Wanda Moctezuma: Encouraging Growth and Empowering Others

Compassion, strength, and resilience. Wanda Moctezuma understands firsthand that those values are invaluable when it comes to caring for people.  

Helping people has always been a guiding force in her life. Moctezuma attributes this to growing up in a Puerto Rican household where she was taught to take care of family and others when possible.  

“I think it’s part of my culture,” she said. “We tend to want to help out and kind of go over and beyond and show our loved ones, or people that are in our circle, how much we care about them and how we’re always willing to step up for whatever’s needed.” 

As a director of operations for Developmental and Brain Injury Services (DBIS) at ServiceNet, Moctezuma oversees seven residential group homes. Residents under her team’s care often have mental health challenges alongside disabilities.  

ServiceNet’s Developmental and Brain Injury Services (DBIS) provide residential, day, and community-based support for people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries throughout western Massachusetts. 

When it comes to caring for a residential program, teamwork, communication, and being there for one another become increasingly important. 

Moctzeuma ensures that her program managers, each in charge of a residential program, have the tools they need to be successful in their roles. She reviews incident reports, assists with various financial forms, and visits residents on a regular basis. When she visits or calls, she continues building and strengthening relationships with individuals at residential homes. 

A History of Care and Support 

Moctezuma’s professional experience as a caregiver started in high school, when she  earned her Certified Nurse’s Assistant certificate at the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in Springfield, Mass.  

Later, she worked as a case manager at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), a worldwide organization focused on empowering women and eliminating racism. During her time there, she supported women and their families who were victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The position took an emotional  toll, so she changed direction. After a break, she returned to run a shelter for women and children. 

Moctezuma has also worked within the Springfield court system, through SAFEPLAN, a Massachusetts civil advocacy program, helping victims of domestic violence fill out restraining orders and assisting with documentation and court appearances. 

Before joining ServiceNet, she worked at the Mental Health Association (MHA), where she oversaw two residential programs that housed individuals with schizophrenia. 

Growth and Connection at ServiceNet 

Thanks to her diverse background and years of experience, Moctzeuma quickly rose to a leadership position within ServiceNet. Her leadership approach is based on mutual respect and empowering others to grow.

“I don’t expect people to adapt to me. I adapt to people and meet them where they’re at—and if I want to be respected, then I have to respect the people that I’m talking to,” Moctezuma said.

That approach has allowed to her build strong connections with residents. 

“It makes me feel good that they can confide in me and have that much respect,” she said. “But I always tend to remind them, I’m not your mom, you know, I’m your cooler, cuter sister.”

Individuals interested in accessing residential ServiceNet DBIS may apply here for eligibility through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). To learn more about our programs, visit https://www.servicenet.org/.