DIRECTORS

Each of UCP's Directors brings a diverse set of skills, experiences and backgrounds to UCP. Together, they make up a leadership team that is uniquely passionate about ensuring that every one of our customers (and the broader disability community) is living life on their terms.

Our Directors manage our day-to-day operations, and also engage in advocacy on a local, statewide, and national level. It's truly about creating "A Community For Everyone."

​ANN COFFEY, MA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ann came to UCP in 2003 as Community Services Director.  In 2010, she was promoted to Executive Director.

Ann has an extensive background in counseling psychology, and also has years of experience supporting the elderly, the terminally ill, children with psychiatric diagnoses, and adults who experience developmental disabilities. Throughout her career, she has been committed to assisting individuals to heal, find joy, and create a meaningful life.

Ann lives in a rural community but stays active in the Portland community as well.  She enjoys gardening, riding her horses, live music, and making a mess in the kitchen.

SUSAN CUSHMAN, FAMILY SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Susan has been involved with UCP since 1992, when her daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

In 2006, she joined UCP 's staff as the Family Support Director.  She supports families who are raising children with cerebral palsy and similar physical disabilities.
 
Susan’s passion is supporting families and connecting them with each other, as she has found her greatest support has been other parents. Her other passion is to foster the understanding that everyone with a disability is a valued and needed part of their community.

JOHN GOFF, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR​

John joined UCP in 2013. As Community Services Director, he oversees UCP's Supported Living services for adults ("Foundations”) and Children's In-Home ("Building Blocks") services.

John previously served as the Executive Director of a large East Coast non-profit that supports adults with disabilities through residential, recreational, and supported employment services. Prior to his work on the east coast, John spent 10 years in Oregon, where he served adults and youth with disabilities in several different capacities.

John is committed to the mission and values of UCP, and is excited to have returned to the Northwest community. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing and exploring Oregon’s outdoor spaces with his wife and two sons.

SARAH NOACK, BROKERAGE DIRECTOR

Sarah joined UCP in 2010 to open "UCP Connections," UCP's in-home support services brokerage. 

​She has been a part of the brokerage community almost since it began in the early 2000’s. During that time, she has fulfilled many roles within the brokerage system, including providing administrative support, being a Personal Agent, handling operations and management, and working with providers. 

She is strongly committed to the principles of self-determination and personal choice for customers, and to using her leadership and organizational skills towards creating a shared vision of "a community for everyone."

MELISSA MILLER, EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR

Melissa Miller joined UCP in 2003 as a live-in caregiver. Over the next three years, she had the pleasure of working in three positions in our Supported Living and Community Inclusion departments. During this time, Melissa saw that many of our customers were hungry for opportunities for increased personal growth, independence, and the ability to earn good wages.
 
In 2006, Melissa and Ann Coffey (now UCP's Executive Director) created UCP's Supported Employment Department, with the goal of helping our customers find community-based employment that used their skills and talents. 

In the beginning, Melissa was the department's sole employee. Now, the department is one of UCP's fastest-growing departments, serving hundreds of customers and employing more than 24 Job Coaches, Employment Specialists, and managers. Melissa says that her favorite part of the job is "when an individual gets their first paycheck! I always like to find out how they plan on spending it!"

Melissa has a Bachelors Degree in Social Science, and a Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution from Portland State University. She also possess multiple employment certifications, and is often asked to teach people from around the state--and nationwide-- how to carry out the principles of supported employment.

GAVIN JOHNSON DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Gavin joined the UCP team in 2017 with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising. He started his career in development at Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in Denver, Colorado. He is a self-described creative problem-solver and achieves results through relationships.
 
Gavin’s focus is planned giving, major gifts, communications, and growing partnerships with corporations and individuals to advance the important work at UCP.
 
His personal interests include getting into the wilderness whenever possible and getting out of his comfort zone by singing and playing the guitar.

ESTHER LARGE, FINANCE DIRECTOR

Esther Large has been UCP’s Finance Director since 2003.  Before joining UCP, Esther spent 10 years as the accountant of a city in Eastern Oregon, where she repeatedly earned the city’s “Excellence for Financial Reporting” award.   

