Our Team

Shelley Banker is a visionary leader passionate about changing inequities, disrupting social injustice, and organizing and empowering communities. As the Director of the Office of Economic Security, Shelley leads a team working to improve policies, build support systems, and eradicate poverty. Shelley has over a decade and a half in nonprofit, private, and public sectors promoting educational equity and access in Colorado’s postsecondary systems, including through the implementation and expansion of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), and the establishment of the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Educational Equity Office and Equity Champions Coalition. Shelley received her MSW from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Colorado Denver. Shelley joined the Denver CASA board of directors in 2022 after volunteering as a CASA on two cases between 2015 and 2017. Shelley also serves as the co-chair of Polite Tumor’s annual fundraising committee and frequently volunteers in different capacities at McKinley Thatcher Elementary. Shelley is a second-generation Coloradan and enjoys introducing her daughter to everything nature offers.

Ann Tinnin is currently employed at Empower where she is holds the role of VP HR Business Partner.   Ann partners with leaders across the organization as a strategic adviser in the development of strategic company objectives related to human capital management, organization design and effectiveness and change management. Ann has been at Empower for almost 19 years and has held various roles in Human Resources during her tenure with the company.

Ann is a native of Wisconsin, but has been in Colorado for the past 25 years.   Ann is passionate about giving back and is active in the community volunteering her time at various organizations.  While Ann enjoys being outdoors taking advantage of Colorado’s amazing hiking trails she also enjoys quiet time at home reading books and spending time with family and friends.

At Holland & Hart, Brenda provides invaluable insight to employers on a broad spectrum of tax and ERISA matters affecting employee benefit plans. For over 25 years, Brenda has provided forward-thinking and practical counsel to clients. Her advice spans from the initial stages of design and drafting, to the everyday queries and challenges that emerge in the complex world of ERISA. Brenda has extensive experience with qualified and nonqualified defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans, in addition to health and welfare plans. She particularly enjoys helping plan sponsors and committees comprehend and execute their fiduciary responsibilities.

Brenda is passionate about CASA’s dedication to looking out for children’s interests. Recent volunteer experience includes Lawyers in the Classroom. She also has previous experience as President and a member of several nonprofit Boards, as well as advising Boards and fiduciaries in her professional life. In her personal life, Brenda enjoys spending time with her husband and two grown boys plus two dogs, especially mountain biking, skiing and otherwise enjoying the outdoors.

Stefanie Brown is a leader with a passion for public service and child well-being. She brings over a decade of commitment to Denver CASA, where her journey began as a CASA volunteer.

She currently serves as the Associate Director of Finance for the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing. In this role, she oversees financial operations and is committed to fiscal stewardship and operational excellence. Her prior experience spans roles at Oregon Health and Science University, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, and UCLA.

Beyond her professional commitments, she participates in various community roles, including serving on the Department of Economics Advisory Board at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and previously mentoring youth through organizations like Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Stefanie holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology from the University of Colorado, Boulder. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling with her family and running the trails around Denver.

Natalia Arango is a general OB/GYN in the Denver community. She believes in patient centered, evidence based practice and places a strong consideration on her patient’s personal preferences and cultural beliefs. Having returned to Colorado after 5 years away, she is happy to be home. She was introduced to CASA through fellow board member, Bek Coelho-Shumskiy and her husband, in 2020, and was immediately drawn to the mission and values of CASA and is thrilled to be serving as a board member. Prior to her work with Denver CASA, Natalia worked with CU Peru and provided healthcare education in the Peruvian Amazon with local village health workers. While working with CU Peru, Natalia served on both their fundraising committee and education committee. When she isn’t taking care of women and helping deliver babies, Natalia enjoys spending quality time with her husband, 2 kiddos, and their Goldendoodle, Bruno.

Ryan Gensler is the Director of National Partnerships for CareerWise Colorado, working to expand modern youth apprenticeship across the US. His career in workforce began after his time as Marketing Manager and Director of Community Engagement for Intertech Plastics. Ryan was contracted by the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Alliance to build workforce development programs across Colorado. This led Ryan to manage the startup of CareerWise Colorado, a systemic approach to youth apprenticeships, akin to the Swiss VET System. Additionally, he helped build Governor Hickenlooper’s Business Experiential Learning (BEL) Commission and organized the Governor’s apprenticeship delegation to Switzerland.

