Board of Directors
President - Linda Blong, Ph.D.
Linda Blong is currently serving as Senior Project Specialist for the California Services for Technical Assistance and Training (CalSTAT) project, at Napa County Office of Education. CalSTAT, which Dr. Blong co-directed for ten years, is a special project of the California Department of Education, Special Education Division. Linda’s work with CalSTAT focuses on partnership efforts to improve systems that serve people with disabilities and their families. She specializes in the design and facilitation of participatory processes that bring the voices of all stakeholders into the planning and implementation of systems change efforts.
Linda is also a parent of three young men. Her son Keegan Blong, 18, who has cerebral palsy is an increasingly skillful self advocate interested in public policy and early childhood development. Keegan and Linda have learned a great deal together about assistive technology, particularly augmentative communication.
Vice-President - Elaine McHugh, Ph.D.
Elaine is a full Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Sonoma State University, where she trains students to become Adapted Physical Education Specialists in the public schools and in the community. She directs "Saturday Sidekicks," a physical activity program for youth with disabilities from ages 5-18+ and "Sidekicks Cycle," a program in which youth with disabilities learn to ride conventional two-wheeled bicycles. She has been involved with UCPNB for more than 10 years, serving as Board President for several years.
"My passion is seeing young people get excited about involvement in physical activities. This is a particularly exciting time for UCPNB, as we have the opportunity to expand services and create new options for individuals with disabilities in the North Bay!"
Secretary - Claire Martin
Born with Cerebral Palsy and having attended high school and college in the 1940’s, Claire has participated in the dramatic changes that have taken place for people with disabilities. She has worked at a school for children with cerebral palsy, formed both teen and adult social groups, and learned to drive at age 39. Her life experiences are invaluable to the growth of UCPNB.
“My left side is not so useful, sometimes my speech is bad, and I had a hip replacement in 2000 – but I still have a lot to give and I am grateful for being a part of this wonderful organization.”
Treasurer - Mimi Schott
Mimi joined the Board in 1998 while caring for her granddaughter who was born with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. Her love and support grew into a desire to meet the need for services for her granddaughter and other children with disabilities. She was able to realize her desire by becoming involved with UCPNB.
“It is not enough to just develop services for children and adults with disabilities, we must ensure that these services continue into the future – as long as there is a need.”
Member - Steve Lohrer, Ph.D.
Steve Lohrer is the Director for the Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Guidelines for Effective Interventions Project at the Napa County Office of Education. The project, sponsored by the California Department of Developmental Services, represents a collaborative effort to conduct an evidence-based evaluation of interventions for persons with autistic spectrum disorders, involving experts from California and across the country.
Dr. Lohrer received his PhD from the Columbia University School of Social Work in New York and was a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Developmental Disabilities Research at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Dr. Lohrer has a background as a researcher, clinical social worker and service program manager in the fields of developmental disabilities, aging, mental health and family caregiving. Additionally, he is the parent of a young child with cerebral palsy.
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