2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our volunteer board of directors meets regularly to coordinate fundraising and planning efforts, all of which are designed to benefit our local area students. Proceeds generated from these fundraising efforts are distributed to students annually in the form of scholarships or interest-free loans.
Each spring, the Awards committee evaluates applications and matches available scholarship and loan funds with deserving students. Recipients are selected based on a number of factors including academic achievement, school involvement and community service, but always with an emphasis on financial need. Special circumstances are also weighed on an individual basis.
Each spring, the Awards committee evaluates applications and matches available scholarship and loan funds with deserving students. Recipients are selected based on a number of factors including academic achievement, school involvement and community service, but always with an emphasis on financial need. Special circumstances are also weighed on an individual basis.
Kimberly Viergever Easton - President
In 2001, Kimberly joined the Rietz Law Firm, where she has successfully tried numerous cases. Her focus has been in the areas of recreation law and products liability. She is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, a member of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers’ Association, a board member and past President of the Association of Ski Defense Attorneys, and was listed in the 2007-2008 Edition of Cambridge’s “Who’s Who”. Kimberly spends her free time with her husband and two children, skiing, mountain biking, and traveling to and from their sporting activities.
In 2001, Kimberly joined the Rietz Law Firm, where she has successfully tried numerous cases. Her focus has been in the areas of recreation law and products liability. She is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, a member of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers’ Association, a board member and past President of the Association of Ski Defense Attorneys, and was listed in the 2007-2008 Edition of Cambridge’s “Who’s Who”. Kimberly spends her free time with her husband and two children, skiing, mountain biking, and traveling to and from their sporting activities.
Kelsey Smith - Vice President
Kelsey is a proud Colorado native, calling Conifer home since 1999. After graduating from Conifer High School, Kelsey attended the University of Northern Colorado to obtain her degree in special education and has been teaching at Deer Creek Elementary School since. She loves being able to live and teach in the community in which she grew up. Kelsey enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Kelsey published her first book in 2018. She is looking forward to being a part of Bootstraps and helping local high school students pursue their dreams of higher education.
Kelsey is a proud Colorado native, calling Conifer home since 1999. After graduating from Conifer High School, Kelsey attended the University of Northern Colorado to obtain her degree in special education and has been teaching at Deer Creek Elementary School since. She loves being able to live and teach in the community in which she grew up. Kelsey enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Kelsey published her first book in 2018. She is looking forward to being a part of Bootstraps and helping local high school students pursue their dreams of higher education.
Sue Freytag - Secretary
Sue is the mother of twin girls who received Bootstraps scholarships in 2015. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering and a Master's in Environmental Engineering. In the mid-80s to mid-90s, Sue worked in the hydrogeology and environment engineering fields both in private companies and government regulatory agencies. She has been a paraprofessional at Marshdale Elementary School since 2006 teaching students math. Sue likes to do anything outdoors, including playing tennis, hiking, skiing, and gardening.
Sue is the mother of twin girls who received Bootstraps scholarships in 2015. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering and a Master's in Environmental Engineering. In the mid-80s to mid-90s, Sue worked in the hydrogeology and environment engineering fields both in private companies and government regulatory agencies. She has been a paraprofessional at Marshdale Elementary School since 2006 teaching students math. Sue likes to do anything outdoors, including playing tennis, hiking, skiing, and gardening.
Samson Eberhart - Treasurer
Samson is a Colorado native and was born and raised in Pine. After graduating as valedictorian of his Conifer High School class in 2009, he attended the University of Denver and graduated in 2013 with a major in Finance and minors in Economics, Leadership, and French. Samson then began his career in banking at FirstBank and has been there ever since. Now part of the Bank's Compliance & Risk Management division, Samson leads a team that ensures the bank's lending practices are not discriminatory, and that the bank is also providing services to its communities. Samson serves on the advisory board for the Pioneer Leadership Program's Alumni Association at DU. Samson loves traveling domestically and abroad, sampling the best beers and eats along the way.
