Devon Esrick^Board Member
Devon moved to Aspen at age seven and has a unique perspective as to what it is like to grow up in the valley, move away, and then return as an adult. She facilitates healing spaces and is trained in Reiki, Somatic Breathwork, Goddess Yoga and Holographic Sound Healing. She loves helping others overcome obstacles, reconnect to themselves and remember who they are.
When she was 13, Devon founded Hope Through Education which educates 1,500 students a year in Africa. She also cofounded Free a Girl which rescues boys and girls from human trafficking. She received her Masters of Science in Taxation from University of Miami in 2015.
Devon is passionate about mental health due to her own journey which led her to seek help from the Hope Center in 2015. She is proud to be on the board to give back to the organization that saved her life.
Erin Lentz^Board Member
A Florida native yet longtime Aspenite, Erin’s career started at the Aspen Daily News as a fledgling music writer who accidentally hung up on Ray Charles during her first major interview (he called back!). She’s since covered a range of subjects, from celebrities and CEOs to pro athletes and politicians. She is the founder and president of TAG Media, a media and marketing agency based in Aspen. She was the editor in chief of Aspen Peak magazine for seven years and worked as an account director at Promo Communications. Erin has given seminars on travel and writing, leads interviews with various experts, and has written for various publications, including Town & Country and Robb Report. She has served on the boards of Roaring Fork Leadership and Aspen Words, and when she's not at her desk she's attempting to keep up with her son on local trails.
Heidi Baskfield^Board Member
Heidi is an accomplished organizational leader who drives social change through a strategic blend of experience in law, politics, policy and healthcare. From an early age, Heidi says she knew she would “only do meaningful work that brings about positive change,” and this deep-seated commitment has characterized her entire career.
Heidi spent more than two decades as a dedicated advocate for youth with mental and behavioral health needs, holding key positions including Vice President of Population Health and Advocacy at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Legislative Liaison to former Governor Bill Ritter, and as an attorney for the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education and Colorado Protection Agency for People with Disabilities. She founded and heads a nonprofit film company, Rebel With A Cause, producing award-winning films showcased on PBS and in the U.S. Capitol, further amplifying her impact and advocacy efforts.
As the President & CEO of Speak Our Minds: Ending the Youth Mental Health Crisis, Heidi brings a proven advocacy track record, in-depth subject matter expertise, and creative problem solving from the front lines to improve mental health outcomes for children and youth. Her fearlessness, passion and engaging personality make her a highly sought-after speaker. Heidi frequently appears on a variety of podcasts, radio, and television shows and delivers keynote addresses. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Fort Lewis College and a Doctor of Law (JD) from California Western School of Law.
When not diligently advocating to end the youth mental health crisis, Heidi finds relaxation, joy, and adventure at the family farm, where she cherishes time with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Stephanie Gorman, LCSW^Therapist/Beacon of Hope IOP Mental Health Provider
Stephanie was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois but she fell in love with the Roaring Fork Valley at a very young age when she grew up traveling here with family. She attended the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy and Practice and graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work in 2019. Since then, she has worked with children, adolescents and adults in various settings including schools, outpatient mental health clinics and nonprofit agencies. Stephanie is passionate about increasing access to mental health services for populations who may have limited access to these resources. Her approach to therapy is trauma-informed, holistic, and strengths-based. Her areas of focus are anxiety, depression, complex/chronic trauma, LGBTQ+ and grief/loss. Stephanie connects with her clients with compassion and curiosity, and she is honored to be a part of each and every client's journey as they engage in therapy to create a life that aligns with their unique values. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys skiing, hiking, reading, and spending time with her partner, son, and toy Australian shepherd.
Click here to learn more about Stephanie.
