Meet the Staff
Margaret Farman – Executive Director
Margaret is a visionary, dynamic executive adept in leading diverse non-profit organizations. She brings her proven record of success in creating and implementing high-quality programs and services for persons with disabilities to UCPNB. “We will provide leadership in the development of education, employment, and housing for people with disabilities; while continuing to focus on quality of life issues in Sonoma, Napa, and Solano Counties.”
A long-time resident of the North Bay, Margaret completed her higher education at the University of the Pacific before founding and directing Therapon Association for the Developmentally Disabled. Under her leadership, the agency grew to serve 78 individuals with severe disabilities with an annual budget of $3.5 million. She was also successful in acquiring a $1.2 million HUD grant for supported living apartments.
As Deputy Director of the California Autism Foundation where she worked from 1994 to 2006, Margaret oversaw an $11.2 million annual budget with assets of $14.2 million. She managed a diverse staff of 275 full and part-time personnel providing non-public school, work activity, residential, and day programs for 250 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Among her many achievements at the California Autism Foundation were the development of ABC School, ABC Apartments, and Supported Living Services. Recognizing the need for additional support, Margaret developed comprehensive transportation services for both residential and day programs. Her leadership with the development of social enterprise programs led to the creation of their successful Custom Assembly & Packaging program.
Margaret continues to be a strong advocate for people with disabilities, both as a care provider for an adult living with her family and as a member of community advisory boards. As the Co-Chair of the Bay Area Rate Relief Committee, her legislative advocacy with the others on the committee resulted in rate increases of 15% for supported employment, 5.5% for integrated day programs, and 3% for residential programs.
Margaret enjoys spending time with her family; which includes her husband, a grown daughter and son, and a growing daughter that “reminds me of how much we all have to learn each and every day of our lives.” We invite you to contact Margaret by e-mail or phone at (707) 766-9990, Ext 102 to learn more about United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay. The Board of Directors welcomes Margaret and looks forward to many years of successful program growth and development.
Ron Hamilton – Chief of Operations
Ron brings 21 years of administrative experience in the field of developmental disabilities with Las Trampas, Inc. and the Janet Pomeroy Center (formerly Recreation Center for the Handicapped). He has chaired the San Francisco Developmental Disabilities Council, taught classes and served on the Advisory Committee for the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at San Francisco State University, and developed a variety of afterschool and day programs for children, adults, and senior adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries.
As Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marin and Napa Counties, Ron re-established and expanded services in Napa County including a successful mentoring partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley and an entertaining annual fundraising event, “Napa Valley Comedy Night,” with Michael Pritchard. “Working for UCPNB is a dream come true – I’m able to use my education and experience working with people with disabilities in the North Bay where I have lived for the past 20 years.” Please contact Ron by email or phone at (707) 603-0010 for assistance.
Laura Briggin - Cypress School Director
Laura has 35 years of professional experience as a Non-Public School Principal, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Special Education Teacher. She received a Master of Science degree in Special Education from Dominican University in 1987 and became a member of The Association for the Severely Handicapped (TASH) in 1978. Most recently, Laura served as the Principal of ABC School at the California Autism Foundation. During her 10 years, Laura founded the school, developed a new 6,000 square foot school site, and increased enrollment to 45 students with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and emotional disabilities.
As a leader in the field of special education, Laura was invited to Ljubljana, Slovenia in July 2006 where she provided a four-day autism services training seminar for medical and educational professionals. Laura will be working with Special Education Local Plan Areas, school districts, and parents to make Cypress School one of the premiere non-public schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. When asked about the development of Cypress School, Laura said, “It’s a dream come true – when we open our doors for the first day of school the families that we serve will find a dedicated staff committed to the well-being and education of their children.” Please email Laura or call her at (707) 766-9990, Ext 106 for assistance.
Ludy Argouarch – Chief Financial Officer
Ludy served as the Chief Financial Officer of a non-profit agency serving children and adults with disabilities for seven years prior to joining United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay in August 2007. With seven years of experience overseeing the day-to-day financial operation of a $10 million agency with 250 employees, Ludy is responsible for ensuring our financial well-being. As Chief Financial Officer of UCPNB, Ludy prepares budget and financial reports, manages personnel and payroll, and directs the purchasing of supplies and equipment including vehicles. Ludy has a B.A. in Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Her career began as Chief Accountant to American Investment Corporation in Manila, Philippines. She held various positions with increasing responsibility in accounting, finance, and business development. As Financial Manager of Therapon Association, she was responsible for financial planning and accounting, working with lending institutions, and developing relationships with the financial community. Ludy is described as passionate and hard-working – professional characteristics that enhance the leadership of our agency. A native of the Philippines, Ludy is a long-time resident of the Bay Area. Please email Ludy or call her at (707) 766-9990, Ext 104 for assistance.
Mike Lisenko – Vice President of Business Operations
Mike is uniquely qualified to direct the operations of WineBev Services, our social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities in the wine industry. With 14 years of years of experience as the General Manager of a production company employing adults with disabilities, Mike is now fully able to realize the vision that we all share of providing minimum wage rather than piece rate employment in an integrated business setting. His expertise in sales and production combine with his desire to see employees of all abilities achieve successful careers in the wine industry.
“By offering real wages, social opportunities, and the pride of being an employee of WineBev Services; we are raising the bar for everyone employing adults with disabilities.” Besides managing a production business with an annual budget of $2 million employing 65 adults with disabilities, Mike has directed educational activities for adults with disabilities at Clausen House. He has also received training from NISH, the national agency that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities that was co-founded by United Cerebral Palsy. Please email Mike or call him at (707) 603-0010, Ext 1 for assistance.
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