Samson is a Colorado native and was born and raised in Pine. After graduating as valedictorian of his Conifer High School class in 2009, he attended the University of Denver and graduated in 2013 with a major in Finance and minors in Economics, Leadership, and French. Samson then began his career in banking at FirstBank and has been there ever since. Now part of the Bank's Compliance & Risk Management division, Samson leads a team that ensures the bank's lending practices are not discriminatory, and that the bank is also providing services to its communities. Samson serves on the advisory board for the Pioneer Leadership Program's Alumni Association at DU. Samson loves traveling domestically and abroad, sampling the best beers and eats along the way.
Anne Stuart Bickel
Anne and her husband, John, found their way from Illinois to Evergreen by a circuitous route including Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Northern Virginia, Connecticut again, Idaho, and Southern California. She has lived in Evergreen since 2000 and she never wants to leave! Anne has three children, the youngest of whom, Audra, attended Conifer High School. Both Audra and her husband received Bootstraps scholarships to help them on their path to a college degree. Anne graduated with a BS from University of Wisconsin (Madison). Throughout her many moves, Anne has at times owned a small interior design business, an antique business, and for 10 years in Evergreen, owned Evergreen Wall Designs. Since 2012, Anne has turned her efforts to designing and hand-crafting jewelry. For more than 20 years, Anne has been active in PEO International, a women's organization whose main focus is on raising money to fund grants, scholarships, and loans for women to attend college. She loves gardening, reading, camping, and kayaking. Anne is excited to be part of the Bootstraps organization she so admires.
Anne and her husband, John, found their way from Illinois to Evergreen by a circuitous route including Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Northern Virginia, Connecticut again, Idaho, and Southern California. She has lived in Evergreen since 2000 and she never wants to leave! Anne has three children, the youngest of whom, Audra, attended Conifer High School. Both Audra and her husband received Bootstraps scholarships to help them on their path to a college degree. Anne graduated with a BS from University of Wisconsin (Madison). Throughout her many moves, Anne has at times owned a small interior design business, an antique business, and for 10 years in Evergreen, owned Evergreen Wall Designs. Since 2012, Anne has turned her efforts to designing and hand-crafting jewelry. For more than 20 years, Anne has been active in PEO International, a women's organization whose main focus is on raising money to fund grants, scholarships, and loans for women to attend college. She loves gardening, reading, camping, and kayaking. Anne is excited to be part of the Bootstraps organization she so admires.
Chet Curry
Chet and his wife, Nancy, have lived in Evergreen since 1980. He started teaching mathematics and coaching in 1976 at Evergreen Jr. High and eventually Evergreen High School. He is retired from teaching and coaching, while still being a private mathematics tutor in the mountain area. Chet and Nancy have two daughters, Erin and Alison, both graduates of Evergreen High School, and three lovely granddaughters Alison received a scholarship from Bootstraps. Chet was raised in southeastern Indiana and graduated from Hanover College. He earned a Master’s Degree from Lesley College in education. The outdoor lifestyle enjoyed in Colorado is why Chet and Nancy moved from Indiana. Being a teacher/tutor and coach for over 40 years developed the ability to relate to all people, always wanting only the best for his students and players. Bootstraps helps students achieve their best possible self.
Chet and his wife, Nancy, have lived in Evergreen since 1980. He started teaching mathematics and coaching in 1976 at Evergreen Jr. High and eventually Evergreen High School. He is retired from teaching and coaching, while still being a private mathematics tutor in the mountain area. Chet and Nancy have two daughters, Erin and Alison, both graduates of Evergreen High School, and three lovely granddaughters Alison received a scholarship from Bootstraps. Chet was raised in southeastern Indiana and graduated from Hanover College. He earned a Master’s Degree from Lesley College in education. The outdoor lifestyle enjoyed in Colorado is why Chet and Nancy moved from Indiana. Being a teacher/tutor and coach for over 40 years developed the ability to relate to all people, always wanting only the best for his students and players. Bootstraps helps students achieve their best possible self.
Jean Kelly
Jean Kelly traveled to Colorado for a ski trip and her course was set to return to hopefully become a ski bum. While she never became a ski bum she did move to Colorado after earning her Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University in Counseling with Deaf and Hard of Hearing People. 1988 brought a move to Evergreen. She and her husband, Mike raised three children here in Evergreen; their eldest benefited from a Bootstraps scholarship! Ms. Kelly serves as the Director of Accessibility Services at Red Rocks Community College where her passion is removing barriers for students with disabilities. Never a ski bum, Jean still enjoys skiing as well as biking, hiking, knitting, and card-making in her free time. She's delighted to serve Bootstraps to help students in the foothills experience the opportunities found in post-secondary education.
