Our Team

Matt became the Executive Director in September 2013, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for making a difference. Growing up in rural western Montana, Matt developed a deep understanding of community needs and the importance of effective leadership.

His educational journey led him to the University of Montana, where he pursued his passion for policy and government. Matt delved into the realms of political science and economics, setting a solid foundation for his future endeavors. Building upon this knowledge, he went on to complete a law degree, where he solidified his interest in policy reform.

After completing law school, Matt joined Governor Brian Schweitzer's budget team in Helena, MT, assuming the role of economist and tax policy analyst. This experience honed his analytical abilities and allowed him to contribute to the state's economic well-being.

Seeking to make a broader impact, Matt relocated to Washington, D.C., where he served as a nonprofit policy adviser and outreach coordinator for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus. In this influential position, he played a crucial role in shaping two landmark legislations: The Affordable Care Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Driven by a desire to address pressing social issues, Matt later moved to New York City to work at Care for the Homeless. His role involved coordinating a coalition of healthcare providers focused on serving the homeless population amidst significant changes to state Medicaid policy. Through his dedication and strategic thinking, Matt helped ensure that vulnerable individuals received the care they needed.

Matt's commitment to improving healthcare extended to Utah, where he played a pivotal role as a founding organizer of the successful Proposition 3 campaign to expand Medicaid. Matt's contributions to this successful campaign galvanized his reputation as a knowledgeable and influential advocate for change. His expertise and insights as a thought leader on healthcare matters have been widely recognized locally and nationally.

Together with his dedicated team and community partners, he continues to work tirelessly to develop innovative strategies that strengthen Utah's healthcare system, ensuring the well-being of its residents. Matt has a second job meeting the demands of his two little girls who seem to have an endless appetite for his attention. He doesn’t mind.

Daryl joined UHPP in 2019 to help underserved populations in Utah secure health insurance coverage. He was previously an HIV Prevention Counselor at the Utah AIDS Foundation. Daryl is a native of Philadelphia and spent 22 years working in for non-profit organizations in Washington, DC. Including 13 years at the Human Rights Campaign. Prior to moving to Utah, he worked as a Disaster Corps member for Habitat for Humanity aiding in Hurricane Sandy recovery on the Jersey Shore. Daryl enjoys gardening, cooking, bicycling and restoring old homes.

Leigh has been with UHPP since May of 2021 as the Operations and Finance Director. Before that, she has worked at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Sierra Club, and a private-owned law office. In these roles, she learned nonprofit organizational skills as well as finance and operational skills. Leigh graduated with her Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis in nonprofit organizations from the University of Utah in August of 2021. She also received an undergraduate degree from the University of Utah with a BS in Psychology in 2019. Leigh is born and raised in Salt Lake City. She loves the Utah lands and has volunteered with multiple nonprofits to work to protect them. Outside of work, Leigh likes to hike, climb, and be outside, as well as try new foods.

Julie was born in Chicago, IL, grew up most of her life in Mexico City and for the last 15 years she’s resided in Utah. She has an associate degree in general education from Salt Lake Community College. She started at UHPP through AmeriCorps in 2014 as a Certified Application Counselor. Because of her desire to empower and inform communities about health issues, she decided to join the UHPP team as a Navigator in 2015 to help and guide the underserved through the lengthy and sometimes complicated process of health insurance enrollment. She is part of a program called Bringing Communities and Clinics Together, this program oversees the low rate of the insurance population in South Salt Lake and Glendale areas. Julie and her four children live in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Payton joined UHPP in August 2022 as a Health Access Assister. Payton grew up in Southern Idaho and Northern Utah. She attended Utah State University and graduated in 2020 with an AS degree. She knew from a young age that she wanted to work with underserved communities. Before working at UHPP, Payton worked as a pediatric dental assistant for many years. It was in that clinical role, that Payton discovered her passion for helping patients get the care and coverage they need. Payton witnessed many children go without the treatment they needed due to excessive barriers in the health insurance realm. Now, Payton is driven by her past experiences and strives to help as many folks as she can. Payton believes affordable health care is a basic right to everyone. She is passionate about helping folks leave incarceration with the tools, and assistance they need to set them up for success. Payton's favorite part of her job is being able to advocate for her clients. Outside of work, she likes to spend time outdoors, read books, and spend time with her husband and dog.

Aimee Klein joined the UHPP team in November of 2022. She is currently a Community Organizer that works closely with the Utah Department of Corrections to ensure that those being released from incarceration have the opportunity to apply for health insurance coverage. Aimee was born and raised in Salt Lake City and has recently graduated with her Master of Public Health from Westminster University in May of 2023. With a passion for health equity and access to quality healthcare, Aimee wants to help make a difference in her community. In her free time, Aimee enjoys being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her dogs.

