Bruce Cresswell - Residential Care Program Director Stanislaus County
Bruce has been with Creative Alternatives since 1988. He started as a Child Care Worker and soon advanced to the position of Assistant House Manager. After receiving his Master’s Degree in Education in 1992, he worked as a Social Worker for the agency for four years. In 1996 he was promoted to Assistant Program Director of the Residential Care Program until taking over as Program Director in 2000.
Brandi Boehme - Residential Care Program Director Merced County
Brandi began working with Creative Alternatives in 1997 as a Child Care Worker. Brandi advanced to a House Manager position by 1999, which she held for four years. In 2003, she was promoted to Assistant Program Director of the Merced County Residential Care Program. After six years of honing her administrative skills, Brandi took over as Program Director of the Merced County Program in April 2009. Brandi has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from California State University, Stanislaus.
“I feel very fortunate to be a part of this organization, which has given me the opportunity to advance as a professional and grow as a person. It has been a great pleasure working with both our youth and a very dedicated team of staff. I look forward to many more years with Creative Alternatives.”
Rene Salazar - Foster Family Agency Program Director
Rene has been with Creative Alternatives since 1992. He began as a Child Care Worker providing care for children in our residential homes. He later received promotions to Assistant House Manager, and then to House Manager. Typical of many college students, Rene’s educational journey took many years of taking classes part time, while having to work full time. Rene’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an Masters of Science in Educational Counseling. As Foster Family Director, Rene has had the opportunity to assist youth and parents from diverse cultural and socio economic backgrounds, in a variety of academic, personal and vocational settings. Rene continues to work hard to build a great rapport with colleagues, parents and children.
Jeff Nichols - Director of Special Education Services
Jeff has been with Creative Alternatives since 1991. He began his career here as a Child Care Worker in the Residential Care Program. He also worked as a Residential Care Supervisor until 1997 when he began working as a counselor in the Foster Family Program. In 1999 he was promoted to Foster Family Agency Director and in 2003 he was appointed Director of Schools in Creative Alternatives’ Nonpublic Schools Program.
Jeff earned an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Stanislaus and obtained his Master’s in Psychology from National University in 1998.
In addition to his work at Creative Alternatives, Jeff is a proud father of two sons and he is an active member of the Army Reserves, serving our country since 1988.
Darren Borrelli - Human Resources Director
Darren began working at Creative Alternatives in 1985 while attending Modesto Junior College. He completed his studies in 1997 with a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Stanislaus. During his continuous employment with Creative Alternatives, Darren has held nine different positions in the Residential Care, Foster Care and Nonpublic Schools Programs. Of particular note is his work from 1991-2001 expanding the services of the Foster Care Program. For the last eight years he has been the Director of Human Resources for Creative Alternatives.
During the past 24 years, Darren has seen the incredible development and growth of Creative Alternatives. He is especially proud of the employees who work with the clients in the agency’s care. It isn’t unusual for a former client to stop by or call and share what is happening in their lives and make such comments as, “If it weren’t for you guys, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Besides Darren’s passion for helping others, he is active in his community having served on several boards involving youth and community organizations. Darren also stays busy with his wife and two sons on their family farm.
Jorge F. Sousa - Clinical Director
Jorge began his employment with Creative Alternatives in 1997 as a Social Worker in the Foster Family Program. He was promoted to Foster Family Agency Supervising Social Worker in 2000 and continued in that position until he transferred to the Residential Care Program in 2006 where he now oversees Creative Alternatives’ 15 residential care facilities and their Clinical Social Workers.
Jorge graduated from San Jose State University with a Master’s in Marriage & Family Counseling and he is currently a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist.
Mary Serpa - Food Service Director
Mary first started with Creative Alternatives in 1984 as a temporary part time child care worker in the group homes. She and her husband Tony were also foster parents for the company for approximately 10 years. Mary is now the Food Service Director for Creative Alternatives in charge of the child nutrition program. Her goal as Food Service Director is to provide the clients with nutrition education and healthy eating habits that they will use for the rest of their lives. Mary also handles special functions for the company, including holiday parties for the clients, the company’s annual carnival. She also supervises the housekeeping and meal preparation personnel of the Residential Care Facilities and maintains the company’s food warehouse.
J.A. Novack II - Executive Director
Joey Novack began his career with Creative Alternatives in 1987 as a Child Care Worker directly involved with the children in its Residential Care Program. During the next several years he advanced through the range of supervisory positions from Assistant Program Director to Program Director. In 2000 he was appointed Assistant Executive Director of Creative Alternatives and served in that capacity until 2009. He was appointed Executive Director by the Board of Directors in 2009.
Joey is a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus. His number one priority continues to be that Creative Alternatives maintains a place for its clients to call home and to provide professional staff to help care for and educate them.
Joy Biddle - Assistant Executive Director
Joy Biddle has been with Creative Alternatives since 1989. She began her tenure working with the clients in the Residential Care Program as a Child Care Worker. With hard work, loyalty and determination she quickly moved up the ranks to House Manager. In 2000 she became Program Director of the Merced County Residential Care Program and expanded it from three to eight facilities. In April 2009 the Board of Directors selected Joy as the Assistant Executive Director. Joy is a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus and plans to further her education in the near future. She is determined to continue building a strong foundation for the children placed with Creative Alternatives and takes great pride in the agencies success.
" I cannot think of a better place to work. I sleep very well at night knowing that we are making a difference in so many children's lives. Coming to work everyday is like coming home for the holidays. This is family at its best."
Janice Tovar - Accounting Supervisor
Janice Tovar has been working for Creative Alternatives since 2000 and was promoted to Accounting Supervisor in 2003. She is responsible for the company financial statements and audits as well as all other accounting department duties. She feels that the people she works with are very knowledgeable in their fields and enjoys working with them. Janice takes great pride in knowing that Creative Alternatives provides excellent care of its clients.
Brian Callahan - Maintenance Director
Brian started out at Creative Alternatives as a client in the Residential Care Program. He has dedicated himself to hard work and quality that has earned him the respect of his peers, coworkers and community. Brian is now a licensed B1 General Contractor with over 20 years of maintenance experience with the company.