Esther brings a vast network of resources to the job, including her experience, a degree in Finance, and membership in several accounting and finance organizations.
​
For the last several years, Esther has been telecommuting from Arizona. However, she spends her summers in Oregon, as her true passion is the Pacific Northwest. 

SUZANNAH NEWMAN, JD, PHR, HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR

Suzannah has a law degree from Lewis & Clark College and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources.  She joined UCP in 2016 as the HR Director. Previously, she worked in human resource management at a civil legal services non-profit.

Suzannah has a strong commitment to serving her community and is delighted to have joined a staff of like-minded people.

She spends her spare time working on improving her horticultural skills and enjoying all of the scenic beauty that Oregon has to offer.
​

BOARD

UCP's Board of Directors is made up of a diverse and dedicated group of individuals. Some utilize UCP's services or are parents of people who utilize UCP's services. Others experience cerebral palsy or another disability. Many come to us as leaders in the business and non-profit community.

Each member has been selected because they share a passion for our mission and values. They also have the skills, time and integrity necessary to support our work, and to serve as a representative for the organization in the broader community. ​

PRESIDENT: MICHAEL STEEN

Michael Steen says that cerebral palsy “has been part of my life since day one, providing a certain amount of richness to embrace.” He joined UCP’s Board in 2009, and is currently UCP’s Board President. He has also served on the Community Services Task Force, Investment Committee, and Finance Committee. He also thoroughly enjoys participating in UCP’s annual Walk, Run and Roll.

Michael loves that UCP is focused on our customers, with the goal of full inclusion, and that UCP is an employer of choice in what is a very competitive industry. He is also proud of UCP’s strong reputation with the state, as well as other service providers and other UCP affiliates.

He attended Linfield College, earning a BS in Business Administration, and is currently a Portfolio Manager for Beneficial State Bank.

He says that, “I’m a bit of a health nut. Possibly this is due to having CP or possibly it is simply actually listening to Mom’s advice, but whatever motivating reason is, I’m pleased that a healthy diet (and a physically active lifestyle) has kept me able to participate in all that life has to offer.”

VICE PRESIDENT & FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR: JERRY HOFFERT

Jerald Hoffert joined the UCP Board in 2014. He has worked in the intellectual/developmental disabilities services industry in a financial role for two decades. He has been the Chief Finance Officer for Albertina Kerr Centers since 2006; Albertina Kerr is non-profit social services organization that provides many services similar to that of UCP. Jerry has a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Linfield College, and a Master of Business Administration degree from George Fox University.
 
Jerry has been a very active member of UCP’s Board, serving as Treasurer and Chairperson of Finance Committee. He currently serves on both the Finance and Investment Committees, and is also the Board President Elect.
 
Jerry says that he loves UCP's mission, its history and reputation in the community, and the valuable services it provides to its customers. He also admires UCP’s employees for their hard work and commitment to fulfilling our mission.
 
He finds the Friends Breakfast particularly meaningful each year, because the event tells the story of what UCP does (and of the lives that UCP touches) in a way that is sincere and uplifting.

TREASURER: SEAN HEATON

Sean is the current Treasurer.

SECRETARY: MEGAN STRATMAN

Megan Stratman joined the UCP Board in October of 2016. In July of 2017, Megan began serving as Secretary on the UCP Executive Committee.
 
Megan is a strong proponent for supported employment, and full community and life inclusion. Her brother has received Supported Employment services from UCP’s Employment Solutions Department for several years; he is very happy to be part of society and earning his own income. 
 
Megan also previously had a stint as a UCP Job Developer; during this time, she says that she was “able to learn and observe firsthand what a tremendous value this service brings to the community and to people experiencing disabilities.”
 
In her opinion, one of the best parts of UCP is that the agency and the people (both employees and customers) truly live UCP’s values of community inclusion and “Life Without Limits.” Furthermore, she says that, “UCP staff are amazing, and I feel so fortunate to serve on a Board of such a fabulous agency that is literally improving the lives of people every day.”
 
