Leadership Team
Kristen has a degree in Computer Science and studied business in Denver, CO. She worked as a Procedure Analyst at Halliburton and then transitioned to Real Estate before beginning her work in anti-trafficking. She was first introduced to human trafficking and exploitation in 2004 during a mission trip to Pattaya, Thailand. She witnessed first-hand the reality of trafficking and exploitation that was taking place overseas. She has spent the last 14 years educating herself on the issue of trafficking in order to understand where it was happening, who it was happening to, why it was so prevalent, and what she could do to help.
During her studies, she began to learn that human trafficking was not just an overseas issue but was the 2nd largest organized crime and the fastest growing crime in the USA. She also learned that her home state of Colorado, was one of the largest hubs for sex trafficking of minors.
After learning about the extreme need for safe housing and supportive services for survivors of sex trafficking in Colorado, she formed a small group of people to begin getting started on changing this reality. Extended Hands of Hope was formed in late 2013 and has grown significantly over the last 4 years. Extended Hands of Hope currently operates the longest running safe home in Colorado for teen victims of sex trafficking. Extended Hands of Hope’s programs include Avanti House, Carriers of Hope Mentoring, and Forward Learning Academy.
An Arkansas native, Samantha has always been passionate about the human and equal rights of all individuals. At an early age, while serving in a summer youth employment program for teen boys and girls of color, Samantha discovered what would eventually become what she calls her “zeal”, serving others through the nonprofit sector. For nearly fifteen years, Samantha has been committed to serving underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized adults and children.
While serving in the nonprofit sector, Samantha acquired a variety of skill-sets and expertise in advocacy, managing and directing programs, fund development, and capacity building to name a few. These skills have ultimately helped her to best serve others and organizations, such as Extended Hands of Hope. Given the recent year’s decline in giving across the country and the devastating impact it has on numerous organizations, Samantha developed a greater interest and drive for philanthropy and fund development. This has ultimately led her to further her education and work to complete her studies in Nonprofit Management and Organizational Leadership at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
Coming soon!
EVERY DAY, WE FIGHT FOR OUR GIRLS
Our Valuable Team Members
Christine attended Truman State University for her undergraduate studies, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in English. During this time she was heavily involved in research, serving on multiple research teams and presenting at various regional and national research conferences. Christine’s primary research interest has always been trauma, with a special interest in forgiveness and expressive writing interventions as a means to alleviate symptoms resulting from traumatic events.
After graduation, Christine went on to obtain a Master’s of Science in Clinical-Counseling Psychology at Illinois State University. Here she focused her research on the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse and the ways in which these variables cause survivors to become more likely to be sexually revictimized on college campuses. After receiving her master’s, Christine moved to Colorado where she has spent the past three years as a mobile crisis therapist for the Community Crisis Connections crisis continuum, working in emergency rooms and in the community at the request of the state suicide hotline and first responders, such as police. During this time Christine continued to feel a passion to work more specifically with survivors of trauma, leading her to find Extended Hands of Hope where she is happy to work on a dynamic team dedicated to empowering survivors of trafficking.]
Barb has taught Sped 101 at the college level and has successfully coached teachers through understanding special education foundations and pillars in order to pass the PLACE test. In May 2010, a colleague and Ms. Taylor opened their own business (PALS4Ed) to assist residential, day treatment and juvenile justice schools with their special education needs and helping to design sustainable education systems. Recently, PALS4Ed conducted a school audit for a charter school, starting with the enrollment process, RtI, 504, IEPs and all the systems in use. Barb has also written a “Getting to Know You” module for students in an on-line forum.
Barb has assisted with writing successful grants for juvenile justice schools. Barb enjoys assessing new students as they come into schools, working with new educators, and speaking to small groups. She is a lifelong learner and a native of Colorado.
Angie is a survivor of profound physical abuse, including the occult practices and prostitution by parents for the first 11.5 years of her life. She is now working as a Residential Coordinator/Case Manager within Avanti House Safe Home. Her life’s mission is to be part of communities and cultures that promote healing and restoration in the lives of others. Angie volunteered for 6 years as a victim advocate for Greeley Police Department and worked with 9 other counties within Weld County. She responded, supported and empowered victims of crime. While serving in a volunteer victim advocate role, she worked with adults with disabilities in residential and host home setting for 10 years. Angie managed, coordinated and provided support and services to ensure everyone received the best services possible. Angie is passionate about trauma-informed care for survivors of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.]
Board of Directors
Paul is currently serving as an executive consultant to Liberty Resources, Liberty Oilfield Services and PropX. Formerly, CFO of Liberty Resources LLC, a Denver based oil and gas exploration and production company. Served as CFO of CARBO Ceramics Inc. (NYSE: CRR), the world’s largest manufacturer of ceramic proppant used in the stimulation of oil and gas wells from 1988 to 2009. Directed all of the company’s finance and administrative activities during its transformation from a privately-held corporation with $13MM in annual revenues to a NYSE-listed company with a market capitalization of over $1 billion. I was a key contributor to the company’s financial and operating strategy and was also heavily involved in the company’s manufacturing and distribution activities.
His specialties include: Financial management, investor relations, human resources, mergers and acquisitions.
Community Leaders of Hope Committee Members
