Leadership Team

Michelle Amato joined FREE, Inc. in 2021.  She is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the FREE Network.  The scope of the Chief Administrative Officer’s responsibilities includes ensuring FREE has a solid administrative infrastructure designed to provide operations with high-quality customer-centric services.  Michelle is responsible for the oversight of the following administrative support services: Fleet Management, Property Management, Community Development, Information Technology, Application Data, Policy, Grants, Resource and Referral Services, Marketing and Communications.

Prior to this role Michelle was the Chief Program Officer of Housing Services with FREE.   Michelle came to FREE with a wealth of senior management experience and has held various administrative roles responsible for the oversight of services and departments including but not limited to: Residential Treatment Services, Foster Care, Health Home Supports, Strategic Planning, Human Resources and Risk Management.

Michelle sat on the board at the Child Care Council of Suffolk County, an organization whose mission is to ensure every child has equitable access to quality early care and learning opportunities.  In 2018, she was recognized by NYN Media as a distinguished “40 Under 40” Rising Star.

Michelle holds a Master of Social Work degree from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Ithaca College.

Anu Arnold, MA, LMSW is the Chief Housing and Clinical Officer for the FREE Network. Anu has been a valued team member with FREE since 2002. Anu has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University.

During her tenure with FREE, Anu has held numerous leadership positions within operations and support departments. She has an integral part of the evolution of FREE’s service delivery and expansion and has led effort to respond to the shifting and transforming environment and to ensure we are positioned to meet our commitment to transition those we serve to integrated community opportunities and to offer the highest quality of services. Anu is responsible for OPWDD housing, Health Care Services, Psychology services, Crisis Housing and Mobile Crisis and Crisis Services for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (CSIDD). Additionally,  Anu leads the effort to nurture partnerships in specific areas of opportunity and expansion of services for FREE.

Anu served as a Board Member and Co-Chair of the Mental Health Subcommittee in Suffolk County. She also the chaired the “Aging Subcommittee for Suffolk County.” In addition, Anu is an active member of several trade associations such as ACLAIMH; NYAPRS; NY Alliance; NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and New York City Coalition for Behavioral Health. Finally, Anu is an active member of several advocacy associations throughout Long Island and NYS.

Matthew Collins is the Chief Quality, Risk and Compliance Officer for the FREE Network. He joined FREE in February 2019 and is responsible for the compliance and quality enhancement initiatives for the agency. Matthew directly oversees the corporate compliance, quality improvement, incident management, training, and policy/program development departments to ensure that agency is offering quality services that are in compliance with local and federal regulations. Matthew has served as the Director, Senior Director, Corporate Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President prior to his appointment to Chief Quality, Risk and Compliance Officer.

Matthew has been working in the Human Services field for 15 years in various management positions, and has provided oversight in various departments, including: housing, supported employment, compliance and strategic planning. In 2019, Matthew was awarded the “40 under 40” award through Long Island Business News which recognizes Long Island’s future business leaders. Matthew holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from SUNY Oneonta, and a Master’s Degree in Human Services from Stony Brook University.

Vincent Cona, CPA has been with the FREE Accounting Department since August of 2011, starting as the Assistant Controller for Medicaid and other fee-for-service billing. As the scope of services in the FREE Network has grown, so has Vinny’s role. In 2014, he became the Controller for Revenue & Reimbursement, adding responsibility for contracts, claims, and all other sources of revenue for the FREE Network. In 2017, Vincent became the Vice President of Accounting, incorporating additional tasks of internal and external reporting, as well as, budgeting. Prior to joining FREE, Vincent worked as an auditor for the accounting firm of Holtz Rubenstein (now Baker Tilly) and has brought a valuable auditors perspective to his position with FREE. Vincent received his bachelors degree in accounting from Hofstra University.

Susan Dickinson is the Chief Project Officer of the Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) network of services.  This is a growing network of not-for-profit agencies and for-profit companies, all working toward the goal of providing opportunities for people of all abilities to reach their full potential.  Ms. Dickinson joined FREE in November 2012 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing to the job more than 20 years of experience in the field.

Prior to joining FREE, Ms. Dickinson was the CFO at Maryhaven Center of Hope, a sister agency on Long Island.  She was a key member of the administrative team at Maryhaven, respected for her contribution to establishing policies, creating efficiencies, and implementing solutions to enhance the exchange of information and improve the provision of services.

