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Board and Staff
Board of Directors
Our dedicated volunteer board of directors is crucial to the success of the organization. Through collaboration with each other and our staff, the board supports local students as they pursue their educational dreams. Through planning, fundraising, and oversight, our working board of directors furthers the mission of the Bootstraps organization, ultimately benefiting our local students. Together, we are committed to making a positive impact in our community!
John Kelly - President
John was born in Lahore West Pakistan where his parents were completing their graduate studies. When he and his family returned to the United States, John grew up primarily in the New York metro area. In 1984, he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY at Buffalo. He has been married to his high school sweetheart for 36 years and they have lived in Evergreen since 1992 and raised their two sons. John assisted in the evolution of Evergreen Academy where his sons attended elementary school. He has been fortunate enough to coach soccer, baseball, basketball, and he taught music to Evergreen middle schoolers. He has recently retired from a publicly traded company where he grew the business in the western part of the country. He joined the company in 1985 and fulfilled various roles from management trainee to Senior Division Vice President; he also served an officer of the company. John welcomes the chance to help good people, working hard to help create opportunities for the future.
Jennifer Gann - Vice President
Jennifer has a heart for education and comes from a long line of educators. Having spent over a decade as an elementary school teacher educating “little kids”, she now educates “big kids” as a State Farm Insurance Agent in Evergreen. Jennifer, her husband, Eric, and their two children refer to the Evergreen area as their idyllic mountain community home.
Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and an MBA from Texas Wesleyan University and understands the role that education plays in the opportunities afforded to someone. Though not a Colorado native and originally from Texas, she likes to say that she wasn’t born here but got here as fast as she could! She and her family avail themselves to all that Colorado has to offer and can often be found on the ski slopes or hiking trails. Jennifer has a passion for doing good in the world and is committed to supporting causes that benefit our local mountain community. She is thrilled to be a part of Bootstraps and believes strongly in their mission to help mountain area students reach their educational dreams.
Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and an MBA from Texas Wesleyan University and understands the role that education plays in the opportunities afforded to someone. Though not a Colorado native and originally from Texas, she likes to say that she wasn’t born here but got here as fast as she could! She and her family avail themselves to all that Colorado has to offer and can often be found on the ski slopes or hiking trails. Jennifer has a passion for doing good in the world and is committed to supporting causes that benefit our local mountain community. She is thrilled to be a part of Bootstraps and believes strongly in their mission to help mountain area students reach their educational dreams.
Kelsey Smith - Secretary
Kelsey is a proud Colorado native and has called our amazing mountain community her home since 1999. After graduating from Conifer High School in 2008, she attended the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) to obtain her degree in special education. Kelsey started her teaching career in Bailey where she taught for eight years. She now currently teaches at an elementary school within Jeffco Public Schools. In December 2021, she graduated with a master's degree from UNC. Kelsey enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She published her first book in 2018. Kelsey has been a part of the Bootstraps Board of Directors since January 2019. She is extremely honored to be a part of the organization and to be serving as vice president.
Kaitlynn Hemm - Treasurer
Kaity is a Colorado native, born and raised in Conifer. As an award recipient, upon graduation from Conifer High School, Kaity attended Colorado State University graduating with a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Masters of Accountancy. She became a Certified Public Accountant in 2017, and has been an active member since. Kaity began her career with Deloitte in the Audit and Assurance practice, where she continues to serve public and private clients today. Outside of work, Kaity enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family exploring everything that Colorado has to offer.
Candace Cyrus
Candace is a Colorado native, raised in Jefferson County. As an award recipient, upon graduation from Conifer High School, Candace attended University of Colorado, Colorado Springs graduating with a Bachelor in Communication and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Candace currently works for Lockheed Martin in subcontract management. Previous to Lockheed Martin, Candace worked in higher education as a Project Manager for the University of Colorado, Boulder in research administration, University of Colorado, Office of the President procurement office, and Colorado School of Mines in research administration. Candace began her career in community behavioral health serving Colorado Springs and Boulder as a Project Manager, responsible for implementing strategic initiatives and process improvement efforts. Outside of work, Candace enjoys the great outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Candace is honored to be part of Bootstraps and help create opportunities for students and their education.
Jacob Hollars
Jacob is a commercial litigation and appellate attorney at the Denver office of a large law firm and his wife, Emma, is a primary care pediatrician. Jacob and Emma moved to Colorado in 2016 when Emma began her medical residency in pediatrics at the University of Colorado Children's Hospital. While they spent several years in Denver and the suburbs, their dream since moving to Colorado was to move to the Foothills, specifically the Evergreen area. In early 2022, they made that dream a reality. Shortly after getting settled in the area, Jacob and Emma learned of Bootstraps. As a young professional who grew up in a rural area and paid (and is still paying) for much of his own education, Jacob identifies strongly with Bootstraps' mission to help area students fund their continuing education aspirations.
