Team Members

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.

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.

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.

Carol Cochrane

Director of Finance and Administration

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.

Jessica Standiferd

Independent Living 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.

Michelle Richardson

COVID Programs Advocate

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. She spends time volunteering locally with the Weld County Project Connect, Greeley Meals on Wheels, and the Marion Downs Hearing Center.

Karen McCullah

Director of Interpreting Services

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.

Stephanie Shmidl-Munoz

Information and Referral Specialist

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 is also the first point of contact for information and referrals.

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.

Dianna Shmidl

Housing Coordinator

Dianna holds an associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Colorado State University. Dianna manages Connections’ Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), which includes the State Housing Vouchers and Emergency Vouchers that assist disabled individuals in Weld County, oversees new voucher eligibility and briefings, housing admissions, annual reexaminations and conducts annual quality inspections of housing units. Dianna is certified by Colorado’s Division of Housing.

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.

Amber Svitak

Independent Living Specialist

Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from University of Northern Colorado. She facilitates Connections’ Women with Disabilities Group. Amber has training in employment benefits specific to serving people with disabilities.

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.

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.

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.

AJ Atencio

Independent Living Specialist

Connections is honored to introduce our newest team member, AJ Atencio. AJ graduated from Greeley Central High School in 2017. He worked as a certified nursing assistant from his junior year of high school up until May of 2021. Aj recently completed his internship with Connections for his Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He is a full-time Independent Living Specialist. AJ helps consumers create independent living plans through identifying areas of need. He assists the consumer with completing their goals by offering information, referrals and resources. In his free time AJ enjoys spending time outdoors fishing and playing sports. He is a huge fan of all Colorado sports teams and has a hobby of collecting sports trading cards. When asked what he likes most about working at Connections, AJ said, “Hands down, the people. I enjoy working with both consumers and staff.”