Meet the Leadership Staff

Margaret Farman – Executive Director

Margaret Farman has served as Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay since November 2006.  Her career in the field of developmental disabilities has spanned 31 years – developing social enterprise, education, recreation, housing, and supported living services.  She has also served on numerous community advisory boards – advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities and coordinating services with state and local agencies. 

Under her leadership, UCP of the North Bay has grown to an annual budget of 5.3 million for FY 2010-11 having experienced rapid growth with the development of Cypress School, WineBev Services, Gone for Good, and Recreation Services.  Cypress School serves students ages 5-22 with autism and other developmental disabilities. WineBev Services and Gone for Good employ adults with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities – paying them market rate wages that help to create economic self-sufficiency. 

In 2009, UCP of the North Bay received the prestigious “No Limits Award” from the UCP National Office recognizing WineBev Services as a model employment program.  In 2010, Katie Lightfoot, UCP of the North Bay Volunteer, received the Outstanding Youth Award from the UCP National Office recognizing her work with children with cerebral palsy.  In 2011, UCP of the  North Bay received the John Ritter Legacy Award at the UCP National Conference in New Orleans.  This award was presented to UCP of the North Bay for their website, Facebook page, and $1,000 Donor Club packet program, which includes DVDs, newsletters and brochures.  These marketing materials are used to raise funds for their programs, with particular focus on their recreation activities for children and adults with disabilities. They’re also used to raise awareness of UCP and create a positive impression of the organization and its work; and finally, to build a strong community of current and future supporters.  UCP of the North Bay has created programs which exemplify successful methods to further advocacy and reach fundraising goals.

UCP of the North Bay currently employs 100 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff serving over 400 children and adults with disabilities.

We invite you to contact Margaret by or phone at (707) 766-9990, Ext 102 to learn more about United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay.

Ron Hamilton – Chief of Operations

M.S., Recreation Administration.  Chief of Operations since March 2007.  His career in developmental disabilities has spanned 31 years – developing recreation, adult day, and residential services.  He was the Program Director for 16 years at Recreation Center for the Handicapped, the non-profit organization that began the recreation movement for children and adults with disabilities in 1952.  He has also taught at San Francisco State University and served as the Chair of the San Francisco Developmental Disabilities Council and as the Therapeutic Recreation Representative, District III Board, of the California Parks and Recreation Society.

Please contact Ron by or phone at 707-766-9990 Ext 103 for assistance.

Laura Briggin - Cypress School Director

M.S., Special Education.  Cypress School Director since August 2007.  Her career in developmental disabilities has spanned 38 years – developing non-public schools for children with autism spectrum disorders, adult day, and residential services.  She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst responsible for directing our Behavior Health Services and Afterschool Socialization and Adaptive Skills Training.  She also possesses a Special Education Credential and is a member of the Association for Severely Handicapped, Autism Society of America, and California Association of Private Schools.

Please Laura or call her at (415) 720-9328, Ext 106 for assistance.

Ludy Argouarch – Chief Financial Officer

B.A., Business Administration.  Chief Financial Officer since August 2007.  Her career in developmental disabilities has spanned 28 years – providing financial management for non-profit organizations serving children and adults.  She directs our financial planning, human resources, and accounting practices, as well as our relationship with lending institutions and the financial community.  She has extensive experience with reporting financial outcomes of projects and she is responsible for the fiscal management of WineBev Services and Gone for Good, both social enterprises of United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay.

Please Ludy or call her at (707) 766-9990, Ext 104 for assistance.

Mike Lisenko – WineBev Services President of Business Operations

B.A., Sociology.  President of Business Operations since July 2007.  His career in developmental disabilities has spanned 18 years – developing social enterprise and adult day programs.  He was the General Manager for 10 years at the California Autism Foundation where he developed Custom Assembly & Packaging, a social enterprise employing adults with developmental disabilities.  He has also been trained by NISH, the national agency that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities co-founded by United Cerebral Palsy.  Under his direction, WineBev Services has grown to an annual budget of 2.6 million for FY 2010-11.

Please Mike or call him at (707) 603-0010, Ext 104 for assistance.

Dennis Blong - Gone For Good President of Business Operations

President of Business Operations since July 2010.  He has over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and marketing of industrial equipment.  He has successfully run several award winning customer service organizations, as well as managed international companies looking to gain market share in the United States.  As a member of many technical organizations, he has extensive experience in all facets of industrial production under the most demanding regulatory agencies.  His marketing experience includes international market surveys and market evaluations for several of the largest retail companies.

Please Dennis or call him at (707) 430-4380, Ext 1 for assistance.

Ann Elias - UCPNB Project Manager

Ann Elias has served as Project Manager of United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay since December 2007.  Her career in administration has included employment as Marketing & Communication Manager at NutriHarmony and Project Manager at Charles Schwab & Company.  Her extensive experience with managing both small and large projects is evident in her ability to plan and organize the many recreation activities and special events that are offered at UCPNB.  She also designs our marketing materials, coordinates our volunteer program, and provides administrative support for our Executive Director and Board of Directors.  Ann is the parent of an adult son with a developmental disability who lives and works in the community.

Please Ann or call her at (707) 766-9990, Ext 107 for assistance.

 UCPNB Board Members and Leadership Staff.  Missing from picture: Janet Hart (Board Treasurer) and Ron Hamilton (Chief of Operations).