Meet the Focus Points Team
Board
Board Chair
Amanda Gonzalez
Secretary
LeeAnn Morrill
Treasurer
Joan Chandler
Board Member
Shawn Dougherty
Board Member
Susan Downs-Karkos
Board Member
Yessica Holguin
Board Member
Santi Yarlagadda
Leadership
Executive Director
Jules Kelty
Jules Kelty
Jules joined Focus Points Family Resource Center as Executive Director in the spring of 2018 with more than a decade’s experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in nonprofit management and fundraising. As Executive Director at Focus Points, Jules’ visionary leadership guides the direction of comprehensive family support programming serving over 1,500 individuals annually including adult education, early childhood education, family development, economic opportunity and Comal Heritage Food Incubator. Her previous experience includes Development Director of the Rocky Mountain MS Center, Senior Major Gift officer for the American Red Cross Colorado and Wyoming Region and Director of Development for Colorado Youth at Risk. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and teaches courses on financial management, fundraising, development and communication strategies. Previously, she taught with Denver Public Schools for seven years, specializing in elementary education, social studies, language arts and Spanish instruction. Jules holds a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College, master’s degree from the Korbel School of International Studies at University of Denver and is a graduate of the “50 for Colorado” leadership program. At various times, she lived or traveled in West Africa, Ethiopia, Mexico, Bolivia and parts of Europe and Asia. She also speaks French and Spanish. Outside of work Jules spends time with her husband, two daughters and blue heeler, Bean, who is somewhat of a celebrity in the neighborhood. Jules finds joy in knitting, hiking, and more tomatillos than she knows what to do with in her garden.
Director of Adult Education & Workforce
Delta Donohue
Delta Donohue
Born and raised in Colorado, Delta holds a BS in International Business and a Master’s in Organizational Communication. 12 years ago, Delta began teaching ESL while volunteering at an orphanage in India—and hasn’t stopped teaching since! She started with Focus Points as a part-time ESL teacher in 2014. As a published poet, playwright and author, Delta strongly believes in the power of words to change a person’s life—both to empower them and give them agency. She infuses this belief into her roles as Director of Adult Education & Workforce at Focus Points. Delta’s passion for helping others discover the beauty of language drives her work. Delta holds a rich bank of life experience, some highlights being attending the Grammys, driving a race car and eating scorpions. Her favorite moments at Focus Points, however, are the lightbulb moments that happen in the classroom—when English students truly understand something for the first time.
Director of Development
Jhon Londoño
Jhon Londoño
Director of Family Programs
Mayra Ramirez
Mayra Ramirez
Mayra was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and grew up in the Swansea and Chaffee Park areas in Denver. Mayra holds a BA in Literature from University of Colorado and an MBA from University of Phoenix. Before joining the Focus Points team, Mayra spent 8 years in roles with progressive responsibility at Cooking Matters Colorado. Her time at Cooking Matters prepared Mayra for her role overseeing all of Focus Points’ Early Childhood Education and Family Development work with direct service nutrition education, volunteer management, partnership cultivation, program coordination, and finally, managing a statewide Early Childhood Education program. Mayra has a passion for learning and dreams of earning a Ph.D. one day. (She will let us know when she figures out the topic). Her favorite part of her role at Focus Points is facilitating professional development with her team and identifying how to take the organization to the next level using the skills and assets that our employees already have. Outside of work you can find Mayra snowboarding, gardening, and being a cat mom to Ruby and Happy.
Director of Finance & Human Resources
Elvia Rodriguez
Elvia Rodriguez
Elvia grew up in Durango, Mexico, where she studied accounting. Elvia has more than a decade of experience as a Finance Manager/Controller for mid-size and large non-profit organizations in the metro-Denver area. Elvia also has sales and sales reporting experience. Previously, Elvia has worked as the Purchasing Director Assistant and Production Planner for Hoopeston Foods, and the Office Manager for Foodworks Colorado. Additionally, Elvia has extensive financial and donor management database experience. Elvia has held this key role at Focus Points for 6 years and loves everything about directing finance and human resources at Focus Points (especially the numbers part). Outside of work her passions are reading, music and nature.
