The Trailhead Difference
Trailhead is the leading, supportive and empowering catalyst that enables communities to make important decisions and enact critical initiatives aimed at delivering healthier futures and positive environments. As a strategic partner, Trailhead allows users to leverage and to take full advantage of our personnel, our services and the full depth of our broad expertise while maintaining full control over their projects. Through fund management, program development and strategic support, we help people and organizations work together as a unified collective with the focused objective of realizing better public health for all.
Trailhead can mean something different for every partner. For some we are the fiscal sponsor and administrative partner helping develop internal fiscal capabilities. For others we’re the project manager that brings them in as a part of a larger collaboration. Some turn to us to find like-minded thinkers and others willing to share ideas and experiences. For all, one thing is constant: we are a starting point where they can map out a route to success.
The Work We Do
Thoughtful. Meaningful. Impactful. Through community engagement programs, active administrative partnerships, youth sexual health and education services, and food access and security initiatives like the Collaborative Leadership Initiatives, Trailhead enables us to realize the true and purpose-driven potential of public health in Colorado. Through a culture of conscious collaboration—a think tank of the possible—Trailhead provides the essential tools, platforms and the necessary personnel for realizing the complete and full potential of what public health in Colorado is truly meant to achieve.
Our Mission: Trailhead Institute advances innovation and collaboration in public and environmental health.
Our Vision: Everyone has the opportunity to be healthy and live in a healthy environment.
Our Drivers: Collaboration | Justice | Capacity
Our Values: Collaboration | Curiosity | Inclusion | Innovation | Reflection
Join the conversation! Check out our 2020-2023 Strategic Plan for more detail and let us know what you think.
Explore Our Work
Our People
Advisors. Navigators. Partners. Trailhead’s team of dedicated, hardworking and resourceful professionals truly is our greatest asset. We are passionately committed to every journey’s sustainable success. That’s why we work so hard each day—as your ally and strategic partner—putting our vast and varied collective of public health expertise to work collaborating, assisting and guiding diverse public health organizations toward a vibrant and healthy Colorado.
Our Staff & Interns
Adrienne Gomez
Senior Program Manager
Adrienne manages and maintains the progress and development of the Youth Sexual Health work, including all projects and initiatives (WISE, Youth Sexual Health Alliance and Mapping Resource), in addition to being responsive to gaps identified by partners and how to coordinate the work on a statewide level. Prior to joining Trailhead, Adrienne worked as a Health Educator at Denver Health in a School-Based Health Center. She provided direct reproductive health counseling and supported young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health, including how to navigate the services at the School-Based Health Center. She has a Master of Public Health degree. Adrienne enjoys hiking, biking, camping and kayaking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.
Andrew Stricker
Finance Manager
Andrew has filled a variety of roles here at Trailhead. Presently he is managing finances for Trailhead proper along with the finances of several smaller programs and projects. He spent three years in Morocco – two with the Peace Corps and one with the High Atlas Foundation, a Moroccan/American NGO focused on rural communities. He has a Bachelor’s of Arts in English from St. Olaf College. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys traveling, reading, and playing with his son.
Benjamin Robb
Director of Projects & Partnerships
Ben oversees the Administrative Partnership Program, supporting our various projects’ and programs’ development and operations. Additionally, Ben supports the Colorado Clinical Translational Sciences Institute’s Community Engagement Pilot Grants Program by providing technical assistance and administrative support. Before he joined the Trailhead team, Ben worked at Mile High United Way managing and writing grants for their internal programs. He has a Master of Social Work. In his free time, Ben likes to snowboard, rock climb, solve puzzles, and run.
Blake Sholes
Finance Coordinator
I grew up in a small town in Virginia and moved to Colorado with my wife and our dog in 2023. I joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve out of high school and served six years until being honorably discharged in 2018. I was able to attend Radford University and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in 2016 while in the reserves. I spent a few years working as a Qualified Mental Health Specialist for Children in Virginia, and then completed my Master of Business Administration from King University in 2019. I then spent a few years working for big banks, but am now very excited to be here at Trailhead Institute. I enjoy spending time with my dog, Pluto, which consist of hikes at trails, and fun at local dog parks. I play golf during the warm months and enjoy skiing when it’s cold. I also enjoy learning about history and science, usually listening to educational podcasts or audiobooks.
Ella Meyer
Public Health Infrastructure Coordinator
Ella is an essential member of Trailhead’s Workforce Programs & Initiatives team where she coordinates and assists on the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Through PHIG, Ella assists with related technical assistance offered to health departments across Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming who make up the Region 8 – Innovate! Hub. Prior to joining Trailhead, Ella attended Boston University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and worked as a coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital before moving to Colorado where she is concurrently earning a Master of Public Health. In her spare time, Ella loves to knit, spend time with her cat, explore Colorado, and travel!
