Our Team
Our team is dedicated to creating a future in which all Utahns have access to high quality and affordable physical, oral, and behavioral health care and are equipped to make informed decisions within a system that meets their health care needs in a timely manner.
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.
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.
Iris possesses 16 years of experience in the educational field; As a lead teacher and family advocate had the opportunity to interact with families and individuals from all over the world. Developing an understanding of global backgrounds, struggles, traditions and needs. As a communicator, recorded jingles and TV commercials offering local services, and advertising events for the local community.
In the early years, worked for Utah Community Action in Salt Lake City making a positive impact in the Hispanic Community through a ward program recognized by Utah State Holistic and better know as Head Start. It was through observation and daily interactions that life-long connections were made with children and their families who reached out to her for resources, educational advice, and professional teaching. She has volunteered in over one hundred events between the states of Utah and California.
Currently active Rotary member, fostering collaborations between organizations to bring even more resources and opportunities for Utah’s residents.
When not at work, Iris enjoys the outdoors all year round, enjoying skiing, hikes, paddle boarding and Yoga.
As a youth, Elim spent 5 years involved with the Utah Pride Center. When he joined, the group was named the Queer Youth Activist Coalition but eventually evolved into the Youth Planning Committee. Elim Spent his time there learning how to successfully collaborate with peers while planning large scale community events, where his favorite task was to create and design educational materials about numerous public health issues targeted for youth. During that time, he also volunteered with The Youth of Utah Advocacy Coalition. Now at UHPP Elim is continuing his purpose to help Utahns gain access to the best healthcare they deserve.
When Elim isn’t watching old Sci-Fi’s, you will find him scribbling in his sketchbook, playing D&D, or enjoying a long quiet walk.
Rosario enjoys spending time with her family. She likes to play board and card games, also watch series and moves.