Administrative Support
Manager of Centralized Services
Laura Anaya
Laura Anaya
Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Laura holds an Associate’s of Arts and is currently working towards her bachelor’s in business. Laura began her work with Focus Points 11 years ago as a HIPPY Parent Educator and later transitioned into an Administrative Assistant role. As a result of her natural leadership abilities and dedication to Focus Points’ mission, Laura now coordinates many of the organization’s daily operations as the Manager of Centralized Services. In this role, Laura is most passionate about offering high quality services to families in her community and making sure every person who comes through the door feels welcome. Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her three teenagers and husband, especially if that means getting outside for a camping trip or a road trip.
Administrative & Program Support
Lucrecia Escobedo
Lucrecia Escobedo
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Lucrecia provides invaluable administrative support at Focus Points, and is the driver of Focus Points’ beloved community shuttle, “the Pickle.” Lucrecia is most passionate about helping others, which makes her feel right at home in the Focus Points team. Outside of work, Lucrecia spends her time caring for her family. When she’s on the job, Lucrecia is well-known by the children in the neighborhood as “The Pickle Lady.” (The shuttle is called “The Pickle” because it is green).
Educación temprana infantil
Senior Manager of PAT & HIPPY
Indira Galaviz
Indira Galaviz
Indira followed her dreams and moved from her hometown in Chihuahua to Denver in 2004. She found Focus Points when searching for English classes that also offered childcare, which was a must for Indira, who was a young mother. After joining the Focus Points family, Indira never left. Instead, she received support pursuing her associate degree in Early Childhood Education and later, a Family Development credential. Indira worked at Focus Points as a Family Advocate and Parents as Teachers Program Manager before taking on her current role as Senior Manager of PAT & HIPPY. In her current role, she loves having the opportunity to impact her community by providing support networks to the families in the PAT program. Under Indira’s leadership, Focus Points’ Parents as Teachers program was awarded Blue-Ribbon Affiliate Status, the highest recognition of quality a Parents as Teachers affiliate can reach. She spends her time outside of Focus Points sharing her energy and passion for fitness with her Zumba students. Aside from wellness, her greatest passions are education, family and unity.
HIPPY Program Manager
Glenda Caridad
Glenda Caridad
Glenda was born in New York City to Dominican and Puerto Rican parents. Glenda has over 12 years of experience working in early childhood education as a teacher and as a Family & Community Advocate. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Organizational Management. Glenda’s favorite part about managing HIPPY is making a difference in the community by helping families thrive. Outside of work, Glenda loves travel, crafts, painting and spending time with family and friends. Glenda began her career in serving communities early—since she was a teenager, she has participated in mission trips been volunteered working with children, as a singer, and even as a clown!
ECE Program Manager
Julia Santisteban
Julia Santisteban
Julia grew up in Guatemala City, where she obtained her Associate degree in Business Administration. Julia has lived in Denver since 2001 and has over 17 years of experience working in Early Education. She is passionate about working with children and families, since her own family benefitted from services at Focus Points over 10 years ago. Outside of work, Julia spends her time reading, listening to music, and spending time with her 17-year-old son. (They both like going to the movies!)
PAT Parent Educator
Elvia Antillón
Elvia Antillón
Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Elvia earned her GED and took additional computer classes in Guadalajara before joining the Focus Points team as a PAT Parent Educator. Elvia is certified in Mental Health First Aid. In her role, Elvia brings programming into participants’ homes and captures relevant data. She is most passionate about the wellbeing of children and her favorite part of her job is working directly with families. One of Elvia’s life goals is to travel the globe to get to know other cultures and many different parts of the world.
PAT Parent Educator
Maria Fernandez
Maria Fernandez
Maria grew up in Durango, Mexico. When she came to Denver, Maria obtained her GED and took additional coursework to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Maria served in Americorps as a HIPPY Home Educator for two years before becoming a full time PAT Home Educator. Maria loves working with families in their homes and seeing how their lives change as a result of being in the program. As a child, Maria loved playing canicas (marbles), and remembers winning all of her friends’ marbles. Now, her favorite pastime is visiting Central City.
