Senior Leadership

Lori Burch is the Chief Operating/Financial Officer at UCP Heartland. She oversees the agency’s operations, ensuring the organization runs smoothly in support of its mission to serve individuals with disabilities. With more than 20 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, compliance, and strategic transformation, she provides a deep understanding of financial strategy, compliance, and operational excellence.

Lori holds a master’s degree in Forensic Accounting from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from McKendree University. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Illinois.

Michael Bates is the Vice President of Human Resources at UCP Heartland, leading the agency’s HR strategy, employee engagement, and talent initiatives. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit, healthcare, education, and corporate environments, he brings a proven track record of aligning people practices with organizational purpose.

He holds a B.S. in Human Resource Management from Lindenwood University and is certified as both a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Michael is an active member of SHRM and the SHRM of Greater St. Louis chapter.

ShiQuita Lane is the Vice President of Children and Family Services at UCP Heartland, providing strategic leadership to grow and strengthen programs, with a focus on expanding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and promoting inclusive care. With over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), she has supported the development and launched the organization’s Autism Services Program, increasing access for individuals in historically underserved communities.

She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and serves as Fundraising Chair for Black Applied Behavior Analysts (BABA). ShiQuita’s passion for equity and global impact led her to Nigeria through the Global Autism Project, where she trained educators and providers in culturally responsive ABA strategies.

placeholder text

Tanya’ McGee is the Vice President of Community Living at UCP Heartland, leading the agency’s strategic vision for Community Living programs. With over 33 years of experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) field, she is highly knowledgeable across all functions and ensures the delivery of high-quality, person-centered services while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and team development.

She studied Deaf Communications and Psychology at Lewis & Clark Community College and is an active member of Starling Missouri, ANCOR, and SLAPP.

Cassie is the Vice President of Community and Employment Services, leading the agency’s strategic vision for the Adult Day and Employment Resources programs. With almost 10 years of experience working with children and adults with differing abilities, she started her career overseeing a conductive education camp for children with cerebral palsy and has become well-acquainted with all aspects of person-driven, community-based services.

She holds a master’s degree in psychology, is WIP certified, has achieved ACRE credentialing, and is a member of APSE, MRA, ANCOR, and Starling.

Keetra Thompson is the Executive Coordinator to the President & CEO at UCP Heartland. With over 20 years of experience in executive support, project management, and operations, she provides strategic and administrative support to the executive office, ensuring seamless coordination of leadership priorities, board engagement, and organizational initiatives.

Her career spans corporate and nonprofit sectors, including roles in finance, HR, creative operations, and entrepreneurial event production for organizations such as the Institute of Black Imagination, LBMC WSquared, and DarioStudio, Inc. Keetra is highly skilled in streamlining processes and supporting mission-driven leadership to achieve organizational goals.