Emma Logan
Operations Fellow
Emma helps build internal capacities and structural support that prioritize simplicity, ease, and understanding across all of Trailhead’s primary initiatives. Emma was born and raised in Denver. As a graduate of a small Montessori program within Denver Public Schools, she developed a strong passion for community engagement and the role that nonprofit and policy work has in shaping opportunities available to children and young people. Prior to joining Trailhead, she has work and internship experience at the One Colorado Education Fund, Colorado Childrenʼs Campaign, AgeWise Colorado, Gary Community Ventures, Teach for America, The Colorado General Assembly, and The City of Colorado Springs. Her hobbies include listening to country music, writing/performing stand-up comedy, camping, and taking road trips.
Gabe Rodriguez
Senior Project Manager
Holding a Master of Public Health in Community Health Education, Gabe joins Trailhead as a member of the Administrative Partnership Program team supporting community partners with project development, administrative support, and programmatic technical assistance. Prior to joining Trailhead, Gabe founded La Conextion, a program co-creating (sober) spaces for the individual and collective healing of Queer, Trans, Intersex, Black, Indigenous, People of Color. Outside of work, Gabe co-hosts a podcast with her bestie and has an excellent sense of work/life balance. She is often exploring near and far places for coffee shops, food, activities, and meeting new people with fresh perspectives.
Gabriel Mansfield
Project Manager
As a member of the APP team, Gabriel supports community partners with project development, administrative support, and programmatic technical assistance. Gabriel earned a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from Colorado State University and has experience in both the nonprofit and public sectors. Prior to joining Trailhead, Gabriel served as the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Best and Brightest Fellow for the Town of Poncha Springs, where he provided administrative support and overlapped with multiple departments to help run a small town of under 1,200 people. In his free time, Gabriel can be found checking out new coffee shops, playing basketball, reading, or hiking with his dog, Charlotte!
Gillian Grant
Senior Program Manager
Gillian manages the Regional Health Connectors (RHC) and Community Research Liaisons (CRL) programs at Trailhead. Working with a variety of partners across public health she contributes to the implementation, coordination and evaluation of these programs. Prior to joining Trailhead, Gillian worked at Caring for Colorado Foundation supporting the implementation of a statewide initiative focused on reproductive health equity. She has held a variety of roles throughout her career at nonprofits and the state health department. She values the building of connections and relationships in public health across organizations and individuals. When Gillian isn’t at Trailhead, you can find her enjoying the 300+ days of Colorado sunshine hiking with her golden retriever or at happy hour with friends. She also loves her family, coffee, French fries, hugs, and texting with emoji or gifs.
Ida Nelson
Project Manager
Ida supports the APP team after originally joining Trailhead’s Finance team. Prior to joining Trailhead, Ida worked with American Indian organizations and local entrepreneurs to build financial capacities. She also owns her own small business beautifying Coloradoans. From paintbrushes to power tools, Ida loves learning and trying out new skills and crafts. When she’s not working on something, Ida can be found spending time with her big family.
Jami Hiyakumoto
Program Coordinator
Jami supports the planning and implementation of a statewide learning collaborative focused on cardiovascular disease prevention, detection and control for the Regional Health Connector Program. Prior to joining Trailhead Institute, Jami worked in the Office of Health Equity at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, serving as the Health Disparities and Community Grant Program Manager. In that role, she developed the vision for the program to address health inequities by funding community-led systems and policy changes that focus on root causes of poor health outcomes. As part of the program, she created networking opportunities to cultivate a supportive environment where grantees could exchange best practices and address challenges collectively. Jami has held a variety of other roles throughout her career at nonprofit organizations and in higher education. She is particularly inspired by working closely with community organizations and developing trusting relationships. Her hobbies include spending time with friends and family, laughing, traveling, working in the garden, seeing live music, listening to podcasts and reading.
Jennifer Edwards, PhD
Director of Workforce Programs & Initiatives
Jennifer leads equitable workforce programs and initiatives in support of public and environmental health. Through collaborative capacity building and partnerships, she designs data-inspired efforts to energize the new and evolving public health workforce. She is an expert in developing public health strategies, learning design, and impact-oriented applied research. Jennifer served on undergraduate and graduate health sciences research faculty; and has served as a reviewer for five national journals including Public Health Reports, the peer-reviewed journal of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office. Throughout her career, she has led CDC and RWJF-funded workforce and evaluation projects, including evaluating the National Coordinating Center for Public Health Training. Jennifer also received NIH-funded training, wrote U.S. presidential appointee testimony submitted to the Congressional Record, and has served as a committee co-chair for a World Health Organization (WHO) non-state actor. Jennifer was integral to collaboratively leading several national convenings in support of health administrators’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jonathan McMillan
Director of Office of Firearm-Related Harm & Violence Prevention
Jonathan McMillan brings over 30 years of expertise in gang intervention, policy, community violence intervention, and youth violence prevention to the forefront of his mission to cultivate safe and vibrant communities. Through implementing evidence-based strategies and addressing the root social and economic causes of violence, Jonathan has significantly contributed to reducing youth and gun violence. His expertise extends to developing community-led violence intervention programs that have garnered recognition for their impact and his leadership. Passionate about advocating for a violence-free world, Jonathan’s work engages policymakers, community members, and youth alike, driving a collective effort towards a safer future for all. Jonathan is a fan of hip-hop, comics, and movies. He also hosts a podcast focused on firearm-related harm and violence prevention called “The InCredible Messenger”.
