Alexis Chavez

Housing and Office Assistant

Alexis was born and raised in Greeley. He graduated from Greeley Central High School. He feels Connections will be a great fit for him because of the efforts towards the disabled community. Alexis is the voice you hear when you call and the first face you see when you walk into Connections. He conducts all pre-intakes for potential consumers. Alexis also helps assist the Housing Coordinator with the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). 

Amber Svitak

Independent Living Specialist

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

Dan Ashbaugh

Independent Living Specialist

Dan has lived in Colorado since 1970. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology from the University of Northern Colorado and in Computer Science from Colorado State University. He has served for over 10 years on the Board of Directors for a Center for Independent Living and is currently in his third year as a member of the Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council.

Dan serves Connections as an Independent Living Specialist, bringing with him a 27-year career as a software engineer in the technology industry. Prior to that, he was a World Championship and Paralympic champion Alpine ski racer with the U.S. Disabled Ski Team.

Dianna Campbell

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. 

Jessica Miller

Director of Programs and Services

Jessica Miller brings over 20 years of experience in case management and education to her role as Director of Programs and Services at Connections for Independent Living. With a degree in English Education from the University of Northern Colorado and current graduate studies in Family and Community Services at Michigan State University, Jessica is a lifelong learner dedicated to serving individuals and families across Weld County.
Her background spans classrooms, home visits, and community spaces, where she has worked as an educator, advocate, and leader. Jessica is trained in True Colors and Parents as Teachers, and she co-founded a nonprofit supporting families through playgroups and parent networks. Her passion lies in empowering people of all ages and abilities, fostering inclusion, and building strong, supportive communities.
Jessica is also a proud parent, an amateur backyard chicken keeper, and someone who finds peace in nature, whether walking mountain trails or enjoying the open skies of the Colorado prairie. She values collaboration, creative problem-solving, and the ongoing journey of learning and connection.

Jessica Standiferd

Communications and Outreach Manager

Jessica is a “Jill of all trades” who has served Connections in numerous capacities. She manages many projects for the organization. She also represents Connections at public functions in Northeastern Colorado communities.

Kevin Thompson

Kevin Thompson

Independent Living Specialist & Brain Injury Group Facilitator

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  Brain Injury Group of Greeley.

Kimberly Kravig

Veterans Independence Program Specialist

With eight years of experience in nonprofit long-term care, Kimberly is excited to help Veterans stay independent at home. A Morgan County, Colorado native, she looks forward to bringing resources to rural communities across the state and beyond. As an Edan Associate from Edam Alternative, she brings expertise in person-centered care through the Veterans Independence Program.

Kimberly has worked closely with Restorative Therapy Professionals to support safe, independent living environments. She holds a QMAP certification, has completed CPI training, and has participated in two Dementia Care programs—demonstrating her commitment to quality care and strong problem-solving skills.

Maria Gonzales

Maria Gonzales

Independent Living Specialist & Community Circle Group Facilitator

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. 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.

Rochelle Mitchell

Chief Executive Officer

Rochelle is a 20+ 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.

Stephanie Shmidl-Munoz

Stephanie Shmidl-Munoz

Finance Assistant

Stephanie graduated from Thompson Valley High School and came to Connections with three years of customer service experience. Stephanie is also the first point of contact for information and referrals. She completes all pre-intakes for Connections and has an exceptional level of hospitality to all. Stephanie has also taken on accounts payables and receivables for the organization. 

Yendra is a light brown skinned woman with shoulder length curled brown hair. She has brown eyes and a huge smile, showing teeth. She is wearing a white, textured sweater.

Yendra Ruiz Tencza

Director of Operations

Yendra Ruiz Tencza brings a passion for people-centered design and equitable systems to her role at Connections for Independent Living. 

Her educational background, including degrees in biology, statistics, and accounting, underscores her commitment to data-driven decision-making and holistic problem-solving. Her administrative career in nonprofit has spanned environmental, education, and transportation equity. This diverse foundation enables her to approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective, seeking innovative solutions that drive positive change. 

When not working, she loves being outdoors with friends and family-walking, biking and being.