Currently, Megan works in the energy industry, analyzing and negotiating rates and policy issues. She has been in the industry for more than ten years, and says that “it continues to be challenging and rewarding; there is always something new to work on and learn about!”

BOARD RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR:  JOHN HANCOCK

John is the current chair of the Board Recruitment Committee, and retired from Moss Adams LLP.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR: DAVID BREZINSKI

​Dave  joined the UCP Board in 2002. He has served in several officer positions, including Board President, and Chair of the Investment Committee every year since.
 
In July of 2004, Dave retired from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) after 25 years in management consulting services. Prior to his management consulting career, Dave held management positions in two large forest products companies, and served as an Army officer in Vietnam.
 
He has a BS from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, and was a certified public accountant.
 
Dave has also served on the boards of several other organizations, including an early-stage technology company. He has been a partner in the Oregon Angel Fund for seven years, and is presently on the Board of Trustees of the Multnomah Athletic Club.
 
Dave has lived in Portland for over forty years but is originally from the Midwest. He enjoys underwater photography and scuba diving.

LORI BEIGHT, JD

Lori joined the UCP board in 2016 at the invitation of Michael Steen. They share a passion for service, a commitment to preserving the dignity and rights of people and families who experience disabilities.

What Lori loves most about UCP is that “it functions as an extended family community.” Lori also loves that “we are committed to creating a world where a disability is as little regarded as a person’s eye color… where disability is just another thing that makes us each unique and beautiful.”

Lori has enjoyed working with UCP’s Executive Director, Ann Coffey; Lori feels that Ann is a compassionate, hard-working advocate at the individual, state and national level. Lori is also proud that our particular UCP affiliate is “a forward-looking model for other chapters around the nation.”

Lori is pleased to be getting her family (a husband, a 13-year-old son, and their parents) as well as many of her friends involved in the Walk, Roll ‘n’ Run.

In her life outside of UCP, she practices law at a boutique estate planning firm called Cascade Legal Planning, LLC, which she co-founded in 2015. They counsel clients on how to protect the people and things they care about including: passing along a family business; providing for aging parents; and providing an inheritance for loved ones, including children who experience disabilities. Some of the tools they use include trusts, wills, powers of attorney, guardianships, and contracts. She feels lucky to work in a field—and a job—that she truly loves.

PETER BLASCO, MD

Dr. Peter Blasco’s first faculty position was at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where he headed the clinical programs for muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and high-risk neonates.
 
His connection to UCP goes back to the 1980’s, when the UCP National contacted him to see if his department could assist with the issue of drooling in children with CP. This topic had been almost totally ignored in the medical community, but Dr. Blasco was able to direct several drooling-related projects. Over the next 20 years, he kept connected with UCP National, even trying at one point to start a UCP affiliate in Virginia, but it fizzled out after a couple of years.
 
When Dr. Blasco moved to Portland in 1999, he was asked to join the local UCP Board. He did so happily, and has spent most of the intervening years supporting the Family Support Task Force and UCP’s Family Support Conference. He also served as the leader of the Board’s now-defunct Adult CP Task Force.
 
Professionally, Dr. Blasco specialized in Pediatrics and subspecialized in what is known as Neurodevelopmental Disabilities; he is currently semi-retired but still teaching and seeing patients at clinics, including many families who are supported by UCP’s Family Support Department.
 
Dr. Blasco says that he loves “everything” about UCP, especially “the focus on family and integration into the community.” His favorite UCP moments are the open discussion times  during the Family Support Conference presentations, and when he gets to see his former patients and their parents at the Walk, Roll ‘n’ Run.

NANCY CICIRELLO, PT, MPH, EDD

Nancy Cicirello, PT, MPH, EdD has been on UCP’s board since 2008. She spent one year serving as the Vice President, two years as President, and four years as Board Secretary.

She has worked in pediatric physical therapy since 1975, including working in a private outpatient clinic and a school district, and serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Fiji Islands. In 2015, she retired from Pacific University, having served as a Professor in the School of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions.

