Lisandra Gonzales is dedicated to bringing together cross-sector stakeholders to increase the number of children and young people achieving cradle-to-career outcomes. As CEO of Rocky Mountain Partnership Cradle to Career (RMP) and its statewide initiative, Cradle to Career Colorado Collective, she works alongside community leaders, organizations, and policymakers to drive measurable impact.

Lisandra’s work is rooted in collaboration and community impact. She serves on several boards, including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Adams and Broomfield Counties, CommonSpirit St. Anthony Regional Community Board, Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC-REP) Executive Council, and the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) Advisory Board. In 2022, she was appointed to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, representing the 8th Congressional District. She also co-chaired the Colorado Project, bringing together leaders to develop strategies for a sustainable and thriving economy in Colorado.

Marty brings over 30 years’ experience in the technology industry to the CASA Board. He began his career at IBM, holding numerous management positions in sales, marketing, and distribution channels. After retiring from a 26-year career at IBM, Marty worked for several technology startups, concluding his career at Arrow Electronics managing multiple datacenter technology sales business units. Marty views his family, three successful children, and five grandchildren as his true success and joy in life. Marty got involved with CASA to help give back to the children who have not been blessed with the safe home and loving childhood they deserve.

Boni is a Colorado native, born and raised in the Denver area, and currently living in Arvada. He earned a BA from the University of Colorado and has spent 30 years developing a career in banking, serving on non-profit boards all along the way. He believes that if communities are successful and have strong non-profit and cultural support, businesses will be successful too. Boni married his wife Michele in 1987 and has a daughter in veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin. He joined the CASA Board to help further the mission by supporting a dynamic team and helping to grow our ability to serve every child in need so they may thrive.

Kate is a Colorado native, born in Boulder. She attended college at University of California, Riverside. Kate started her career in hospitality, working in hotels and private country clubs. She is a proud wife and mother with three amazing daughters. Kate is passionate about helping her children learn how to make a difference through positivity. She loves the opportunity to create a difference in the community, and directly in the lives of children. She believes passionately in the mission of CASA and the positive impact it provides both immediately and for years to come.

Dawn is President of the North Metro Market of FirstBank. She has been with FirstBank for 27 years and appreciates their commitment to community. She has worked with other organizations that help those in need of a hand up like Maiker Housing Partners and America’s Kids Belong. Dawn is supported by her husband, John, and their daughters, Ashlyn (22) and Brooke (18). She works with CASA because, as a former foster youth, she says, “it is my passion to be a voice for children in the system. CASA allows me to give back the way people and organizations gave to me. It is my greatest accomplishment to say that I helped in some way, big or small.”

Donna spent her career in Association Management for Chambers of Commerce and Membership Organizations and is retired from the Special District Association of Colorado. She serves as a member of the City of Westminster Diversity and Inclusivity Board and Start by Believing Board. She also volunteers with the Arvada Center and Hyland Hills Foundation. She has received the Mary Ciancio Award and Westminster Legacy Health and Humanitarian Services Award. Donna is also a CASA Volunteer. About serving CASA, she says, “I had a rough childhood and realized my experiences could help me connect with children who might have similar childhoods.”

Janice is a dedicated professional, native of Colorado, and she has resided in Adams County for nineteen years.

She has witnessed the impact of neglect and abuse on young lives within their own community, and she understands the critical importance of providing a voice to those who often go unheard. Through her role on the CASA Board, she aims to advocate for the rights and well-being of children, ensuring they receive the support and care they deserve.

With her deep roots in the community, professional dedication, passion for community service, and personal hobbies, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her role on the CASA Board. She is determined to utilize her unique insights and experiences to help improve the lives of vulnerable children in their native communities.

Michelle grew up in Adams County and has since been a long-time business owner in the community. She is a graduate of CU Boulder and has spent much of her 30-year career focused on suburban, commercial real estate development throughout metro north area. She and her husband Bryan have two adult children, Mia and Ben, and an aging mischievous little pup named “Moose”. She is a past member of the Denver Cherry Creek Rotary Club and has served our community as a board member for Westminster Community Foundation. As a philanthropist at heart, and a commitment to community and connecting people, she is passionate about the mission of CASA, giving children a voice and empowering our youth.

Sara is a long-time resident of Broomfield and a Colorado State University graduate with a degree in Business Administration (Marketing). Sara brings over two decades of expertise in marketing, financial management, and nonprofit volunteerism. She currently serves as Managing Partner at Conexus Insurance Partners, where she spearheads initiatives that strengthen community connections and enhance organizational impact, including their “people-focused” Conexus Cares program, which features initiatives dedicated to advocating for children and supporting marginalized groups. Married to her husband Aaron for 30 years, Sara is the proud mother of three adult children. Sara is excited to bring her skills and dedication to CASA’s mission of advocacy and support for children in our community.

Reid is a Colorado native who loves serving his community.  He works in Human Resources for Amazon. Reid enjoys spending time with his wife RuthAnn, fly fishing, Jeeping, scuba diving, and watching the Cubs. He officiates high school and college baseball and high school basketball. Reid is a private pilot, serving as search and rescue air crew for the Civil Air Patrol. He has been active with CASA since 2017, helping to recruit volunteers from across the faith community.  Reid joined the CASA Board because he loves the mission, believes the staff and volunteers are amazing, and wants to be part of their service to our community.

Deysi earned her real estate license in 2015 and works for Compass. Her favorite thing to do is traveling with her husband and six-year-old daughter, and her favorite vacation has been exploring the island of Kefalonia in Greece. She also enjoys and takes advantage of the great outdoors that Colorado has to offer. Deysi joined the CASA Board because she is passionate about helping the future generation of children and youth and believes that as a community, we can make a difference in their lives. She looks forward to being a part of the positive change and advocacy CASA is committed to.

Don grew up in Colorado and received his economics and law degrees from CU. Don met his wife Kerrie in law school and they have two adult sons. Don has previously served as the Chief Deputy Attorney General for Colorado, and the DA and Chief Judge for the 17th Judicial District. Don was a founder of the Adams County Youth Initiative and Safe-2-Tell, and has served on the boards for numerous community organizations. As a prosecutor and a judge, Don has seen the positive impact that CASA volunteers have on the lives of our most vulnerable children.

Mel grew up in Texas, spent over 20 years in San Francisco, and moved to Colorado in 2016. He is a Vietnam veteran and spent over 17 years in ministry and counseling. Mel retired as a technology consultant in 2018. He now serves as CEO for Senior Technology Solutions of Colorado. He and his wife, Jennie, have six children and 13 grandchildren. Mel sits on several boards including the Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and Theology. With his background in ministry, and having adopted four children, the CASA mission resonated with him. Mel believes he can contribute to CASA’s success, specifically through outreach to faith-based communities.

Bob was born in New York City and raised in Connecticut. He is a veteran, having served in Vietnam in the US Army. Bob came to Colorado in 1973 to attend CU Law School and joined the Adams County District Attorney’s office in 1977. He was elected District Attorney in 1992 and remained in that role until 2005. Bob has seen the consequences of children growing up without a stable home. He says that CASA Volunteers can impact the cycle of abuse and neglect and make a tremendous difference in the life of a child by providing support, love, and hope. He is a long-time champion for CASA, asking others for support even before joining the Board.