The Heart of our Mission:
OUR PEOPLE
The specialized care we provide is only possible because we have a competent, knowledgeable team of child care specialists, administrators, board members, and volunteers. We are proud to have a staff that is not only skilled, but passionate about working with children with disabilities.
Our Child Care Specialists
Our child care specialists are trained in seizure management, feeding techniques, lifting and transferring, medication administration, g-tube feeding, and more. In addition to their trainings, they strive to ensure that Respite Care is a welcoming, accepting place where kids feel at home.
Our Administrative Team
Kaitlin joined the Respite Care team in November of 2021. She oversees all fund development and relationship building activities in the community. She also manages the Development Team and the planning and execution of all fundraising and donor events to support Respite Care’s work to embrace extraordinary kids and their families. Kaitlin is very passionate about Respite Care’s mission and being a part of the positive impact it has in our community. Kaitlin is a Fort Collins native and has a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Colorado State University. When not at Respite Care, Kaitlin loves to spend time with her husband and two girls doing anything outdoors including golfing, running, hiking, and mountain biking.
Lauren has worked at Respite Care since August of 2015. She plans fun and skill-building activities everyday for our school-age kiddos & teenagers who attend after school and in the summer. She also helps staff members understand this age group and their unique needs and personalities! Lauren loves making the kids laugh and helping them come up with their own ideas, goals, or dreams. These help Lauren plan the activities to do next. Lauren has her master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University, as well as additional training in behavior management and animal assisted activities. Outside of Respite Care, Lauren likes sewing, running, climbing, writing, and dog walking. In addition to School-Age & Teen Program Coordinator role, she also holds the honorary titles of, "Field Trip Queen" and "Archduke of Obstacle Courses."
Maddy has worked at Respite Care since May 2015. She was the coordinator for our Early Childhood program for several years, planning activities and working with families to create individualized goals. In the fall of 2021, she transitioned to our Child Care Manager role! She loves seeing the children and teens meet their goals and building relationships with them and their families. Maddy has her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education, both from University of Northern Colorado. She currently holds her Early Childhood Teacher Certification and Large Child Care Center Director's license. Outside of Respite Care, Maddy has taught Kindergarten, Third Grade, and Fourth Grade. Her favorite things to do outside of work are attending country music concerts, going fishing with her husband, and trying out new breweries with her sister!
Marissa has been working at Respite Care since March of 2019. She volunteered at Respite Care for a couple months, before deciding she wanted to become a Child Care Specialist! She was excited to transition into her new role on the Administrative team as the Staff Manager in 2021 after serving as the Office Manager for a few months. Marissa's favorite part about working at Respite Care is being able to come to work everyday and see the kiddos work towards their goals, explore their creativity and form new connections! Marissa graduated from Colorado State University in May of 2020, with her Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Spanish. Outside of Respite Care, Marissa loves to go hiking/exploring with her new puppy, Olive! She also loves to read, paint, and snowboard whenever she can!
Our Board of Directors