Jean Kelly traveled to Colorado for a ski trip and her course was set to return to hopefully become a ski bum. While she never became a ski bum she did move to Colorado after earning her Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University in Counseling with Deaf and Hard of Hearing People. 1988 brought a move to Evergreen. She and her husband, Mike raised three children here in Evergreen; their eldest benefited from a Bootstraps scholarship! Ms. Kelly serves as the Director of Accessibility Services at Red Rocks Community College where her passion is removing barriers for students with disabilities. Never a ski bum, Jean still enjoys skiing as well as biking, hiking, knitting, and card-making in her free time. She's delighted to serve Bootstraps to help students in the foothills experience the opportunities found in post-secondary education.
Jennifer Richey
Jennifer has lived in Conifer for the last 22 years with her husband, Tim, and children Jack and Piper, who both attended Conifer High School. She has always been active in school fundraising starting at Marshdale Elementary all the way up to Conifer High School as a board member for Conifer Lobos Unified Boosters. Jenn grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsonsin-Madison. the love of the outdoors, and particularly skiing, brought Jenn and Tim to Colorado after college. She also enjoys playing tennis, hiking, traveling, and reading. Jennifer joined the Bootstraps Board because she "loves what the organization does for local kids."
Jennifer has lived in Conifer for the last 22 years with her husband, Tim, and children Jack and Piper, who both attended Conifer High School. She has always been active in school fundraising starting at Marshdale Elementary all the way up to Conifer High School as a board member for Conifer Lobos Unified Boosters. Jenn grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsonsin-Madison. the love of the outdoors, and particularly skiing, brought Jenn and Tim to Colorado after college. She also enjoys playing tennis, hiking, traveling, and reading. Jennifer joined the Bootstraps Board because she "loves what the organization does for local kids."
Angie Studer
Angie has lived in the Evergreen area for 16 years. As a former "Southerner," her family moved to Evergreen in search of a slower pace of life than the city and to enjoy the activities of the Rocky Mountains. Angie's children attended Conifer High School and were recipients of Bootstraps scholarships. They are now "spreading their wings" in Texas and Washington. She knows firsthand the positive impact of the generosity of Bootstraps donors and the opportunities it provides our youth. With 13 years of teaching experience at many grade levels, Angie has a passion for helping students reach their goals. In her free time, Angie enjoys cheering for her Georgia Bulldog football team, hiking with friends, tutoring, cross country skiing, and keeping up with her kids latest adventures.
Angie has lived in the Evergreen area for 16 years. As a former "Southerner," her family moved to Evergreen in search of a slower pace of life than the city and to enjoy the activities of the Rocky Mountains. Angie's children attended Conifer High School and were recipients of Bootstraps scholarships. They are now "spreading their wings" in Texas and Washington. She knows firsthand the positive impact of the generosity of Bootstraps donors and the opportunities it provides our youth. With 13 years of teaching experience at many grade levels, Angie has a passion for helping students reach their goals. In her free time, Angie enjoys cheering for her Georgia Bulldog football team, hiking with friends, tutoring, cross country skiing, and keeping up with her kids latest adventures.
Aaron Sumner
Aaron grew up in upstate New York attending Potsdam Central High School before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma his junior year and graduating from Booker T. Washington High School with a concentration in fine art. Aaron attended the University of Tulsa receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a double major in biology and a minor in chemistry. He was invited to attended two archaeological expeditions to the country of Jordan during his time at Tulsa. Before relocating to Golden in 2004 for graduate studies, Aaron worked on chemistry and chemical engineering projects in Oklahoma and Texas for several years. Aaron received a Master of Science degree in Engineering Technology Management (ETM) from Colorado School of Mines and was a research assistant for the Department of Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Refining. Following his graduate studies, Aaron worked as an operations and financial analyst in various fields including aerospace and telecommunications. When not working Aaron likes to travel, hike and read.