Juan Carlos Machuca
Finance Manager
Juan joins our Finance team as manager of Trailhead’s finances where he supports program and project budgeting; ensures contract compliance; and manages Accounts Receivable Billings. Prior to joining Trailhead, Juan worked for North Colorado Health Alliance as an accountant where he excelled in collaboratively working with regional, statewide, and national
grantors/partners such as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Colorado Department of Public Health Environment, and United Way of Weld and Larimer County. The opportunity to work closely on grant revenues and budgets allowed Juan to understand how such funding is utilized to create sustainable programming that leads to increased healthy outcomes and stronger and healthier communities. In his spare time, Juan enjoys watching Star Wars, Marvel, and D.C. movies and spending time with his family and my two dogs.
Kari Dement
Finance Manager
As a Finance Manager at Trailhead Institute, Kari is the financial liaison for multiple portfolios of projects and partnerships. Kari has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and comes from a diverse background working in hospitality, accounting and healthcare. Kari has completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training so when she is not connecting with peers at Trailhead you can find her in a hot yoga studio. Additional hobbies include live music, traveling, cooking, and snuggling with her two kitties.
Kayla Cibic
Workforce Development Manager
Kayla serves as a member of the WPI team, being guided by the Director of Workforce Programs & Initiatives. Together with the workforce team, she supports innovative workforce development and demonstrating progress toward statewide collaborative priorities. Prior to joining Trailhead Kayla served as a Prevention Education Supervisor leading and coordinating outreach efforts, which included educating the community about substance misuse prevention efforts with local schools, health agencies, and community partners. She has also worked as a Health Educator for the Oklahoma State Department of Health assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating health education programs. She holds her Certified Health Education Specialist certification, has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health. In her free time, she can be found hiking, visiting new coffee shops, and traveling. She enjoys going to concerts and spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs.
Lisa Olcese
Director of Operations
Lisa brings her passion to Trailhead’s mission by leveraging her long-term experience in leadership development, coaching, training and maximizing the best assets of Trailhead – its employees and strategic partnerships. With over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Lisa guides Trailhead’s organizational and leadership development. Previously, she has served as the executive director at Colorado Youth Matter and with the Healthy Colorado Youth Alliance, and has served as a trainer and advocate in intimate partner violence prevention. In addition to her work with Trailhead, Lisa is an executive coach, consultant and trainer who supports teams and individuals in creativity, mindfulness and burnout prevention and recovery. She holds an MS in Organizational Leadership and is a Master Practitioner of NLP, an expressive writing instructor, and an ICF-certified Coach. In her free time, she enjoys public art, dark skies, astrology, being anywhere in the Rockies, and her tiny bob-tailed cat, Pixie Bee.
Lyndie Kenlon
AmeriCorps Senior Program Manager
Lyndie serves as Trailhead’s AmeriCorps Senior Program Manager where she is collaboratively leading efforts to evolve Colorado’s public health workforce through the integration of AmeriCorps and public health apprenticeship programs. Prior to joining Trailhead Institute as the AmeriCorps Senior Program Manager, Lyndie served as the Program Director for Mountain Roots and the Healthy Futures Program where she served as the main point of contact for AmeriCorps Supervisors, Members, and affiliate partners for communication, position development, impact reporting, and human resource management. With a BA in Psychology, Lyndie has worked in program development and marketing for community education since 2007. Her work experience varies from private youth counseling to public outdoor education experiences, including leading various workshops and trainings on community outreach and public speaking for REI and the California State Park Trails and Greenways Conference.
Mia Brewer
Office Coordinator
In her role as Office Coordinator, Mia ensures a smooth flow of operations at the office and carries out administrative support for all programs and projects of Trailhead Institute. Mia is an integral member of the Operations Team and assists with administrative tasks, HR responsibilities, and emerging needs of the organization. Mia grew up in Austin, Texas and recently graduated from UT Austin with a Bachelor’s degree in Radio, Television, & Film. Prior to joining Trailhead, Mia worked as a Legal Clerk at George Brothers Kincaid & Horton. Outside of work, Mia enjoys listening to music, going to concerts, painting, and watching movies.
Natalie Finke
Bookkeeper
Natalie’s responsibilities include managing all credit card transactions for Trailhead Staff and Administrative Partners, as well as doing Accounts Payable and Receivable, cash receipts and disbursements, and developing training sessions for Finance-related topics for Trailhead staff and Administrative Partners. Prior to joining Trailhead, she worked as an in-house accountant for several small, family-owned businesses. Natalie holds a BS in Accounting. In her free time, she likes to visit beaches, attend jazz concerts, and do volunteer work.
