Carol Waig brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience to Paradise Residential Services, including roles as a correctional officer and trainer. She is also the founder and director of Father’s Hands, a nonprofit focused on homeless outreach.

For the past seven years, Carol has led training for Section 29 and Section 21 services, equipping direct support professionals with the skills they need to succeed. A passionate advocate and community leader, she serves on multiple boards and is known for her unwavering commitment to service, mentorship, and quality care.

Jocelyne Ininahazwe

Chief Executive Officer

Founded by Jocelyn, Juste, Enock, and a group of dedicated friends, Paradise Residential Services was born from a shared passion for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. With deep experience in residential care, they envisioned a more compassionate, person-centered approach—one rooted in dignity, independence, and inclusion.

Enock Nijimbere is the Founder and Fleet & Maintenance Manager at Paradise Residential Services, serving as a vital liaison for the company. Known for his kindness, sense of humor, and deep care for the agency, Enock ensures that transportation and maintenance operations run smoothly.

His commitment to supporting both staff and residents reflects his dedication to the overall success and well-being of Paradise Residential Services.

Tony Elias is a seasoned HR leader with nearly 20 years of experience in human resources and organizational leadership. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Tony served as Lead Planner and Investigator during the Deepwater Horizon Incident, showcasing his ability to lead under pressure and manage complex operations.

Tony has a proven track record of developing effective HR strategies that drive employee growth and retention. His innovative, award-winning approaches have made a lasting impact across the organizations he’s served. For the past four years, he’s been especially passionate about working in a service-focused industry that uplifts diverse individuals and communities.

He earned his MBA from Purdue University Global in 2019. Originally from New York, Tony enjoys hiking, NBA games with his partner, family time, and is excited to return to the golf course.

Mercedes Becvar began her career in 2010 as a Direct Support Professional and has since held a variety of roles including House Manager, Program Manager, and Team Lead. With experience in both developmental services and healthcare—as a CNA working with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients—she brings a well-rounded, compassionate approach to the team.

After spending several years as a stay-at-home mom, Mercedes returned to the field with a renewed focus. In her current leadership role, she supports program managers and ensures client needs are met with consistency and care. She is known for her dedication, hands-on leadership, and deep commitment to person-centered support.

Charles Butoto is the Program Manager at Paradise Residential Services. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a specialization in Finance from Kigali Independent University and previously worked in data collection in Rwanda.

Currently pursuing his MBA at the University of New Hampshire (expected graduation December 2025), Charles also brings hands-on experience supporting individuals with Autism and helping people with disabilities gain independence. He combines a strong analytical background with a compassionate, person-centered approach to care.

Chris Plourde is the Maintenance Specialist at Paradise Residential Services, bringing over 20 years of hands-on experience in carpentry, tiling, electrical work, plumbing, and more. His wide-ranging skill set ensures that the homes and environments our clients live in are safe, comfortable, and well cared for.

From assisting with move-ins to maintaining landscapes and handling day-to-day repairs, Chris plays a vital role in creating a welcoming, well-maintained space for every client. His dedication and attention to detail help make our residences feel like home.

Miki is the Administrative Coordinator at Paradise Residential Services, bringing over 40 years of office management and support experience as well as her love of interacting with people.  Before coming to Paradise, she worked for Modivcare for over nine years handling document analysis, transportation eligibility, and front desk operations.

Along with taking care of the office and staff, she does crafts with the clients, including painting, jewelry, and other fun things.  Miki is known for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and dedication to supporting both staff and visitors efficiently.  Her experience and friendly demeanor make her a valuable part of the team.

Courtney Post van der Burg brings over 22 years of dedicated public service experience, with much of her career focused in special education at RSU 14. Her work has been guided by a deep commitment to inclusive education and student empowerment, helping learners from diverse backgrounds thrive academically and socially.

Courtney holds a degree from Unity College, where she studied in the Adventure Education program with a concentration in Leadership and Therapy. Her academic background has informed her thoughtful, hands-on approach to education and personal development, blending experiential learning with compassionate support.

Outside of her professional life, Courtney is a talented and passionate crafter. Her handmade creations reflect her creativity and attention to detail, and she’s a familiar face at local craft fairs and festivals where she shares her work with the community.

Craig Oster holds a degree in Recreation and Tourism Management from the University of Maine at Machias and brings over 10 years of experience in event and program planning. Passionate about helping people live full, active lives, Craig specializes in creating meaningful experiences that promote connection and community engagement.

A proud father of two wonderful girls, Craig brings warmth, energy, and compassion to everything he does. His goal is to connect with each client, helping them enjoy life to the fullest and stay active in the community. In his free time, he loves playing disc golf, hiking, singing karaoke, and playing Scrabble.

Appolonia Sheppard brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit residential services to Paradise Residential Services. She holds degrees in Psychology and Business Administration, and is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Southern Maine.

As both a professional and the mother of a partially non-verbal daughter with autism, Appolonia’s commitment to quality care is deeply personal. Her lived experience, leadership, and advocacy drive her mission to elevate residential support and ensure every individual receives compassionate, person-centered care.

With a Bachelor's degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Daystar University in Kenya, Fleury brings a strong foundation in community development and advocacy to Paradise Residential Services. His academic focus, including electives in community development, inspired his commitment to supporting individuals with mental and developmental disabilities.

Through his volunteer work with the Kenya Model United Nations and UNHCR, he developed a deep passion for inclusive care and community empowerment. Now based in Portland, Maine, he serves as a dedicated leader and manager at Paradise Residential Services, where he continues to advocate for and support individuals in achieving their personal goals as a committed Direct Support Professional.

Evelyn Wambire, RN, brings 7 years of healthcare experience to Paradise Residential Services. A Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Maine at Fort Kent, Evelyn plays a key role in supporting both staff and clients.

She oversees basic first aid, provides medication administration guidance, and leads Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA) courses. Known for her compassionate approach, Evelyn builds strong, personal relationships with each client, ensuring they receive attentive, individualized care.

Sil Seneca is our Director Of Provider Relations, and supports each person who chooses our services. 

Sil has been working in the field of residential services for over 25 years, and has experience in Section 21 (IDD/Autism) Services, Brain Injury Services, Mental Health Services, Case Management Services, and Youth Transition Services. 

Sil is an Americorps alumni, and has received The Governor's Award For Outstanding Community Service, for his work with supporting students who live in public housing, in the city of Portland. During this time, Sil grew the student attendance of the Sagamore Village Study Center program from 0 to over 120 students, established a community garden in the neighborhood, and held the first ever financial aid seminar for students seeking secondary education options. 

Sil is a graduate of The University Of Southern Maine's School Of Social Work. While attending school, Sil interned as a case manager at the Windham Correction Center. 

At heart, Sil believes that everyone has the capability to thrive within their community, and being a DSP (Direct Support Professional) is one of the best ways to help people reach greater levels of independence, safety, and happiness.