 Nancy takes a special interest in UCP’s work with aging individuals, especially in our Supported Employment and Supported Living Departments. She is also proud of the support UCP provides to families.

 Some of Nancy’s favorite UCP memories are attending the Walk, Roll, ‘n’ Run, and listening to the always meaningful presentations at the annual Friend’s Breakfast.

JULIANNE R. DAVIS

​​Julianne R. Davis retired from Lane Powell.

​AMY FERRELL

Amy Ferrell is a customer of UCP’s Supported Living Program, and has been on UCP’s Board of Directors since 2000. She joined our board to learn and to advocate for friends who also receive services from UCP. Each year, she takes particular pleasure in participating in the Walk, Roll ‘n’ Run, and is one of the top fundraisers for this event. She has many great memories from her time with UCP; one of her favorites is of when she and her mother finished most of the WRR route together.
 
Amy works for The Center for Medically Fragile Children at Providence Child Center. She is a Librarian/Aide and works alongside the nurses, helping them care for the children who live in the Center.

BRAD PARSONS (IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT)

Brad Parsons has an adult daughter who experiences Cerebral Palsy. Megan is a great example of how UCP assists people to live independent and fulfilling lives. She uses UCP’s Supported Living services to live in her own apartment. She’s also used our services to go camping, learn to cook and bake, and explore Portland.
 
Brad joined the UCP Board in 2008. Since then, he’s been a very active member of our Board, serving on the Development Committee and as its Chair; serving on the Friends Committee; and serving as Vice President and President. Currently, he is the Immediate Past President.
 
He says that what he loves best about UCP is the management, the staff and his fellow Board members. He also loves UCP’s commitment to assisting our clients to live full lives. His favorite UCP memory is “all of them.”
 
Brad is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He currently serves as a Regional Manager at Meadow Outdoor Advertising. 

Colleen Welsh

Colleen Welsh began her relationship with UCP in 2017, when she was hired as an external consultant to facilitate the UCP Board’s annual meeting. The next year, she was asked to facilitate the Board retreat again, and became even more impressed with the passionate people and the inspiring mission. She also had the opportunity to work closely with the UCP Connections leadership team to help them manage changes due to strategic growth.
 
She found herself attracted to UCP because it was “both values-driven and innovative, with strong leadership.” Colleen joined the Board in 2018. Since then, she has continued to be involved in the strategic planning process; for instance, she recently facilitated several UCP customer focus groups to help the Board better understand the needs and perspectives of UCP’s clients.
 
Colleen says, “I love the commitment I see from every person involved with UCP to advocate for and empower people experiencing disabilities to make choices for themselves, and to live a full life.”
 
Her favorite UCP moment so far occurred during a “particularly chaotic and engaging customer focus group.” She says, “I remember stopping for a moment to recognize the pride in the faces of the customers who had made it to the session that day despite numerous obstacles and challenges. They were so pleased to be present and involved in sharing their ideas, and I felt privileged to be part of making that moment happen, and grateful for UCP’s commitment to this community.”
 
Colleen currently works for Legacy Health as a Senior Organization Development & Change Consultant, and has spent her career in similar positions in business, government and non-profit organizations. She is passionate about empowering mission-driven teams and leaders to work together to solve problems and realize their highest aspirations.
 
Colleen is a Portland native who enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, horse and two dogs.

Jason Werts

Jason Werts joined the UCP Board in 2018. He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Unitus Community Credit Union and has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years. Unitus Community Credit Union has served the community since 1937, and, as a not-for-profit credit union, serves the financial needs of its members in the Pacific Northwest. Unitus is heavily invested in supporting the community through volunteerism and partnerships and has consistently been recognized as a top philanthropic companies by the Portland Business Journal.
 
As a new member to the board, Jason is attracted to UCP’s mission and its long-standing tradition of serving the community. He believes serving on the board is a way to serve and support UCP’s employees as well as help ensure the organization is fulfilling its commitment to the community.