Jason Schraub^Board Member
Jason is an experienced nonprofit executive, board member and community leader. Since 2018, Jason has served as the senior vice president of partnerships at Operation HOPE, and is a member of Operation HOPE’s senior management group. Operation HOPE is the nation's largest nonprofit focused on economic and financial inclusion, with an annual budget over $50M. His primary responsibility is to lead corporate partnerships across all of HOPE’s programs, serving as a subject-matter expert in banking, the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and corporate ESG. Jason has served on the board of multiple nonprofits, including Aspen Hope Center (current) and JCYS, and as President of the University of Virginia Alumni Association of Chicago. He is a current member of the Chicago Leadership Alliance and the Standard Club. Jason has also served as an Advisor to The United States Comptroller of the Currency’s Project REACH, on the City of Chicago’s Financial Advisory Council for Empowering the Disabled, and as Chair of the Chicago Uplift 2020 project.
Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Virginia, and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Board Leadership from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Jason resides in Basalt, Colorado with his wife Karin.
Suzanne Bober, LSW^Therapist
Suzanne relocated with her family to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2007. She holds a BA from Yale University and recently earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, specializing in mental health and trauma-informed clinical skills.
Suzanne takes an integrative approach to therapy, blending elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques. She works collaboratively with clients to develop coping skills, effective strategies, and greater self-confidence. Suzanne supports individuals of all ages through life transitions, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, and parenting challenges. Her empathetic and tailored approach empowers clients to navigate their unique journeys with resilience and clarity.
Click here to learn more about Suzanne.
Mackenzie Elder, LCSW^St. Stephen Catholic School Clinician
Mackenzie grew up in Pennsylvania and attended the University of Pittsburgh for both her undergraduate and Master's Degrees in Social Work. After relocating to Colorado, Mackenzie spent time working as a teaching assistant with Summer Advantage. It was through that experience that she was inspired to work with children. Mackenzie’s practice is grounded in a strengths-based, client-centered approach utilizing CBT, DBT, CAMS, motivational interviewing, and narrative techniques. She has a passion for grief work and understanding the effects of trauma at a young age on a person’s life. It is witnessing her clients’ resilience and capacity for growth that sustains Mackenzie’s love for walking alongside people in their journeys.
In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys spending time in the kitchen, reading a good book, and taking her cat on hikes.
Mariana Chissum, Intern^Basalt Elementary School Clinician
Mariana's journey began in Lima, Peru, where she spent her formative years before moving to Basalt, Colorado at the age of 13. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience from Colorado State University, igniting her passion for behavioral neuroscience. After graduation, Mariana dedicated herself to supporting the community as the youth program coordinator at Stepping Stones in Carbondale, Colorado, a nonprofit committed to empowering local youth and families.
Recognizing a critical need for accessible bilingual mental health resources in the Roaring Fork Valley, Mariana pursued a Master of Science in Mental Health Research in Barcelona, Spain. There, she collaborated with renowned research labs pioneering advancements in mental health through cutting-edge neuroimaging technologies. Currently, Mariana is pursuing her second master's degree in counseling, driven by her commitment to making a significant impact at the Aspen Hope Center—an organization she deeply admires. With her bicultural and bilingual background, Mariana aims to leverage her expertise as a vital resource for mental health within her community.
Megan Blaszak, MSW, SWC^Glenwood Springs Elementary School Clinician
Originally from Michigan, Megan has called the Roaring Fork Valley home since 2019. After obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and working as a data analyst, she set out on a search for a more meaningful career before discovering a passion for special education. After five years working in schools with students with disabilities, she completed her Master's in Social Work through the University of Denver. Megan is excited to return to working in schools in this new capacity and to work with diverse students and families. When not at work, Megan can be found out on the trail - running, biking or skiing. In the winter, she can also be found playing ice hockey, or occasionally even reading a book.
Rachel Matheson, LCSW^Basalt High School Clinician & PRN Crisis Clinician
Rachel grew up in Glenwood Springs and is very happy to be back living in the Roaring Fork Valley. She earned an Associates of Arts degree from Colorado Mountain College, a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Fort Lewis College and a Master of Social Work degree from Colorado State University. Rachel has an SWC certificate and is pursuing a LCSW certificate. Rachel uses techniques including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy and somatic therapy; and she focuses on the strengths and unique experience of each person with whom she works. As a school-based clinician, Rachel will support the mental wellness of students and the school community to the best of her ability. She believes in the power of listening, resilience, mindset, curiosity and the impact that experiences and environments can have on people.