After helping run a gubernatorial campaign, Ryan went on to consult with various nonprofit and government organizations on workforce development initiatives, including raising over $4M for the State of Colorado to upskill retail workers and developing a 20-state network focused on skills in the digital economy, before returning to CareerWise to lead national growth efforts. Since rejoining CareerWise he has built a technical assistance and new community division, supported the launch of youth apprenticeship programs in New York City and Indiana and provides technical assistance to community organizations across the country.

He received his bachelor’s in entrepreneurial management and marketing from Creighton University and was the first recipient of the Creighton Entrepreneurial Student Leader of the Year Award. Ryan has been on the Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado Young Professionals Board since 2013 and is an appointed member of the American Swiss Foundation’s Young Leaders Conference. He enjoys traveling with his family and friends, skiing, cooking, and camping.

Megan Harper brings a deeply personal and enduring commitment to child welfare to her role as a CASA board member. She and her husband, Ian, served as foster parents for three years, during which time they had the privilege of caring for three young girls. Their experience ultimately led to the adoption of their oldest daughter.

After completing her time as a foster parent, Megan became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), serving one family for the full duration of their six-year case. Her firsthand experience as a caregiver gave her a uniquely grounded perspective. One that recognizes how even the smallest actions can meaningfully shape outcomes for children and families. She came to see her role as a “lifter of burden,” drawn to solving problems and stepping into the often unseen, necessary work that keeps a case moving forward and a child’s experience front and center. Megan is deeply comfortable in the grind of the details. She’s a true boots-on-the-ground, let’s-get-it-done presence.

As a mother, former foster parent, and CASA volunteer, Megan approaches her board service with a clear-eyed understanding of the realities faced by those at every level of the child welfare system – especially those doing the day-to-day work of caring for children.

Professionally, Megan is a real estate advisor whose work blends creativity with strategic insight. With a background in fine arts, she brings both a thoughtful, detail-oriented mindset and an intuitive approach to every transaction. She serves a diverse range of clients, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors, helping them make informed decisions and build long-term financial stability.

A graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law, Alexandra leverages her transactional training to deliver clients customized guidance on complex tax and estate planning matters. Juxtaposing this skill set with her research in the fields of behavioral finance and consumer psychology while earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Tulane University, Alexandra is uniquely positioned to understand sophisticated clients.

Alexandra was a Vice President, Private Banker with J.P. Morgan. In addition to her work there with private business owners and families navigating the dynamics of multi-generational wealth, she also developed her passion for working with non-profit organizations, endowments, and foundations. She has extensive experience supporting the needs of these clients, and appreciates the customized approach that must be taken when working with the fiduciaries of an Investment Committee or Board of Trustees.

Alexandra has been a competitive equestrian since grammar school. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, as well as skiing and cooking. Alexandra holds her FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses.

Judge Donna Schmalberger was appointed to the Denver Juvenile Court bench in October 2007, and served until her retirement in April 2020. During that time, she established the Denver ICWA Court in January 2017, for which she was awarded the Impact of the Year Award from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges in 2018. She also chaired Denver Juvenile Court’s Best Practice Court Team for over a decade. Before being appointed to the bench, she was an Assistant County Attorney in Arapahoe County, prosecuting Dependency or Neglect cases, from 1997 until 2007. She was in private practice specializing in juvenile law from 1983 until 1997. She received her J.D. degree from the University of Colorado in 1982, and graduated magna cum laude from Lafayette College in 1973.

In addition to the NCJFCJ award, Judge Schmalberger is the recipient of the Speaking Up for a Child Award from Advocates for Children and the Raymond Frenchmore Juvenile Law Award from the Arapahoe County Bar Association. She has been supported in all her endeavors by her husband, attorney David Lichtenstein, and her sons, Max and Vaughn.

Cheryl Scott is a dedicated advocate for young people, with a career grounded in advancing equitable access to education, employment, and opportunity. She currently serves as Director of Operations at CareerWise USA, where she leads organizational strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence in support of a national youth apprenticeship movement.

