​Hi, UCP Community!
 
We thought it would be fun to check in with UCP’s Anna Williams, after 11 months on the job as UCP Oregon’s Accounting Specialist.
 
As many of you will remember, Anna joined UCP in 2023, replacing Janet Fromdahl, who had been at UCP Oregon for 10 years.
 
Here’s what Anna has to say after 11 months on the job.

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!”
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Welcome to UCP, Jude! We’re so glad you’re here.

Hello, UCP Community.
 
We have some sad news. UCP Oregon’s fabulous Office Manager, Mackenzie Snell, is moving on after an incredible 16 years at UCP.
 
Many of you know Mackenzie. You’ve likely spoken to her on the phone, or met her in person. Mackenzie has always ensured that everyone at UCP feels valued and welcomed.
 
Behind the scenes, Mackenzie has been the rock that many folks at UCP relied on. She coordinated UCP’s technology, interfacing with our IT consultants, and updating and distributing equipment. She handled a number of of important administrative tasks.  She supervised UCP’s petty cash, ordered supplies, and so much more.
 
As Suzannah Newman, HR Director says, “Over the years, so many employees have reached out to sing Mackenzie’s praises. She is one of the first faces that employees, customers and the general public see when they walk in the door, and her commitment to excellent customer services shines through. Mackenzie also helps to keep agency operations running smoothly and efficiently. Mackenzie frequently saves the day! My team will not be the same without her.”
 
We'll miss Mackenzie dearly, but we're also super excited for her next adventure. Mackenzie has shared that she will be working as an Office Manager at a small law firm near her home.
 
Mackenzie says, “I will miss everyone at UCP! I’m so grateful I got to experience the close relationships I have made over the years with my amazing co-workers and our wonderful customers. I will always support UCP’s mission and cherish my time with you all.”
 
Thank you, Mackenzie, for everything you've done. You've made a huge impact, and we'll never forget it.
 
PS: Want to send your best wishes to Mackenzie? You can email her below.

Have you met UCP’s new Talent Acquisitions Lead, Katelyn Obregon? She recently replaced Kristin Heying, who had been with UCP since 2017.

Katelyn has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Linfield College, and began her career in talent acquisition soon after receiving her degree. Before starting at UCP, she did recruiting in the healthcare and engineering fields.

​Katelyn is from McMinnville, Oregon, and has lived in Portland since 2019. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, visiting to the Oregon Coast, going to concerts, wine tasting, and traveling to new places.
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The next time you’re at the UCP Office, feel free to stop by Katelyn’s office to say hello!

Many of you know UCP's fantastic Finance Director, Esther Large, and her fearless sidekick, Janet Fromdahl.

On January 2, 2024, after 20+ and 10+ years (respectively), Esther and Janet are retiring.