As the CFO at FREE, Ms. Dickinson oversaw the activities of up to 40 team members and implemented changes to policies and processes that led to more accurate and timely financial information.  A skilled professional with strong technical skills, she provided analysis to promote sound financial decisions.

During her tenure as CFO, Ms. Dickinson was a lead sponsor and active contributor to several major software implementation teams.  In that role, she used her understanding of how operations, human resources, IT, and finance had to work together for a project’s success.  As the number and pace of projects in the organization grew, it seemed a natural match to appoint Ms. Dickinson to the newly created role of Chief Project Officer.

Ms. Dickinson received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an M.B.A. from New York Institute of Technology. Ms. Dickinson is a C.P.A.

Susan Sorrentino is the Chief Administrative Officer for the FREE Network.  Susan has had a long and successful career within FREE since 1987. The scope of the Chief Administrative Officer’s responsibilities include ensuring we have a solid administrative infrastructure designed to provide operations with a high quality customer-centric service. Susan is responsible for the oversight of the following administrative support services: Transportation (Fleet Management), Property Management (Maintenance-Housing & Commercial locations), Information Technology (including HIM), Central Referral Services, Entitlements, Risk Management, Quality Improvement, Corporate Compliance and Community Development.     Susan also serves as Vice President on the Board of the New York State Association of Day Service Providers meeting with provider members state wide and interfacing with Office of People with Developmental Disabilities as part of her role.

Susan earned a Master’s of Education from SUNY Empire with focus on Teaching and Learning and holds a BA in Psychology and BA in Economics from SUNY Stony Brook.

Nicole Wolf is the Chief Program Officer of Community Services for the FREE Network.  She joined FREE, in 2021, having over 17 years of experience in the Human Services Field specifically focused towards the integration of people with intellectual developmental disabilities into their communities. Nicole has a true passion for ensuring that the individuals she serves have every opportunity to bring their life dreams into reality. Nicole began her journey through the I/DD world at a very young age as a teacher assistant within self-contained classrooms, recognizing then, how important community integration and inclusion was and became driven to go further with a focus on creating programs that were different from the norm to serve the underserved. Nicole had the vision and drive to develop many day programs serving individuals that were not given a chance to thrive elsewhere due to their intense behavioral needs.

Nicole oversees the Community Services Division at FREE which includes but is not limited to the oversight of Day Services, Self-Directed Services, DOH Services, Employment Services as well as the Article 31 Outpatient Adult and Children’s Programs and PROS Programs. Nicole is a member of the InterAgency Council Committee, NY State Association of Day Services Providers, as well as the NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation. Nicole continues her firm lifelong commitment serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illness within the FREE Network, focusing on developing new innovative programs for both children and adults. Nicole earned her Masters of Science in Special Education from Dowling College, and holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Hofstra University.

Jennifer Kelly Campbell, MS, serves as the Sr. Vice President of Development and Mission Advancement for the FREE Network. She joined the organization in 2023, transitioning from a career in higher education administration. Most recently, Jennifer was the Associate Vice President of Alumni and Government Relations at SUNY College of Optometry. She built accessible and sustainable engagement and development programs to support essential fundraising priorities at her previous institutions. She has consulted with individual higher education institutions and presented on building sustainable philanthropy at professional development conferences such as CASE, Graduway Leaders’ Summit , SUNY Council for University Advancement, and American Academy of Optometry’s Development Special Interest Group. Jennifer is responsible for building a culture of true philanthropy to support FREE’s transformative programs and services that help the individuals we serve to realize their full potential. She welcomes internal and external community members to offer their talents and skills to support FREE’s mission and celebrates our donors for the positive impact their investments have made in the future of our individuals. Jennifer completed her MS in Human Resources Management and Labor Relations and post graduate coursework at New York Institute of Technology and she earned a BA in Communications from Marymount University.

Lynda Foley is the Senior Vice President of Housing Services for the FREE Network. Lynda has responsibility of our Behavioral Health residential programs and supports the housing team with training, policies and strategic planning. Lynda has been an integral part of FREE’s growth for over 35 years, and has established a solid reputation in the field of health and human services. Lynda began her illustrious career with FREE in 1988 as a valued team member in the Behavioral Health division where she worked as a Direct Support Professional. From there she assumed increasingly responsible positions in administration and management catapulting her into leadership roles including Vice President for the Community Living Services and Opportunities division, Senior Vice President of Development and Mission Advancement, and Senior Vice President of Quality Improvement, Compliance, and Incident and Investigatory Services. Lynda takes over the reins of these departments at a pivotal time in the agency’s evolution as it moves towards the delivery of person-centered services that ensure optimal quality for the people we support.

