Leadership Staff
Meet Our Team
Derek Hodkey
President and CEO
Derek Hodkey joined the Alternatives, Inc. team as President in 2025.
Derek is a mission-driven executive with more than two decades of experience leading and growing nonprofits and purpose-centered organizations through transformation, systems change, and sustainable impact. He is deeply committed to equity and to the belief that no one’s access to health or opportunity should be determined by where they were born, how they identify, or the communities they come from.
Derek comes to Alternatives following 4.5 years as President and CEO of Orbis International, a global nonprofit focused on preventing and treating avoidable blindness. During his tenure, Derek led the development and execution of a new five-year global strategic plan, strengthened fundraising, advanced policy engagement, and cultivated a culture of accountability grounded in integrity, transparency, and measurable impact.
Prior to Orbis, Derek served for 6 years as Senior Vice President & COO of Counterpart International, where he oversaw global operations and led enterprise risk and crisis management efforts across a portfolio of programs in 24 countries.
Earlier in his career, Derek was Executive Director of Global R&D Operations at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. Before transitioning to nonprofit leadership, Derek spent 18 years in the private sector.
Derek holds an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Akron. He is the co-author of three scientific publications and holds a patent for an active immunosuppressant.
Derek is also a proud father of two adult children and a grandfather. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling abroad.
Fresia Skoczypec
VP of Services
Fresia started her career at Alternatives in 1984. In her current role as VP of Services, she is responsible for the oversight of all of the agency’s services and programs.
Fresia has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Kean University. Prior to her current role, Fresia held positions at Alternatives including Direct Support Professional, Program Manager, Quality Support Specialist and Director of Services. Fresia’s parents were both first generation immigrants from Peru. When she is not working, Fresia enjoys spending time with her beautiful grandchildren, whom she enjoys teaching Spanish to keep her family heritage alive.
Carol Bailiff
VP of Finance
Carol Bailiff, CPA, MBA joined the Alternatives, Inc. team as VP of Finance in 2025.
Carol Bailiff is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer with extensive experience in financial management and accounting. With a CPA and a Master’s Degree in Accounting from Monmouth University, she has held various leadership roles, including Controller and Director of Finance, demonstrating her expertise in financial reporting, strategic planning, and compliance with regulations.
Carol has a strong background in both nonprofit and membership organizations, where she has successfully implemented business process improvements and managed complex financial operations. Her proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks complements her analytical skills, enabling her to drive financial performance. Carol is passionate about team building and training, fostering a culture of excellence in her organizations. She is known for her ability to adapt to changing environments, making her a valuable asset in any financial leadership role.
Carol is also the proud mother of her only child John and a grandmother to his beautiful daughter and twin boys. In her free time, she enjoys spending time fishing, canoeing and taking nature walks with the grandkids.
Aggie Niemiec
VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development
Aggie joined the Alternatives’ team in 1998 and currently serves as the VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development.
In this role, she is responsible for setting, enforcing, and evaluating legally compliant HR policies, procedures, and best practices, while also driving long-range strategic talent management goals.
Aggie also oversees the development and delivery of training programs, facilitates organizational change initiatives, and ensures that staff development efforts are aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resources from Rider University and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Capella University. She has earned both the PHR and SPHR certifications (Professional in Human Resources) and is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Before assuming her current position, Aggie served as Human Resources Manager and Director of HR at Alternatives. Earlier in her career, she held managerial roles in other industries and has experience in document and court translation, as well as ESL tutoring.
Aggie’s personal interests include travel, photography, and teaching others.
Lynn Omslaer
VP of Quality Assurance and Corporate Compliance
Lynn began her career at Alternatives in 1994. Currently, Lynn serves as VP of Quality Assurance and Corporate Compliance, Privacy Officer and Compliance Officer.
In her role as VP of QA&CC, Lynn is responsible for all investigations involving clients receiving services, all external and internal Medicaid, HIPAA and Licensing audits, all releases of client records, as well as the agency’s electronic health record.
Lynn is a member of the NJACP Corporate Compliance Committee. Prior to Lynn’s current roles, she was the Director of Fee-for-Service Transition, Director of Service, Quality Support Unit Investigator, Trainer and Auditor. Prior to working for Alternatives, Lynn worked for another provider organization and as a substitute teacher. She holds a BS in Psychology from Fairfield University and an MS Ed in Educational Psychology from Fordham University.
In her spare time, Lynn trains dogs for therapy work and enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Carolyn Suero
VP of Admissions and Development
Carolyn joined the Alternatives’ team in 1999. In her current position as VP of Admissions & Development, Carolyn oversees the agency’s centralized admissions process, as well as the areas of fundraising, marketing, and communications.
Carolyn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Prior to Carolyn’s current role, she held the positions of Quality Support Specialist, Director of Services, and Senior Director of Services. Prior to joining Alternatives, Carolyn was a Respite Worker, Direct Support Professional, Group Home Manager and Assistant Director of Residential Services for other provider agencies and families. Carolyn is a member of the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Association of Community Providers. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her first grandchild, as well as participating in fitness-related activities and staying informed of world events.
Dara Reagan
AVP of Services
Dara began her tenure at Alternatives in 2005. In her current role, Dara oversees several of the agency’s residential programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Additionally, Dara oversees the agency’s Abilities in Motion (AIM) day programs. Dara has a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University, and an MA in Counselor Education from Kean University. She is a member of the NJACP Member Resources Committee. Initially, Dara held the position of Director of Services and was later promoted to Senior Director of Services prior to her current role. Prior to working at Alternatives, Dara worked for other provider organizations, as Assistant Supervised Apartment Manager, Supervised Apartment Manager, Residential Director and Assistant Director of Human Resources. Dara lives in rural Warren County with her husband, daughter and two dogs. She enjoys traveling, gardening and watching sports in her spare time.
Christina DeMetro
AVP of Services
Christina began working for Alternatives in 2009. In her current role, as Associate Vice President of Services, Christina oversees several of the agency’s residential programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Additionally, Christina oversees the agency’s Support Coordination services, covering Morris, Union and Sussex Counties. She also has the responsibility of oversight of the agency’s policies and procedures for IDD residential programs. She holds a BA and MA in Psychology, both from Marist College. During Christina’s career with Alternatives, she began as an Assistant Program Manager, and later became Program Manager in Community Outreach Services, Assistant Director of Community Outreach Services, then Director of Services, before being promoted to her current position. In her down time, Christina enjoys arts and crafts activities, the beach, as well as spending time with her husband and two young sons.
Nicole Kurdyla
AVP of Behavioral and Health Services
Nicole has been with Alternatives since 2006. Her current role involves supervision of the agency’s mental health department (Community Outreach Services) and the Health Supports and Behavioral Supports Departments.
Nicole is a graduate of Rutgers University and holds an MSW as well as a Clinical License in Social Work. Prior to Alternatives, Nicole worked as a private therapist, as well as at an inpatient psychiatric facility. When not working, Nicole enjoys reading, watching horror movies and playing with her dogs.
