Senior Leaders
Jonessa Alexander
Jonessa Alexander began working with UCP of Georgia as the Associate Executive Director of Day Supports in 2013. She later became UCPGA’s Chief Operating Officer overseeing the human resources, training, behavioral supports, day supports, and nursing departments. In 2022, Jonessa was promoted to Vice President of Operations, adding oversight of programs to her responsibilities. She began serving as President and CEO of both UCP of Georgia and UCP of South Carolina in January of 2024.
Prior to her work with UCP, she was with Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia for 15 years, serving as the Assistant Director before departing. Jonessa earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Wake Forest University and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Georgia.
Jonessa lives north of metro Atlanta with her husband and son. She enjoys reading, music, spending time with friends and family, cheering on the UGA Bulldogs football team and the Atlanta Braves, and watching her son play baseball.
David Rast, MS, SPHR
Dave Rast joined UCP in June of 2024, bringing a wealth of diverse experience. After spending 23 years in the U.S. Navy, he continued his work in the HR field in arenas such as consulting, manufacturing, hospitality, and senior living.
Dave holds his Master of Science from New York University and has worked extensively in the areas of Diversity and Inclusion, Cultural Transformation, Talent Acquisition, and Strategic Planning, among many others. He has also earned the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, a respected credential that demonstrates an HR leader's theoretical knowledge and mastery in their field.
Laura Heise, CPA
Laura has served as UCP of Georgia’s CFO since 2007. She leads the finance department, managing all business transactions including receipts, disbursements, payroll, and financial reporting. She is responsible for setting financial policies and procedures with an emphasis on internal control, and acts as liaison between UCP of Georgia and external auditors.
Before joining UCP, Laura was an auditor in CPA firms specializing in auditing and tax work for nonprofit organizations. From 2000 to 2007, she served as CFO for two different nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin, one of which provided disability services. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University.
Laura has one son in college. As an avid traveler, she is always looking for new places to go to experience other cultures.
Angela Easter
Angela joined UCP of Georgia in 2001 as part of the community living services team. She currently oversees development, communications, technology, facilities maintenance, and emergency preparedness. Angela also provides operational support for UCP of South Carolina and administers a state trade association.
Previously, she worked in adult protective services, aging, and mental health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Coker University and an MBA from Kennesaw State University. Angela volunteers with the Ellis Center of Atlanta and serves on Georgia State University's Disability and Health Project Advisory Workgroup. She lives in Atlanta with her family and enjoys gardening and live music.
Stephanie Montwid, LPC
With a background in professional counseling as a therapist, Stephanie began working with UCP of Georgia in 2016 managing the organization’s day programs and behavior supports. As Chief Clinical Officer, she provides oversight and support for the organization's nursing and behavior support services, along with the quality improvement team.
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emory University and a MA in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University Atlanta. Stephanie is a licensed professional counselor (LPC). She loves spending time with her husband and three children, along with extended family and friends.
Kevin Walton
Kevin joined UCP of Georgia as a Program Assistant for supported employment in 1991. Since then, he has managed numerous UCPGA programs including childcare, respite care and personal support services. Kevin currently oversees both community living – the largest program at UCPGA – and day programs, encompassing the two major support services the organization provides.
Before joining UCP, Kevin worked as a clinical assistant with Anchor Hospital, providing clinical services to people with chemical dependencies. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Mercer University in sociology with a minor in African American Studies.
Kevin has two busy fur babies (a beagle and a miniature schnauzer), and enjoys outdoor activities like cycling, fishing, and hiking in his free time.
Diane Wilush
Following more than a decade in the role of Executive Director, Diane led UCP of Georgia as President and CEO from 2016 to 2023, driving substantial organizational growth. Her prior experience includes fundraising and case management roles.
Now, Diane directs public policy and advocacy initiatives for the organization. She is a founder of Service Providers for Developmental Disabilities (SPADD), a past president of the UCP national board, and currently serves on the board of the 501c Trust.
Diane earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and lives in Marietta with her husband. She enjoys visiting family in Chicago, learning to knit, and crossword puzzles.
Department Directors
Tsahai Allen, FNP
Tsahai is a skillful nurse practitioner with extensive experience in nursing care and medical case management. She began working with UCP of Georgia in 2016. Before coming to UCP, Tsahai was a registered nurse wtih Piedmont Henry Hospital.
Her hobbies include shopping, traveling, and tasting different foods from around the world. Tsahai is a member of her church nursing guild, and is married with two children. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Clayton State University.
Machelle Dawson
Machelle came to UCP of Georgia in 2017 with over 24 years of experience in social services with the state of Georgia. She first served as the Director of Community Living Services where she oversaw UCPGA's efforts in facilitating the independence and well-being of adults with IDD in residential settings. Since 2025, Machelle has directed UCPGA's day centers across five locations as the Director of Day Supports, providing daily support for adults with IDD in socialization, communication, and mobility skills.
Machelle holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading mystery novels, and shopping.
Stephanie Flikeid
Currently serving as the Director of Quality Improvement, Stephanie oversees compliance and service delivery standards across UCP of Georgia. She began her journey with UCP of Georgia in 2010 as the Assistant Associate ED of Community Living. Prior to working with UCP, Stephanie worked in an early intervention program and for a national accreditation organization.
Stephanie holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at the University of Georgia. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband and adult son.
Scott Gundrum
Scott is an accomplished financial professional with extensive experience in accounting, budgeting, and financial management. He began his journey with UCP of Georgia in 2008. Prior to joining UCP, Scott worked with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and the Dispatch Management Services Corporation.
He has experience with nonprofit and for profit enterprises, fund accounting and startup ventures, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Business and Accounting from Queens College.
Zandreal Mills
Zandreal serves as the Human Resources Director at UCP of Georgia, where she is responsible for managing the organization's day-to-day HR functions. Zandreal first joined UCP of Georgia in 2009, where she worked in the finance department for six years. She returned to UCP in 2018 and eventually transitioned to the area of human resources.
Zandreal holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of West Georgia and a Master's in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix.
Anne Rhodes Tryonoviech
Anne rejoined the UCP of Georgia team in 2024, having previously served as the Donor Relations Manager for several years. As Director of Development, she currently oversees all aspects of the organization's fundraising and community outreach initiatives. She has previously worked in nonprofit development for CHRIS 180, Camp Twin Lakes, and the Lupus Foundation.
Anne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from Georgia Southern University. Her extensive hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector equips her with a unique perspective on fostering relationships and advancing organizational goals.
Shirley Samuel
Shirley Samuel is an accountant and financial professional currently serving as the Controller at UCP of Georgia where she is responsible for managing day-to-day accounting and financial functions. She joined UCP of Georgia in 2018.
Before joining UCP, Shirley worked in diverse industries, including printing, real estate, and jewelry, where she developed her expertise in the financial arena. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from St. John's University, New York. Outside of work, Shirley is involved with Operation Christmas Child as a volunteer and is an active Sunday school teacher. She is also a travel enthusiast and loves watching movies.
Kevin Simpson
A detailed biography for Kevin Simpson will be available shortly.
Tyrone Zimmerman
Tyrone has an extensive background in technical infrastructure management. Serving as the Director of Infrastructure at UCP of Georgia, Tyrone manages the day-to-day operations of information technology, security, assistive technology, and other technical infrastructure needs. He joined UCP of Georgia in 2013.
Previously, Tyrone worked in human resources in the federal government in Philadelphia. He also has a customer service background, has worked with a child abuse prevention agency in New York, and in logistics in the dairy industry in Georgia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Temple University and is presently working toward certification in cybersecurity.