Daniel joined UHPP as a health policy analyist in April 2022. Daniel graduated from BYU in 2021 with a Master of Public Administration degree, focusing on health policy and state/federal government. He also received his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Utah. Before UHPP, Daniel worked for Leavitt Partners and interned with organizations including the Utah Insurance Department, where he researched and wrote a report on insulin affordability for the Legislature; the Utah Attorney General’s Office; and the U.S. Supreme Court. Daniel was born and raised in Salt Lake City and enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.

Rebecca was born and raised in Lubbock, TX and moved to Salt Lake City to be closer to her sisters (and the mountains). She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in December 2020 with a degree in Anthropology, where she developed a passion for learning about all aspects of humanity in the past and present. Rebecca is excited to continue to assist people of all backgrounds in getting the healthcare and support they deserve through UHPP's services. When not at work, Rebecca will be reading a book, working on her house, hanging out with her dog, or trying out her latest craft or hobby techniques.

Zaydia has been with UHPP since August 2022 and is working as Linkage Coordinator, helping individuals with disabilities get connected to healthcare and other support services across Utah. Before joining the team, she worked has worked as a Case Manager for those with severe mental illness, and as a Behavioral Technician doing ABA and play therapy with children and teens with Autism. Zaydia graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology degree in 2021 from the University of Wyoming. While she completed her degree she worked as a Direct Support Professional supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily living activities. Zaydia is originally from Green River, WY, but moved to Salt Lake City shortly after completing her degree. Outside of work, Zaydia likes to crochet, play Dungeons & Dragons, walk her cats, and spend time with her husband.

Naomi joined the Take Care Utah family in March of 2023 as a linkage coordinator. Naomi is a Salt Lake City native, who graduated from Weber State University with a master's degree in criminal justice in May 2021 and is currently working on a master's in social work. Before joining Take Care Utah, she worked as an intensive outpatient coordinator, as well as a certified Prime for Life and Prime Solutions instructor. She also has extensive experience assisting those with disabilities live their most independent lives within independent living centers. As a linkage coordinator, she enjoys helping people in underserved populations get connected to low-cost resources within the local community. In her free time, Naomi loves spending time with her two dogs, playing video games, gardening, thrift shopping, as well as traveling.

Rosario Bauer (She/Her/Hers) was born in Lima, Peru. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications. She moved to the US in 2020 to do an exchange cultural program, living in New York for a year. She moved to Utah in 2021 and joined UHPP in November 2022 becoming a Health Access Assister. Rosario is passionate about helping people to meet their needs in different ways. She believes that everybody deserves a change to get a health insurance or get help to coverage those expensive bills. Our job is to make the whole process easier for Utahns.

Rosario enjoys spending time with her family. She likes to play board and card games, also watch series and movies.

Dajhana was born in Peru, and she has resided in Utah for the last 18 years. In 2014, she worked as a case manager at HAP, a nonprofit organization through Americorps, where she discovered her passion to work for a cause helping people to improve our communities. In 2017, she worked as a Spanish interpreter, providing language services to health care patients with limited English proficiency. She joined UHPP in 2019 and she is very excited to make a difference in her community. In her free time, Dajhana likes to do puzzles and play with her children.

Raye Silvers is a Utah native who has studied social work, social sciences, and alternative healthcare modalities, and has worked in the non-profit sector for most of her professional career. Prior to joining UHPP in May 2023 she worked for many years helping low-income, unhoused, and justice involved people with substance use and mental health disorders access treatment services. She saw treatment outcomes improve significantly when Utah fully expanded Medicaid in 2020, because of greater access to behavioral health and medical care, and Medicaid funding for post-treatment services that helped clients stabilize in recovery and rebuild their lives. Healthcare access is essential to well-being in all areas of life, for everyone, regardless of their history or circumstances. She recognizes good health as a fundamental human right and enjoys helping Utahns obtain the healthcare coverage they need and deserve.

Cyndi was born in Santiago, Chile, she moved to Utah to study English and pursue new academic opportunities. She later graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health, emphasizing health science. After traveling and experiencing diverse cultures in different countries,, she discovered a strong passion for working with communities and improving well-being. She is especially motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives through community-focused health initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer or any sports really. She also values traveling and spending quality time with her wife.

Chloe earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah and began her work at UHPP as an AmeriCorps member in March of 2025, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, barriers to healthcare access, and involvement in the justice system. After completing her service, she was hired full-time, continuing her commitment to connecting clients with medical, behavioral health, and community resources. Chloe is passionate about improving access to care and creating supportive, empowering spaces for her clients.

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active in nature, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Denise is a native Washingtonian, having relocated to Utah with her husband. She holds a BA in Human Relations from Trinity University and an HR certification from the Graduate School USA. Prior to spending over a decade with the Department of the Treasury as a Management and Program Analyst, and as an HR Specialist with the Department of Justice, Denise worked for the nonprofit, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). There she collaborated closely with program staff to improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the US. As a reading instructor in the DC public school system, her focus was grades K-6. Most recently, she has been a volunteer with the public library’s America Reads program. In her free time, Denise enjoys writing, trying baking recipes, and watching procedural TV dramas.