Aaron grew up in upstate New York attending Potsdam Central High School before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma his junior year and graduating from Booker T. Washington High School with a concentration in fine art. Aaron attended the University of Tulsa receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a double major in biology and a minor in chemistry. He was invited to attended two archaeological expeditions to the country of Jordan during his time at Tulsa. Before relocating to Golden in 2004 for graduate studies, Aaron worked on chemistry and chemical engineering projects in Oklahoma and Texas for several years. Aaron received a Master of Science degree in Engineering Technology Management (ETM) from Colorado School of Mines and was a research assistant for the Department of Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Refining. Following his graduate studies, Aaron worked as an operations and financial analyst in various fields including aerospace and telecommunications. When not working Aaron likes to travel, hike and read.
Stephen Sumner
Steve Sumner received a BS degree in design and photography from the University of Michigan and a MFA in painting and printmaking from the University of Massachusetts. Steve is a working artist who has shown his work in over 70 one-person and group exhibitions. His work is part of many prestigious public and private collections. A university professor for 38 years, Steve retired in 2005 as President of Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Lakewood. After spending three years designing and building dioramas for the Bass Pro Corporation, Steve came to Evergreen as the executive director of the Center for the Arts Evergreen, retiring in 2019. He continues to work with schools and students as a business interviewer for the Conifer High School DECA program and as a judge for the Evergreen High School Jazz Festival competition.
Steve Sumner received a BS degree in design and photography from the University of Michigan and a MFA in painting and printmaking from the University of Massachusetts. Steve is a working artist who has shown his work in over 70 one-person and group exhibitions. His work is part of many prestigious public and private collections. A university professor for 38 years, Steve retired in 2005 as President of Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Lakewood. After spending three years designing and building dioramas for the Bass Pro Corporation, Steve came to Evergreen as the executive director of the Center for the Arts Evergreen, retiring in 2019. He continues to work with schools and students as a business interviewer for the Conifer High School DECA program and as a judge for the Evergreen High School Jazz Festival competition.
Staff
Colleen Skates - Executive Director
Colleen lived in Conifer for 18 years before moving to Evergreen in 2014. She began working for Bootstraps in January 2000. She and her husband, Jeff, have raised two sons and enjoy traveling and hanging out with the family. In May 2013, Colleen earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from the University of Colorado Denver. She loves her job because she gets to help young adults from the mountain area pursue their dreams. Colleen says her job also allows her to meet many people from this incredibly generous community. “I am constantly amazed at how giving the members of the mountain-area community are. They are so eager to help others.”
Colleen lived in Conifer for 18 years before moving to Evergreen in 2014. She began working for Bootstraps in January 2000. She and her husband, Jeff, have raised two sons and enjoy traveling and hanging out with the family. In May 2013, Colleen earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from the University of Colorado Denver. She loves her job because she gets to help young adults from the mountain area pursue their dreams. Colleen says her job also allows her to meet many people from this incredibly generous community. “I am constantly amazed at how giving the members of the mountain-area community are. They are so eager to help others.”
Nancy Hiester - Director of Development
Nancy grew up in New Jersey and moved to Colorado to pursue her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her college years were a wealth of learning – with a major in Psychology, minor in Spanish, and meeting her neighbor, who later became her husband. She completed her Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Denver. Nancy has lived in the mountain area since the blizzard of 1982, when Conifer was a small town without any amenities. Both of her children graduated from Conifer High School and completed their college degrees out of state. Her son lives in Brooklyn teaching chess to children, aged three and up. Her daughter lives in Denver, performs on an improvisation team and works for a local start-up. Nancy’s strong interests are travel, reading, hiking, tennis, backpacking and just simply being outside. Her husband, Patrick is a talented musician and plays bluegrass, folk and original music.
Nancy grew up in New Jersey and moved to Colorado to pursue her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her college years were a wealth of learning – with a major in Psychology, minor in Spanish, and meeting her neighbor, who later became her husband. She completed her Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Denver. Nancy has lived in the mountain area since the blizzard of 1982, when Conifer was a small town without any amenities. Both of her children graduated from Conifer High School and completed their college degrees out of state. Her son lives in Brooklyn teaching chess to children, aged three and up. Her daughter lives in Denver, performs on an improvisation team and works for a local start-up. Nancy’s strong interests are travel, reading, hiking, tennis, backpacking and just simply being outside. Her husband, Patrick is a talented musician and plays bluegrass, folk and original music.
