About Us

Tyson O’Connell

Founder

Prior to starting United Housing, Tyson spent eleven years as a partner and developer at Wishcamper Development Partners LLC and its many related companies (collectively the “Wishcamper Companies”) specializing in affordable housing development throughout the United States.

Wishcamper Companies has developed over 16,000 units across 23 states since 1970. Tyson has developed affordable housing in 7 states, been a partner in over 4,000 units of affordable housing, with total value over $500 million, and served as the primary developer on some of the Wishcamper Companies’ largest and most complex LIHTC developments.

Tyson played football and baseball at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated with a double major in Economics and Sociology. After college, he spent summers guiding fly fishing in Alaska and winters traveling the globe in search of remote fishing adventures while working as a writer and photographer and attending law school.

In 2009, he graduated from the University of Montana Law School with honors, and practiced law in Missoula for a short period before joining the Wishcamper Companies.

Seth O’Connell

Developer & Project Partner

Seth O’Connell is a developer and project partner at United Housing Partners. He has played a leadership role in building several businesses and successful teams. Seth brings a win-win or no-deal attitude to transactions, always committing to put the relationships ahead of the outcomes.

He began development first as a consultant for Wishcamper on the purchase and rehab of the Fire Tower Apartments (formerly Serendipity) and then worked on several residential rehabs spanning single family homes to fourplexes between 2021-2024. He has been the lead developer on UHP’s Twin Creek Apartments, which is a twinned 4%/9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) deal that included both local and federal Housing Trust Funds as well as short term collateralized bonds. He was also the sole developer of the rehabilitation of 39 S Rodney Street, working with the City of Helena and Historical Preservation office to deliver four market rate townhouses in place of a long abandoned and dilapidated property.

Seth graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Biology and a focus in Land Use. He later earned his Masters degree from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. He is a frequent speaker and presenter on leadership and effective team building. His free time is spent roaming the outdoors or in the company of his family.

Kalina Vander Poel

Director of Design

Kalina began her relationship with United Housing Partners as the Project Architect and Project Manager for Twin Creek Apartments. Through that project, a shared passion for affordable housing was quickly realized, and Kalina joined UHP to lead design efforts in-house for all UHP projects.

Prior to working at UHP, Kalina worked for 7 years at a well-respected architecture firm specializing in non-profit and community-based projects. She has led dozens of feasibility studies and Preliminary Architectural Reports leveraged to obtain local, state, and federal funding. Additionally, Kalina has worked on numerous Master Planning efforts across the Rocky Mountain Region, garnering a deep understanding of zoning and its influence on site design. She has completed multiple new construction and renovation projects, ranging from interior tenant improvements to large multifamily housing projects.

Kalina completed her Bachelor of Arts with honors (Tau Sigma Delta) from Montana State University with a major in Environmental Studies and minor in Anthropology. She completed her Master’s Degree in Architecture from Portland State University where she received two national awards recognizing her research efforts at Native American and Alaska Native Health Centers. After school, Kalina remained at PSU as Research Faculty until Montana called her back home in 2017.

Kalina is the Design Director and Architect at UHP Design and acts as the project architect and main point of contact for all UHP projects. She oversees the larger design team while simultaneously working with local jurisdictions and stakeholders to provide quality, site appropriate projects.

Roegilene Escleva

Vice President of Operations

Roegilene “Roeg” Escleva is the Vice President of Operations at United Housing Partners, where she provides strategic leadership and oversees the operational functions. Previously serving as Transaction Coordinator, Roeg earned recognition for her meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ability to manage complex real estate transactions. These strengths now inform her broader oversight of operational systems and team coordination. She brings the same precision, initiative, and mindset to her new role, ensuring that the company remains effective in a fast‑paced industry, making her an indispensable asset to the team.

Roeg is a proud graduate of the University of the Philippines – Visayas, where she earned a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Her academic background has equipped her with a strong foundation in business strategy, negotiation, and market analysis, skills that she applies daily in her role. She is highly regarded for her ability to stay organized, adapt to challenges, and maintain a proactive approach in handling real estate transactions.

Beyond her professional commitments, Roeg leads a dynamic lifestyle, balancing her career with her personal interests. She enjoys engaging in sports, which fuel her competitive spirit and discipline, as well as watching movies, where she finds inspiration and relaxation.

Roeg’s commitment to excellence, strong work ethic, and passion for real estate contribute to her continued success in the industry. She takes pride in delivering outstanding results, fostering strong professional relationships, and ensuring that every transaction is executed with efficiency and precision.

Kathleen Dionora

Transaction Coordinator

Kat is a Transaction Coordinator at United Housing Partners, where she supports every phase of real estate development projects with efficiency and grit. Prior to joining UHP, she served for three years as a Transaction Coordinator for a real estate team based in Canton, Ohio, gaining valuable experience in real estate transactions.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, in the Philippines. Known for her organizational skills, adaptability, and proactive approach, Kat ensures that development projects move forward smoothly and effectively.  Outside of work, Kat is a social and energetic individual who loves sports and music. A former MVP and university soccer champion, she brings the same team spirit and drive to her professional life. Her passion for building strong client relationships make her a valuable part of the UHP team.

Nate Pierce

Senior Project Manager

Nate Pierce is a Senior Project Manager for UHP Design.  With over 25 years of residential and commercial construction experience, Nate brings technical expertise, and collaborative team coordination to his role in UHP Design as construction administrator.

Prior to his role within UHP Design he worked as a Project Manager for General Contractors in Charlotte, North Carolina and Helena, Montana.  His commitment to team building ensures alignment between budgeting, design intent, on-site constructability to final occupancy. He holds a B.S. in Construction Management with a minor in Business Administration from Western Carolina University and is dedicated to creating sustainable, attainable housing that strengthens local communities.

Outside of work Nate is passionate about exploring and enjoying all of the seasonal outdoor activities of Montana with his wife Rachel and three children, Mia, John and Charlotte.

Leo Olivar

Architectural Intern

Leo Olivar is an architectural intern at UHP Design. As a recent hire, he brings enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to UHP projects. Leo’s primary role is to act as a link between the development team and the design team – providing up to date design decisions, drawings, and documents as needed by the development team, local jurisdictions, and stakeholders.