Leadership Staff

President/CEO

John Sprogis

John Sprogis serves as Chief Executive Officer of United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire (UCPIE), where he leads with a deep commitment to expanding opportunity, dignity, and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout the Inland Empire.

A passionate advocate for mission-driven work, John brings extensive experience in leadership, philanthropy, and community partnership development. He believes meaningful change happens through relationships, connecting donors, families, and community leaders around a shared vision of inclusion and possibility. Under his leadership, UCPIE has strengthened its culture of philanthropy, expanded community engagement, and increased resources that directly support life-changing programs and services.

John is dedicated to ensuring donors see the tangible impact of their generosity. He works closely with philanthropic partners to align community investment with real needs, helping create sustainable programs that empower individuals to live more independent and fulfilling lives. His approach emphasizes transparency, stewardship, and long-term partnership, recognizing that lasting impact is built through trust and shared purpose.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, John actively engages with regional foundations, civic organizations, and business leaders to advance innovative solutions that improve quality of life for the people UCPIE serves. He is driven by the belief that when communities invest in inclusion, everyone benefits.

Through his leadership, UCPIE continues to grow as a trusted community partner and a catalyst for opportunity, ensuring individuals of all abilities are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Director of Program Services
Jannett Reyes

Jannett is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and serves as Director of Program Services at UCPIE, where she oversees multiple programs supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus on Autism and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. Jannett brings over 23 years of experience in the field, including extensive clinical experience in early intervention and in supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as program development, staff training, and family support.

Jannett is a certified PEERS® for Adolescents trainer and a Pro-ACT trainer, and has led support groups and facilitated social skills programs for adults. She is deeply committed to empowering families and ensuring individuals receive meaningful, person-centered services. She previously served as a board member and Vice President of the Coachella Valley Autism Society of America and has completed the Special Education Advocacy Certificate Program through the University of San Diego. She continues to advocate for and support families as they navigate services and systems of care.

Director of Human Resources
Maria Zielke

Maria Zielke is a seasoned Human Resources executive with more than two decades of experience leading HR strategy, employee relations, and organizational development for global and regional organizations. As Director of Human Resources, she is passionate about building high-performing, inclusive workplace cultures where employees can thrive and organizations can achieve their mission. Maria brings deep expertise in talent acquisition, compliance, benefits administration, HRIS systems, and HR operations, ensuring that people strategies align with organizational goals and support long-term growth.

Throughout her career, Maria has served as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, guiding organizations through complex workplace matters and strategic transformation. She is widely recognized for her expertise in employee relations and workplace investigations, where she balances fairness, compliance, and risk mitigation to achieve thoughtful and effective resolutions. Her collaborative approach helps leaders navigate challenging situations while maintaining a strong, respectful workplace culture.

Maria also has extensive experience leading organizational growth and operational improvement. She has built high-performing HR teams, implemented scalable processes, and led initiatives that improved efficiency and reduced operational costs. Maria has played a key role in supporting global expansion and post-acquisition integration for thousands of employees across multiple countries, helping align workforce strategies with evolving business needs.

A bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, Maria is committed to supporting diverse workforces and fostering inclusive environments. She holds a degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and remains dedicated to helping organizations strengthen their people practices, enhance employee engagement, and deliver meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, Ethan and Emily, making the most of family time together.

Director of Donor Development
Samantha Tweddell

Samantha Tweddell is a business and community development expert with a focus on nonprofit leadership, fundraising campaigns, and civic engagement.

Throughout her career at several large and much respected organizations, she has been instrumental in program implementation and management, revitalizing well-established brands and creating imaginative and timely concepts to move businesses forward in achieving their mission.

Samantha was an important voice on a statewide committee around the standardization of data collection and reporting on childcare supply and demand issues in California. This report informed all levels of government officials to understand the needs of their communities while they were discussing funding for programs.

In leadership roles, Samantha has created opportunities to empower her staff to grow their knowledge in the industry and pursue their interests. The philosophy she uses with her team has always been in the spirit of advancement, both professionally and personally, which has led to a culture of trust and support among the group.

