Our workplace culture

"We are a compassionate and kind team. We find purpose in striving for a world where all people have what they need. We celebrate the range of human experiences through a culture of learning and growth. We work toward change with flexibility, enthusiasm, and joy." - the collective team

Click on a photo to skip to a brief bio of the person below

Rhonda Eppelsheimer, M.S.W., LCSW, Director

Rhonda Eppelsheimer, M.S.W., is serving as the Director of the OHSU University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities [faculty profile]. Eppelsheimer is credentialed as a licensed clinical social worker focusing on adolescent transition, mental health, and strengthening supports and systems for families who are raising children who experience disability. Back to photos

Rachel Benson, M.S.W.

Rachel Benson, M.S.W., is Assistant Director for the UCEDD. Rachel's work includes guiding projects such as the Public Health Workforce (PHWF) Grant, the COVID-19 Vaccine Access Grant, and the Summer Internship Program (SIP). She has case management experience in maternal health, addiction, and disability, and is passionate about addressing health disparities, mental health, and improving systems. Back to photos

Emily Quinn, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Emily Quinn, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P., is Associate Director of the UCEDD, Assistant Professor at OHSU, and a speech-language pathologist and researcher at the Institute on Development and Disability [faculty profile]. Quinn’s research and clinical focus include designing and implementing language interventions for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, augmentative and alternative communication, and telehealth or telepractice. Back to photos

Katherine Breithaupt, O.T.D., OTR/L

Katherine Breithaupt, O.T.D., OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist at the Institute on Development and Disability [faculty profile]. Breithaupt works with children and families to help support them in the activities they need and want to do, including patients in the Lifespan Transition Clinic. She serves on OHSU’s Patient and Family Advisory Board and is also involved in the Autism Clinic, Down Syndrome Program, and Children’s Cancer Survivorship Program. Back to photos 

Corey C.

Corey is a research assistant for the UCEDD. Coloma has worked on various projects including the National Core Indicators project. Back to photos

Maureen DeLongis, M.S.W., LCSW

Maureen DeLongis, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is an assistant professor, and the director of social work for the Institute on Development and Disability [faculty profile]. DeLongis specializes in providing mental health services to children and families experiencing neurodevelopmental disorders. Her focus includes sibling support, health care transition, and mental health. Back to photos

Sarah Fjeldstad, M.S.W.

Sarah Fjeldstad, M.S.W. is Project Coordinator for the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Peer Support project to develop a national plan for AAC peer support models. Sarah's degree focus was policy and programs to address poverty and disability. She has a decade of experience in quality assurance for programs supporting adults with I/DD. Back to photos

Willi Horner-Johnson, Ph.D.

Willi Horner-Johnson, Ph.D., is a professor and researcher at the Institute on Development and Disability [faculty profile]. Dr. Horner-Johnson’s research focuses on the reproductive health of people with disabilities, and on disparities in access to, and quality of, health care received by people with disabilities. She is also the principal investigator for the Oregon Office on Disability and Health. Back to photos

Morrigan Hunter, M.A., M.S.W.

Morrigan Hunter, M.A., M.S.W. is a Community Research Liaison with the UCEDD. Their current work includes a quality-improvement study of the Friendships and Dating Program as well as providing training on trauma informed care and disability for teachers of transition-aged youth with disabilities. Back to photos

Jennifer Kotzin, B.S., B.A.

Jennifer Kotzin, B.S., B.A., is a research assistant for the UCEDD. Kotzin works on the National Core Indicators project and is also the research assistant for the Spina Bifida Registry project through the Institute on Development and Disability at OHSU. Her interests lie in mental health support, specifically in depression, hopelessness, and suicide prevention. Back to photos

Samantha New, B.S., B.A.

Samantha New, B.S., B.A., is a community research liaison at the UCEDD. New plays a supportive role assisting with data entry, data cleaning, grant reporting requirements, and the development and dissemination of UCEDD products. Sam recently completed a post-bacc undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences at Oregon State University. Back to photos

Anne Niven, M.Div.

Anne Newkirk Niven, M.Div., is a research assistant and interviewer for the UCEDD. Niven works on the National Core Indicators project, and the RRTC Prevalence study. Back to photos

Jana Peterson-Besse, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Jana Peterson-Besse, Ph.D., M.P.H., is the program manager for the Oregon Office on Disability and Health. Dr. Peterson-Besse’s work focuses on improving health and health care equity for people with disabilities. She also works on increasing the inclusion of disability equity concepts within public health education. Back to photos

Libby Quinn, M.S.W.

Elizabeth "Libby" Quinn, M.S.W. is a Senior Community Research Liaison at the UCEDD. Libby's work includes supporting projects such as the statewide inclusive sexual health education program funded by the Personal Responsibility and Education Program (PREP) grant, the Transition to Adulthood Council and several other disability research and advocacy projects. She also works as an individual psychotherapist at Vista Counseling in Portland, Oregon, where she provides trauma-informed, psychodynamic therapy to adolescents and adults. Back to photos

Hannah Sanford-Keller, M.S., CCC-SLP

Hannah Sanford-Keller, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P., is an assistant professor and speech-language pathologist at the Institute on Development and Disability [faculty profile]. Sanford-Keller has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, communication disorders, and cleft palate or craniofacial disorders. She specializes in the 0–5 age range. Back to photos

Janice Staehely

Janice Staehely is a communication consultant, self-advocate and blogger for the UCEDD and the Institute on Development and Disability. Staehely is also a UCEDD research assistant. While experiencing cerebral palsy and using an assistive communication device, she passionately advocates for disability rights and inclusive access to health care. Back to photos

Yelena Voznyuk, M.S.

Yelena Voznyuk, M.S., is the Data Projects Manager for the UCEDD. Yelena coordinates Oregon’s National Core Indicators (NCI) project and supports the Summer Internship Program (SIP). She has experience evaluating and researching programs addressing health, housing stability, medical transportation, emergency preparedness, and addiction recovery. Back to photos

Larissa Yoshino, M.P.H.

Larissa Yoshino, M.P.H., is the Data and Communication Manager for the UCEDD. Yoshino oversees the UCEDD’s core grant-specific National Information Reporting System database, and assists with grant reporting. She also leads product development, communications, and community engagement. Her expertise is in public health issue-framing, policy advocacy, and communication strategy. Back to photos