Her work spans both the public and nonprofit sectors, including prior leadership roles with the City and County of Denver and the Massachusetts State Workforce Board. Throughout her career, Cheryl has built partnerships, shaped policy, and led systems-level initiatives that center youth voice and open doors to meaningful career pathways.

She holds a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and a BA from Wellesley College. Cheryl brings a deep passion for youth development, along with expertise in strategy, operations, and collaborative leadership that supports mission-driven impact.

As Director of Sustainable Business at Cardinal Health, Lindsay is responsible for sustainability strategy and operations. Lindsay transitioned to her role at Arrow after working in corporate sustainability for DaVita, Inc. Her background prior to sustainability includes financial and growth strategy work for DaVita and Tuscany Strategy Consulting.

Linday’s received her Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University and her Masters of Professional Studies degree in Information Visualization from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She has a certification in Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies from the Cambridge Judge Business School as well as a Climate Action for Business certification from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Lindsay and her husband, Jonny, live in Denver with their two sons – Luke and Owen – and their dog – Cooper. They love to hike, ski, and spend time outdoors as a family.

Colin Ware is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience working in the arts, higher education, academic medicine, and non-profit consulting. Colin holds an M.B.A. from UCLA and served as a major gift or planned giving officer for University of Washington and University of Montana prior to moving to Denver. He is currently the gift planning officer for Intermountain Health Foundation.  Colin is not new to CASA, having served on the board of CASA in Missoula Montana.  He is engaged with the Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable and is an active member of the Denver Curling Club.

Sarah Kinzer has devoted most of her career to developing and leading programs that serve children and families. She has a breadth of experience in child and family therapy, child protection, and working with those who are unhoused, food insecure, and/or experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. 

She has been employed in direct service agencies in the Denver Metro area for the last 33 years, having held non-profit leadership roles since 2010. Most recently, she has led Mountain Resource Center (MRC) as CEO since 2019, following her tenure as Vice President of The Gathering Place from 2014-2019. 

Under her leadership, MRC successfully met the community’s changing needs during the COVID pandemic and SNAP crises, created a focus on equity and diversity, expanded programming and increased individual donations. Sarah has guided the agency through two strategic planning processes, procured funding to pay off the agency’s mortgage, and launched an extensive mobile food share and a highly rated licensed preschool.  

Sarah brings a compassionate, community-centered approach to non-profit leadership. Her dedication to helping others has been a constant thread throughout her career, where she combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact. A sense of humor has allowed her to remain in this field for many years. 

Sarah holds a BA in Sociology from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and an MS in Psychology from Regis University in Denver. In her free time, you can find Sarah gardening, knitting, hanging out with her grown children, and managing her bevy of dachshunds.

Vonia Adams is a dedicated advocate for youth and families, known for strengthening programs and improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable young people. Vonia has led impactful initiatives in child welfare and refugee services including culturally responsive programs for unaccompanied refugee minors. Her work in this space also expanded support services across communities through organizational improvements. She has also advanced DEI efforts within several nonprofits, increased community engagement, and guided teams through major transitions with clarity, compassion, and a deep commitment to equity.

Outside of work, Vonia enjoys various recreational sports, weightlifting, crocheting her latest creations, reading a great fantasy book, and traveling to new places—and she’s always ready for a spirited Harry Potter discussion.

Theresa joined the CASA team in March 2022. Driven by a passion for service to others and social justice, she has more than 20 years’ experience in the non-profit sector, previously working for Children’s Hospital Colorado, The Denver Preschool Program, and Catholic Charities of Denver. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from MSU Denver and an M.S. in Organizational Leadership from Regis University. She is active in the community by volunteering at various organizations in the Denver Metro Area.

Theresa enjoys spending time with her family, telling stories, enjoying time outdoors, and brunching on the weekends.

Favorite quote: Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud – Maya Angelou

Jess Batt joined Child Advocates Denver CASA in March 2024. She is born and raised in Boulder Colorado and just recently moved to Denver after getting married November 2023. Jessica’s work has always focused on serving children and their families. She served as an advocate supervisor at Voices for Children CASA of Boulder County. She also worked with families impacted by domestic violence, helping them secure housing in Boulder County at the Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence. Jess is working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in health from Metropolitan State University.

