 UCP Oregon is incredibly pleased to introduce you to our new Receptionist, Haleigh McBain (they/them).
After UCP’s previous Receptionist moved to UCP's Employment Solutions division, we looked far and wide to find a perfect fit for the Receptionist position. And we found that person in Haleigh McBain. Haleigh brings a great deal of related experience to UCP. Haleigh says, “I have worked in summer camps. I also worked as a registered behavioral technician at a clinic in Portland, and moved to a position in their administrative department the following year. I really enjoy working alongside adults and families of children with disabilities, providing personalized support and advocacy.” Haleigh also spent a number of years as a barista managing cafes in Seattle and Portland. Haleigh grew up in Kirkland, Washington, and moved to Portland in 2020. Haleigh says, “I love the outdoors: especially swimming, hiking, and camping! I also really enjoy live music and I am currently taking calligraphy class.” Haleigh adds, “Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful! I am very excited to be working for UCP!”  UCP Oregon is excited to introduce Jude Mertes, UCP’s new Office Manager. Jude (they/them) started at UCP on August 19th, replacing Mackenzie Snell, who had been at UCP for 16 years. Jude is a recent transplant to Oregon, and has only been in Portland for about a year. Jude says, “I was raised in Alaska. I have a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I’m an animal lover by nature, and I worked at a veterinary hospital for six years prior to my move to Oregon. I also volunteered at an organization called 40 Below Reptiles, where I helped care for, rescue, birth, and raise Green Anacondas, pythons, and a sweet albino alligator named Max.” Jude says, “I love books, music, baking, and tabletop games, and, if prompted, I will discuss any of these things for hours at a time!” Jude adds, “I love crafting. I have a 3d resin printer, and I craft with hand-poured resin. I am currently trying (and mostly succeeding, albeit slowly) to learn how to crochet. Ask me about snake ownership if you like fun stories about trying to get a reptile to listen to you. And ask me about history if you like long-winded stories about military stratagem or boats!” Welcome to UCP, Jude! We’re so glad you’re here.   Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work at UCP? Here’s one person’s take.
Meet Trina Bradford (she/her). Trina joined UCP in 2021 as a Support Specialist in our “Foundations” Department, but was soon promoted to an Assistant Team Leader. Trina’s team is known as the Willow Team. (Fun fact: both of UCP’s Supported Living Teams are named after trees.) Trina says her favorite part of the job is “collaborating with customers and coworkers to find solutions. I truly believe in the work we do here. Having a job that feels meaningful is everything. My coworkers are what make it fun!” Trina currently supports a small caseload of customers, assisting customers with practical, daily living tasks to develop their independence. Trina also supervises two teams of Personal Assistants, who work in the homes of the customers she supports. Like most folks at UCP, Trina has lots of interests. As she says, when she’s not at UCP, “You might find me at a music festival, camping, snowshoeing on Mt. Hood, getting lost in the Oregon Outback, or at the wildflower extravaganza at Mt. Rainier. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, rock hunting, archaeology, bird watching, and supporting my LGBTQ+ community. I'm always up for new adventures and meeting great people!”  This week (September 8-14), we celebrate the incredible Direct Support Professionals who are the heart and soul of UCP Oregon.
Direct Support Professionals (also known as “DSPs”) are known at UCP by many names, such as Support Specialists, Substitute Support Specialists, Personal Assistants, and Job Coaches. Direct Support Professionals provide essential support to individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve their goals, participate in the community, and live fulfilling lives. We thank all of UCP’s Direct Support Professionals for their dedication, compassion, and hard work. They make a difference in so many lives, and we are grateful for each and every one of them! PS: If you are a customer, family member, or supporter of UCP, please take a moment to recognize and thank UCP’s amazing DSPs for all they do! |