Partners Staff

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 Executive Director: 

Lindsay is responsible for developing strong agency capacity, developing and maintaining effective community partnerships, planning for sustainable resource development, and ensuring quality programming and effective program evaluation. Lindsay originally joined the Partners team in 2009 as an AmeriCorps School-Based Mentor. She then worked in the Partners office as an AmeriCorps VISTA before spending four years as the Partners School-Based Mentoring Program Manager. Lindsay earned her Masters in social work from CSU and was most recently the school social worker for Hayden School District. Lindsay is thrilled to return to the Partners team and to continue supporting youth and families in this community.

lindsay@partnersyouth.org

970.879.6141 ext 308

 Mentoring Programs Director:  Erin oversees all aspects of Mentoring Programs - Community Based & School Based Programs and staff. Erin is a Steamboat local who moved back to the Yampa Valley in 2018. She has a BA in History from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. After graduating college Erin volunteered in youth programming for 7 years and then worked as an Area Director abroad for Young Life in Munich, Germany for 6 years. Erin is currently the Vice President of Routt County Youth Services Coalition, on the Mentor Colorado Advisory Board, the Program Quality Board for the Partners Mentoring Association and the local Brown Ranch Steering Committee.  Erin is passionate about assisting youth and adolescents in their holistic development by creating ways for them to have positive adult role models in their life. Email Erin to learn about how you can be a Mentor over a cup of coffee!   

erin@partnersyouth.org

970.879.6141 ext 305

Empowerment Program Director: 

Heidi joined the Partners team as the Routt County Youth Development Coordinator, and transitioned to the Education & Empowerment Program Director role in December 2021. She has experience working with families and youth of diverse backgrounds, and her passion lies in empowering youth to live fulfilling and engaging lives.  Heidi graduated from The University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Political Science. Prior to moving to the Yampa Valley, Heidi provided multi-generational, community-based programming for refugee and immigrant youth and their families through her position at Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning in Denver. Heidi currently serves as the Board Secretary for the Routt County Youth Services Coalition.

heidi@partnersyouth.org

970.879.6141 ext 311

Moffat County Empowerment Program Coordinator:

Mackenzie is our Youth Development Coordinator in Moffat County. She was born and raised in Craig and relocated to Wyoming for college where she earned her Associates of Applied Science Degree and Radiologic Technologist Licenses. She is a loving mother to two boys and hopes to show them and the youth she works with that they can do anything they set their minds to with encouragement and empowerment from a positive influence. Her goals are to make a positive impact on the youth in Moffat County and on her community. 

mackenzie@partnersyouth.org

Routt County Empowerment Program Coordinator

Sarah brings a diverse background in youth work, education, and community engagement. She has experience teaching K–12 students as a librarian and media specialist, served as a Site Coordinator for a middle school day program during the pandemic and in 2021, relocated to Steamboat Springs to become the Teen Director at the Boys and Girls Club. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Library and Information Science from PennWest Clarion, with a K–12 teaching certificate.

In her free time, Sarah loves caring for animals, creating art, and traveling. She’s excited to be part of the Partners team and continue supporting and empowering young people.

sarah@partnersyouth.org

School Based Mentoring Program Manager

Kate has a Master's degree in Social Work from Columbia University and over 20 years of experience in hospital, non-profit, and school settings, Kate brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her journey in social work has taken her from directing a children’s home for orphaned kids in Ethiopia, where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of adult

mentors in rural communities, to overseeing diverse programs as a former case manager and program supervisor.

Kate is deeply passionate about educational equity and youth development, firmly believing in the transformative power of mentorship, especially peer mentorship. Her move to Steamboat Springs last year has sparked a new enthusiasm for community involvement. Beyond her professional commitments, Kate finds joy in gardening, exploring the outdoors through hiking

and skiing, attending live music events, experimenting in the kitchen, and cherishing moments with her nieces and nephews.

kate@partnersyouth.org

970.879.6141 ext 303

CBM Case Manager: 

 Faith is excited to support mentors and youth in sustainable ways, turning challenges into triumphs. She has extensive experience in offering support to families and individuals of all unique backgrounds and ages. Faith thrives on collaboration and encouragement while aiming to find balance in all of life's situations. When Faith isn’t working in supportive roles, you can find her painting, performing in local theatre, or hanging out with her dog Luna and cat Miss Squirrely Elmwood. 

faith@partnersyouth.org

970.879.6141 ext 301

CBM Bilingual Case Manager: 

 Gaby was born and raised in Venezuela. Although Spanish is her mother tongue, she has been improving her English since she became a part of the Steamboat Springs community four years ago. She graduated from Arturo Michelena University in Venezuela with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Gaby has always been passionate about serving children and adolescents, as she believes they often lack the necessary tools to lead a fulfilling life. However, she also believes that young people still have time to become great individuals for themselves and society. Gaby is also excited about the opportunity to bridge the language barrier between Hispanic families and mentors. 

gaby@partnersyouth.org

970.879.6141 ext 304

Development & Marketing Manager: Emory joins us as a UNC Chapel Hill graduate with a background in global PR and digital marketing agencies, specializing in the education, non profit, and agriculture industries. 

