Staff

Mary Gross

Executive Director

I was inspired by the opportunities the Family Center offered to work with adults and children to teach, mentor, and support.

One thing I am most proud of with my work at MCFC is being a part of an amazing team that continues to support the ever-changing community needs.

My perfect weekend would involve rest and relaxation through reading, watching movies, and spending time with family.

If I could travel anywhere, it would be anywhere a beach is found, as I find peace and tranquility. I would love to visit Hawaii as well as one day visit the Holy Land.

Maria Lopez

Admin. Assistant

I’m inspired by the Family Center Mission—connecting Morgan County families with support and tools for successful living.

One thing I’m proud of with my work at MCFC is connecting families to community resources.

My idea of a perfect weekend revolves around the concept of relaxation, time to unwind, probably watching a good movie.

If I could travel anywhere, I would like to go to Egypt to see the pyramids and learn more about them.”

Dana Sherman

Finance Manager

I was excited to be part of such an amazing organization that does so much good in the community.

One thing I’m proud of with my work at MCFC is that I’ve been able to grow and learn so much being here. Personally and professionally, the Family Center has been both challenging and rewarding.

My perfect weekend would be spent in a big mountain cabin with all of my kids and grandkids. Next to a river, watching the kids fish, sitting around a campfire reminiscing, and creating new memories. If that mountain cabin isn’t available, we’ll take a big condo on a beach!

If I could travel anywhere, I would love to go to Europe and see Italy, France, Spain, and then head to Ireland and Scotland. I love the history of these old places. Castles and churches that have been around for centuries are fascinating to me!

Advocate Staff

Silvia Barajas

Community Access Manager

What inspired me is that I like to help others to think on solutions to their everyday problems.

I am proud to work with a team of problem solvers, that love to advocate for people when they need help.

My perfect weekend will be in Estes Park at the National Park observing nature.

If I could travel I will go to Palenque, Chiapas to visit ancient ruins.

Carmen Lopez

Advocate

What inspired me to join the MCFC team is the kind of work they do. Helping people is something I love to do. Being able to advocate for families who really have no one to help them or guide them is what made me want to work at MCFC.

One thing I am proud of with my work at MCFC is all the success stories.

My perfect weekend would be sitting by the beach and hearing the waves.

If I could travel anywhere, I would go to New York. It has always been on my bucket list. Since I was a little girl, I would see how beautiful it looked.

Araceli Rodriguez

Advocate

Everyone has gone through something in life. I have seen how ugly and cruel the world can be. My mother taught me to be understanding and accepting of others, to never pass judgment because I could be in their shoes someday. We are all human, we all have flaws, we all make mistakes, and we all deserve a second chance. We may forget what someone said, or what they did, but we never forget how someone made us feel. Being kind doesn’t cost a thing. That is what inspired me to become a Family Advocate at the MCFC. I want to help others and genuinely make a positive impact on families in my community.

It’s beautiful to see the positive changes families have made and how far they have come. Seeing the barriers and struggles they have dealt with, to who they have become, is everything! Some of the families I worked with before still keep in touch with me, and I love that they continue to share parts of their journey with me.

My perfect weekend would involve sleeping in on a Saturday morning—it’s a must! Then having a delicious breakfast with my fambam. Afterward, getting dolled up to go enjoy some quality time with family and friends. I’d love to go on an adventure, like visiting an amusement park or attending a comedy show. Then, having a nice dinner to wrap up the night and heading home for a long, long nap. Sunday Funday would consist of attending church with my fambam, having an amazing get-together afterward, and everyone sharing laughs over a meal. Giving thanks for the little things we take for granted. But let’s not forget, snacks, daytime naps, and binge-watching TV shows all weekend is also great “self-care.” We can all use some of that. If I could travel anywhere, I would love to go to Australia with my son. I would want to see all of its wildlife animals, like the penguins, koalas, kangaroos, dolphins, and Tasmanian devils. I’d want to swim with the dolphins and seals, visit the waterfalls, and zipline through the forest.

Felicite Ufitabe

Advocate

What inspired me to join the MCFC team is the opportunity for growth and advancement, with the MCFC mission of making our community better. The opportunity to contribute, utilizing my skills in making a meaningful impact alongside a talented team passionate about helping our community be better.

One thing I’m proud of with my work at MCFC is that working around people is not easy, but I am proud of how MCFC helps us understand what we do through taking trainings, mentoring us, and implementing new skills that significantly improve our ability to resolve major issues with clients. Leading across functioning teams to achieve major goals and developing new skills has enhanced our performance in our roles.

My perfect weekend would be a leisurely wake-up with no alarm clock, spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in deep conversation, and fostering strong relationships. I’d also enjoy reading a good book, enjoying the fresh air, and refreshing and recharging for the new week ahead.

If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Hawaii and Cancun because of the beaches, warm weather, luxurious resorts, and vibrant atmosphere. Cancun is also affordable.

Roukiya Ibrahim

Advocate

What really inspired me to join the MCFC team is helping people, especially those who really need help and are afraid to ask for it.

One thing I’m proud of with my work at MCFC is having the best work team.

My perfect weekend would be taking care of myself.

If I could travel anywhere, I would like to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah and Hajj with my lovely mother.