Marisol joined UHPP as a Health Access Assister in 2022. Before joining our team, she worked within the Weber County community and has a passion for helping people get access to affordable healthcare. Marisol worked for a non-profit where she learned the importance of medical insurance and assisted individuals with applying. Her mission as a Health Access Assister is to be able to help individuals in Weber County get their medical needs taken care of without the worry of financial burden. When not at work Marisol enjoys visiting local shops to support small businesses.

Cecilia joined UHPP in May 2021 as a Health Access Assister. She was born in Peru and came to the United States around 20 years ago. In Peru, she has always enjoyed helping her community and ensuring everyone’s needs were met. After coming to the states, she graduated as a social worker from the University of Utah, where during her college education, she had the opportunity to be a volunteer in different nonprofits organizations and programs such as Injury Safety Program, and Prediabetes prevention. She also obtained the certificate of Lifestyle coach for National Diabetes prevention Program.

Cecilia also worked with the Salt Lake County Health department as a health educator. Before UHPP, she worked as a community health worker that connected underserved communities with important resources needed. She worked closely with clinical teams to ensure that patients were receiving proper, comprehensive care, and she established trusting relationships with her patients and their families to help them become more engaged in their health.

In her free time Cecilia enjoys being outside with her family, dancing, traveling, and practicing meditation.

Brian joined UHPP as a Health Access Assister in April 2023. He is a Mexican American born and raised in Ogden, Utah. He graduated from Weber State University with a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration in December 2022. Prior to starting his role at UHPP, he worked for the Ogden School District as a Student Advocate running an anti-gang prevention program at a junior high school. He will enroll into a Master of Public Policy program at the University of Utah in Fall of 2024. He hopes to use his work and education experience to further aid and support underserved populations within the state of Utah and, eventually, on a national level. Outside of work, he thoroughly enjoys going to the movies, attending concerts, and hanging out with his friends and family.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Ryann joined UHPP as a Health Access Assister in January 2026 through the AmeriCorps Most Vulnerable Populations program. She is currently attending Salt Lake Community college and is working towards a master's in social work and a minor is Spanish. In her free time Ryann enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Emily joined UHPP as a Health Access Assister in February 2026. She is currently completing her studies at the University of Utah, where she will graduate in May 2026 with a B.S. in Strategic Communications and a minor in Music. Prior to joining the team, Emily gained extensive experience in the Utah nonprofit sector, managing digital advocacy for Equality Utah and serving as a development intern for the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera.
Her time in advocacy taught her that clear information is a vital form of equity; she joined UHPP specifically to bridge the communication gap between underserved communities and the essential healthcare resources they deserve. This commitment is deeply personal—having grown up with siblings facing severe health challenges, Emily witnessed firsthand the exhausting hurdles families face when navigating the insurance system. She now leverages her communication background and lived experience to ensure others can access care without facing those barriers alone. In her free time, Emily remains active in the local music scene as a clarinetist.

I am a Health Access Assister with the Utah Health Policy Project, where I help individuals navigate Medicaid enrollment, renewals, and health coverage options. I recently graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Health, Society, and Policy and a minor in Psychology. As a Navajo (Diné) woman, my lived experiences have shaped my commitment to improving healthcare access and addressing systemic inequities, particularly for Native and underserved communities. Through my work, I strive to make healthcare systems more accessible, culturally responsive, and easier to navigate. I plan to pursue a career in law to advocate for policy-level changes that improve health outcomes and equity. Outside of work, I enjoy playing music, beadworking, and staying connected to my community.

Adam Burt is a native Utahn, who recently graduated in 2025 from Weber State University with a bachelor's in political science, Philosophy, and Sociology. He has started at UHPP through the AmeriCorps internship program and is looking forward to helping his community get access to the healthcare that they deserve. Adam plans on attending law school with the hopes of further serving his community through legal and policy advocacy. In his free time Adam finds himself playing the guitar, hanging out with his partner and dog, or reading.

Cooper is a Washington state native, after moving to Utah post high school, Cooper started to attend the University of Utah. He is working on his bachelors of political science and sociology and will be graduating in 2027. He joined UHPP in March 2026 through the AmeriCorps program and is excited to work closely with his local community. Cooper has a passion for providing resources and services to better the world around him. He is excited to see the impact he is able to have as he continues his work at UHPP. Outside of work and school, Cooper enjoys fantasy books, right now Cooper is reading through all of Brandon Sandersons works. When not cozied up with a book Cooper loves to snowboard and spend time out in the mountains hiking, swimming, and learning about native Utah wildlife.