staff as a Program Supervisor and Program Manager. Prior to joining Mainstay Life Services, Dana also worked as a Program Coordinator at Idlewood Center and Director of MR Residential Services at Mon Yough Community Services.

Dana earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Edinboro University and Master of Science in professional leadership and non-profit management from Carlow College (now Carlow University).

Craig Douglass, Chief Program Officer

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.

Alexandra Calabrese, Director of Human Resources

Alex has been the Director of Human Resources at Mainstay Life Services since 2000. In this role, she manages all policies and programs relating to personnel, recruitment and salary and benefit administration to maximize the effectiveness of human resources, meet the goals of the organization, and enable employees to gain personal satisfaction in their work. Alex is also responsible for the effective management of the training department.

Over the past 20 years, Alex has grown her experience in staff management and employee training. Alex worked as the Branch Manager at Volt Services Group, where she coached staff on human resources practices, policies and procedures, as well as developed employee training and recognition programs.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts in English language and literature and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from West Virginia University.