PAT Parent Educator
Elvira Rivera
Elvira Rivera
Elvira was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, where she studied accounting. When she moved to Denver, she studied for and obtained her GED. In addition to her GED, Elvira holds Early Childhood Education Group Leader certifications in Infant/Toddler and Preschool, and is committed to continue learning to better serve the families she works with. As a PAT Home Educator, Elvira has learned much about child development and wellbeing, which has positively impacted her own parenting skills and communication with her family. Elvira aims to empower every person she works with and build understanding in her community. Her favorite part of her role at Focus Points is seeing families advance and learn how to improve their own lives.
ECE Educator
Cecilia Cabral
Cecilia Cabral
Cecilia grew up in Mexico and has been living in Denver for 13 years. To support her in her role as Early Childhood Educator, she has participated in various trainings and certifications programs covering child development and caregiving best practices. She always pushes herself to better support the children who attend Focus Points’ onsite childcare, and her next big career goal is to obtain her GED! Outside of work, Cecilia loves music and dance. Cecilia’s commitment to Focus Points’ mission runs deep: she believes that family is the most important thing and the vehicle that helps us achieve our goals.
ECE Educator
Rosa Gonzalez
Rosa Gonzalez
Rosa grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico. Rosa brings experience working with children with developmental disabilities to her role at Focus Points as Early Childhood Educator. For her current role, Rosa takes courses on child development, and knows that her passion is working with children. Rosa is a mother of two and a grandmother of five, and when she is not spending time with her family, she loves to listen to music and dance. Her favorite part of her job is supporting families, and especially during children’s formative years.
ECE Educator
Maria Rey de Barba
Oneyda Rios
Oneyda was born in Nicaragua and moved to Denver 14 years ago. She holds a degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Nicaragua, and her Teaching Level 1 from the Community College of Denver. Oneyda’s experience working with children dates back to when she lived in Nicaragua, and she has always found teaching exciting and rewarding. She loves being able to teach and serve children and their families at Focus Points. Outside of her job, Oneyda’s passions are exploring new ideas through reading and cinema and exploring new places through travel.
ECE Educator
Oneyda Rios
Maria Rey de Barba
Maria grew up and pursued her education in Chihuahua, Mexico. She is a certified accountant and had a 15 year career in accounting before moving to Denver in 2003. Here in Denver, Maria’s career took a turn as she now is an Early Childhood Educator to children in our ECE childcare classroom. Outside of Focus Points, Maria is an avid volunteer in her community. Maria has volunteered at her church and the National Hemophilia Foundation, with a focus on supporting the Hispanic community. A mother of two, Maria enjoys travel and crafting.
Educación para adultos
Adult Education Manager
Caroline Garcia
Caroline Garcia
Caroline grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, and throughout her childhood traveled with her grandmother to Guanajuato, Mexico to learn Spanish and explore her own Mexican American heritage. Caroline graduated from Colorado State University with a BA in English Literature and from University of Colorado at Denver with an MA in English with an emphasis in Applied Linguistics. Caroline began her teaching career at Community College of Denver, where she realized her calling was working with ESL learners and Beginning Literacy native speakers. After four years at CCD, Caroline began teaching at Focus Points, where she is able to realize her passion for helping others succeed. Caroline is the mother of a five-year-old daughter—and outside of work they can be found exploring, eating ice cream and dancing together. Caroline actually comes from a dance background—used to be part of a comedic dance group called Team Fire Fox. She has even performed at Red Rocks!
Refugee Program Admissions Coordinator
Kellie Ramirez
Kellie Ramirez
Kellie is from Lincoln, NE, and holds a BA in International Studies and an MA in Human Rights. She has been working with immigrants and refugees on a volunteer and professional basis since high school, and has experience working with both children and adults. The foundation for Kellie’s passion for supporting refugees and immigrants is the Jewish concept of tikkun olam or “repairing the world,” which also informs her personal hobbies and parenting. Kellie feels honored and enthused to do her part in removing barriers to newcomers so they can thrive in America. Outside of work, when she isn’t learning about world issues, social justice, and human rights, Kellie can be found spending time with her three wild and untamed children.
