Alison Johnson
Delta County Outreach Coordinator
Ali has over 15 years of experience working in the Hospital Industry directly with the community clients and staff. In the Hospital Industry she gained knowledge and experience in insurance and medical billing. In these roles, she realized patients would benefit from guidance on medical applications, etc., which prompted her to shift to care coordination and insurance support. She cared for clients, connected with the community and advocated for it, as well as supervised caregivers. She found it very gratifying to work closely with families to ensure better health and social outcomes. Her journey led her to TCHNetwork and the Outreach Coordinator position, which enables her to continue serving the Delta community. An important part of her belief is to make sure that quality work is done, that common sense approaches are used, and that relationships are genuine and rewarding. In Ali's downtime she enjoys being outdoors, being with family, jeeping and following the road less traveled.
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Amy Rowan
Co-Executive Director of Community Programs
Amy Rowan is a Director of Care Coordination. She has 30 years of working in various health care, non-profits, and the public health sector. During Amy’s time in care coordination, she has focused on health equity, developing resource guides, and educating the communities on what resources for support and services are available. Amy completed the Community Leaders in Health Equity course through the Colorado Trust. Amy is in the process of being credentialed for High Fidelity Wraparound. Amy is an expert on care coordination and resources for long-term care supports and services in our region and has been recognized by community partners. She believes health is more than health care and is passionate about addressing social determinants of health which will reduce health disparities and allow people to improve their health and wellness. In Amy’s downtime, she enjoys spending time with her kids and the San Juan Mountains and photographing their beauty.
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Ariana Sites
Behavioral Health Services Coordinator
After serving as the Volunteer Coordinator VISTA for a year, Ariana continues her work at Tri-County Health Network as Behavioral Health Services Coordinator. Through this position, she will help our community members access critical mental health services and become resources to friends and family dealing with behavioral health challenges. She is originally from Virginia and attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she received a Bachelors in Social Work, a Minor in Nonprofit Management, and a Certificate in Global Education. She has lived in Colorado for two years and is excited to continue to explore. Her passions (aside from public health) include traveling, mountaineering, cooking, crafting, and spending time with her dog Meester Snuggles.
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Carol Schutter
Crisis Funds Navigator
Carol was born and raised in Gardner Massachusetts. Carol moved to Telluride in 1972. She had almost every job possible in the small ski town from Lift Operator to owning her own business along with her husband Wayne. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, Carol had the experience of working several years at the Telluride Medical Center. Empathetic and compassionate by nature, Carol joined Tri- County Health Network/ Telluride Foundation in 2009 to help the community members of San Miguel County, Ouray County, and Montrose County. She is dedicated and passionate to providing the best service possible for anyone who may need her assistance. The Good Neighbor Fund, Ouray County Response Fund, San Miguel Behavioral Health Fund, and the Town of Telluride Relief Fund are a few of the good neighbor funds Carol can tell you about. Carol enjoys walking her dogs in the mountains, working in her garden, riding her four-wheeler, and visiting the beach in Baja. On a slow Friday afternoon, you can find Carol on her deck with family and friends.
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Cecilia Castro
Delta and Montrose County Cultural Navigator
Cecilia is an enrollment specialist for TCHNetwork. She focuses on insurance enrollment for Connect for Health Colorado, Medicaid, and SNAP. She also works on other programs within the organization and assists Spanish speakers. Cecilia has been working in community service and advocacy for the past three years. She has gained the trust of her community and expanded into the Delta County area working on helping and earning trust in that area. Cecilia is an expert in Medicaid and Emergency Medicaid. She has been recognized in her knowledge and understanding of these programs and has been invited to other organizations to educate other community leaders on these programs. She believes that honesty and respect will help you get where you need to be. She holds her values very close and integrates them into her daily work. On her own time, she is a full-time soccer mom. She enjoys traveling on weekends to her children’s games and spending time with their sports family.
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Claudia Gamez
DELTA COMMUNITY ORGANIZER
As Community Organizer, Claudia Gamez serves Delta County residents with Medicaid & Enrollment needs, helps community members navigate complex systems, and mobilizes and empowers community members to identify their needs and collectively resolve them. Claudia is passionate about helping others and making a difference in their lives. She was born in Los Mochis Sinaloa Mexico and moved to Colorado at the age of 18. Claudia has worked in many different fields and has previous experience assisting with enrollment and navigation assistance for Montrose County residents with TCHNetwork. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her 3 boys and her beautiful daughter and her friends.
