March 6th is Employee Appreciation Day, and we want to take a moment to say thank you. The people who make up UCP Oregon bring care, skill, and dedication to their work every single day—across every program and department. This past year brought a lot of changes and new challenges. Through all of it, our team kept showing up for the people and families we support, and for each other. We're so proud of you. Thank you for everything you do. —UCP Oregon’s Leadership Team  Hello from UCP's Family Support Department! We're excited to tell you that our new Family Support Coordinator, Grace Tunning, has been hard at work. She started on November 4th. So far, Grace is loving her job. She says, "It has been a joy these past couple weeks learning all the incredible ways the Family Support Department has impacted and supported the children and families in our community for so many years. I am honored to carry on this important work and tradition!" Upcoming Family Support Events:
Contact Grace: Are you a family who uses UCP's Family Support services? If so, you should have received an email from Grace today with more information. If you didn't receive the email from Grace today, you can contact Grace below, and she'll add you to our Family Support email list. Thanks!  Dear UCP Community, My name is Grace Tunning. I’d like to introduce myself as UCP Oregon's new Family Support Coordinator. I’ve been with UCP Oregon for three years, working as an Assessment and Quality Coordinator for one of UCP's two brokerages (UCP Mentors). I bring with me:
I am eager to transition into this new position on Monday, November 4th. As you may know, UCP Oregon's Family Support Department currently supports over 900 families who are raising children with cerebral palsy or related disabilities. UCP's Family Support Department provides assistance from diagnosis to adulthood, including:
As UCP's Family Support Coordinator, I am looking for ways to collaborate and more effectively meet the needs of children and families. I am eager to work together to enhance access to the resources and services in our community. Whether through joint events, shared resources, referral networks, promoting opportunities, or collaborative programs, our partnerships can help us all achieve our objectives and ultimately improve the lives of those we serve. If you have question or concerns, or would like more information about UCP Oregon's Family Support Department, I’m here to help. Please reach out to me directly via email or at 971-888-2927. I look forward to connecting with each of you. Thank you for the work that you do! Warm regards, Grace Tunning Family Support Coordinator, UCP Oregon UNTIL 11/4/24: UCP's new Family Support Coordinator, Grace Tunning, will be starting on 11/4/24. Until then, UCP's fabulous employees are here to help you!
 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. What Are Your Favorite Parts of the Job? Aside from amazing spreadsheets? I actually really love that I'm in a position to support others, and I enjoy working with this team. I may not work directly with customers, but I relish making things as effortless as possible for those that do. What Are Your Interests? I love to spend time with my family (on both sides of the pond), and to travel when I get the chance. My favorite spot in the world so far is Cambodia, with New Zealand in close second. I also dabble in yoga, some craftiness, baking, enjoy a good book, and like to nerd out on the nuances of language. What Advice Would You Share with a New UCP Employee? Don’t spin your wheels when you can ask the team--somebody usually knows, or knows who does. It’s a safe space and I’ve found everyone to be wonderful! Embrace the journey!  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!  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.  Congratulations to Kelly Castagnola!
Many of you know Kelly. Kelly has worked for UCP Oregon for almost 23 years, most recently as UCP’s “Training and Supports Manager.” In that position, she supervised UCP’s employee training program and UCP’s pool of Substitute Support Specialists. But we’re pleased to report that Kelly recently accepted a new position at UCP—that of “Employee Engagement and Organizational Development Coordinator.” In her new position, Kelly will be able to focus 100% on employee learning, as well as employee development, retention and engagement activities. Woo hoo! Kelly says, “I’m looking forward to making a positive impact on all UCP teams by enhancing our onboarding and ongoing learning opportunities, as well as enriching the overall employee experience and improving retention.” PS: For those of you who are wondering, today we began to recruit internally for a "Direct Support and Quality Assurance Manager"--a new position that includes many of Kelly's old duties.  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. The next time you’re at the UCP Office, feel free to stop by Katelyn’s office to say hello! |