Welcome New Program Staff!

UCP of Western Massachusetts and Easterseals have brought on board new MassMATCH program staff

UCP of Western Massachusetts operates the MassMATCH AT Regional Center (ATRC) in Pittsfield. This month the center has welcomed two new program staff, Kathie Sullivan, Assistive Technology (AT) Department Director for UCP who will oversee the ATRC and Katie Walden, Administrative Assistant for the AT Department and coordinator for the Durable Medical Equipment reuse efforts.

Kathie Sullivan comes to UCP from Easterseals Massachusetts where she trained and worked as an AT Specialist, providing technology training and support to individuals with disabilities of all ages. Prior to Easterseals, Kathie worked in special education advocacy for children with disabilities in both public and private school settings. Kathie is delighted to join the staff of UCP of Western Massachusetts in her new role as AT director. “I’m excited to work with the AT Regional Center and to be a part of sharing AT solutions in an environment that does not pressure anyone to buy equipment but instead learn about a range of options to inform those important decisions.”

Katie Walden comes to UCP following service in the United States Air Force where she developed her technology savvy working in the Communications Unit as a knowledge operations manager. Katie has been with UCP for more than a year, first as an administrative assistant for Family Support and Adult Family Care and now as support to the AT Department. Her work in human services with individuals with disabilities of all kinds contributes to her satisfaction at her new role at UCP. “AT can unlock potential and open new doors to success,” she says.

Welcome Kathie and Katie!

Easterseals Massachusetts operates the MassMATCH Alternative Finance Program (AFP), serving residents with disabilities across the state. The AFP provides several programs to help individuals with disabilities acquire assistive technology, including two financial loan programs. This month, Easterseals welcomed Catherine Fradenburg as the new AFP manager and Steven Crays as the new AFP coordinator.

Prior to the Alternative Finance Program, Catherine worked as an AT Specialist at Easterseals Massachusetts and for the League School of Greater Boston. She’s delighted to bring her AT experience to helping people identify and purchase needed AT devices and services. “We help people who may not ordinarily qualify for a bank loan obtain financing. It’s an essential program for Massachusetts residents who may have no other way to acquire life-changing AT.”

Steven also worked as an AT Specialist at Easterseals before moving into the AFP coordinator position. Steven says he values the client-center approach at Easterseals and that it shapes his work in both roles. “I truly enjoy the one-on-one interaction with each client. It’s a dream job to be able to not only help people with disabilities acquire AT, but also see how each device or service positively impacts their daily lives.”

Welcome Catherine and Steven!