about

Anne-Marie Bajwa, President & CEO

Anne-Marie has worked in the non-profit sector for over 35 years, developing and implementing programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities, autism and physical challenges. She was appointed President of the Charles River Center in October of 2016, after serving as the agency's Chief Operating Officer since 2008. She has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Charles River Center, as she oversaw the Day Habilitation, Residential, Family Support, and Employment divisions.

For seven years, Anne-Marie has served as Chairperson of the Massachusetts Day Habilitation Coalition. She has been an active member of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers for a decade, working on the Autism Blueprint and Employment First committees. Anne-Marie holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Boston College and a master’s degree in public administration from Bridgewater State University.

Laurie Anastopoulos, Senior Program Director of Family and In-Home Support Services

Laurie Anastopoulos has joined the leadership team as the Senior Program Director of Family and In-home Support Services. She oversees the efficient and effective daily operation of services provided by the Charles River Center Family Support, Individual Support, and Adult Family Care programs.

She comes to the Charles River Center will over 20 years of case management, investigation and supervisory experience working with diverse populations in the field of child protection. Laurie has extensive clinical experience focusing on problem solving resolution.

Prior to joining the Charles River Center, Laurie worked at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) providing clinical supervision to adoption social workers, who were responsible for identifying permanent homes for children in the care of DCF. While at DCF, Laurie was the recipient of several Massachusetts Resource Exchange Awards for Excellence in Adoption, as well as Commissioner Awards and a Commonwealth Citation. Laurie has a Master of Social Work from Boston University. 

Anna Brodziak, Chief Financial Officer

Anna joined the Charles River Center in 2003 as an Administrative Assistant. After a year in that role, she was offered the position of Director of Accounting, which she held for 13 years. In 2017 she was promoted to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Anna has Bachelor of Accounting degree from Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts.  

Cliff Hammel, Director, Maintenance

Cliff started at Charles River Center in 1987 accepting a maintenance worker position. After one year he was promoted to the Director of Facilities and Maintenance. In 1990 Cliff was the recipient of the first Earl Mountain Award at Charles River. In his 30+ years at Charles River Center, he has seen amazing growth of the agency and has participated in all building plans, renovations and construction projects at Charles River Center properties.

Kevin Kacavich, Vice President, Human Resources

Kevin joined Charles River Center in 2011 and coordinates all functions of Human Resources. He is a member of the professional HR associations SHRM, NEHRA, and ASHHRA. Kevin received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his master's degree in Human Resources Management from Framingham State University. 

Ashley Pugliares, Executive Assistant to the President

Ashley joined the Charles River Center in 2008 as a Human Resources Coordinator and was then promoted to Executive Assistant to the President in 2009. A graduate of Becker College, Ashley has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Administration. She is the Executive Assistant because Miracle Worker isn't a title.  

Hilary Ryan, Vice President, Development

Hilary joined the Charles River Center in 2006 as the Vice President of Therapeutic Day Services, after working over 10 years at a human service agency in Chicago. From 2007 to 2010, she was Vice President of Therapeutic Day Services and Family Support. After a short leave, Hilary returned to the Charles River Center in a new role within the Development Department. In 2014, Hilary became the Director, then Vice President of Development, where she oversees the fundraising efforts and other initiatives of the organization. Hilary holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University.

Eric Scharf, Senior Vice President, Residential Services 

Eric Scharf has joined our Leadership team as the Senior Vice President of Residential Services. He comes to Charles River with a wealth of human services experience in quality enhancement, staff development, clinical services, and program design.

Prior to joining Charles River, Eric was Chief Executive Officer of Wendell Foster in Owensboro, Kentucky. Eric oversaw numerous operations of the multi-services organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, Eric also worked with The Ithiel Group in Richmond, VA. A community-based organization that promotes overall wellness for adults with mental health diagnoses through shared living facilities and in-home mental health support services. Eric also held positions with Becket Family Services and Community Resources for Justice and is a graduate of Northeastern University.