Ocean Candler
Youth Sexual Health Senior Coordinator
Ocean supports the Youth Sexual Health Program, alongside Adrienne, through a community and youth focused lens. Ocean leads out the WISE initiative, and has involvement in Trailhead’s comprehensive mapping resource and the Youth Sexual Health Alliance. They work on building out and expanding new partnerships throughout the state, focusing Trailhead’s efforts on innovative ways to involve youth in the process of their learning, with the hopes of amplifying youth voice to drive forward empowering and intersectional sexual health education to improve overall community health. Prior to joining Trailhead, Ocean was an educator with Planned Parenthood Association were they gained experience facilitating youth and adult spaces on topics around pleasure, communication, consent, and overall sexual health and ran a peer-led sex education program in Utah. In their free time, Ocean enjoys wandering bookstores and coffee shops and camping with their spouse and dog.
Sara Scarim-Smith
Senior Operations Manager
Playing a central role in Trailhead’s evolution towards a primarily remote work environment, Sara manages daily operations for Trailhead both in-person and virtually through her hybrid role. She currently is focused on transitioning Trailhead’s physical work environment to a shared office space with Colorado Health Institute. Sara’s keen attention to detail was nurtured while working in pharmaceutical and food laboratories in Illinois before moving to Colorado in 2013 where she has honed her operational prowess managing grocery store departments and a coworking space, and handling day-to-day operations for a small furniture store. In her free time, Sara can be found exploring the High Line Canal and South Platte River Trails with her dog; reading a book or watching a University of Illinois basketball game with her cat; spending time with family and friends; and getting out to experience all the exciting places and activities that Colorado has to offer.
Taruni Donti, MSPH
Communications Coordinator
Through human-centered storytelling, Taruni promotes Trailhead’s work to innovate and collaborate for a happier, healthier Colorado. Taruni has diverse experiences in writing, photography, social media, and other content creation. Most recently, she served as Malaria Communications and Public Affairs Intern at the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative and is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health where she earned her MSPH in Health Education & Health Communication and worked on projects from vaccine hesitancy to childhood trauma and resilience. In her free time, she loves to watch movies, hike, and do jigsaw puzzles. She also randomly obsesses over new topics. Her current obsession is whales.
Tess Burick
Senior Communications Manager
Tess shares the work that Trailhead and our partners do to advance innovation and collaboration in public and environmental health through strategic communications and purposeful storytelling. She brings over eight years of copywriting, brand marketing and digital communications experience from the corporate sector to her role at Trailhead, along with a deep appreciation for mission-driven brands and building human connection. Outside of her work at Trailhead, Tess spends her time soaking up all of the sunshine that the Mountain West has to offer, moving in the outdoors and traveling to be with the people she loves.
Tyler Shirey
Director of Finance
Tyler is responsible for comprehensive financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for Trailhead’s complex financial systems. These systems include but are not limited to the provision of administrative support and fiscal sponsorship of organizations, projects and partnerships receiving any combination of local, state, federal, foundation, private and/or other funding. He studied at The Ohio State University and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration. In his free time, Tyler likes to play music with his friends, go hiking and play sand volleyball.
Yuliza Hernandez
Projects Manager
Yuliza manages partnerships and project operations for Trailhead’s community engagement research projects supporting their start-up, development, and ongoing sustained structures. Growing up in Northern Colorado, Yuliza volunteered with local organizations that addressed social determinants of health. Working with underserved populations, she developed a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. After graduating from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, she worked with North Colorado Health Alliance before moving to the Denver area and joining the Trailhead team. In her free time, Yuliza enjoys traveling – especially to places with a a warm sandy beach – and spending time with her family.
Our Affiliate Staff
Bryanna Patinka
Development Director, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Bryanna (she/her) oversees Blueprint’s development strategy and implementation. She is passionate about creating an equitable food system and honored to be part of the Blueprint team! Bryanna joins Blueprint with years of experience promoting funding and organizational capacity building for Institutions of Higher Education, Tribes, and nonprofits. Bryanna’s career has been marked by a diverse range of projects, from creating opportunities for underrepresented minority students to participate in a dinosaur excavation to developing food security programs for Alaskan Indigenous communities. A commitment to social justice has been the consistent driving force behind all of her work. She studied Political Science with a concentration in Political Theory and a minor in Economics at American University in Washington D.C. Outside of work Bryanna tries to spend as much time outside as humanly possible— her weekends are spent backcountry skiing, rock climbing, and hiking. She also enjoys curling up with a good novel and playing board games.
