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.

Catrina King

Assistant Director

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!

Maria Lopez

Administrative 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.”

Advocate Staff

Silvia Barajas

Community Access ManagerWhat 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.

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

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 EducatorI 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.

 

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 ManagerI 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 NavigatorI 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!