In her free time Jess loves to play with her new golden labradoodle Ellie. She loves to hike in beautiful Colorado, read for fun and make delicious and unique chocolate covered strawberries which she posts on TikTok.

Nicole joined Child Advocates – Denver CASA in June 2022 as the Volunteer Retention and Data Specialist. She graduated from Front Range Community College with an Associate’s degree in American Sign Language Interpreting in 2014. She has a passion for child advocacy and her career in the child welfare system began when she became a foster (and later adoptive) parent in 2004. She then worked as the China Program Coordinator for an international adoption agency for over a decade. Prior to joining CASA, she worked as the Foster Care Recruiter and Trainer for Lutheran Family Services. Nicole also volunteered as a CASA in Larimer County.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and taking road trips.

Mila joined Child Advocates-Denver CASA in February 2024 as the Volunteer Coordinator and in April 2025 was promoted to Community Engagement Manager. She is originally from Colorado and recently moved back after living in Utah for a few years. Mila has a background organizing and volunteering with organizations such as the Brown Berets, raising awareness in gentrification and the displacement of BIPOC. In Mila’s free time, she enjoys trying out different coffee shops, making jewelry, reading, and hiking.

Jackie rejoined CASA Advocates-Denver CASA in October 2025. She is originally from El Paso, Texas where she worked for CASA of El Paso for a collective 15 years. Before working for CASA, Jackie and her husband were in the restaurant business in El Paso for over 35 years.

In her free time, Jackie enjoys walking her dog, spending time with friends and family and traveling to see her children and grandchildren.

Justin joined Child-Advocates – Denver CASA in April 2025. He is originally from Seattle, Washington, and received his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Colorado State University in 2024. Justin has a background working in Child Advocacy, and started his CASA journey at CASA of Larimer County.

Justin is passionate about serving the youth in his community, racial justice, and clean water initiatives. In his free time, Justin likes to hike, drink coffee, travel, and spend time listening to music while longboarding.

Aly rejoined Denver CASA in August 2026 as the Older Youth Program Manager, having previously served as an Advocate Supervisor from 2015-2016. She earned a Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from the University of Illinois in 2012 and has since held roles with the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, Denver Public Schools, and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Combined with her experience as a foster parent to teens, Aly brings extensive knowledge and training in supporting young people who have experienced trauma. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, she lived in Chicago for seven years before moving to Denver in 2015.

Outside of her work with Denver CASA, you can find Aly at concerts, community festivals, and mountain hikes with her partner Anthony and dog Athena. She is also politically active and volunteers with local non-profits in support of immigrant rights, reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and animal welfare.

Mary grew up in Boston came to Colorado to earn her MSW at DU and stayed in Denver because the sun came out every day. Her nonprofit career includes working with kids in diagnostic treatment center and in elementary school, as well as with drug  abusers in detox unit. She earned a certificate in nonprofit management and led fundraising efforts at Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange and Colorado Children’s Chorale. She has also been Executive Director at SafeHouse for Battered Woman and owned a Pet sitting business. Currently she works part-time doing background investigations for those seeking security clearances for Government Intelligence positions. She has been a volunteer for CASA since 2009. 

In Maggy’s free time she enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with her family, and attending her children’s games, shows, and musical performances.

Louis Irwin is a noted neuroscientist, astrobiologist, and evolutionary biologist. He served on faculties at the pharmacy school of Columbia University, Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Neurosciences Research Program of MIT, Simmons University, and the University of Texas at El Paso. He has written or co-authored five books and over 80 scientific articles, reviews, and essays.  He has also served as a policy advisor to a state representative and state senator in the Colorado legislature, and is playwright of four full-length plays and five one-act plays. Upon his retirement from academia in 2008 he became a CASA volunteer in El Paso, and has continued as a volunteer and peer coordinator in Denver. 