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Cyndi Wargowsky
Naturita's Basin Clinic
As a Patient Health Navigator and Diabetes Para-Professional at the Basin Medical Clinic, Cyndi provides education and support to patients by encouraging healthy lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and quality of life. She also facilitates other programs at the clinic, including the Fresh Food Rx Program, Chronic Care Management, New Eyes and Diabetes Support. Before joining Tri-County Health Network in 2016, Cyndi received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance/Management from the University of Northern Colorado and worked in the Denver corporate world for 20 years. After retiring, she lived abroad for 4 years before landing in SouthWest Colorado. Cyndi’s passion for helping people live their best lives led to her current career as a Health Navigator. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her off-roading, gardening and cooking with her husband on their Alpaca Ranch on Wright’s Mesa.
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Darcy Johnson
Care Coordination Manager
I have lived in Montrose for over 20 years, and I love the cohesive and supportive community. I have a teenage son who keeps me busy with various activities: we enjoy spending time in the mountains, participating in church activities, and being with our extended family. I have a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Healthcare Administration along with an extensive work history in Long Term Care, where I have developed and supervised memory care units and been a Social Services Director. I am honored to have been a part of a team that provided care during the difficult years of the COVID pandemic, and I continue to hold the residents in the Long-Term Care facilities close to my heart. I am excited to provide support to community members of the Western Slope, helping them live their best lives.
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Darlene Mora
Bilingual Community Health Worker
Darlene is a bi-cultural and bilingual Montrose native, with a passion for helping the people of her community. Darlene attended Colorado Mesa University where she received her Bachelors of Applied Science. Prior to working with TCHNetwork, Darlene cared for her father for many years and worked as a Deputy Sheriff at the Montrose County Sheriff's Office. As a CHW, she enjoys helping people live healthier lives by providing free health screenings and educational information. When not working, Darlene likes to spend her time with her family and seven grandchildren, and vacationing every chance she gets.
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Jackie Kennefick
Human Resources Administrator
As Tri County's Human Resources Administrator, Jackie is responsible for recruiting, hiring and retaining team members. She is also responsible for compensation and benefit administration, training and development, performance management and employee engagement. Jackie also oversees the VISTA Team members, the volunteer program and serves as the acting Telluride office manager as well as performing some finance and accounting duties. Jackie has many years of experience working in human resources, town and county government and ski area management. She also has a strong sense of community and has volunteered for many festivals, served on local boards including the Town’s Planning & Zoning Commission, Rainbow Preschool Board President, was a KOTO community radio volunteer DJ as well as participating in TCHN’s Communities That Care. When not working, Jackie loves to travel, read, watch films, play Mah Jong and be in our amazing outdoors.
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Jamie Hurst
Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Jamie Hurst is the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Tri-County Health Network. She has worked for the past three years at a crisis walk-in center on the Western Slope, serving our communities through direct client care & management. In addition to community mental health & crisis work, Jamie has experience working with domestic violence advocates and Habitat for Humanity. She obtained an honors degree in Psychology and a minor in English from the Ohio State University. Jamie is honored to work with the Advocacy Team at TCHN and is looking forward to growing in the field. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, playing games with family & friends, and exploring with her husband.
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Julia Millan
CTC Latinx Parent Liaison and Cultural Navigator for San Miguel County
Julia joins Tri-County Health Network as the Communities That Care Latinx Parent Advisor and the Cultural Navigator for San Miguel County. Julia immigrated to the United States from Mexico in 2010 and has lived in the Telluride area ever since. She is a mother of four young children, and she has worked for the Telluride school district as a paraprofessional and a substitute Spanish teacher. She is currently taking classes to earn a license in Education Science. Julia is passionate about serving Telluride’s Latinx community, and in her new role, she will work to engage Latinx parents in initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle for Telluride’s youth and advocate for their interests in the school system and the Communities That Care Coalition. Julia enjoys attending morning classes at Telluride CrossFit in her free time.
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Juanita Aguilera
Delta Adult Wraparound Care Coordinator
Juanita is the adult wrap-around care coordinator for Delta County. She Coordinates care to better support the needs of her community. Juanita has 3 years of experience supporting the community. She previously worked at River Valley Family Health Centers as a Patient Health Navigator educating patients on chronic diseases as well as giving resources to patients. Juanita’s passion for helping others has driven her to be an Adult Wrap Around Care Coordinator to be able to assist the community needs in Delta County. She likes to spend her free time with her family and her pets.
