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UCP Kids: Meet the Staff
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Dori Ortman
Dori Ortman is the Program Coordinator for UCP Kids. In this role, she oversees UCP Kids’ various programs including the Partnership program, F.U.N. for Everyone, and UCP CARES. Dori also conducts organizational trainings on welcoming individuals with disabilities and teaches a disability awareness series for local schools. Additionally, Dori is the founder of CARE 21, an organization dedicated to building Community, Awareness, Resources and Enrichment in the lives of families touched by Down Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder characterized by an extra 21st chromosome. CARE 21 prides itself on being an organization that motivates, challenges and inspires families to help their children reach their fullest potential. Dori is the co-author of "Together is Better," a guide to fostering community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, and the author of several articles on topics related to inclusion. Her passion is working with children with special needs and their families, providing them with strategies for success and assisting them in advocating for their children. Dori resides in Hampton Township with her husband Brian and their two children.
Mary Ann McGuirk
Mary Ann McGuirk is a Community Partner with UCP Kids, working with families of children with special needs to become an integral part of their communities. Mary Ann has spent the last thirteen years advocating for children, as well as adults, with disabilities. Mary Ann's daughter, Nicole, who is dually diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism, has taught her that healing does not always come from a cure. Mary Ann is also the co-coordinator of the Family Advocacy Network, a program of UCP of Pittsburgh, whose mission is to provide individuals with disabilities important resources and information and to give families the opportunity to network and exchange ideas which will help them to be better advocates. In addition to her activities at UCP, Mary Ann lectures to high school and college students, as well as regularly presents at workshops on disability. As an advocate for the Education Law Center, she also has the opportunity to inform families about the law and how to use it to receive services for their children. With families’ input, Mary Ann helps to publish and disseminate an advocacy newsletter to over 400 individuals. She is the co-author of "Together is Better – Creating a Community Where Each Belongs." Mary Ann resides in the South Hills with her husband Dave and their four children.
Kelly Conroy
Kelly Conroy is a Community Partner with UCP Kids. She attended Point Park University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Upon completing a training program through Temple University called C2P2EI (Competence and Confidence in Early Intervention), Kelly was inspired to assure that her children and others would be fully included in their schools and communities. Kelly initially worked as a Developmental Therapist in Early Intervention, choosing to work with families facing the demands of raising children with special needs because of the help she received when her own sons were diagnosed with developmental delays, autism and cerebral palsy. She feels that having support makes a difference not only for the child, but also for the entire family. After relocating to Florida, Kelly taught in an inclusive classroom, serving multiple student needs. Her desire to create an environment where all students learn and grow together drives her to advocate for the full inclusion model. Kelly lives in Springdale Township with her husband, Patrick, and their sons, Brendan and Brody, who inspire her every day.
Mindy Payne
Mindy is a Community Partner with UCP Kids. She is originally from Cumberland, MD, but she has lived in Pittsburgh since 2003. She attended Frostburg State University in Frostburg, MD, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a minor in Spanish. Mindy became interested in psychology after forming a special relationship with a child with Down syndrome. While in Maryland, Mindy worked with adults with various physical and mental disabilities in a variety of roles, including a Community Development Specialist. In that role, she assisted in planning community outings and activities and acted as a job coach at the various jobs her clients held in the community. Additionally, Mindy worked in the evenings and on weekends assisting a young man in selecting and planning community activities. Because of her service and dedication, Mindy was presented with the Employee of the Year award in 1999 by her Maryland employer. Mindy greatly enjoys identifying opportunities to incorporate individuals with disabilities into the community and has always enjoyed working with children. She is passionate about UCP of Pittsburgh’s mission of “working toward a community where each belongs.” Mindy resides in Pittsburgh with her husband Michael and their daughter, Adrienne.
Jeffry Fromknecht, MSW
Jeffrey Fromknecht, MSW, is a Community Partner with UCP Kids, working directly with families, community organizations and UCP Kids’ funders. A native of Erie, PA, Jeff graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School for Young Men. He went on to graduate Cum Laude from Allegheny College, earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in biology. In 2005, Jeff moved to Pittsburgh where he earned his MSW studying Community Organizing and Social Administration at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work. In addition to his work with UCP Kids, Jeff is a Fellow with the University, Community, Leaders, and Individuals with Disabilities (UCLID) Center. The UCLID Center is an interdisciplinary leadership-training program co-sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. As a UCLID Fellow, he researches, writes and talks about social capital and its effects on one’s health, happiness, achievement, and well-being. He also serves as a consultant on a state-wide oral health project, sponsored by the PA Developmental Disabilities Council, exploring access to oral health care issues for individuals with disabilities. Jeff’s over seven years of work experiences have been diverse, working with children, youth, and the elderly. Always active in the community, Jeff has volunteered as a Little League coach, at a women’s shelter, and at his local church. He is also a co-founder of the Dominion Drive Frisbee Gold League, a “Frisbee Golf” league organized by Jeff for the children in his hometown neighborhood of Dominion Drive.
Sarah Hall
Sarah Hall is a Community Partner with UCP Kids. Sarah is currently in graduate school, working on a Master’s degree in School Counseling, where she is gaining valuable knowledge and experience in working with and counseling youth. She is especially looking forward to being involved in UCP Kids’ TEACHER program and partnership with Strong Women, Strong Girls (www.swsg.org). Sarah graduated Cum Laude from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Religious Studies. Upon graduating from IUP, Sarah moved to Pittsburgh where she began work at UCP of Pittsburgh in the Attendant Care Program, working with people with physical disabilities in assuring that their needs are met. Sarah has also been a Nursing Home Transition Coordinator for UCP of Pittsburgh, advocating for and assisting clients in transitioning from a nursing home and back into the community. Sarah will continue to work as a Nursing Home Transition Coordinator in the Attendant Care Program part-time, along with working as a Community Partner for UCP Kids. Sarah’s passion is assisting adults and children with disabilities in achieving their goals and succeeding. She strongly believes in the mission of UCP of Pittsburgh, “working toward a community where each belongs.” Sarah resides in the Regent Square area with her husband Darren.
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