Her passion for working with youth has taken her around the world from classrooms, summer camps, and on ski slopes. Along the way, she’s learned that engaging communication and community connection are at the heart of lasting and sustainable youth impact.

Outside of work, you’ll probably find her out on a hike, planning her next trip, or supporting the Tar Heels sports teams!

emory@partnersyouth.org

Operations Manager: 

 Laurie assists with grant management, requirements, tracking and reporting. She oversees and supports operational needs related to the Partners Alliance Center. Laurie is a Colorado native and has been in the Yampa Valley for over 20 years. She earned her BA in Sociology and Social Sciences from Western Colorado University.

laurie@partnersyouth.org

Youth Intern - Steamboat Springs Teen Council

Vanessa is a senior at Steamboat Springs High School and is a dedicated member of the Steamboat Springs Teen Council. She joined the council in 8th grade and has been passionate about making a difference in her community. Vanessa enjoys uplifting youth voices and helping create a more inclusive environment for all teens. Over the years, Vanessa has contributed to several initiatives, including promoting mental health awareness, organizing safe social events, and supporting education around substance abuse prevention. 

Born and raised in Steamboat, Vanessa loves mountain biking, skiing, and spending time outdoors. She’s especially passionate about encouraging and empowering others. Vanessa enjoys being involved in her community and is honored to serve as this year’s Teen Council President and Partners Youth Intern. She’s excited to continue creating positive change and helping others feel seen and heard.

Bookkeeper

Karin handles all accounts payable, receivable, payroll taxes, and grant reimbursements. Karin has been an independent bookkeeper since 2006 and has several clients in Steamboat Springs. Karin gained her B.F. in Business from New Hampshire College. 

Youth Intern - Moffat County Youth Action Council (MCYAC)

Carson is a homeschooled freshman who loves spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Alongside school and hobbies, he also runs a lawn care business, which has taught him a lot about hard work and responsibility.

This year, Carson is excited to serve as the new MCYAC President. He looks forward to seeing all that MCYAC can do for the teens in his community and making a positive impact together!

School Based Mentor: 

Life started in Vermont for Cheryl and is where a huge chunk of her heart stays with family and friends, but at age 18 she left to check out the world a bit more. After traveling around the globe a little, living from coast to coast, she then took a job at a fly fishing lodge in Meeker, CO, which then landed her in Steamboat.  Cheryl has called Steamboat home now for 21 years and shares her life with her husband, 2 children and a handful of pets.  She worked in restaurants since age 17, but after having children and Covid, Cheryl's passions took a different turn. She focused on how she could be fully involved in her kids' lives, help protect them and their friends, and where she could be more of a service in this community for the youth as a whole.  Like most Steamboaters, Cheryl finds great peace when out in the nature surrounding us. She is grateful everyday she landed in this community and has the privilege to call it home! 

cheryl@partnersyouth.org

 School Based Mentor:

Arron, originally from Pennsylvania, moved to Steamboat Springs four years ago to attend Colorado Mountain College (CMC), where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Human Services. A self-proclaimed movie buff, he enjoys relaxing by watching films with his cat, Dobby. He also loves spending time outdoors, whether skateboarding, skiing, or camping—he's always up for an adventure! Arron is thrilled to work with Steamboat Springs middle schoolers and is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in their lives.  

arron@partnersyouth.org

 School Based Mentor:

Jenny is a Florida native who has lived out west since she was a kid. She lives in Craig with her daughter, three dogs and a tuxedo cat. She likes to spend her free time in the garden or swimming in the river. 

jen@partnersyouth.org

 School Based Mentor:

 Beth has an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and is working towards a bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Relations. Her dream is to work in a mental health capacity with younger children within a school system setting. Her position as a school based mentor with Partners for Youth is the perfect role as an entry into her field of interest and working towards her goals. Outside of work and education, in her free time she enjoys spending time with her two children taking advantage of the great outdoors. During the summer months you can find her and her kids out camping, hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding. 

beth@partnersyouth.org