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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Independent Living Community Coordinator/ Communications
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.
Information and Referral Specialist
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Independent Living Outreach Specialist
Heather is a proud mother of 3 children and has three grandchildren. She worked for the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) for over 14 years. Heather introduced and coordinated the Special Olympics Colorado for inmates within the CDOC and served as Secretary for the Employee Council. She coordinated special events and raised funds for these non-profit groups. She remains active in the Denver community by volunteering for Brent’s Place and the Ronald McDonald House. She also has been advocating for her 17 year old daughter who also lives with a disability.
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 Brain Injury Group of Greeley.
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. 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.
Outdoor Equity Program Coordinator
Camryn is a student at the University of Northern Colorado. She is currently studying Psychology. She began her studies in the field of occupational therapy with the goal of giving clients the tools to find self-determination, personal growth, and confidence in themselves. She’s diversifying her hands-on experience by digging into Social work and Counseling. She’s pleased with the opportunity to apply her passion for maximising accessibility and cultivating the psychological benefits of community and nature. Her goal is to create a collaborative, safe, creative, and personalized environment for the Connect with Friends Youth Outdoors Program.
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. He can’t wait to learn more about independent living as a person with a disability.
Independent Living Outreach Specialist
Bio coming soon
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.
Public Health Programs Manager
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.
1331 8th Avenue
Greeley, Colorado 80631-4601
Phone: (970) 352-8682
Fax: (970) 353-8058
Email: info@connections4il.org
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In-person and remote services
Appointments required for in-person