Charlie Kestler
Community Justice Manager, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Charlie works to address the unique needs and priorities of diverse communities by collaborating closely with grassroots organizations and community advocates, spearheads capacity-building initiatives, and offers essential coordination and technical assistance. Charlie worked as a policy advocate focused on healthcare and food access through legislative and administrative advocacy. Their true passion lies in community engagement and community-driven efforts to affect systems change at local and state levels. Their experience in Panama as an environmental health specialist with the Peace Corps sparked their passion for community engagement. After returning from Panama, Charlie began working directly with unhoused individuals and developed a strong sense of trauma-informed practices. They’re also working toward a Master’s in Public Administration (which is nearly finished!) at the University of Colorado in Denver. Charlie loves performing improv, curling up with a sci-fi/fantasy novel, hiking and camping with their dog, and watching reality TV shows.
Chelsie Burdick, MEDM
Readiness and Response Coordinator, North Central Region Healthcare Coalition
Chelsie facilitates the collaborative work of the North Central Region Healthcare Coalition (NCR HCC) to include regional response efforts through developing, exercising, and evaluating emergency preparedness plans, procedures, and agreements. Prior to joining the NCR HCC, Chelsie was a leader in education, serving as a teacher, coach, and department head for five years. She completed an emergency management internship with Tenet Healthcare and volunteered with emergency response organizations during her summer breaks. Chelsie holds a Bachelor’s in Applied Sociology and Communication and a Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her fiancé. When she’s not traveling, you can find Chelsie reading, running, playing volleyball or ice hockey, or just hanging out with her dogs, Skye and Renley.
Dayana Leyva, MPH, CHES
Policy Manager, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Dayana supports the Blueprint’s Federal Policy workgroup by aligning the policy priorities of the workgroup with the Blueprint’s mission and vision. Dayana also collaborates closely with communities by facilitating advocacy and political literacy training and education to support their needs and values. Dayana comes to the Blueprint with expertise in grant management, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to transitioning to the Blueprint, Dayana worked on the administration and implementation of Colorado’s OmniSalud program, which offers low-cost health insurance to undocumented individuals. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health with a concentration in Health Systems, Management, and Policy and maintains her credential as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). In her free time, Dayana can be found on a hike or paddle boarding with her husband and dog, riding her Peloton with her best friends, or doing DIY projects around her home.
Dolores Ramirez
Executive Director of Vision, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Dolores is charged with developing, engaging and cultivating new and existing partnerships with communities across the state to deepen the impact and goals associated with the Blueprint’s efforts. Prior to joining the Blueprint, Dolores served as the Chief Program and Impact Officer for Growing Home, a local nonprofit organization serving families in North Metro Denver. In her role Dolores developed and implemented the organization’s programmatic strategy and provided leadership and oversight to all programs and programmatic staff. During her free time Dolores enjoys performing with an all-female band, as well as Mariachi, to promote classic Mexican songs while eliminating cultural, racial, linguistic, and political borders through musical performance.
Elaine Horton
Coordinator, Morgan County Interagency Oversight Group
Elaine has the primary responsibility of working with MCIOG’s board to support programs that engage youth and family in the process and to help them identify and articulate their primary needs. Prior to joining Trailhead, Elaine worked at a school district for five years during which time she served as the secretary of the transportation department as well as a trainer and bus driver. Previous to working in the education sector she worked in the prison system for 4 years. In her free time Elaine can be found spending time with her family, playing with her horses and creating through crochet. As a hunter, fisher and camping enthusiast, Elaine finds joy in being able to get lost in the woods without technology.
Emily Hernandez
Family Support Partner, Morgan County IOG
Emily provides intensive levels of direct support and positive sustainable outcomes for families. The FSP helps families understand the wraparound services offered to them and walks them through the processes of receiving the services. Emily works directly with youth and families to address needs, find resources, navigate systems, and more to support positive outcomes. Emily was born and raised in Fort Morgan, Colorado and is excited to help give back to her community. Emily is finishing up her Bachelor’s in Sociology at CU Boulder. Before joining the IOG, Emily was an office assistant for the Colorado Law legal clinics and was a peer counselor for the CU Precollegiate Development Programs. Emily also interned with the Korey Wise Innocence Project. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her family, walking, reading, and kickboxing.
Grace Benasutti
Community Justice Coordinator, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Grace is joining the Blueprint team in October 2024 as the Community Justice Coordinator, supporting the Community Resiliency Initiative (CRI)’s Accessing Healthy Foods and Building Food Systems grantee cohorts. Grace ensures that grantees receive the necessary support to successfully implement their programs, fostering community resilience and enhancing food justice across Colorado. Having spent a decade working various roles within community and social service organizations, they recently received their Masters in Social Work degree and are especially excited to be entering the food justice world. She continuously tries to center her passions for community care and systemic change in the way they approach the work they do, both professionally and personally. Grace loves hanging out with her dog, finding oodles of time for family and friends, chasing rivers and lakes, watching goofy TV shows, exploring new hobbies(!), and trying to be a good student by staying on top of their physical therapy exercises.
