Team Members

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.”

Alexis Chavez

Office & Housing 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.

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 Standiferd

Communications & 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.

Kevin Thompson

Outreach Coordinator

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

Independent Living Specialist & Veterans Independence Program Specialist

With 8 years of experience in a non-profit long-term care setting, Kimberly is excited to expand in helping Veterans maintain independence at home. Born and raised in Morgan County, Colorado, Kimberly is looking forward to bringing resources to the rural areas of the state and neighboring areas. As an Edan Associate from the Edam Alternative, she will be demonstrating her expertise in providing person-centered care through the Veterans Independence Program. In the past, she has worked closely with Restorative Therapy Professionals in order to evaluate and maintain safe environments in order to promote independence. Additionally, she holds a QMAP certification, reflecting her dedication to quality assurance, and has completed CPI training, reflecting her problem solving skills. Kimberly also has completed two Dementia Care programs, providing input on how to provide care to a wide variety of personalities.

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. 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.

Peggy Garcia

Transition Supervisor

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.

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.

Ryan Isaacs

Independent Living Specialist

Ryan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology through the University of Northern Colorado. He is an experienced advocate for people with disabilities. He has worked with special education, adaptive recreation, case management and direct care services.

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 Ruiz Tencza

Chief Operating Officer

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.