Samantha was born in the northeast of England and, as such, is a longtime supporter of Newcastle United Football Club. She has even been known to wake up for a 4 a.m. Saturday kick-off. Other interests include pickleball games with friends, volunteering in her community, and curling up on the couch with a good book. She lives in Rancho Mirage, CA with her partner Stacey and two adorable rescue cats, Sophie and Mickey.

Director of Finance and Accounting
Sam Hollenbeck

With 35 years of accounting experience—the last six dedicated to California’s nonprofit sector—CPA Sam Hollenbeck turns financial insight into a foundation for community impact. As Director of Finance and Accounting, he brings a steady, thoughtful approach to stewardship, combining technical precision with a commitment to UCPIE’s mission. Sam believes that when an organization’s finances are well-managed, its ability to serve grows. By maintaining transparency and sound practices alongside leadership and the board, he ensures UCPIE can focus its full energy where it matters most: serving people and strengthening communities.

Associate Director of Program Services
Jennifer Zuckerman

Jennifer serves as Associate Director of Program Services for UCPIE. As a young child, she grew up in Orange County. After high school she went off to The University of Arizona for her undergraduate degree in psychology. Soon after working in the field, she decided to obtain a master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from The University of San Francisco. While in the bay area for several years she was able to have two beautiful children, Jacob and Farah. Jennifer became a resident of the Coachella Valley in 2016 and has resided in La Quinta since moving.

Jennifer’s professional experience includes several years of non-profit and for-profit in the areas programs & services, development, case management and clinical, outreach, memory care, adult day care, and with special needs. Some of the organizations to name a few have included Angel View, YMCA, Alzheimer’s Association, Golden Gate Regional Center, CARD, Atria, and Senior Serv. Jennifer has worked with the whole life span from children to adults, has spent her career being their biggest advocate, and helped to deliver quality services to those she serves.

Respite Program Coordinator
Saul Lopez

Saul was born and raised in California’s beautiful Coachella Valley and brings both professional experience and personal understanding to his work at United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire. Since joining the organization in 2021, he has been dedicated to supporting families and ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities receive compassionate, reliable care.

As a parent of a child with special needs, Saul understands firsthand the importance of trust, patience, and meaningful support for families. His personal experience allows him to approach his work with empathy and insight, helping caregivers access the respite services they need while ensuring individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

In the Respite Department, Saul is committed to strengthening support systems for families across the community and helping create moments of relief, connection, and care for those who need it most.

Respite Program Coordinator
Vanessa Vargas

Bio coming soon…

Case Coordinator
Lilibeth Rodriguez

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, she began her work as a Job Coach, supporting individuals with disabilities in reaching personal and employment goals while helping create accommodations that allowed them to succeed. She later gained experience within the court system assisting victims of abuse file domestic violence restraining orders, where she developed strong case management skills and a deep appreciation for compassionate advocacy. She also gained experience in an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic while serving as a substitute teacher in various special education classrooms, where she supported children with diverse developmental and behavioral needs through therapy and teaching.

Currently, as a Case Coordinator, she helps ensure caregivers can receive the rest and assistance they deserve while their loved ones continue to receive quality care. Her professional path has largely been rooted in nonprofit service, and she is passionate about advocating for and supporting individuals within the disability community.

Outreach Coordinator
Alyssa Nieto

Alyssa Nieto has served as the Outreach Coordinator at United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire since June 2024. In this role, she represents UCPIE throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties by attending community events, building partnerships with local organizations, and increasing awareness of programs and services available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Alyssa is passionate about community engagement and enjoys connecting directly with families, helping them navigate resources and access the support they need. She also facilitates UCPIE’s Resource and Referral Program, linking families to a wide range of services and supports within the community. In addition, Alyssa provides presentations to community partners and actively participates in regional collaboratives to strengthen partnerships and improve access to resources for the communities UCPIE serves. Alyssa feels grateful to be part of the UCPIE team, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families!

Staffing Coordinator
Kimberly Garcia-Munoz

Kimberly Garcia has been part of UCPIE for over three years. She began her journey with the organization as an Office Clerk and was later promoted to Staffing Coordinator. In her current role, Kimberly works closely with families to help connect them with respite workers who provide essential care and support.