When not working, Jacob enjoys making barbecue on his offset smoker, hiking and backpacking, and taking scenic drives to take in all of Colorado's natural beauty.
When not working, Jacob enjoys making barbecue on his offset smoker, hiking and backpacking, and taking scenic drives to take in all of Colorado's natural beauty.
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.
Rebekah King
Rebekah is a Colorado native from Greeley. After graduating in 2017 with a major in Business Management from the University of Northern Colorado, she began her career in banking at FirstBank and has been there ever since. She leads multiple teams in the bank’s Loan Servicing department, ensuring that payments apply correctly and paying the taxes and insurance owed on the loans in the bank’s portfolio. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Preston, traveling, reading, working out, and walking their two corgi’s, Walter and Stella. She is honored to be a part of Bootstraps and believes strongly in their mission.
Wes Paxton
Wes Paxton has worked in public education as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal for over 32 years. Prior to his current role, he was the principal at Conifer High School for nine years. Wes brings a wealth of school leadership experience to his current role from working in the Greeley-Evans School District, Adams 14 School District, and Denver Public Schools. Earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder in economics and a master's degree from the University of Phoenix in school leadership, Wes has continued his pursuit of providing students with exceptional learning experiences by working in partnership with educators and garnering the support of the greater school community. He advocates for school leaders as President of the Colorado Association of School Executives, Past-President of the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals, and CASE representative for the Jefferson County Administrator Association. Wes also serves as an Ex-Officio on the Outdoor Lab Foundation and Chair of the Conifer Rotary Foundation.
Wes works directly with the elementary, middle and high schools in the Conifer and Evergreen articulation areas, as well as D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School, Dennison Elementary and Mt. Blue Sky/Windy Peak Outdoor Education Lab Schools.
Wes works directly with the elementary, middle and high schools in the Conifer and Evergreen articulation areas, as well as D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School, Dennison Elementary and Mt. Blue Sky/Windy Peak Outdoor Education Lab Schools.
Carol Way
Carol and her husband, Steve, have lived in the Evergreen/Conifer area for 37 years and raised their two children in this wonderful community. You can often find them hiking or cross-country skiing with their two dogs or heading out for a little time on the water. Carol has been an independent consultant in environmental science for over 30 years with an emphasis on training and education for the private and government sectors. She currently maintains a business focusing on training local officials in planning and preparing for chemical emergencies.
Both Way children attended Conifer High School, and one child was the fortunate recipient of a Bootstraps' scholarship. Carol was very involved as a volunteer throughout their school years and particularly enjoyed getting to know the community kids. Carol is passionate about nurturing a child's innate love of learning and natural curiosity and is honored to have the opportunity to work with Bootstraps in its mission to support our mountain area young adults pursue their educational dreams.
Both Way children attended Conifer High School, and one child was the fortunate recipient of a Bootstraps' scholarship. Carol was very involved as a volunteer throughout their school years and particularly enjoyed getting to know the community kids. Carol is passionate about nurturing a child's innate love of learning and natural curiosity and is honored to have the opportunity to work with Bootstraps in its mission to support our mountain area young adults pursue their educational dreams.
Lauren Weiss
Lauren grew up in Jefferson County, and after a few years away, she returned in 2014 to the foothills she calls home. In between, she put herself through college, where she received a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and a B.A in Theatre Production. After a brief stint in corporate finance, Lauren obtained her M.Ed in Curriculum Design and became a high school science teacher for several years, which she loved dearly.
Life circumstances moved her back into the private sector in an entrepreneurial role, and she is now a real estate broker and advisor for our mountain communities. She is still extremely passionate about education, and knows firsthand how a loan, a scholarship, and/or a lot of grit can change someone’s life forever. She still teaches where and how she can, and she is excited to help Bootstraps forward their mission of equity and opportunity for all hard-working students in our area. Lauren lives in Conifer with her two children, and she spends any spare time she has gardening, hiking, or skiing with her kids and their dogs.
Life circumstances moved her back into the private sector in an entrepreneurial role, and she is now a real estate broker and advisor for our mountain communities. She is still extremely passionate about education, and knows firsthand how a loan, a scholarship, and/or a lot of grit can change someone’s life forever. She still teaches where and how she can, and she is excited to help Bootstraps forward their mission of equity and opportunity for all hard-working students in our area. Lauren lives in Conifer with her two children, and she spends any spare time she has gardening, hiking, or skiing with her kids and their dogs.