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Kaisa Simon
Health Equity Advocate
Kaisa is the Health Equity Advocate in Delta County for Tri-County Health Network. They have grown up in this Delta and Ridgway, and worked with the Delta, Montrose, and Ouray communities. During Kaisa's time in nonprofit work, they have put on large community gatherings such as Partners Palooza Music Festival, Ouray County Pride in the Park, and more. Kaisa started their work in health equity with the Colorado Collective Leadership Initiative where they spent a year working with a team across the state to design programming to make communities safer for rural LGBTQ+ Coloradoans. Kaisa believes in liberation for all through equitable action, leading with compassion and curiosity, and thinking outside the binary. In Kaisa's downtime, they enjoy being with loved ones on the water, gardening, and trying out new crafts.
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Kimberly Meraz
Enrollment Specialist
As an Enrollment Specialist based in Delta. Kimberly Meraz enrolls English and Spanish-speaking clients in insurance programs and assists with other emergency program applications. During her time in this industry, she has helped many community members find the assistance and services they need. Being bilingual in this industry has allowed her to reach a wider range of people, breaking down barriers and allowing people to feel more confident and comfortable. In the long run, she wants to be able to build strong relationships and earn the community's trust. On her down time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family and being active, such as running and playing volleyball.
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Laura Fehrenbacher
Immigrant Affairs Advocate
As the Immigrant Affairs Advocate, Laura leads the administration of TCHNetworks’s immigration legal services program. Laura represents TCHNetwork on statewide and local coalitions seeking to advance racial and health equity in Colorado. Before taking this position, Laura worked with UPS, Mountain Village Gondola and most recently at the Uncomphagre Medical Center as a Medical Interpreter and Latinx Outreach lead. Having lived and worked in the immigrant community, Laura understands the complexities of the immigration system. Laura loves spending time with her daughter, her husband, Chris, and two grandchildren. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, swimming, bonfires, and wine in her free time.
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Leslie Sparks
Community Programs Manager
Leslie Sparks is the Community Programs Manager. She has many years of experience in the private sector, social service organizations, and working with non-profits. Leslie has a proven history in leading people and initiatives, budgeting and management, and compliance. Leslie has a passion for serving individuals with a variety of needs and has expertise in crisis management and substance use disorder services. An aspect that is important to Leslie is serving the rural communities of Western Colorado and creating a collaborative environment where people can get access to the services they need. In Leslie’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, recreating in the outdoors, reading, and traveling.
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Lisa Thomason
HIGH FIDELITY WRAPAROUND COORDINATOR
Lisa Thomason is the High-Fidelity Wraparound Facilitator for San Miguel and Ouray Counties. She has over 45 years working with children, youth, and families in various capacities. During Lisa’s time, she has provided services and oversight for children, youth, and adults in our most vulnerable populations. She has also acted as the Facilitator for several organizations and conferences. Lisa has been considered an expert on Early Childhood Development and Intervention and continues to work with children with autism through her Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst. On a totally different note, Lisa has also provided clarification and guidance for clients through the Jungian and Qabalistic interpretation of the Tarot for almost 50 years. Her business is Camina Intuitive Consultants and can be found at https://www.cictarot.com/. She believes in the absolute importance of being connected to nature and how nature can guide you in sharing your gifts in service to others.
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Lizzy Totman
Marketing & Communications Manager
As the Marketing Manager, Lizzy supports the continued growth and development of TCHNetwork programming by building community relations and directing external and internal marketing tactics. Lizzy has been working in Marketing for over ten years. Her previous experiences in Marketing include working at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area as well as the University of Utah in Utah. As a graphic designer, photographer, social media manager, and web designer, Lizzy has a solid foundation in all of these fields. Lizzy is dedicated to working for non-profit organizations, as it gives purpose and enables her to build a mission of helping others. Spending time with her family is one of Lizzy's favorite things to do, along with her professional photography and volunteering for nonprofit organizations.
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Maria Valadez
Medicaid Care Coordination Supervisor
Maria is a family support partner for High-Fidelity Wraparound and Medicaid Care Coordinator. She has 5 years of experience working in the non-profit sector previously providing case management services under integrative, domestic violence, and crisis services. During Maria’s time in case management, she has served and worked alongside people to provide resources, education, and support. Maria attained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado Mesa University during this time. She believes in helping and listening to others and is a fan of trauma-informed care, strengths-based approaches, holistic models, and preventative care. In Maria’s downtime, she enjoys spending time with her son and daughter, running, and listening to audiobooks.