Educational Programs

Catrina King

Education Program Manager

I was inspired to join the MCFC team because I love the opportunity to give back to my community and help others. Being able to make a tangible difference in people’s lives is truly rewarding. I believe in the power of community and connection, and MCFC offers the perfect platform to do that. I was eager to join an organization that not only aligns with my values but also encourages personal growth, collaboration, and making a positive impact on others.

One thing I’m incredibly proud of with my work at MCFC is my ability to connect people to resources that help themselves and their families. It’s fulfilling to bring individuals together and celebrate the diverse contributions everyone makes to our community.

My perfect weekend would definitely involve being outdoors, enjoying the sunshine. My family loves exploring the natural beauty of Colorado and discovering new, fun places to eat.

If I could travel anywhere, I would choose Sweden. It’s been a dream for both my son and me to visit, and we’re planning to go for his high school graduation. Sweden, here we come in 2033!

Parents as Teachers Staff

Esmeralda Garcia

Parent Educator

Six years ago, I didn’t know much about MCFC. What inspired me was the staff. Seeing their passion and commitment to serving the community, I realized I shared their desire to serve the community and learn more about it. I started with some volunteer work, and after learning more about MCFC, I felt completely inspired to work here.

What inspires me is being able to be that bridge that connects the families I work with and the resources the community has for them.

My perfect weekend would be being with my family and having a good plan with them.

If I could travel, I would go to Puerto Rico.

Sintia Stickley

Parent Educator

I was inspired by the passion to make a difference in our community, the compassion from staff, and the willingness to listen to the needs of every person who walks in the door.

One thing I’m proud of with my work at MCFC is being the bridge between individual families and the available community resources.

My perfect weekend would be spending time doing something adventurous outdoors with my son and my husband.

If I could travel anywhere, I would love to go to Spain and Italy to see the art and experience a different but lively culture.

A’rie Mayrant

Parent Educator

I was inspired to join MCFC because I wanted to do something in my life that was meaningful and impactful in a positive way in my community, giving back to those who were willing to accept my help.

One thing I’m proud of with my work at MCFC is all the families I have had the opportunity to work with and help grow into the best versions of themselves. I am also proud of the children I have helped to learn and become ready for school!

My perfect weekend would look like spending time with loved ones doing something we enjoy, whether that’s inside watching movies or out doing something outside.

If I could travel anywhere, I would go to anywhere with a nice beach because I enjoy going to the beach—it makes me feel stress-free and happy. I would love to see the whole world!

Nadine Lesso

Parent Educator

What inspired me to join the MCFC team is being able to educate parents and let them know that they are their child’s first teacher. As a Parent Educator, I will support, encourage, and inform them in this important role. Together, we will build on families’ strengths and goals while focusing on children’s healthy growth and development.

One thing I am proud of with my work at MCFC is seeing the children I work with light up with joy when they see me arrive for a home visit. Making a difference in the lives of parents and their children is incredibly rewarding.

My perfect weekend would be spending time with my own family and my grandchildren.

If I could travel anywhere, I would go to a beach in Mexico because I could just soak up the sun and relax while listening to the ocean.

Family Leader Training Institute (FLTI) Staff

Gloria Perez

FLTI Coordinator

What inspired me is that it is an organization that is always aware of the needs of the community and finding the best possible way to serve in an equitable manner.

What I am proud of with my work with the MCFC is having the opportunity to work with a team that all works towards the same goal, which is to serve the needs of the community in the best way possible.

What my perfect weekend would look like is spending time with my family and loved ones.

Where I would go if I could travel anywhere is Italy because I want to learn more about their culture and eat their delicious food.

Housing Staff

Arnold Akele

Housing Resource Manager

I believe in the mission of MCFC and the valuable opportunity it provides to support families and promote positive change.

One thing I’m particularly proud of in my work with the MCFC is the ability to directly support families in housing need and help to encourage a sense of stability and empowerment within the community.

My perfect weekend would be filled with relaxation in a peaceful setting for music and delicious African food shared with close friends or family.

If I could travel, I’d want to visit the Vatican. As a Catholic and faithful person, it means a lot to honor my religious beliefs.

Ryanne Spelts

Housing Navigator

I was inspired to join the MCFC team because I have a deep passion for wanting to help others, especially those who have been in a similar life situation as mine. I like using all my trials and tribulations to help those who really need it and are wanting it!

One thing I’m proud of with my work at MCFC is that I can watch so many succeed in life and strive to be better!

My perfect weekend would look like cleaning the house on Saturday, doing laundry, and making sure everything is clean and put away. Then on Sunday morning, I give my time to God, and after, I go home to relax and do some self-care before starting a busy week!

If I could travel anywhere, I would love to backpack through Europe. I would start in Ireland, Germany, and Scotland, and work my way around until I ended in Norway. I would do this because it connects with my blood heritage and so much more!

Julie Reyes

Housing Resource Center Coordinator

I recently moved back to Fort Morgan. My passion is to help the community I live in. MCFC has been around for a long time, and I have been given the opportunity to make a difference in individuals and families. Together we are stronger, wiser and better able to support our community.

One accomplishment I’m proud of is seeing how we can change people’s lives by taking the time to focus on their needs and get them to be completely independent.

My perfect weekend would be having a delicious breakfast outside, where the sun is shining on my face. Then going for a long hike or walk in nature, exploring a new clothing store or a boutique, and relaxing by the water.

My dream is to be able to travel full-time. I enjoy meeting new people, discovering new cultures and food. I hope to one day be able to discover the 7 wonders of the world.