Connie Hendrickson, ANP, MS, RN is the Senior Vice President of Healthcare Services for FREE. Connie is responsible for leading and evaluating the Nursing/Medical services for the organization for the programs served under the auspices of Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and Office of Mental Health (OMH).

She originally joined Free in 2007 and returned in 2016. Since returning she has held positions of increased responsibility in the Nursing/Medical division. She has been an integral part of the evolution of Nursing/Medical services and oversite for the provision of healthcare at FREE. Connie has over 30 years of successful experience in the health and human services field. She has extensive experience, training and knowledge in the specialties of ID/DD (Medical and Behavioral Intensive programs) and Long Term Care (Gerontology). Connie has also provided OPWDD consultative services with demonstrated success in: Staff Orientation, Policy Development, Quality Assurance, Survey Readiness and AMAP Certification Course. Connie has a Master of Science degree and certification as a Nurse Practitioner in Adult Health from Stony Brook University.

Kristen L. Lott, MA, started off her career at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) in 2004 as the Program Director for Behavioral Services where she was jointly responsible for the oversight of six OMH-licensed community residence programs, a 46-bed apartment treatment program, an OMH non-licensed Supported Housing program and Homeless Housing under HUD and HHAC. In 2008, she was made Compliance Coordinator for the Compliance Department where she was responsible for the implementation of the agency’s corporate compliance policies, procedures and systems in accordance with OMH, OPWDD and DOH regulations. In 2010, Kristen became Operations Coordinator for Behavioral Health Services and was responsible for auditing records for corporate compliance and quality improvement, as well as evaluating policy implementation. From 2012 through 2014, Kristen was the Residential Director for Behavioral Health Services, where she supervised the management of the licensed and certified residential facilities and its staff, while ensuring ongoing quality care of the men and women we assist, under the auspice of OMH. Starting in 2014, Kristen became Assistant Vice President for Housing Services and Opportunities where she became responsible for the management and supervision of the division’s licensed and certified residential facilities under the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and specialized licensed residential programming under the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), as well as the staff and the men and women we support, while leading several projects to help clients achieve independence. Starting in 2018, in her new role as Vice President of Housing Services, Kristen will co-lead efforts to nurture partnerships in specific areas of opportunity and housing expansion of services for FREE, to include: Cultivate and develop new housing opportunities for those we serve that is aligned with the principles of integration and transforming priorities of the NYS plan; continue to expand related community supports for people who do not require long-term services and cultivate new housing/service options; develop policies and procedures that embody the agency’s philosophy and provide direction to personnel responsible for the provision of all services related to the oversight of housing services; strengthen and lead the development of those services and harness strategic partnerships and opportunities aligned with the mission of the agency and services aforementioned; develop and execute strategies to create new partnerships that cultivate the services related to this evolving area of opportunity; develop partnerships with hospitals, MCOs, IPAs and other health management services in an effort to ensure those we serve receive all services they require to live healthy and satisfied lives; broaden our relationships with the business community, legislators and other key stakeholders; and assure the proper and efficient oversight of the organization, including oversight of management, clinical and other key personnel under her direction. Kristen has proven to be an exceptional leader who possesses great integrity, unrelenting commitment to our mission and she embodies the spirit of inclusion and innovation required as we embrace this new era of opportunity.

Kristen studied at Adelphi University where she received a bachelor of arts degree in communications with a minor in psychology. Furthering her education, she also attended Long Island University to obtain her master of arts in psychology.

James McGovern is the Vice President of Community Supports & Self Direction for FREE. James joined FREE January 2022 bringing a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of leadership. James has immense passion for the work he does in the Human Services field. James started working in the community with children and special needs through creative arts and realized at an early age that everyone should have the same opportunities no matter what the person’s abilities are. Being in the creative arts space, James was given an opportunity to teach an inclusion dance class. This gave him the opportunity to discover that children can work together and realized the need for strong leaders and supports in the field. James taught the children teamwork, patience, kindness, and empathy. From this point on, he felt a sense of purpose and went on to be an Medicaid Service Coordinator and then advanced over the years into leadership roles, eventually attaining the VP role at FREE.