Greta Allen, MHA, RDN
Policy Director, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Greta is responsible for providing facilitation and support to The Blueprint’s workgroup and project teams focused on increasing enrollment in SNAP and WIC, as well as convening State and Federal Policy workgroups. Greta provides policy and systems analysis in order to support the expressed legislative needs and values of the Blueprint network. Greta came to the Blueprint after 6 years in local public health. Greta moved to Colorado from Northern California to complete her dietetic internship in 2017 and subsequently spent four years working for the WIC program as a Registered Dietitian. In 2021, Greta transitioned to the role of Regional Health Connector where she built and strengthened relationships between public health, community-based organizations, and primary care providers. Greta maintains her credential as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration. In her free time, Greta can be found taking long walks with her dog and partner, working out with friends at her local CrossFit gym, watching bad reality TV, eating sushi, hiking the trails close to home in Boulder, and keeping her houseplants alive.
Hallie Nelson
Director, Jefferson County Food Policy Council
Hallie leads a diverse stakeholder collaborative dedicated to creating a food-secure Jefferson County with healthy food access for all residents; a vibrant and equitable farming infrastructure; a healthy ecosystem; and a thriving local food economy. Hallie works alongside local governments, nonprofit organizations, food and farm businesses, residents, and policymakers to foster conversation, coordination, and capacity building with a focus on equity and public health. Prior to joining the Food Policy Council, Hallie worked for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to analyze and develop national eligibility policy for special populations, including college students, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay where she worked alongside community members to develop an agricultural extension youth group. In her free time, Hallie enjoys gardening, knitting, sewing, and weekend road trips to explore nearby parks and food.
Jacelyn Hays
Readiness & Response Coordinator, Northeast Region Healthcare Coalition of Colorado
Jacelyn serves as the Readiness and Response Coordinator for the Northeast Healthcare Coalition, where they play a crucial role in enhancing the preparedness and resilience of healthcare facilities in the region. Jacelyn is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that ensure a swift and effective response to emergencies and disasters. They work closely with healthcare providers, emergency responders, and community organizations to strengthen collaborative efforts and streamline response protocols. When Jacelyn is not busy coordinating healthcare readiness, they can be found coaching a high school dance team to success, with four state titles and several top spots at regional competitions to the team’s name. Jacelyn likes to bring the same enthusiasm and creativity to coaching as they do to their professional role. Outside of the dance studio, Jacelyn loves relaxing with their family and playful husky, Blu, making the most of every moment.
Katherine “Kat” Smith
Readiness & Response Coordinator, West Region Healthcare Coalition of Colorado
Kat works closely with hospitals, EMS, public health, emergency management, and state entities to promote preparedness activities and support responses while maintaining continuity of medical care in Western Colorado (Ouray, Telluride, Delta, Montrose, Gunnison, Lake City areas). She comes from a background in local Health & Human Services administration and local emergency management. Prior to that, she worked as a legal assistant, in a dance studio, at Willamette University’s library, as a bartender at a biker bar, and robbed the Silverton Train on horseback (staged of course!). She is also a full-time single mom to a wonderful 15-year-old son. Kat enjoys snuggling her big mutt, relaxing in her yard amongst her flowers, watching Saturday Night Live, traveling, and going to concerts. However, it would seem that she only loves to clean, cook, do laundry, pick socks out of couch cushions, find lost things, and go food shopping.
Kimber Weddle
Readiness & Response Coordinator, South Region Healthcare Coalition
Kimber Weddle is primarily responsible for the South Region Hospital Preparedness Program which includes development, implementation, and evaluation of emergency preparedness plans, procedures, protocols, and agreements in coordination with local, regional, and state partners. This position supports the general oversight of coalition activities and projects including regional response efforts, grant development and management, and technical assistance. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management and is working to complete her EMT-Intermediate Certificate. She has an extensive background in non-profit and event management. Kimber’s passion for emergency management developed when she worked for CovidCheck Colorado as the Regional Manager for the Federal Mass Vaccination Site at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, CO and co-managed the Mass Vaccination Site at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. She currently resides in Pueblo, Colorado.
Javier Alvarado Vega, BA, BA
Community Organizer, Jefferson County Food Policy Council
Javier works to move beyond listening and representing community members, to creating long-term relationships, training leaders, and ensuring space so that policy and advocacy is led by community members. He also co-facilitates and supports Jefferson County Food Policy Council’s ongoing Advocacy Coalition and Workgroups. Javier was incited into political work when he saw folks organized in a church basement, making food for protesters, and opening up their homes to their neighbors whose family members were deported during the 2006 and 2012 ICE raids at Greeley JBS. These examples of community support became core organizing values he still holds today. Since then, Javier has worked on and advocated for social justice issues such as environmental justice at the University of Denver, access to resources for Latine communities and BIPOC women while working at a local radio station, and abortion access, election rights, and building youth power as the Denver Organizing Manager at New Era Colorado. Javier is a film enthusiast and enjoys traveling and cooking.