Kimberly’s mission is to support families of individuals with disabilities, but what truly drives her is her personal connection to the work. She has an older sister with Cerebral Palsy, and as her only sister, Kimberly understands firsthand the importance of having compassionate and reliable support. Being able to help families find the care they need is deeply meaningful and rewarding for her.

A proud member of the Latino community, Kimberly grew up in the Coachella Valley. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from California State University, Long Beach. Through both her professional experience and personal background, Kimberly remains committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the families she serves.

Senior Accounting Clerk
Nikkie Molina

Nikkie Molina is the Senior Accounting Clerk at United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire, where she has proudly served for seven years. She plays an important role in supporting the organization’s financial operations and ensuring the accuracy and efficiency that help sustain the programs and services provided to the community. She especially values the organization’s events, as they offer meaningful opportunities to connect with the mission and see firsthand the agency’s positive impact on the lives of individuals and families. She strongly believes that “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress, but working hard for something we love is called passion,” a perspective that reflects her dedication to the work she does. She holds a Certificate in Accounting and is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Business and Technologies. She is committed to continuing her professional growth while supporting the mission and values of the organization. She values the strong sense of community and teamwork within the organization, and believes that when people come together with a shared purpose, they can make a lasting impact in the lives of those they serve.

Accounts Receivable & Payable Clerk
Edward Lugo

Edward has been a resident of the Coachella Valley for more than 16 years and enjoys being part of a community that values connection and support. In his role as Accounts Payable & Receivable Clerk at UCPIE, he helps ensure that our financial processes run smoothly so that programs and services can continue supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

He takes pride in being part of a team whose work helps strengthen opportunities and resources for people in the community. When he is not at work, Edward enjoys spending time on the golf course, cheering for the Chargers on football Sundays, and relaxing with his wife and their dog, Snoopy.

Payroll Clerk
Karina Mendez

Karina Mendez has served as the Payroll Clerk at United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire for approximately two years. In her role, she collaborates with multiple departments to ensure payroll operations run efficiently and accurately. Karina graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Probability and Statistics. She values being part of a team that works to support the community and contribute to the mission of UCPIE.

Program Assistant
Yvonne Quintero

Yvonne Quintero serves as the Program Assistant at United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire, where she is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and the families who care for them. Her work is driven by both professional experience and personal insight gained from advocating for a loved one with a lifelong disability.

Motivated by these experiences, Yvonne pursued degrees in Psychology and Philosophy to strengthen her ability to support families navigating complex systems of care. She is passionate about improving access to resources and addressing barriers such as limited information, language differences, and financial challenges that often prevent families from receiving the services they need.

Yvonne’s background includes extensive caregiving experience as well as professional work as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist supporting children ages 2 to 6. Through these roles, she has developed a strong understanding of the developmental, behavioral, and family-centered needs of individuals with disabilities.

In her current role, Yvonne is committed to advocacy, community outreach, and empowering families with the knowledge and support necessary to access appropriate services. Her work reflects a deep dedication to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equity within the disability community.

Donor Relations Coordinator
Aimee Salzmann

Aimee Salzmann serves as Donor Relations Coordinator for United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire, where she is passionate about connecting the community to UCPIE’s mission. She enjoys building relationships with volunteers, community partners, and donors while helping bring fundraising events and initiatives to life.

Aimee is passionate about bringing people together around a shared purpose and believes that strong community connections are key. She is proud to be part of an organization that empowers people to live a life without limits.

Office Clerk
Vanessa Barreto Lopez

Vanessa Barreto Lopez was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. After graduating from Cathedral City High School, she spent many years working in hospitality management throughout the valley before choosing to focus on raising her four wonderful boys with her husband.

Her family became clients of UCPIE in 2016. In 2022, she joined UCPIE in the Donor Development Department, where she quickly developed a passion for serving UCPIE families. That experience eventually led her to her current role as an Office Clerk. She finds it incredibly rewarding to connect with respite workers and families while helping ensure daily operations run smoothly.

As a mother of two children on the spectrum, she is especially motivated to support the special needs community. She is grateful to be part of an organization that helps expand resources and support for families in the community she proudly calls home.