Rachel loves hiking with her dogs, spending time on the river, snowboarding, hanging out with her family and rock climbing.
Cathy S., LCSW^Interim Clinical Crisis Supervisor
Cathy is from small town Missouri, and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Masters in Social Work. Her undergraduate degree is in Gender Studies from Union Institute & University. Cathy moved to Eagle County in 2019 and runs a private practice in Avon which focuses on trauma and grief. Prior to Aspen Hope Center, she worked as a crisis clinician for Your Hope Center in Eagle County. She worked in community mental health as an outpatient manager and crisis team supervisor. She also has experience working with severe mental illness in a state hospital and with victims and survivors of violence in a rural domestic and sexual violence center. In her free time, Cathy is a devoted furbaby mama to her dog and cat, enjoys hiking the hills around her home, and loves a good book with a cup of tea.
Erin Mitchell, RN^Chief Executive Officer/Board Vice President
With 14 years of experience in high-risk and demanding work environments -- including ski patrolling and running an emergency room -- Erin is a healthcare professional and a leader who thrives in the world of anything-can-happen. She possesses a unique set of executive competencies, and is a team player who is happiest when she can empower staff with the confidence and skills to serve our communities' physical and mental health needs. Through it all, she maintains a lighthearted nature and exudes positivity.
Recognizing that our agency represents just one niche of the big picture, Erin welcomes all opportunities to collaborate with other providers to ensure access to resources for those in need and to tailor services to appropriately address the unique aspects of our valley. Erin is thrilled to have joined Aspen Hope Center in carrying out its mission, and she holds a special place in her heart for the agency's work in our valley's schools where the focus is on prevention and early intervention.
When Erin is not helping others, she enjoys her greatest passions of traveling the world by ski and bike.
Shanda Grey^Chief Operations Officer/Assistant Board Treasurer
A Colorado native, Shanda grew up on the Front Range and the Western Slope, and attended Rifle High School and Mesa State College. A Jill of all trades and self-acclaimed autodidact, Shanda wears many hats professionally and personally. Over the last two decades, she has gained vast experience in finance, business development, business management, human resources, philanthropy and more. Utilizing her sharp and diverse skill set, Shanda takes great pride in her work and in delivering the best of the best. Since 2021, Shanda has been putting to use her myriad of skills in various roles at Aspen Hope Center. In her "spare" time, alongside her husband, Shanda co-owns and operates a fast-paced vehicle-upfitting company, overseeing the business and even helping to build vehicles.
Shanda enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the mountains. One of her favorite pastimes is archery -- which seems quite fitting, since it lends itself metaphorically to Shanda's life with her focused attempts to direct projects toward their respective goals. A mom to four, there's nothing more important to Shanda than the wellbeing of her family. From coaching U10 soccer to volunteering for school and youth events, she is always thrilled to be an integral part of her kiddos' lives. And, no matter the setting, Shanda continually seeks out ways in which she can serve the community.
Lily Larkin, LCSW^Chief Clinical Officer
Originally from Aspen, Colorado, Lily is a Spanish-bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Lily received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver with a dual focus in clinical social work and organizational development. In 2011, Lily returned to the Roaring Fork Valley to be the first school-based clinician for the Hope Center. Lily's work with women, children and families has spanned a variety of settings including outpatient mental health care, child protection services, crisis intervention, school-based mental health services and women’s health with a focus on maternal mental health. Recently, Lily has turned her focus to developing and implementing mental health training programs for community partners in the hopes of providing support to the critical services and frontline workers in our valley.
Angie Vinnola^Controller
Angie attended Metro State College in Denver, Colorado. With 22 years in finance, office management and sales, she specializes in and appreciates diversity in her job. She works well under pressure and is very committed to completing projects in a timely manner. Angie thoroughly enjoys working with nonprofit organizations.
Angie and her husband Chris are Colorado natives, and live in Rifle. They have two sons and one daughter. They enjoy supporting their children’s dreams of sports, dance and school projects. Their oldest son is joining the Navy after graduation and they are proud and excited for this opportunity for him to serve our country and travel. They love camping, hunting, fishing and taking their jeep off-road, especially in Moab.
