Meet Our Team

Armando Contreras, Chief Executive Officer

Signaling its commitment to strengthen fundraising efforts, building internal capacity and developing new alliances, United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona (UCP) appointed longtime Valley community leader, Armando Contreras, Chief Executive Officer. Contreras began his post on June 21, 2010 leading one of the state’s largest nonprofit health and human services organizations. He currently manages a staff of more than 300 and an operating budget of $12 million. As CEO, Armando directs and coordinates all operations of the nonprofit corporation and is responsible for leading UCP’s Mission to provide comprehensive services to individuals with disabilities by providing physical and developmental support as well as educational growth. UCP of Central Arizona serves more than 5000 children and adults with various disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Autism and developmental delays.

“It is a true honor to be selected as the CEO for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona,” said Contreras. “I am honored to serve an organization already well known for bringing hope and promise to many with disabilities. My goal in the coming years will be to support UCP’s core mission by leading and expanding the organization’s efforts to build and maintain enduring partnerships aimed at enhancing its future and ongoing programs and initiatives.”

Prior to joining UCP, he was the President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC) where he strengthened the internal and external capacity of the Chamber and increased its corporate support and government relationships. At AZHCC, Mr. Contreras also oversaw the operations of the federally funded Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) in Phoenix, one of only 32 centers nationwide.

Armando served as a member of  former Governor Janet Napolitano’s Cabinet and as Executive Director of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, where he managed a $24 million budget and 128 employees. The office serviced more than 50,000 licensed residential and commercial contractors and collaborated with the Governor’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General. He also served as Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Small Business, which formulated recommendations to the Governor in the areas of marketing and outreach, access to financial capital, workforce development, and affordable healthcare for small business.

Armando has more than 20 years of public speaking experience and has presented at numerous events, including the AZHCC Black and White Ball Business Awards, City of Phoenix Council Chambers, and on behalf of Governor Napolitano to corporate and chamber events, women and minority organizations, contractors member association meetings, small business conferences, VIP and special award banquets, and university conferences. He is fluent and literate in Spanish.

Armando serves on several boards and commissions. He is on the Board of Trustees of St. Luke’s Medical Center, the Phoenix Boys Choir; and the Arizona Latino Research Enterprise (ALRE). He is a member of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix Finance Committee, a past member of  former Governor Janet Napolitano and Governor Jan Brewer’s Latino Advisory Committee, and an Adjunct Faculty for the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.

Armando earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and holds a Master’s Degree in Theology from the University of San Francisco. He also attended Indiana University School of Philanthropy.

Peggi Peaslee, Human Resources Director

“Joining the UCP team provided the perfect opportunity for bringing my past experiences and depth of business acumen into an organization that delivers excellent services, support to families, and community awareness for people with disabilities. UCP has a solid foundation and direction for growth in services and capacity. As a member of the leadership team, my goals will include cost-saving efforts through automation and process improvement, strategic planning, sustainability, capacity planning, developing training programs, and career coaching to support program growth. UCP believes in “life without limits” and I am extremely happy to be part of this amazing organization.”

Peggi’s experience includes progressive leadership roles throughout her career. Prior to joining UCP, she worked for one of the nation’s largest food service companies as their Human Resources Systems and Processes Manager. Some of her strengths and successes include strategic planning, data integrity, automation for process improvement and efficiency, training and development, mentoring, employee relations and depth of business acumen.

Prior to moving into the HR field, Peggi held progressive management positions in the areas of strategic business development and internet strategy as well as worldwide technology management for one of the largest direct selling companies. In these roles, she was recognized for developing worldwide technical support teams, innovative marketing communication tools, and many cost-saving and profit generating initiatives.

Peggi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from Western International University and has an Associate’s degree in Business Management. During her free-time, she volunteers with Arizona Beagle Rescue, Rainbow Bridge and Junior Achievement.

Elayne Kinney, Controller

Elayne is a talented and accomplished executive who leads organizations through major change and challenge to profitable growth. A strategic problem-solver who envisions and implements smart solutions throughout all levels of the organization, she is skilled in analyzing business needs and creating innovative programs, processes and strategies that consistently lead to client loyalty and business growth.

Elayne is a certified public accountant (CPA) with more than 20 years of experience in public accounting and private industry. Elayne earned her Bachelor’s degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Temple University, Philadelphia , PA and received her MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is also a respected member of the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants.

As the leader of the Accounting and Finance Department, Ms. Kinney is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s financial operations, including accounts receivable and accounts payable, customer service, purchasing, vendor relations and inventory control. Elayne manages and oversees the financial processes and practices that enable UCP to operate efficiently and effectively.