James currently oversees the Fiscal Intermediary dept, Self-Hired Community Habilitation, Self-Hired Respite, Community Habilitation, In Home, Overnight, Site Based Respite programs, and Family Support Services/Voucher Reimbursement. James is a member of the Inter Agency Council Committee as well as the NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation. James is very driven and determined to grow the departments that he oversees.  James finds it extremely important to advocate for the people he serves on a daily basis as well as assure they are benefiting from the services they receive. James looks forward to creating new innovative programing, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of excellence within his departments. With his forward thinking approach and dedication to FREE, James ‘mission is to continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of FREE with his peers on the Executive Leadership team. He is grateful for the opportunities and blessings that FREE has provided to him and his career thus far. One Team, One Dream.

Nicole Ramos, MBA is the Vice President of Housing Services for the FREE Network.  Nicole joined FREE, Inc. in 2021.  Prior to joining FREE Nicole held various administrative roles responsible for the oversight of departments including but not limited to: Opening new residential programs, ICFs, IRAs, Supported Living Program, Foster Care, Juvenile Offenders in a Residential Therapeutic Home, and working closely with OCFS, Probation, Court Systems and DSS.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York College with a minor in Health Education, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Dowling College with a focus in Healthcare Administration Management.

Keith Scott, MPP is the Vice President of Policy and Program Development for the FREE Network. He joined FREE in 2023, having over 10 years of experience in the Human Services field. Keith began his human services career in the substance abuse field where he worked to establish wellness programs in schools to decrease risk factors that lead to substance abuse and where he established the first “on-demand” Narcan program on Long Island which helped get the life-saving medication into the hands of thousands of parents, professionals, and first responders.

Keith previously served in various senior leadership roles. At The Safe Center LI, a victim services agency dedicated to protecting, assisting, and empowering victims of family violence and sexual assault, his role was to lead all community efforts in challenging and changing social norms that perpetuate abuse.  He served as an advisor on various policy issues relating to the protection of children and victims’ rights. His efforts lead to the passage of legislation relating to the protection of vulnerable Long Islanders and significantly expanded the visibility of the Safe Center through interviews with the press, social media outreach, and community presentations.

During Keith’s multifaceted career, he also oversaw the procurement of grant funding and strategic initiatives that resulted in nearly $3million in funding in 8 months.  Additionally, as the Corporate Compliance Officer for a community-based behavioral health clinic, Keith oversees all internal controls relating to quality assurance, corporate compliance, and policy measures to ensure the successful operation of the agency.

Keith serves as an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University in the Community Health program where he teaches courses on mental health to future medical professionals and is also an Adjunct Professor in Long Island University’s Social Work program where he teaches courses about the dynamics of family violence. Keith has been featured as a frequent commentator on various local and regional media outlets, speaking on topics of mental health, domestic violence, trauma, sexual assault, and addiction. He has assisted in publishing 2 policies; one was through the Nassau County Opioid Crisis Action Plan Task Force in which he published the link between childhood trauma and substance abuse and the other was through the RAND Corporation in which he helped to identify high-priority needs within the criminal justice system to address the intersection of sex trafficking and substance abuse.

He is the recipient of the 2020 Long Island Business News 30 Under 30 award, the 2021 Stony Brook University 40 Under 40 Award, and the 2022 Long Island Business News Corporate/ Social Responsibility Community Impact Award. He earned his Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Long Island University. A resident of Centerport, N.Y., Keith is a member of the Centerport Volunteer Fire Department.

Tina Somma is the Vice President of Accounting for the Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) network.  She joined FREE in 2021 with 20+ years of experience in accounting for the human services not-for-profit industry.  Tina brought with her a vast knowledge of the NYS cost and contract reporting requirements, along with industry specific accounting and tax filing regulations.  Overseeing the reporting and budgeting for FREE, Tina has worked on creating efficiencies and enhancements in the internal and external reporting for the organization.  In the VP role, Tina will continue to oversee the reporting and budgeting areas along with direct supervision of the revenue cycle for the organization (contracts and fee for service).

Tina received her BS in Accounting from St. Joseph’s University New York.  Tina will earn her MS in Accounting with a concentration in Management Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University as of Nov 2024.