Jerene Petersen is currently a CASA volunteer and a PC Supervisor with Denver CASA.  Jerene has a Master’s degree in Social Work and 40 years of experience.  She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi, Africa, building houses, and a VISTA volunteer in San Antonio, Texas working with youth in a delinquency prevention program.  Jerene has worked in both local and State government,  overseeing programs serving people experiencing homeless,  working in child welfare, mental health,  food security, early childhood education and adult and aging programs.  Jerene has worked for several non-profit organizations in a leadership roles throughout her career.   She currently serves as an Advisory board member to the Denver Department of Human Services.  Outside of her volunteer activities she enjoys pickleball, hiking, biking, golf and travel.   

Ryan joined Child Advocates-Denver CASA as a CASA volunteer in 2020 and became a Peer Coordinator in 2025. She is originally from Ohio and has a BS in Architecture from Kent State University and an MArch from THE Ohio State University. In addition to volunteering as a PC, she is an Architect at a Denver firm and specializes in healthcare and behavioral health design. She is also a strong advocate for local food systems, agriculture, and the reduction of food insecurity in our community.  

In Ryan’s free time she enjoys renovating the home she shares with her husband and wee dog shaped beasties, road trips, gardening, cooking, skiing, taking pottery and Italian lessons, and injuring herself in embarrassing ways. 

Erin Smith is a Peer Coordinator with Child Advocates – Denver CASA. She began working as a CASA volunteer in 2021. Erin also works as a pro bono attorney through Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN). Prior to returning home to Colorado, Erin worked in New York as an attorney through African Services Committee and Safe Passage Project, assisting young people with immigration applications in the United States, including for asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status  She received her J.D. from Columbia Law School and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 

Erin is a Denver native. She loves reading, running, and spending time with her family. 

Tyler joined Child Advocates – Denver CASA in early 2016 as a CASA volunteer, and now serves as a Peer Coordinator and mentor.  He has earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in business at the University of Colorado – Boulder, and the University of Denver, respectively.  By day, he is a financial advisor/wealth manager at a large national brokerage firm (since 2002).  A fourth generation Coloradan, Tyler enjoys spending time up near Winter Park skiing, fly fishing, and playing outside.  He is passionate about working with diverse and underserved communities in and around the Denver metro area. 

Kathy Watters is a career public health professional serving at the state and federal levels. She is a dually certified Enneagram teacher and Mindfulness Coach, providing classes to local CASA programs and at state conferences since 2020. She has served on the COCASA board and has been a Casa Advocate since 2017. She started her role as a Peer Coordinator in March 2025. 

Brent Westrop is a mission-driven education leader, consultant, and former attorney with a diverse background spanning K–12 leadership, organizational development, and law. As Principal Consultant at Gratia Consulting, he currently supports school and nonprofit leaders in strategy, governance, and operations. Previously, Brent served as Executive Director of the Downtown Denver Expeditionary School, where he led a values-driven culture, stabilized enrollment, and secured charter renewal. Earlier in his career, he was a school leader and special education teacher with Denver Public Schools, recognized for advancing equity, literacy, and inclusive practices. Before transitioning to education, Brent practiced corporate law in the U.S. and Canada, advising major firms and clients on governance and compliance. He holds advanced degrees in law and education from the University of Cambridge, University of Colorado, and University of Denver, and is a licensed K-12 principal, special educator, and attorney in Colorado. 

Brent lives in Denver with his two school-aged kids and their dog.

Dave Zinger has been a Denver CASA volunteer for twenty years and is currently a Peer Coordinator, overseeing and mentoring other CASA volunteers in their court cases. He has also served as a CASA on numerous juvenile court cases and received the Catalyst for CASA award in 2018. Dave is the owner of Masque Publishing, an entertainment and gaming software company, and is currently employed by Masque as its legal counsel. Before joining Masque, Dave was a shareholder at Sheridan Ross, a private practice law firm specializing in intellectual property law, where he was a member of its executive team for several years. He received his JD degree from the University of Colorado Law School and holds bachelor and master engineering degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dave has been a Raise the Future board member for over twenty-five years, helping to serve kids in foster care, and is currently a member of its executive and governance committees. He was the board chair from 2000 to 2004. Additionally, he has volunteered with Reading Partners Colorado for almost ten years, tutoring elementary students to improve their reading proficiencies. Dave enjoys reading, regularly using the gym, and traveling to spend time renewing connections with family and friends.