Independent Living Specialist
Adilene was born and raised in California before relocating to Colorado in 2008. Adilene has extensive experience in customer service and working with non-profit organizations. She demonstrates a strong dedication to community values and support, both in her role as an Independent Living Specialist at Connections and as an individual with a disability. Adilene is presently enrolled at Aims Community College, pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is dedicated to assisting others and contributing to the community.
During her free time, Adilene values spending time with her family and her beloved dog, Chewie.
Independent Living Specialist
As a lifelong Greeley native, Aj is passionately invested in the well-being of the community. With three years of hands-on experience in human services, Aj specializes in being the vital first point of contact for clients, completing intake processes and providing comprehensive information and referral services. They hold a Bachelor of Sciences in Human Services from the University of Northern Colorado and are currently enhancing their practice by pursuing a Master of Social Work at Colorado State University. Aj’s work is driven by a genuine desire to connect people with the resources that can transform their lives. In his free time, Aj enjoys reading science fiction novels.
Housing and Office Assistant
Alexis was born and raised in Greeley. He graduated from Greeley Central High School. He feels Connections is 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 to assist the Housing Coordinator with the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8).
Lead Veterans Independence Program Advisor
Cassie, a native of Colorado, holds an Associate’s degree in Occupational Studies from Pima Medical Institute and brings 10+ years of experience serving individuals and families across Colorado and Wyoming. She is passionate about empowering others through compassion, collaboration, and solution-oriented support. As the Lead Veterans Independent Program Advisor, Cassie is dedicated to helping veterans access the resources they need, navigate challenges with confidence, and create more independence in their daily lives. Her background in healthcare and positive attitude has given her a unique ability to connect with people on both a professional and relatable level, allowing her to guide veterans with empathy, understanding, and a deep respect for their journeys.
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.
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.
Director of Programs and Services
Independent Living Specialist Lead
Jessica Standiferd is a nonprofit professional with nearly a decade of experience in community engagement, accessibility, and organizational development. As an Independent Living Specialist, she helps people with disabilities build independence and reach their personal goals. Jessica also leads group sessions, partners with community organizations, and keeps records to ensure great service.
She holds a Professional Certificate from Aims Community College’s Nonprofit Leadership Academy, with specialized training in nonprofit finance, marketing, strategic planning, human resources, and grant writing. Certified in Mental Health First Aid and trained through the Independent Living Research Utilization program, Jessica is passionate about advocacy and community-building, bringing both creativity and dedication to her work.
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 Edam 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.
Independent Living Specialist Lead
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.
Independent Living Specialist
Marlene holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Sciences from the University of La Verne in Southern California. Her background encompasses healthcare and rehabilitation, education, social services, and housing support for older adults with limited income. She has experience working with children and adolescents facing emotional and behavioral challenges in residential care environments and has offered case management services for families of children and teens with developmental disabilities. Additionally, she has held the position of paraeducator (K–12), assisting students with various learning and physical support needs.
Marlene serves as a dedicated member of the community advisory board for an executive functioning intervention study at the University of Washington Autism Center. She is a creative individual with a passion for music, visual arts, and cultural events.
Independent Living Specialist
Originally from Texas, Pepper made Colorado her home in 2020. With over 20 years of experience in caregiving and service-based roles, she brings a wealth of diverse, hands-on experience to her work. Her professional journey has ranged from serving as a medical technician assistant in San Diego to becoming a licensed funeral director in both Texas and Colorado—roles that have shaped her into a compassionate and well-rounded advocate for people from diverse backgrounds.
In recent years, Pepper has focused her efforts on care management, providing dedicated advocacy and support to Colorado’s unhoused and refugee populations. Her commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities is the driving force behind her work.
Her guiding motto is: “Help others help themselves to grow.”
Benefits Specialist
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.
Communications & Outreach Manager
Sarah Gostenik serves as the Communications and Outreach Manager at Connections for Independent Living. She brings a strong background in education, nonprofit program coordination, and community engagement, along with prior independent living experience in Massachusetts.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in Special Education from Regis University. Her career has centered on helping vulnerable populations and supporting people with disabilities through advocacy, education, and relationship-building. She believes communication is more than messaging – it’s about connection, collaboration, and ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, being in nature (especially hiking and horseback riding), volunteering, reading, watching documentaries, and traveling.
Independent Living & Small Group Planning Specialist
Shiloh came to Connections as an intern and is currently completing her final semester at the University of Northern Colorado, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services. She is passionate about building a future in case management and is committed to supporting others in improving their daily lives through advocacy and compassionate care. Shiloh looks forward to integrating her academic experience with her role at Connections to gain a comprehensive understanding of the independent living philosophy.
Shiloh will be working directly with individuals served by the program, contributing to peer groups, and supporting independent living skills training.
Outside of school and her work at Connections, Shiloh enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring nature, and engaging in movement through running, hiking, and weightlifting.
Finance Associate
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.
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.