ELA Lead Instructor
Anna Meenan
Anna Meenan
Born and raised in Colorado, Anna holds a B.A. in Technical Journalism and a B.A. in International Studies from Colorado State University. Anna is also certified in TEFL for Business English and Young Learners. Anna began her teaching career in 2011 when she tutored immigrant students and families for the Poudre School District. She also has experience teaching English to Arabic speakers in the United Arab Emirates, and as a classroom assistant at Emily Griffith Technical College. At Focus Points, Anna is inspired every day by her students’ resilience, strength and positivity in the face of adversity and is passionate about helping them realize their full potential. Outside of work, you can find Anna reading, or enjoying Colorado’s seasonal sports—especially snowboarding.
ELA Instructor
Bonnie Herman
Bonnie Herman
Bonnie grew up in the Amazon rainforest and attended universities in Missouri. Bonnie holds a BA in Sociology and an MA in Spanish. She traveled the world to become an English Teacher, earning her TEFOL in London, where she taught Afghan refugees and her CELTA in Bogotá, where she taught wounded veterans. Bonnie’s favorite part of her job is connecting and laughing with her students, and she is most passionate about supporting students in navigating towards their educational goals to level the playing field for immigrants and refugees.
ELA Instructor
Patty Kudla
Patty Kudla
Patty was born in Connecticut and spent her childhood in Chicago. Patty holds a BA from University of Iowa, a Professional Educator License from National Louis University, and a TESOL. Patty has years of experience teaching ESL with immigrant and refugee populations, both children and adults. She has also volunteered with ESL youth at an elementary school. Patty is most passionate about teaching English and life skills to empower immigrants, refugees and asylees to achieve their education, employment and quality-of-life goals. Outside of work, Patty enjoys the journey of climbing mountains. She’s even been lucky enough to experience a sunrise atop Mt. Kilimanjaro!
ELA Instructor
Roslyn Rudnick
Roslyn Rudnick
Roslyn grew up in Pretoria, South Africa, and holds a B.A. in Education from the Johannesburg College of Education. Roslyn has taught ESL in Israel, South Africa, California, and finally Denver, where she has been living for the past 21 years. Roslyn has brought joy and laughter to Focus Points classrooms for more than 15 years, and her favorite thing about teaching is watching her students gain confidence in their English skills as the semester progresses. Roslyn’s passions outside of work include dogs, reading, language learning, yoga and travel—Roslyn even spent three months traveling across the U.S. in Greyhound buses when she was younger.
Education & Economic Opportunity Administrative Assistant
Gabriela Medina
Gabriela Medina
Born in Durango, Mexico, Gabriela brings a diverse educational background to her role as Education & Economic Opportunity Administrative Assistant at Focus Points. Gabriela began her studies as a nursing student (she is a certified phlebotomist), and then shifted her focus to early childhood education. Gabriela started with Focus Points as a participant and worked as a both HIPPY Parent Educator and a PAT Parent Educator before transitioning to her role in the Education & Economic Opportunity Department. Now, her educational focus is learning about adult education and she recently became certified in CASAS administration. Gabriela’s biggest passion is giving parents the tools they need to keep their families strong: employment, support and motivation. Gabriela is always proud of students how complete their goals and get to the next academic level.
Family & Community Development
Community & Family Development Manager
Mayra Aviña
Mayra Aviña
Mayra Aviña is from Santa Ana, California and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver. From a young age Mayra wanted to find a career that would allow her to make a positive impact within her Latino community. Her passion for serving those affected by poverty, racism and inequality grew deeper during her studies on social justice. Mayra gained invaluable experience while serving others through work with several nonprofit organizations including The Wooden Floor and the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver. Mayra is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to support participants with the resources they need to feel empowered, be successful, and thrive because she believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to make their dreams come true, no matter where they come from or who they identify as.