Joël McClurg
Executive Director of Integration, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Joël manages all policy and communication efforts for the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, including but not limited to overseeing the legislative agenda by coordinating with lobbyists and stakeholders to support our policy priorities and managing various work groups and project teams from the Blueprint. Prior to joining the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, Joël was the SNAP Compliance Officer at the Colorado Department of Human Services. He holds an MS in Food Security from Colorado State University. For fun Joël likes to hike, snowboard, and spend time with his family (including his dogs!).
Justice Onwordi, MPH
Impact Director, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Justice supports the Blueprint as the liaison for the Blueprint’s Workgroup 5 (focused on maximizing child nutrition) as well as their Data and Evaluation Committee. Justice leads the Blueprint’s data and evaluation work through connecting community and organizations efforts through visual data such as maps, qualitative storytelling, reports, and the Blueprint’s Data Dashboard. The emphasis of Justice’s previous work was around housing and houselessness as well as intergenerational trauma and healing. She worked with local non-profits to address these barriers by providing healthy meals on a regular basis to unhoused populations who found short-term medical respite.
In her free time, Justice can be found outside (skiing, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking), at concerts, and spending time with friends.
Leticia Macias
Executive Assistant/Translator, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Leticia provides administrative support to the entire Blueprint to End Hunger including organizing logistics and meetings for over 15 different teams. Prior to joining the Blueprint, she worked in Denver Public Schools for 24 years as a school secretary and also as a parent liaison for nearly 15 years. In addition, Leticia serves on the board of directors for Horizons. Leticia is a native Spanish speaker who has lived in Colorado for over 40 years. She is a grandmother and has two amazing children. Her love of her family, her community and her strong ability to build relationships are just a few of the reasons she is so passionate about the work.
Michelle Deland
Executive Director, North Central Regional Healthcare Coalition
Michelle works directly with the North Central Regional Healthcare Coalition. In her role, she leads the coordination of all-hazards emergency preparedness planning and projects. Prior to joining NCR HCC, Michelle was the Environmental Health and Safety Manager for the state’s largest substance use disorder treatment provider, focusing primarily on the development of a comprehensive safety program. Michelle earned her Master’s in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver.
Michelle Ray
Visibility Director, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger
Michelle elevates the work of the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, including its network of partners and community voice, through accessible and equity-centered communications initiatives, brand management, and workgroup facilitation. She taps into the power of collaboration, data, and words to help build public and political will for co-created solutions to end hunger across Colorado communities. Michelle brings more than 16 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sector fields as a strategic communicator, issue advocate, and collaborative changemaker. Prior to joining the Blueprint, she led communications for Pikes Peak Library District and Hunger Free Colorado. In her free time, Michelle enjoys hiking, paddling, reading, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with her family and pets.
Roger Low
CEO & Founder, Colorado Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative (CEEMI)
As CEO & Founder of CEEMI, Roger leads the initiative’s advocacy and public sector engagement; oversees efforts to grow effective economic mobility pathways and programs in Colorado; manages CEEMI’s growing team; raises growth capital; and sets goals and priorities. Prior to joining Trailhead, Roger spent over a decade in the public sector specializing in evidence-based policy, workforce development, economic mobility, and outcomes-based payments. As a policy advisor to U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Roger helped create the first federal outcomes fund, and new pay-for-performance authorities in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. At Colorado’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting, he led the launch of Colorado’s first three state-level Pay for Success projects. As Policy Director for America Forward, the policy arm of the national venture philanthropy New Profit, Roger collaborated with some of America’s most effective proven postsecondary and training programs. Roger was born and raised in Colorado, and lives in Lakewood with his partner Michael. He likes runs, hikes, beaches, most board and card games, and catching up with old friends. He’s usually affable, once he’s had his morning coffee.
Our Board
Bruno Sobral
Board Member
Bruno Sobral is a Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at Colorado State University and Professor of Biostatistics and Informatics at the Colorado School of Public Health. Prior to joining the Trailhead Board, Bruno has spent 25 years building research institutes in academic, non-profit and corporate sectors. When not in the classroom and away from research, Bruno enjoys spending his free time body surfing.
Erica Snow, MS, MPA
Board Member
Erica Snow is the President and CEO at the Aspen Community Foundation. She leads a team that works to ensure that communities, systems and policies support Coloradans in their pursuit of good health, focusing specifically on access to primary care; early childhood social-emotional development; teen and young adult resiliency; and adult recovery. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2008 and now serving on the Trailhead Board, Erica has held positions in community mental health, hospital, nonprofit and research settings in addition to earning a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Denver and a Masters of Science in Community Mental Health from the University of Vermont. In her downtime, Erica loves to be outside hiking, skiing, or paddle boarding with her family and three dogs.
Jana Persky
Board Secretary
Jana Persky is the Vice President of Product Operations at CareerWise USA, where she leads the team that provides products and services to support a national network of youth apprenticeship practitioners. Prior to joining CareerWise, Jana worked across the public, private and philanthropic sectors. As a project manager for ZOMALAB, a family office, Jana focused on community economic development strategies. She also worked at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) where she led the state’s Opportunity Zone program, which drove community-oriented investments in economic development. Jana started her career as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. Jana graduated with a degree in Public Policy from Stanford University. In her spare time, she enjoys playing soccer, hanging with her puppies, and exploring all the outdoors that Colorado has to offer.