Staff
Susan Henry - Executive Directory
Susan and her husband, Mike, have lived in the Morrison/Conifer area for 38 years, raised their three children, and added an extra child to the family 16 years ago. Together they love spending as much time as possible with their adult children and five grandchildren! Susan is originally from Denver and met Mike while attending University of Georgia where she received a degree in communications.
Susan's children all attended Conifer High School, and one child was the fortunate recipient of a Bootstraps' scholarship. Susan also worked as the post-grad coordinator at Conifer High School and experienced first-hand how great the financial need is for our area students to pursue education after high school. Susan loves collaborating with people, especially when the outcome is positive and helpful to the community. She is very excited and humbled to have the opportunity to work with Bootstraps and do meaningful work for the students in our community.
Susan's children all attended Conifer High School, and one child was the fortunate recipient of a Bootstraps' scholarship. Susan also worked as the post-grad coordinator at Conifer High School and experienced first-hand how great the financial need is for our area students to pursue education after high school. Susan loves collaborating with people, especially when the outcome is positive and helpful to the community. She is very excited and humbled to have the opportunity to work with Bootstraps and do meaningful work for the students in our community.
Kelli Jackson - Director of Development & Engagement
Kelli brings years of experience in operations, human resources, and event planning to Bootstraps. She will be such an asset to the organization as she works to foster engagement and build relationships with our supporters.
Kelli is a devoted mother and loving wife. She and her husband Sean stay busy raising twin boys (8 years old) and a daughter (4 years old). Kelli was born and raised in Colorado, attended Western State, and she and her family now live in Pine. Kelli is also an ardent angler. She enjoys the recreation aspect of the sport, and it also provides a source of patience and perseverance, qualities she brings into her daily life. Her commitment and dedication to being an advocate for our youth and mental health support make her an excellent addition to Bootstraps.
Kelli is a devoted mother and loving wife. She and her husband Sean stay busy raising twin boys (8 years old) and a daughter (4 years old). Kelli was born and raised in Colorado, attended Western State, and she and her family now live in Pine. Kelli is also an ardent angler. She enjoys the recreation aspect of the sport, and it also provides a source of patience and perseverance, qualities she brings into her daily life. Her commitment and dedication to being an advocate for our youth and mental health support make her an excellent addition to Bootstraps.
Joann Bartczak - CTE Program Coordinator
Joann grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During her sophomore year, she noticed a poster seeking seasonal workers for Yellowstone National Park. She had never been “out west” before but decided to give it a try. She was instantly drawn to the magic, which is Yellowstone, and stayed there for four seasons! She and her husband Mike moved to Pine in 1981 after visiting friends in Evergreen. They raised two children, both of whom graduated from Conifer High School, and one who received a Bootstraps scholarship.
After receiving a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley College many years later, Joann worked at Platte Canyon High School for three years as a counselor in their Bridge Program, and then fourteen years as their Post Graduate Advisor. She retired in 2018.
Joann enjoys traveling to many National Parks and spending time in Glenwood Springs and Los Angeles with her two young grandchildren. She is grateful and excited to be part of Bootstraps and believes the work of Bootstraps is very important and worthwhile work for students in our community.
After receiving a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley College many years later, Joann worked at Platte Canyon High School for three years as a counselor in their Bridge Program, and then fourteen years as their Post Graduate Advisor. She retired in 2018.
Joann enjoys traveling to many National Parks and spending time in Glenwood Springs and Los Angeles with her two young grandchildren. She is grateful and excited to be part of Bootstraps and believes the work of Bootstraps is very important and worthwhile work for students in our community.
Colleen Skates - Accountant
Colleen grew up in Massachusetts, but after living in Colorado since 1988, she calls it home. In 1995, she and her husband, Jeff, moved to Conifer where their two sons went to school beginning with the Little White School House and ending with graduating from Conifer High School in 2009 and 2010.
Colleen has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s in Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado Denver. She worked for Lockheed Martin (then Martin Marietta) for eight years and decided she wanted to do something that helped other people, not the bottom line of a corporation. Colleen started as the bookkeeper for Bootstraps in 2000, became executive director in 2013, and now she is semi-retired and the business manager. She loves working with young adults to help them reach their educational dreams.
Colleen has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s in Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado Denver. She worked for Lockheed Martin (then Martin Marietta) for eight years and decided she wanted to do something that helped other people, not the bottom line of a corporation. Colleen started as the bookkeeper for Bootstraps in 2000, became executive director in 2013, and now she is semi-retired and the business manager. She loves working with young adults to help them reach their educational dreams.
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