Lead Family Development Specialist
Jeanette Martinez
Jeanette Martinez
Jeanette spent her childhood living in New Mexico, Chihuahua, and Colorado. Growing up, she always enjoyed drawing and sketching, a hobby she still practices today! Jeanette joined the Focus Points team four years ago as an Americorps member and a HIPPY Home Educator. Since, Jeanette was worked in the Parents as Teachers program as a home educator before being promoted to her current role, Lead Family Development Specialist. Jeanette brings her deep compassion and talent for listening to her role. Her favorite part of her job is seeing Focus Points’ community working together to grow and prosper. Her everyday work taps into her passions for community, growth and helping others beat the odds. Jeanette is certified in the Family Pathways Model and Motivational Interviewing.
Community Partnership Specialist
Grace Soulen
Grace Soulen
Originally from Norfolk, VA, Grace holds a BA in Public Health and a Master’s in Public Health. She began her career dedicated to holistic approaches to health and women’s self-empowerment as an Americorps VISTA member in Charleston, SC. Grace brings her passion for helping families live healthier lifestyles and her Spanish (which she picked up in Cádiz, Spain) to her role as a Community Partnership Specialist at Focus Points. Her favorite part of her job is connecting families to exercise, nutrition, gardening, goal-setting, and family planning! Outside of work, you can find Grace at a rock-climbing gym, playing beach volleyball, or hitting the slopes!
Clinical Therapist
Kristoffer Rodriguez
Kristoffer Rodriguez
Oportunidad económica
Senior Manager of Social Enterprise
Matt Vernon
Jen Kim
Matt grew up in Austin, TX, where he grew up in a house attached to a hanger in a small municipal airport. Matt earned his BA in Spanish Linguistics and an MBA in Real Estate and Construction Management from University of Denver after working in hospitality. He continued his career by helping to grow a Colorado-based food manufacturing company. Matt has jumpstarted multiple businesses and blends his business acumen with his hospitality experience in his role as Senior Manager of Social Enterprise. Matt’s biggest passions are small business ownership and access to financial opportunity for all. Finding ways to build up individuals and families through financial education and business equity has become part of Matt’s life work.
Education & Economic Opportunity Workforce Manager
Whitney Wise
Whitney Wise
Whitney grew up in Cupertino, California and earned her BA in Psychology and International Studies and her International MBA from University of Denver. Beyond her degrees, Whitney is certified in Adaptive Project Management for International Development and in Motivational Interviewing. She has experience working at various social enterprises focused on microfinance for new business owners, local tourism development and youth empowerment. Whitney is interested in high impact programs that strive for systems change, especially within inclusive community and business development. Her favorite part of her work when supporting individuals in pursuing their career goals is hearing about their dreams and being a launch pad to make them a reality. Outside of work, Whitney’s absolute favorite thing is traveling to new corners of the world.
Economic Opportunity Coordinator
Jen Kim
Jen Kim
Jen grew up close by in Lakewood, CO and holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration. Jen has always had a passion for nonprofit work and her professional background is a blend of nonprofit roles (such as instructing Colorado heritage camps and supporting start up nonprofits with communications) and management roles in the healthcare field. Her favorite part of her role coordinating Focus Points’ newest social enterprise is the synergy and like-mindedness she experiences when working with her teammates. Jen brings her passion for cultures and creating economic opportunities for others to her work at Focus Points. Outside of work Jen exercises her adventurous side—she even got stuck in the desert for several hours with a flat tire out near Moab, Utah! Yikes!
Education & Economic Opportunity Employment Specialist
Zach Antonio Torres
Zach Antonio Torres
Zach, who goes by his middle name, Antonio, when speaking Spanish, was born in Denver and grew up in Commerce City. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI and a certificate in Psychological First Aid while responding to Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Zach brings his belief in the life-giving power of families to his work as Workforce Development Specialist and uses this passion to connect with individuals of diverse backgrounds. Deeply guided and motivated by Jesus Christ’s intentions towards people, Zach sees every community member he gets to work with from a perspective of love, inherent value, and hope. He loves empowering community members to arrive at better situations, provide for their families, and create time to invest in family relationships. Zach’s passion for his work is almost as strong as his phobia of frogs. Zach is thankful to be part of the Focus Points team and pours joy into his work on a daily basis.