Kiley Erlandson^Administrative Operations Coordinator/Board Secretary
Kiley's love for nonprofit work started in college where she studied nonprofit management and Spanish at Indiana University in Bloomington. After college, she returned home to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to work for Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin (RMHC). In 2020, she decided to fulfill her lifelong dream of living near the mountains and moved to Denver. There, she worked in volunteer management roles for Goodwill of Colorado and RMHC Denver. After a few years in Denver, Kiley moved to Rifle for her partner's job placement and she spent a year pursuing other work interests including retail, dog grooming and starting a pet care business. Kiley is excited to get back into the nonprofit field with Aspen Hope Center. When she is not working, you can find her outside: running, hiking, skiing or walking her German Shepherd, Theo.
MJ Horn, LAC, LCSW^Development and Outreach Coordinator
MJ is from Athens, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. In 2021, MJ moved to the Roaring Fork Valley to begin her Master of Social Work at the University of Denver’s Glenwood Springs program, and began working in the substance use field at a community mental health center. MJ’s experiences underscored the critical importance of prevention, inspiring her to transition into a role where she can have a proactive impact on young lives. As a strengths-based therapist, MJ aims to create a safe and nurturing environment where clients can express themselves freely, promoting emotional well-being and resilience through tailored therapeutic interventions. Having previously served as a school-based clinician, she is thrilled to now be supporting Aspen Hope Center in the role of development and outreach coordinator.
Shannon Gerber^Human Resources Manager
Shannon has worked in nonprofit administration for the past 17 years, most recently with Hope Pregnancy Care Center in St George, Utah. Graduating from the University of Arizona in 1997, with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in Spanish, Art History, and Chemistry, Shannon went on to certify as a high school chemistry teacher. With a temporary move to New York in 2001, she put teaching on hold and became program coordinator for Everybody Wins, a nonprofit literacy program in New York City schools. It was there that nonprofit work captured her heart and she’s been involved in supporting the efforts of grassroots organizations ever since. Shannon appreciates the meaningful and impactful work of Aspen Hope Center and counts it a privilege to be part of the team. When not working, you’ll find Shannon outside spending time with her husband and two kids exploring the mountains and rivers around our beautiful valley.
Skylar Severson, LCSW^Quality Assurance and Risk Manager
Skylar’s commitment to service began early through volunteering in hospitals, retirement homes, and schools, shaping her deep dedication to community care. She went on to earn her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, concentrating in mental health and substance use counseling, where a course in suicidology sparked her lasting interest in prevention and intervention. Her passion for crisis work continued to grow through supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and serving on the triage team for the Denver District Attorney’s Family Violence Unit. These experiences led Skylar to Aspen Hope Center, where she began as a mobile crisis clinician and clinical social worker and now serves as the quality assurance and risk manager.
Outside of work, Skylar enjoys staying active, cooking, reading, traveling, and is currently pursuing her MBA.
Stevie Jarrell^Systems Administrator
After graduating from University of Colorado, Stevie began her career with Aspen Hope Center as an intern. She started by answering suicidal phone calls but quickly began filling in to help with finances, client intakes, fundraiser websites, technology support and much more. She went on to change the Hope Center at its electronic core by building out the program for nonprofit development, organizing thousands of donors and creating a system that has lasted long after her moving on to other aspects of the agency. Stevie has overseen expansions to different counties and has served as a key point person for the agency, always working around the clock to ensure the Hope Center's technology is up and running for the 24/7 staff.
Stevie's biggest achievement was found when she adapted a platform to the ever-changing needs of crisis by making information searchable and configurable, and providing the community with statistics that demonstrate the importance of this work in the mountain valleys. To help achieve these challenging tasks, Stevie attended the University of Denver to study software engineering, never leaving the Hope Center.
Having a personal interest in suicide after her stepdad passed away, Stevie has devoted nearly a decade to trying to make life a little easier for the crisis clinicians who work so hard to support others in our community. As the Hope Center continues to grow, Stevie's biggest dream is to further customize programs to fill the gaps that desperately need to be filled.