(From top left to bottom right: M.Kent Olsen, Shauna Casement, George DeCurnou, Jim Tatten, Lacee Artist, Marianne Ramos, Ted Gwathmey, Mitch McKinney, Clarence Miller, Don Morales, Famer Reini, Brock Herzberg)
Kent Olsen, President on the Executive Committee, is an attorney and serves as AdvocacyDenver’s representative for Arc of Colorado. Mr. Olsen is a founding member and on the board for The Fund for People with Disabilities.
Shauna Casement, Secretary on the Executive Committee, is a clinical psychologist in private practice that specializes in psychotherapy and skills training with persons who have been diagnosed with major mental illness in conjunction with cognitive and developmental disabilities. She developed an after-school and weekend program, The Kid Connection, which provides social skills training for children with developmental disabilities. She has previously served as vice-chair on the North Metro Community Services Human Rights Committee. She is involved is several professional organizations, including the American Association on Mental Retardation, the American Psychological Association, the National Association of Dual Diagnosis and the National Organization of Women.
George DeCurnou, Past President and Member at Large on the Executive Committee, is a coordinator for the ADA Training and Implementation for the Department of Health Care Policy and Finance. Previous professional experience in business, nursing and non-profits enhance a personal commitment to effective advocacy. He devotes most of his attention to the improvement of Colorado’s delivery of long-term care services and actively works in brain injury personal advocacy.
Jim Tatten, Treasurer on the Executive Committee, is an attorney and lobbyist. Mr. Tatten is involved in health care reform issues.
Famer Reini, Member at Large on the Executive Committee, is a father of an adult daughter with developmental disabilities. He has been a long time board member.
Mitch McKinney, Member at Large on the Executive Committee, is a graduate of Metropolitan College who uses a wheelchair and technology to communicate with others. He is a volunteer advocate and active in the independent living movement.
Clarence Miller, Member at Large on the Executive Committee, grew up in the Wheat Ridge and Pueblo Regional institutions. He is and was an early pioneer in community living. He is an active volunteer and part time assistant lobbyist for the Colorado Health Associations.
Lacee Artist, Vice President on the Executive Committee, is a professional lobbyist. Ms. Artist is affiliated with Pendulum, Boys and Girls Club and the Downs Syndrome.
Brock Herzberg is self-employed at his firm, Capitol Focus.
Beverly Hirsekorn is the Manager of Health Outcomes and Quality Management for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.
Ted Gwathmey is a business entrepreneur with a background in business, sports recreation, and marketing. He is the parent of a child with a disability and actively advocates on behalf of his child in the community.
Don Morales is the father of an adult son with developmental disabilities. He is a retired businessman.
Marianne Ramos is a professional mechanical engineer and the parent of a child with a disability.
Scott Utash is a manager at the Mental Health Center of Denver. Mr. Utash is affiliated with the National Association for the Mentally Ill.
Cindy Reiff is the director of Marketing with Video Professor, Inc. She is a member of the Rocky Mountain Direct Marketing Association. She decided to become involved with AdvocacyDenver as a result of attending a house party hosted by a board member in 2004.