Key Staff

Joy has been with REC since 2006. Her background is in business and insurance, and she genuinely believes we can change the world through education.

Jack came to REC with a degree in environmental science and geology. He has worked in the nonprofit world for several years both in his hometown and with a two-year stint in Panama with the Peace Corps. Jack feels he can benefit our students holistically by giving them the opportunity to connect to the outdoors in the beautiful spaces we have around us here in the Grand Valley.

Susette was born in the Philippines and moved to Grand Junction in 1993. She has ties to REC through her family and has always believed in the importance of academics as the foundation for success in life. Susette’s organizational skills and calm approach to solving any problem make her invaluable at REC.

Landen is from Grand Junction and graduated from Colorado Mesa University in 2019 with a degree in economics and a minor in accounting. Since he enjoyed working with kids, a friend convinced him to work as a REC tutor while studying at CMU. The rest is history. Landen agreed to transition onto our administrative team after graduation. Landen and his accounting skills have been invaluable to REC.

Megan graduated from Colorado Technical University with a BSBA in human resource management. Megan has lived on the Western Slope most of her life. She believes strongly in advocating for others and helping them find their voice.

Jan is a retired elementary school teacher. She taught grades 1-3 for 31 years in School District 51. She is passionate about helping kids reach their potential in school and to become responsible, independent lifelong learners.

Hannah is from Bloomington, Indiana, where she graduated from Indiana University. She has been a swim instructor, a ski instructor (in Germany!), a Girl Scout leader, and a youth program manager at Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. New to the Grand Valley, Hannah enjoys creating community and is excited to combine academics and hands-on, outdoor learning in her work at REC.

Ashley began her journey with REC as a tutor at Orchard Mesa Middle School in 2019. Then, she moved into the role of site program assistant for two years before assuming her current position as Enrichment Coordinator in 2023. Born and raised in Grand Junction, Ashley’s 15 years of experience in various educational and out-of-school-time programs and a degree from South Dakota State University have fueled her passion for helping students succeed. Ashley draws on her strong foundation to make a difference in the lives of students and is thrilled to play a part in building the enrichment program here at REC.

Jessica is from southern California where she graduated from the University of California Irvine with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and a minor in Education. With a background in marketing, communications, public relations, and non-profit management, Jessica looks forward to using her experience to make a positive impact at REC. For nearly 15 years, Jessica has also coached high school track & field and has mentored many teenagers as a youth leader for her church. She and her husband have also served as foster parents and adopted their son in 2020. Jessica is passionate about building positive self-esteem and confidence in youth and is excited to help students reach their fullest potential as the Program Manager at Grand Junction High School.

Vivian is from Grand Junction and has taught elementary and middle school for School District 51 for 34 years. She believes in the value of extended learning time for students and is excited about sharing time with REC’s MGMS students.

Marly's calling is to serve children, especially in Mesa County. After losing nine classmates to suicide in high school, she recognized a need for support in the valley. Marly danced for ten years at a local nonprofit, Absolute Dance. Nonprofits and her high school experience inspired her to pursue a degree in Professional Writing at Grand Canyon University, where she is learning to write grants and policy with the hope of affecting change in the Grand Valley. Marly has been with REC since 2021 as the Nutrition Manager and Program Assistant at Bookcliff Middle School. She looks forward to continuing to help the students and families of BMS.

MacKenzie’s dedication to children and her desire to be a consistently trustworthy and supportive adult for them, makes her the perfect fit for REC. She recently graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a degree in early childhood education and has worked with children in a variety of settings. MacKenzie is looking forward to serving the children and families of REC.

Sara is a Colorado native who loves living in Colorado because there are so many beautiful places to visit. She has been a teacher for 15 years. Sara has an associate degree in early childhood education. Sara heard about REC from a co-worker and felt being part of REC would fit with her passion for working with children and families. She is very excited to be part of the REC team.

Emily is passionate about education and community. She has lived, studied, and worked all over the country — from science museums, to camps, to the Florida Everglades. A lifelong learner, Emily studied place-based education at the Teton Science Schools. She is motivated by the joy she shares with students as they make new discoveries together.

Nickole is originally from Mexico and spent her childhood traveling through various Latin American countries. She has a bachelor's in bilingual elementary education, an associate in Bible. She has taught all ages in both public and private schools. Nickole is enthusiastic about REC’s mission and is looking forward to the opportunity to invest in students’ lives.

A native of the Western Slope, Elizabeth studied social sciences at Colorado Mesa University and brings years of caregiving and administrative experience to her role at REC. She enjoys working with kids and making an impact in the community. She has been a staff member at REC’s Rocky Mountain Elementary site and says that REC “feels like home.”

Connie grew up in Limon, Colorado, and came to Grand Junction after high school graduation. She raised her family here, graduated from CMU (then Mesa State College), and taught in District 51 for 15 years. Connie brings a wealth of experience, including as a REC program assistant at Nisley Elementary. She says, “My early childhood degree, psychology degree and masters degree all stressed meeting each student at their level of learning: emotionally, physically and developmentally. REC affords that freedom. That is why I love working with our REC students!”

Sherri moved to Grand Junction to be near her daughter and grandkids after spending most of her adult life in the Flathead Valley of Montana. She has an associate degree in science, with an emphasis in education, and has worked for District 51 as a READ Act paraprofessional. For the last several years, Sherri has been with REC as a tutor and site lead. Sherri is passionate about the education of these kids who are our future and hopes to make a difference in their lives.

Rebecca was born and raised in the Grand Valley, attended District 51 schools, and is the mother of two D51 students. She came to REC from the district, where she worked mainly with kindergarteners and in the Special Education Department. Since joining REC she has worked at Dos Rios Elementary and Nisley Elementary in a variety of positions, giving her a valuable perspective on the many facets of REC programming. Serving as the temporary program manager at Nisley, Rebecca fell in love with the role and the experience. A graduate of Palisade High School herself, she is excited to help REC start a new chapter at PHS.

Cassie was born and raised in Meeker, Colorado, and came to Grand Junction to attend CMU, where she earned her associate degree in early childhood education. She has worked in education for more than 25 years. Since joining REC as a tutor, she has held a range of roles in REC’s programs at Pear Park and Nisley elementary schools.


In addition to this wealth of experience, Cassie brings a passion for impacting the youth of the Grand Valley to her new role leading REC’s after-school program at OMMS.

Nico Mendez has roots in Grand Junction and returned to attend CMU (and to enjoy the ski slopes) after some time away. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management and an associate degree in business administration, bringing valuable skills and interests to his role at REC.

Nico is excited to be part of a fantastic staff with great resources to create opportunities and connections for youth, teachers, parents, and the community. “My interest is to help youth find their unique path to success during and after their school pursuits,” he says.