Sandra Sargent, Corporate Account Manager

Sandra has been with UCP since 2008. She is an Arizona native and has also lived in Alaska and Las Vegas. Prior to working at UCP, Sandra worked with children with disabilities for the Deer Valley School District resource class. While working for UCP she has held many positions including, Human Resources, Early Intervention, and Development, giving her an extensive knowledge of the agency and our consumers. In 2011 when the Corporate Relations Department was established, she was named the Corporate Account Manager. Sandra is a liaison to our Corporate Sponsor. She enhances and sustains partnerships while building future relationships for the organization. Since accepting the Corporate Account Manager position she has successfully coordinated several golf tournaments, promotions, and events in conjunction with our Corporate Sponsor. She believes that working for UCP is like being part of a family with a mission to help create a life without limits for people with disabilities.

Terry Wideman, Day Treatment for Adults & Day Treatment and Training

For the past 23 years, “I have been blessed to serve adults with disabilities.” Terry started her career in Sierra Vista in a work shop setting with 6 adults recycling paper from Fort Huachuca Army Post. Terry and her husband decided to move to Mesa to raise their two boys near family.

As a result she accepted a direct care position working with adults in a DTA program. Over the years Terry acquired promotions until she accepted the DTA Director position over seeing 128 consumers in five different locations. In 2009 Terry accepted a program manager position at new DTA program in Scottsdale that offered enhanced activities in a therapeutic environment to develop individual’s skills with the use innovating technology and adaptive equipment.

Terry joined the UCP team in October 2011 to fulfill a life long dream to work with children. “UCP has given me an incredible opportunity to be the DTT/DTA Director over the children and adult programs. I am so fortunate I have the best of both worlds. I get to see children developing friendships that last until their adulthood.”

Terry has extensive knowledge working with DDD and is committed to consumers and their families to provide a quality program in a safe environment while promoting fun. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and volunteers at Mesa Partnership.

Carol Proch, Early Learning Center

Carol has been with UCP’s Early Learning Center since the start of 2004. She began her career in Early Childhood Education many years ago here in Phoenix. Through Carol’s leadership, the ELC completed a self study and became a nationally accredited center and recently completed reaccreditation! Growing up and becoming a “teacher” and working with kids was always a childhood dream!

Carol is originally from Connecticut where she also received her education.

Tammy Ellis, Home and Community Based Services

Tammy is originally from Michigan, but has lived in Phoenix for over 30 years. She has worked in the disability field for over 20 years. Tammy originally began in the field through participation in volunteer programs for services to people with various disabilities.

In 2001, Tammy and her family’s lives completely changed because John, a gentleman with disabilities, came to live with them full time after his mother passed away. Tammy and her husband became guardians for John, and have provided him a home and loving care since. John has become an integral part of Tammy’s family.

Tammy worked as an in-home provider with a previous agency, prior to coming to UCP as a provider. Tammy began working as an Assistant Coordinator for the Home and Community Based Services Department in 2004. She became the department’s Program Manager a year later in 2005. Through Tammy’s leadership the program has grown from eighty to over two hundred employees, and continues as the largest division of UCP of Central Arizona’s services.

Kimberly Phillips, Information and Referral

Kimberly has been with UCP since 2008. She was born and raised in Phoenix Arizona, and spent a year as an exchange student in Liège, Belgium. She has a background working as an In-Home Support Supervisor in Behavioral Health and has worked as a Parent Aid for Child Protective Services. Since she started Kimberly has worked hard to learn how to navigate through the DDD
system and created community partnerships with other non-profit organizations. She has been very active in advocating at the State Legislature for UCP’s consumers and families. “Working with people with disabilities hits home for me, since I have a family member diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I truly believe in the Mission and Vision of UCP of Central Arizona.” Part time Kimberly works at the Public Library as a literacy screener for 1st through 3rd graders. She also, volunteers for the Phoenix Blues Society and the Arizona Literacy and Learning Foundation.

Erin Robinson, Therapy Services and Early Intervention

Erin has been with UCP since 2003, she initially came to the organization as an Occupational Therapist. At UCP, she has been serving clients from birth to adult in the home and clinic settings with a range of diagnoses such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down syndrome, and other disabilities.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Arizona and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Indianapolis. Her Master’s thesis was published in the Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. She has brought a variety of skills to UCP due to her experience working with children and adults on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, in-patient rehabilitation, and the local school district.

Erin will tell you that her most important job is being a wife and mother. She is confident that working at UCP allows her to be a good role model for her children, as it shows them how important it is to help others.