About Us

Tyson O’Connell

Founder & Principal

Tyson O’Connell is the founder and principal of United Housing Partners, a Missoula-based real estate development firm focused on creating and preserving high-quality affordable housing across the Western United States.

Prior to founding United Housing Partners, Mr. O’Connell spent over a decade as a partner and developer with Wishcamper Development Partners and its affiliated companies, where he specialized in the development of affordable housing communities nationwide. During his career, he has participated in the development of more than 4,650 units of affordable housing, with a total development value exceeding $725 million, and played a lead role in complex Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects and public private partnerships.   

At United Housing Partners, Tyson leads all aspects of development, including site acquisition, financial structuring, and stakeholder coordination.  Under his leadership, the firm has developed expertise in integrating tax-exempt bonds, LIHTCs, and other innovative financing tools to deliver high-impact housing solutions for very low-income and workforce households.

Tyson holds a Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Montana School of Law and earned a dual degree in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College, where he was a student-athlete in football and baseball.  He has served on the Mayor’s Housing Task Force in Missoula, is a Board member of the Montana Housing Coalition, and spends countless hours teaching youth leadership through sports and mentoring programs.   

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.

Joe Balsam

Finance & Asset Manager

Joe Balsam is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with more than 15 years of experience spanning financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, audit, tax, and business intelligence. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations improve profitability, strengthen financial controls, and make better strategic decisions through data-driven analysis and scalable financial processes.

He began his career in public accounting, working for a firm specializing in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects for nearly 10 years, including providing carryover, cost certification, audit, and tax engagement services. After several years spent in corporate accounting and finance, he joined United Housing Partners in 2026 to assist in the asset management of projects and financial long-term planning of the organization as a whole.
Joe graduated from the University of Montana in 2010 with a B.S. in Accounting and earned his Master of Accountancy in 2011. He has been a licensed CPA in Montana since 2013, and spends his free time golfing, running and enjoying the Montana landscape.

HOPE FISHER

Senior Architectural Associate

Hope Fisher joined United Housing Partners as a Sr. Architectural Associate | Construction Administration Manager, bringing 20 years of experience in architecture and more than a decade of specialized experience in affordable housing. For the past 11 years, Hope has focused on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) housing, developing a deep understanding of the unique design, accessibility, code, funding, and construction requirements associated with affordable multifamily housing.

Throughout her career, Hope has worked on a wide range of architectural projects, with extensive experience in multifamily housing, new construction, renovations, and complex construction administration. Her experience spans all phases of architectural practice, from early design and feasibility through project closeout. She brings a practical understanding of how design decisions translate into the field and loves working closely with owners, contractors, consultants, and jurisdictions to resolve issues and keep projects moving forward.

Hope’s extensive construction administration and LIHTC experience has provided her with a strong understanding of accessibility requirements, building codes, funding requirements, and the coordination necessary to successfully deliver high-quality beautiful affordable housing. She brings a hands-on, collaborative approach to each project, with a focus on maintaining design intent while finding practical solutions to the challenges that arise during construction.

While earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design and later her Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) from Montana State University (GO BOBCATS!). Hope developed a lasting appreciation for the power and beauty of space, materials, and thoughtful design. She is passionate about creating housing that is durable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of its residents and communities; while also recognizing the importance of creating spaces that feel welcoming, comfortable, and beautiful. At UHP, she works closely with project teams throughout design and construction to maintain design intent, address challenges in the field, and support the successful completion of UHP’s affordable housing 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.  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. 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.

Leo Olivar

Architect Associate

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.

ED ABANO

Project Coordinator

Ed is a Transaction Coordinator with extensive experience in project coordination, administrative operations, and client support. Ed supports effective project delivery by overseeing documentation, coordinating schedules, tracking invoices, and maintaining clear communication with team members, consultants, and clients. Known for his attention to detail and dependable approach, Ed is committed to keeping workflows efficient and projects moving forward.