Our History

Natalia's journey began at CAI when she joined the finance team 10 years ago in an entry-level role, and then ascended through multiple roles within the Finance department. Starting at an entry-level position in the finance department, Natalia built a comprehensive understanding of the company's financial ecosystem from the ground up.

Today, as the VP of Finance, Natalia is responsible for overseeing the company's financial planning, budgeting, accounting operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. She is particularly proud of her career trajectory within the organization and she loves sharing the lessons she has learned along the way. Her goal is to show emerging talent that with dedication and a curious mindset, anything is possible here. Natalia is passionate about mentorship and building high-performing teams.

Natalia holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and she is also certified as an accountant Specialist. She is known for their collaborative leadership style and commitment to mentoring a high-performing finance team.

Vassanthi (Vassi) Griffis is a dynamic business development and marketing executive with more than 15 years of experience driving strategic growth, brand visibility, and partnership expansion across healthcare and human services sectors. As Vice President of Business Development at Community Alternatives, Inc., she leads initiatives that strengthen organizational presence, expand referral networks, and enhance profitability through data-driven strategies.

Her leadership has consistently delivered measurable results—achieving referral growth of up to 90%, expanding market reach across multiple states, and increasing recruitment and brand engagement by over 50%. Previously, she served as Director of Business Development at Hallmark Youthcare and held key roles with New Hope Carolinas and Childhelp, where she advanced business operations and developed innovative outreach programs addressing emerging community needs.

Vassi holds an MBA from Frostburg State University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Maryland. She is an active leader in several statewide associations, including serving as President of the Northern Virginia Coalition of Private Providers Association (NOVACO-PPA). Known for her collaborative leadership style and passion for service, Vassi continues to champion initiatives that empower organizations, strengthen partnerships, and make a lasting impact in the community.

Melinda Baker-Morris is an accomplished nonprofit and healthcare executive with more than two decades of experience leading large-scale programs and organizations serving individuals with disabilities, behavioral health needs, and vulnerable populations. As Vice President of Virginia Programs for Community Alternatives, Inc., she oversees a comprehensive portfolio of residential, employment, and community-based services across the Commonwealth—managing up to 400 employees, 20 facilities, and a multimillion- dollar operating budget.

A dynamic and visionary leader, Melinda is recognized for aligning mission-driven values with operational excellence. She has directed multimillion-dollar government contracts and community living programs, guided compliance with complex regulatory systems including DBHDS, HCBS, DMAS, CARF, and OSHA, and spearheaded initiatives that expand access, quality, and sustainability in human services delivery. Her leadership has produced measurable improvements in service outcomes, fiscal accountability, and workforce engagement.

Before her current role, Melinda served as Vice President of Business Development for The National Counseling Group, where she assisted with the development of new state-wide offices, developed specialized therapeutic foster care programs, and expanded agency services across eighteen Virginia locations. She has also held key leadership roles at Alternative Behavioral Services Inc., First Hospital Health System, and ValueOptions, where she advanced innovations in quality management, admissions, and electronic health record processes.

Melinda’s career reflects a deep commitment to ethical governance, collaboration, and social impact. She has worked directly with state officials and legislators—including the Virginia General Assembly and Governor’s Office—to design and implement programs that support individuals with co-occurring disorders, homelessness, and prisoner re-entry challenges. She was instrumental in creating a statewide initiative providing luggage and dignity for children in foster care.

A licensed practical nurse and Certified Scrum Master, Melinda combines clinical insight with strategic acumen. Her leadership philosophy centers on continuous improvement, inclusive culture, and data-informed decision-making. She previously served as a Board Member for the Norfolk Community and Policy Management Team and has been active on multiple human rights and policy advisory committees throughout her career. Melinda earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Public Service from Old Dominion University and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at the same institution, further strengthening her expertise in ethical leadership, organizational strategy, and public sector governance.

Misty Fulk is a dynamic and compassionate professional with 30 plus years of experience in community-based programming. She has worked in, developed, implemented and managed public health programs across North Carolina. Misty has exceptional skills in planning, coordinating, budgeting/billing and evaluating substance use programming.

As Vice President of Quality and Service Integration she demonstrates her strong leadership skills in meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining compliance with various payers, state, accrediting bodies and federal regulations. As a seasoned leader, she excels in problem solving, creating efficiencies, improving agency outcomes and policy development.

Misty holds a Master’s of Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina. She has acquired a wealth of knowledge by working in a variety of settings that include government, hospitals and non-profits. She has sat on various committees throughout the state lending her expertise in addressing various public health issues.

Marlo Thomas-Calloway is a respected collaborator and strategic leader in the human resources community, bringing over 22 years of comprehensive experience across higher education, municipal and state government, federal agencies, disability non profit organizations and community service boards. Her expertise spans employee relations, benefits administration, payroll operations,recruitment and talent acquisition, and training and development.

Guided by her professional motto — Develop, Direct, and Connect — Marlo is committed to building supportive, high-performing workplaces where employees are empowered to thrive.

She earned her Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and a minor in Finance from Strayer University.

Marlo has invested more than 18 years in advancing the HR profession, serving in key leadership roles with Hampton Roads SHRM and the SEVA Association of Talent Development (ATD). Her commitment to community service includes her role as Board President of the YWCA Peninsula and as Chapter President of the Hampton Roads National Association of Professional Women.

Her passion for Human Resource Development drives her mission to cultivate work environments where people grow, leaders excel, and organizations achieve lasting success.

Dean Edwards is a seasoned Information Technology Director with over 20 years of experience leading technology operations, strategy, and innovation. Since joining the Charlotte, North Carolina, area in 1989, Dean has built a distinguished career overseeing enterprise IT systems, guiding strategic initiatives, and partnering closely with executive leadership and boards of directors to align technology solutions with organizational goals.

Throughout his career, Dean has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, operational efficiency, and innovation, ensuring that IT infrastructure and services support both immediate needs and long-term growth. His expertise encompasses infrastructure management, cybersecurity, project leadership, and technology strategy development.

A long-standing member of the Christian Church, Dean has also contributed to his community through choir and praise ministry, reflecting his dedication, teamwork, and values-driven approach to leadership. Earlier in life, he participated in community theater, cultivating creativity and collaboration skills that continue to inform his professional work.
Dean’s leadership combines technical expertise, strategic vision, and a commitment to fostering an environment of quality, reliability, and innovation.