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Mary Burt
Regional Health Connector
Mary is a Regional Health Connector; she has 20 years of experience working to advance health equity in Western Colorado. During Mary’s three years of working as a Regional Health Connector in Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Delta, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties, she has assisted healthcare practices in addressing social needs in the community by offering relevant resources and connections. Mary's expertise is with resources and facilitation, she specializes in statewide efforts that aim to improve patient health outcomes, most recently supporting the region to achieve 24,028 social need screenings through the Western Colorado Accountable Health Communities project. Mary aims to build linkages among the various components of the healthcare system that address the social determinants of health with integrity and inclusion. In Mary’s downtime, she is outdoors with her family or in the kitchen cooking with them.
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Matt Schroeder
CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Operations
As Data Analyst, Matt manages all data and IT related matters for TCHNetwork. This includes leveraging health data to provide actionable insights for our internal programs and network members as well as developing and managing the systems TCHNetwork staff use to better serve our clients every day. Originally trained in economics, Matt has a strong background in data modeling, forecasting, and statistical analysis, as well as extensive experience in data visualization. He has a passion for the power of data to inform decision making and improve people’s lives. He has a Master’s in applied economics from John’s Hopkins University, and a Bachelor’s in economics from the University of Colorado – Boulder. When he’s not wrangling data Matt can probably be found in one of two places – working on his hobby farm in Montrose or cheering for his daughter at a fastpitch softball game.
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Melanie Montoya Wasserman
Co-Executive Director of Advocacy and Inclusion
Melanie Montoya Wasserman is the Co-Executive Director of Advocacy and Inclusion. She has over 20 years of experience working in non-profit and government sectors. She worked for 12 years at the San Miguel Resource Center, a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center, first as the advocate manager and later as the co-executive director. She spent several years as a private practice psychotherapist. Most recently, she worked for the Town of Telluride as the housing director, overseeing affordable town-owned rental housing. Melanie has a masters in counseling psychology and an undergraduate degree in language studies. She is passionate about women's issues and working with our communities' Spanish speaking populations. She believes strongly in kindness and empathy, and hopes that her work with TCHN will foster healthier communities. In Melanie's downtime, she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, hunting, surfing, and spending time with her family.
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Michael Mowery
Data Systems Administrator
Michael Mowery is the Data Systems Administrator. Having graduated from University of Colorado with a degree in Computer Science Engineering, he has worked in many different industries for over 30 years. Michael enjoys using technology to help solve real-world problems. As a full-stack developer, his role also entails providing IT support for the team, setting up and maintaining the TCHN system, and creating and running reports to aid in data analysis. He moved to Telluride in 2004 and is excited to work for an organization that is passionate about helping the community. In Michael’s downtime, he enjoys attending many different festivals in Telluride, hiking/skiing in his beautiful backyard, and chasing light with his camera.
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Mitzi Ayala
Part Time Marketing Outreach Specialist
As the AmeriCorps VISTA Public Health Marketing Coordinator, Mitzi aids in engaging and educating Tri-County residents about resources and programs that steer them toward a healthier future. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in Spring of 2022 with a double major in Social Welfare and Gender and Women’s Studies; with the addition of a minor in Early Development & Learning Science. Before coming to Telluride, Mitzi was an intern for the Women Empowerment Program at the Alameda County Family Justice Center, a tutor for the Kinship Youth Program, an online tutor for Pandemic Professors, and a CVOID-19 contact tracer for the Nevada County Public Health Department. Mitzi believes in fighting for equity, especially when it comes to accessing health resources and being a part of a non-profit allows her to help bridge the gaps. When she is not working at the office, Mitzi enjoys playing soccer, off-roading, hiking, snowboarding, reading, and dancing at music festivals.
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Randi Latham
ADRC Care Coordinator
Randi Latham is a Care Coordinator covering Ouray, San Miguel, and West End Montrose counties. She has 20 years of experience working within the Home and Community-Based support industry. During Randi’s time in this industry, she completed a Master’s in Healthcare Administration program with Colorado State University. After two more specialization courses in Organizational Leadership and Change Management, Randi will graduate. Randi is an expert on being an Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Professional and a Long-Term Care Medicaid Case Manager for both a Community Centered Board and a Single Entry Point. Randi has held certifications in Crisis Prevention Intervention, Hospice and Palliative Services, Child Welfare, and Adult Protection Services. In Randi’s downtime, she enjoys anything involving the beautiful and adventurous outdoors we have here in Western Colorado.