Jennifer Ludwig
Board Vice Chair
Jennifer has over 28 years of experience working at the local level to improve health outcomes. She started her career as an intern at Tri-County Health Department then was hired full-time as a health educator and served in various roles, her favorite as an HIV Educator. Jennifer eventually found her way to Pueblo, Colorado where she served as Associate Director of Disease Prevention and Emergency Preparedness for the health department. Her years of service in Pueblo County included passing Pueblo’s Smoke-free Air Act, the first in the state. From there, Jennifer went west to Eagle County and served as public health director for 6 years before returning to Tri-County Health Department as Deputy Director. If she’s not hiking, walking, or running in the great outdoors, Jennifer loves spending the day in the kitchen baking sweet treats or curled up on the couch with a good book.
Kaia Gallagher, PhD
Board Member
Kaia Gallagher has had an extensive career in the field of public health, having worked in positions at the Federal, state, and local levels. For several decades, she managed her own evaluation consulting firm, the Center for Research Strategies, which provided evaluation support to state, local and nonprofit public health agencies in Colorado. Kaia also served for many years on the Board of Health for the TriCounty Health Department.
Beyond her impact in the public health field, Kaia is celebrating the release of her family memoir, Candles for the Defiant, on Amazon. She is also an avid hiker and an aspiring golfer.
Meghan Guevara, MPH
Board Chair
Meghan Guevara currently serves as an Executive Partner at the Pretrial Justice Institute, a nonprofit organization working with community advocates and government officials across the country to advance safe, fair, and equitable pretrial practices. Prior to joining the Trailhead Board, Meghan has spent the past twenty years providing training and technical assistance at the federal, state, and local level in support of comprehensive criminal legal system reforms. Meghan began her career as a community health educator, working with families and young adults on environmental health, women’s health, and adolescent health initiatives. She received her Master of Public Health Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Boston University. In her free time, Meghan enjoys traveling with her family, especially camping across the mountain West.
Melanie Zeitler
Board Member
Melanie Zeitler is the Senior Director of Philanthropy at Bridge House/Ready to Work where she exercises intense creativity, innovation, thought leadership, and the ability to contribute to large-scale impact in the areas of homelessness, work force development, and food insecurity in Colorado’s Front Range communities. Prior to her current position and joining the Trailhead board, Melanie has worked in the non-profit sector for 25 years in various roles from program development to Executive Director. Her most recent years were spent at the Plains Conservation Center, a non-profit which focuses on environmental education and the restoration of endangered grasslands in Colorado. Melanie’s interest in environmental issues and stewardship and preventive health has continued in her freelance consulting work and volunteerism, where she has happily donates her services to several organizations bringing the importance of environmental stewardship and preventive health to the forefront. Outside of her philanthropic work, Melanie is a yoga enthusiast, spin cycling and animal nut, and loves spending time with her favorite person, her daughter.
Susan Perrigo
Board Treasurer
Susan started her career as an auditor in public accounting and has worked in nonprofit finance and administration in support and leadership roles since 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Colorado, Boulder and is certified in Federal grants management. Susan enjoys being outdoors in the Colorado sunshine running, hiking, biking, skiing, or just relaxing on a patio with a view and refreshments.
Susan currently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer and Manager of the Center for Business Affairs and Human Resources for Colorado Education Association. As Board Treasurer, she chairs the Trailhead Board Finance Committee.
Tom Butts, MSc, REHS
Board Member
Tom is an Environmental Public Health Consultant and principle of Colorado Environmental Public Health Services, LLC. He was appointed to the Colorado State Board of Health in March 2019 and reappointed in 2023. Tom spent over 32 years at Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) working in local Environmental Public Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response and agency administration. Since early 2017, has served in interim roles in Elbert County and Larimer County public health agencies and as a consultant to Adams County Health Department and El Paso County Public Health. He played a large role in TCHD’s accreditation effort. Tom has served 7+ years in various positions on the Colorado Environmental Health Association Board and received the Milton M. Miller Award in 2018. In his free time, you can find him hiking, bicycling, gardening, hunting, camping, and coaching Special Olympics basketball.
Join Our Board of Directors!
Trailhead Institute is a Colorado-based nonprofit working to advance innovation and collaboration in public and environmental health. Trailhead is recruiting new members who want to join our governing Board on the critical next phase of our organizational growth and development. Whether your expertise is marketing, policy, business development, or accounting, or you’re simply passionate about improving public health in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West, we invite applications from people who are ready to support positive social change and bring innovation to the way that people live, work and play.
Take this brief assessment to see if Board membership with Trailhead Institute is right for you.
Contact us for more information. Thank you for your interest in Trailhead’s Board.