Team Members

Hodan Ahmed

Independent Living Specialist / Intern & Volunteer Coordinator

Hodan has three years of experience in the nonprofit sector supporting youth, and two years teaching English to immigrant populations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from UNC. She coordinates interns and volunteers with Connections, along with leading Connections’ anxiety support group.

Carol Cochrane

Finance & Admin Manager

Carol earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is a CPA and CMA. The Regis University graduate has more than 30 years of experience in finance, human resources, and accounting. Carol manages corporate finances and administrative duties for Connections.

Joshua Fulenwider

COO / Director of Independent Living Services

Joshua is an entrepreneur and author who is devoted to his wife and daughter. At age 24, after graduating from college with a degree in Business Management, he began investing in real estate. Investing in real estate led him to eventually becoming a commercial loan officer and to helping businesses of all sizes. He and his wife love traveling, volunteering, and getting muddy in obstacle course races.

Pamela Fuller

Independent Living Specialist

Pamela graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s in social work. Pamela has worked in social services, public assistance, employment consulting, youth transition, and disabilities in Wyoming and Colorado. A member of the Connections team for greater than two decades, she works with people of all ages and disabilities, with a focus in specializing in developing resources and providing assistance for older adults. She coordinates several peer support groups, and inspires others through positive changes.

Peggy Garcia

Transition Coordinator / Connect with Friends Program Specialist

As Transition Coordinator, Peggy supports seniors and people with disabilities as they transition from nursing facilities to living independently. As the Connect with Friends Program Specialist, she directs this important program. Peggy loves helping people and has volunteered for over two decades in her home school district. Peggy holds a bachelor’s degree in system management from Colorado State University.

Maria Gonzales

Independent Living Specialist

Maria earned a bachelor’s degree in human services and was a participant in University of Northern Colorado’s Stryker Institute for Leadership and Development. She facilitates Connections’ self-advocacy peer support group. Maria was previously employed by the Department of Human Services for both Weld and Adams counties and served in the Wound Care Services department at Northern Colorado Medical Center.

Karen McCullah

Interpreter Coordinator

Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in English and has worked as an ASL interpreter for 30 years. She schedules interpreters and serves as an interpreter herself in a variety of settings, including on-site and virtual/remote. Karen specializes in legal and medical interpreting.

Rochelle Miller

CEO / Executive Director

Rochelle is a 17-year veteran of the nonprofit sector, having held leadership positions with the Douglas County Community Foundation, High Plains Library District, Weld Community Foundation, Right to Read, and Larimer Humane Society. She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and CSU, and holds advanced certificates in project management and nonprofit administration.

Hannah Nielsen

Independent Living Outreach Specialist

A resident of Logan and Morgan Counties for most of her life, Hannah is a member of Connections’ northeastern Colorado outreach team. Hannah most recently worked with Centennial Mental Health Center in Fort Morgan, specializing in Individual Placement and Support Services. Currently working on a degree in Psychology with Colorado Christian University, she has a strong interest in community mental health.

Michelle Patterson

Independent Living Outreach Specialist

Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. She has several years’ experience working with disability resources at both local and state government levels. Born Deaf, Michelle is fluent in American Sign Language and a passionate advocate for the Deaf Community. She spends time volunteering locally with the Weld County Project Connect, Greeley Meals on Wheels, and the Marion Downs Hearing Center. Michelle leads the monthly Deaf Social here at Connections.

Rick Rhinehart

Director of Communications

Rick holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He oversees Connections’ website, technology programs, and communications. Rick previously served as Director of Communications for a national nonprofit sports organization that creates programs for adaptive and able-bodied athletes. He has extensive experience in communications and marketing with numerous companies.

Teresa Roberts

Independent Living Specialist

Teresa holds a master’s degree in community counseling from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. In her role at Connections, she assists and advises consumers who live in northeastern Colorado.

Dianna Shmidl

Housing Coordinator

Dianna holds an associate’s degree in computer information systems and a bachelor’s degree in social work. Dianna manages Connections’ state Housing Choice (Section 8) voucher program, oversees new housing admissions, and conducts annual quality inspections of housing units.

Stephanie Shmidl-Munoz

Reception / Social Media Coordinator

Stephanie graduated from Thompson Valley High School and came to Connections with three years of customer service experience. She is the first person to greet visitors by phone and in person and is committed to providing an exceptional level of hospitality to all. Stephanie also posts much of the content to the Connections social media sites.

Jessica Standiferd

IL Community Coordinator

Jessica is a “Jill of all trades” who has served Connections in numerous capacities. As Connections’ Community Coordinator, she manages many projects for the organization. She also represents Connections at public functions in northeastern Colorado communities.

Amber Svitak

Independent Living Specialist / Employment Specialist

Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from University of Northern Colorado. She facilitates Connections’ women with disabilities group, and the low vision support group. Amber has training in employment benefits specific to serving people with disabilities.

Brad Taylor

Director of Transitions Director of Advocacy

Brad supports people with disabilities as they transition from living in nursing facilities to living independently. He holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from University of Northern Colorado. Brad has been a long-time leader in Colorado in the fight for equality and advocacy for those living and working with disabilities.

Kevin Thompson

Independent Living Specialist / Outreach Director

Kevin provides critical services and support to northeastern Colorado residents who live with disabilities. Kevin has degrees from Aims Community College and Colorado State University, and has experience working in mental health, and with people with developmental disabilities. Kevin leads Connection’s traumatic brain injury support group.