Christy Schaerer, Executive Director Christy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Parks & Recreation Management from Western Washington University. She previously worked as Office Manager for a large advertising agency. Christy has held a position on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of La Plata County since 1995, where she served as President, Vice President, and Secretary throughout the years. She has lived in Durango for twenty years and is an active community member.
Michelle Carroll, Match Specialist/Case Manager Ms. Carroll oversees the Community-based Program in Archuleta County. Ms. Carroll received her Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Denver. She has worked as a schoolteacher and has won academic and leadership awards, including the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning Award in 2005. She facilitates all aspects of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-based (Core) Program.
Sandra Parziale, Administrative Assistant Ms. Parziale received her degree from Chandlers Business School in Boston, Massachusetts. She is experienced in computer skills, office support, and working with volunteers and volunteer organizations.
Ms. Parziale assists with special event fundraisers, provides support to match specialists, maintains the office systems, and assists the executive director.
Janine Althany, Match Specialist/Case Manager Ms. Althany received her certification in mediation from the Center for Dispute Resolution in Boulder, CO and certification as a facilitator for Moral Reconation Therapy and Social Responsibility Training from Correctional Counseling, Inc. based in Boulder, CO. She brings a background of family and parent/teen communication, with emphasis on issue challenged youth.
Cynthia Stengel, Fundraising Assistant Ms. Stengel holds an MA in Intercultural Relations from Lesley College in Cambridge, MA. She was the founding Director of the Program for Academic Advancement at Fort Lewis College from 1995 until 2000, which is a federally funded academic support program for low-income/first generation college students and students with disabilities. At BBBS, Cynthia primarily assists the Executive Director with grant preparation and fundraising.
Audra Snow, Study Connection Director Ms. Snow holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Fort Lewis College. She has previously worked as a Mental Health Counselor for at-risk teens in two Residential Treatment Centers, and as the Community Outreach Coordinator/Administrative Assistant for Alternative Horizons. Audra is responsible for all aspects of the Study Connection program, including volunteer recruitment and outreach.
Justin Tafoya, Study Connection Coordinator Ms. Tafoya has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from Fort Lewis College and a Masters Degree in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Denver. Among other things, she has most recently coordinated a high school leadership program in La Plata County. Justin assists the Study Connection Director in coordinating the Study Connection program.
Kristen Taylor, Match Specialist/Case Manager Ms. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco and is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Counseling from Adams State College. She has previously worked as a Research Coordinator and has also been a Case Manager for Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center. Kristen facilitates all aspects of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Core program.
Print Page
