2023 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.
Kelsey Smith - President
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.
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.
John Kelly - Vice 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.
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.
Angie Brekke - Secretary
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.
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 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 loves traveling domestically and abroad, sampling the best beers and eats along the way.
Christina C. Ambrose
Christina is a management consulting manager at Accenture, in the Talent and Organization/Human Potential practice, specializing in HR Transformation. Previous to joining Accenture, Christina worked with The Coca-Cola Company for 5.5 years as the HR Technology & Platforms Strategic Projects Manager, responsible for consulting, partnering and mentoring client groups, with an emphasis on HR digital transformation and process improvement. Her previous role was Global Project Manager in the Office of the CEO and Office of the Chief People Officer, where she led strategic initiatives and supported the Chief People Officer and CEO across operations, office management, and communications.
Christina graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University, and with a Master of Business Administration from The Goizueta School of Business at Emory University. A native of Taiwan, Christina is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and enjoys the opportunity to use her language skills. She moved to Conifer, from Atlanta, GA, with her husband, Thomas, dog, Lily, and two
cats, Mochi and Tako.
Christina is a management consulting manager at Accenture, in the Talent and Organization/Human Potential practice, specializing in HR Transformation. Previous to joining Accenture, Christina worked with The Coca-Cola Company for 5.5 years as the HR Technology & Platforms Strategic Projects Manager, responsible for consulting, partnering and mentoring client groups, with an emphasis on HR digital transformation and process improvement. Her previous role was Global Project Manager in the Office of the CEO and Office of the Chief People Officer, where she led strategic initiatives and supported the Chief People Officer and CEO across operations, office management, and communications.
Christina graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University, and with a Master of Business Administration from The Goizueta School of Business at Emory University. A native of Taiwan, Christina is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and enjoys the opportunity to use her language skills. She moved to Conifer, from Atlanta, GA, with her husband, Thomas, dog, Lily, and two
cats, Mochi and Tako.
Julie Branstrom
Julie has been a member of the Evergreen community for 12 years and absolutely loves living in the mountains with her husband, David, her two teenage daughters, Claire & Hope, and their dogs, Ranger & Boo Boo. Having an unquenchable thirst for adventure and travel, Julie and her family moved to Colorado from Michigan in 1999 and she worked as a Director of Sales for several luxury mountain resorts. Currently, she owns an Incentive travel company, Vista Meetings & Incentives, where she has taken her clients on safari in Africa to the Northern Lights in Iceland. When homebound, she can be found enjoying the restaurants in Evergreen, zipping around on her electric mountain bike, or hiking in Flying J. She attended Western Michigan University and volunteers for a foundation near and dear to her family's hearts, Chinese Children Adoption International who helped her & her husband adopt their girls from China. She is very excited to be a part of Bootstraps!
Julie has been a member of the Evergreen community for 12 years and absolutely loves living in the mountains with her husband, David, her two teenage daughters, Claire & Hope, and their dogs, Ranger & Boo Boo. Having an unquenchable thirst for adventure and travel, Julie and her family moved to Colorado from Michigan in 1999 and she worked as a Director of Sales for several luxury mountain resorts. Currently, she owns an Incentive travel company, Vista Meetings & Incentives, where she has taken her clients on safari in Africa to the Northern Lights in Iceland. When homebound, she can be found enjoying the restaurants in Evergreen, zipping around on her electric mountain bike, or hiking in Flying J. She attended Western Michigan University and volunteers for a foundation near and dear to her family's hearts, Chinese Children Adoption International who helped her & her husband adopt their girls from China. She is very excited to be a part of Bootstraps!
Travis Clark
In 1997, Travis and his wife moved to Colorado from Vermont for the powder and stayed for the sunshine; however, it was the sense of community that drew them to Evergreen, where they have been since their arrival to the Centennial State. Since 1998, Travis has worked at two community Banks in Evergreen, where he has held many local and regional positions. His wife Jessica is a land conservation attorney who practices locally, speaks nationally, and is an adjunct professor at D.U. and Vermont Law School. They have one child who loves to do anything athletic, practicing his Uke and piano, and enjoys both math and reading books. Most of their family time is spent on or next to a soccer pitch, mountain biking and/or supporting their son who competes for the Winter Park Freestyle Mogul Team. As a sponsor of Bootstraps for many years, Travis looks forward to returning to the board to help support a cause that his family is passionate about...EDUCATION for all!
In 1997, Travis and his wife moved to Colorado from Vermont for the powder and stayed for the sunshine; however, it was the sense of community that drew them to Evergreen, where they have been since their arrival to the Centennial State. Since 1998, Travis has worked at two community Banks in Evergreen, where he has held many local and regional positions. His wife Jessica is a land conservation attorney who practices locally, speaks nationally, and is an adjunct professor at D.U. and Vermont Law School. They have one child who loves to do anything athletic, practicing his Uke and piano, and enjoys both math and reading books. Most of their family time is spent on or next to a soccer pitch, mountain biking and/or supporting their son who competes for the Winter Park Freestyle Mogul Team. As a sponsor of Bootstraps for many years, Travis looks forward to returning to the board to help support a cause that his family is passionate about...EDUCATION for all!
Jennifer Gann
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 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.
Kaitlyn Hemm
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Staff
Susan Henry - Executive Director
Susan and her husband, Mike, have lived in the Morrison/Conifer area for 36 years, raised their three children, and added an extra child to the family 14 years ago. Together they love spending as much time as possible with their adult children and four grandchildren! Susan is a Denver native who 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 attend college. 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 and her husband, Mike, have lived in the Morrison/Conifer area for 36 years, raised their three children, and added an extra child to the family 14 years ago. Together they love spending as much time as possible with their adult children and four grandchildren! Susan is a Denver native who 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 attend college. 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.
Colleen Skates - Business Manager
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 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.
Joann Bartczak - Schedule 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.
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.