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Rasa Kaunelis
GRANT & EVALUATION ADMINISTRATOR
As the Grants and Evaluation Administrator, Rasa oversees grant writing, report, and program evaluation for TCHNetwork.Rasa previously worked for over 5 years as TCHNetwork’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. She moved into the part-time Grants and Evaluation Administrator position at TCHNetwork in 2021 after welcoming her child, Roksana, in 2020 and wanting to spend more time with family. Rasa has over 15 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, including past experience as the Director of Program Support at Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains and an Researcher at the Center for Policy Research. She has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado and a BA from Michigan State University. In her spare time, Rasa loves hanging out with her family and friends, being outside, reading, watching Michigan State Spartan sports, and traveling.
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Ruth Homan
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
Ruth has been the Community Health Worker for Telluride since 2019. She conducts the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinics, the Food Rx program, and Cooking Matters classes. She has over 26 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Her degree is in Health Science from Western Colorado State University and holds certificates in Nutrition Coaching (Precision Nutrition) and Exercise Physiology (American College of Sports Medicine). Upon taking on the role of CHW, Ruth liked having the opportunity to help people address their health within all the social factors of well-being. Ruth believes that we can all maximize our health and thrive by taking care of ourselves in little ways every day. “We sometimes must overcome internal or external belief systems that keep us from being our healthiest selves.” In her spare time, Ruth loves to go hiking, snowshoeing with her dog, and spending time with family, whether that involves backpacking or binge-watching a few episodes on Netflix!
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Tabassum Siddiqui
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Tabassum Siddiqui is the Policy & Advocacy Manager at TCHNetwork. She’s also a Certified Integrative Health Coach and Meditation Guide. Tabassum’s dual professional path spans over 20 years in both holistic wellness and in ethical fashion design years while living abroad in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from UC Davis, and she received her Integrative Health Certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Tabassum’s core focus in her trauma-informed approach to her healing work is on plant-based and mindfulness living, self-care, burnout, post-traumatic thriving, and supporting BIWOC healing from racial trauma. She believes in inspiring, nurturing, and empowering her clients to becoming the most vibrant version of themselves. Currently, in Tabassum's downtime she spends it with her husband finishing the building of their yurt or getting her hands in the dirt at her local organic farm where she volunteers.
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Tammy Jivery
Communities That Care Manager
Tammy Jivery is the Communities That Care Manager for Tri-County Health Network. Tammy formerly worked at TCHN as the Behavioral Health Care Coordinator in 2021. After 11 years in Telluride, she left the box canyon to pursue a career at Zuke’s, a pet treat company in Durango, Colorado. Tammy spent 12 years there before moving back to Telluride in March 2020. Navigating COVID and losing housing she found herself back in Durango with her senior dog, Sawyer. During that time, she accepted a role at Axis Health System as an outreach specialist focusing on healthcare for the homeless. When an opportunity presented itself to move back to Telluride, she took a leap of faith and jumped. Tammy is passionate about health, wellness and supporting the community. She strives to continually improve herself so she can serve others. Tammy enjoys spending time with her new pup Finn, practicing yoga, and Pilates, and is an avid outdoor enthusiast.
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Valentina Garcia Garcia
Pathways Community Health Worker
As a Pathways Community Health Worker Valentina focuses only on those diagnosed with a chronic disease. She assists those most at risk by providing resources and coordinating support services as needed to built health equity and improve clients health. Valentina has a background in nursing after getting her degree in Mexico. Circumstances have made her reinvent herself and because she loves helping people and being part of the community, she has been volunteering a lot as a tutor in a nonprofit organization, as a volunteer/paraeducator at her daughter school, as an interpreter at the Telluride Food Pantry and working on small projects like doing Spanish recordings with the Telluride Museum. Valentina worked last year with the covid-19 team helping the Hispanic community as a contract tracer and assisting county clinic vaccinations. In Valentina’s downtime she enjoys spending time with her family indoors or hiking, skiing or cross-country skiing.
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Interns
Alexa Calvo
Communities that Care Intern
Alexa is the Communities that Care Intern. She is a sophomore at Telluride Highschool. In her free time, she likes to do archery and read poetry. In the future, she wants to study Forensic Criminology in Seattle, Washington.
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