Meet The Team Behind The Magic

Meet the Team Behind the Magic

At Central Oregon Collective (COC), our mission is simple but powerful: empowering individuals with disabilities to live full, connected lives in community. And none of it happens without the remarkable people who bring that mission to life every day. From visionary leaders to compassionate front-line staff, each person on our team infuses their work with passion, respect, generosity—and a whole lot of magic.

Our Leadership Champions

Scott C. Pelham, Executive Director

Since joining COC in 2011, Scott has steered the organization with a steady hand and a big heart. His blend of regulatory expertise and deep commitment to community-based inclusion ensures that COC remains true to its roots while continuing to grow. Outside of work, he’s a proud family man with five kids and three grandkids—and he’s loved calling Central Oregon home since 1977.

Kellie Pelham, Program Director

With a career devoted to caring—from hospice work to supporting veterans—Kellie embodies empathy and dedication. After 11 years at COC, she’s an inspiring mentor and leader who even brought her husband, Scott, onto the team!

Lynn Gallasch, Director of Finance

Known affectionately as “the money person,” Lynn has been part of the COC family since 2007. She started managing client finances and now oversees agency-wide financial operations. What she values most? The trust, relationships, and personal connections she’s built along the way.

Amy Ryan, Director of HR

Born in Beaverton and seasoned in HR across the Pacific Northwest and Maui, Amy brings over 30 years of experience to Bend. Joining COC, she says, has been “more fun and fulfilling than I could have ever imagined.”

The Front-Line Heroes

Chuck Tupper, Behavior Specialist

Chuck is a jack-of-all-trades who’s shaped COC’s culture for more than a decade. He’s admired for his problem-solving skills, calm demeanor, and unwavering dedication to clients and colleagues alike.

Carolyn Bunker, Enrichment Activity Coordinator

New to COC in 2023, Carolyn blends creativity, education, and empathy to enhance clients lives. With a Fine Arts degree and backgrounds as a gymnastics coach and pet photographer, she now leads engaging in-home and group enrichment programs.

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Residential & Community Managers

From Lelania Stewart, who began caregiving for her paralyzed uncle at age 9 and now leads as a compassionate residential manager, to Ashley Mudge , whose son’s autism diagnosis inspired her to become an advocate and leader— our managers bring deeply personal stories that fuel their commitment and empathy. Alongside them, Tracy Laubach Iris Daily Paula Churches, and many more contribute decades of experience, 1/2 boundless energy, and genuine care to support both clients and fellow staff.

What Makes COC’s Team Special

At every level, our team members live out the core values that define COC:

Passion: Whether they’re leading programs or working directly with clients, our staff choose this field because they genuinely love what they do.

Mutual Respect: We foster a culture where every person’s perspective matters, shaped by empathy and shared experiences.

Generosity: As Amy puts it, being part of COC is “more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined.”

This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And our team lives that reality every single day.

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Voices from the Collective

“Direct Support Professionals… are the heart and soul of our organization. Without their unwavering dedication and compassion, we couldn’t achieve our mission.”

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It’s not just leaders or front-line staff—it’s the collective spirit of every person at COC who brings creativity, commitment, and compassion to their work.

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Why Team Culture Matters

At COC, we believe inclusion and empowerment go beyond programs—they grow out of a people-first culture. Our staff’s diverse backgrounds—veterans, parents, artists, educators—create a rich tapestry of understanding and resilience that directly benefits the individuals we serve.

As one of our team members shared in a recent blog post, pursuing a career you love doesn’t just transform your life— it transforms the lives of others around you. At COC, that’s the magic we create every day.

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Be Part of the Magic

Inspired by what you’ve read? There are so many ways to join our story:

Careers: Whether you’re a seasoned DSP or new to the field, we offer training, growth, and a meaningful career where you can truly make a difference.

Volunteers: Bring your skills—creative talents, event support, or simply your presence—to help enrich our clients’ lives.

Community Champions: Spread the word about our mission. Donate, advocate, or share our stories online to help us build a more inclusive Central Oregon.

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