Ivan Jackson
Ivan joins the Blue Sky Bridge team with over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership. He is deeply committed to underserved populations in the community, drawing on his experience in leading capital campaigns and strategic growth initiatives for various organizations. Mr. Jackson’s most recent role was serving as Executive Director at Lift-Up, an organization assisting residents of the Western Mountain region of Colorado with food insecurity issues. Ivan and his wife share six children and enjoy hiking with Alex, their Bernese mountain dog. Welcome to the team, Ivan!
Susana Avelar, MSW
Susana joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2022. She began working as a Forensic Interviewer in 2016 and has conducted over 1,800 forensic interviews, in both English and Spanish. Through the Colorado Children’s Alliance, Susana is a statewide trainer and has presented on the topics of forensic interviewing and language access. She’s been endorsed as an expert witness in Forensic Interviewing in several Judicial Districts in Colorado. Prior to becoming a Forensic Interviewer she worked as a Legal Advocate, Bilingual Counselor and Intake Caseworker in Adams County. Susana has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Viviana Bracamontes
Viviana rejoined Blue Sky Bridge in early 2023 after a short career pause in 2021. She holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Peace & Justice Studies and Sociology from Regis University. Viviana began working in the field of victim advocacy in 2016 and is highly passionate about serving her community in the capacity of a family support advocate. Working with children and families impacted by traumatic events is her calling and she is happy to be a part of the Blue Sky Bridge team.
Allison Breed, MSW, LCSW
Allison received her Master’s in Social Work in 2005 in Minnesota. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2017 as a therapist. She previously worked as a Prevention/Interventionist in SVVSD and prior to that, a social worker in BVSD. Currently, Allison supports children, teens, and their caregivers impacted by traumatic experiences. She is nationally certified in TF-CBT (Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and in PB-PSB (Phase Based Problematic Sexual Behavior) Therapy. Allison is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and is passionate about empowering clients in their healing and well-being.
Tava Broze
Tava joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2022, in her social work practicum with the Intervention Team. After working in another industry, she made the decision to bring her management and operational skills to improve our school based program. Tava is passionate about creating processes that maximize efficiency and enhance our ability to serve as many students as possible while working collaboratively with our many school partners. She has completed advanced training in management and human resources and holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Massachusetts.
Gretchen Fair, LCSW
Gretchen joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2017. She is a passionate and dedicated social worker with over 15 years of experience working with individuals, families and communities on the issue of child sexual abuse. She regularly trains professionals and caregivers in how to talk about body safety and how to recognize and respond to signs of abuse. A leader in making challenging topics accessible, she believes in the power of education to create safer communities. Outside of work she enjoys working with neurodivergent children and adults and spending time with her dog Mochi.
Robin Friesen-Holwell, MS, LMFT
Robin Friesen-Holwell joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2014 and is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who has worked in a variety of roles. As a therapist, Robin works with children and families who have experienced trauma and are on the journey of healing. Robin is a nationally certified TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) therapist, is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CFTSI (Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention), and PB-PSB (Phase Based Problematic Sexual Behavior Therapy). Robin is a member of AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists) and APSAC (Association of Professional Solving the Abuse of Children).
Raine Garcia, MA, LPC, ATR
Raine graduated Southwestern College with a dual Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Art Therapy. She joined the Blue Sky Bridge team in 2019 as a bilingual therapist. Prior to her current position, she provided trauma-informed psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults in both private practice, education systems, inpatient facilities, and non-profit agencies. Raine is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art therapist, providing support to caregivers and children as a nationally certified TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) therapist. Her sessions strive to incorporate aspects of creative, mindfulness, somatic, and humanistic therapeutic modalities.
Kasandra Kendrick
Kasandra's goal is to help kids and families feel seen, supported and empowered. As an Intervention Support Associate and Family Support Advocate, she brings warmth, humor and heart to her work every day. Currently earning her Master of Social Work with a focus on clinical practice, Kasandra is especially drawn to play-based therapy and trauma-informed interventions that help children express and heal through creativity and connection. She’s thrilled to be learning and growing with the Blue Sky Bridge team. When she’s not supporting families, you can probably find her digging in her garden, cooking something delicious, wandering through a local farmers market, or soaking up sunshine on a Colorado trail.
Tanja Leonard
Tanja joined Blue Sky Bridge as an education team volunteer in 2010 and transitioned to administration in 2019, bringing nearly 15 years of dedication to the organization's mission. As an administrative associate, she provides support across multiple departments - from accounting and development to intervention programs - adapting her skills wherever they're needed most. Tanja's commitment to Blue Sky Bridge reflects her belief in the power of education and community support to create lasting positive change.
Lisa Lohmann
Lisa has dedicated her career to supporting and uplifting children in meaningful ways. She worked for many years in Special Education and her experience includes teaching, tutoring, serving lunch to elementary students, and volunteering with Blue Sky Bridge. Lisa joined the Prevention Education staff in 2024 bringing her wealth of expertise and natural ability to connect with students, to our lessons. Lisa’s commitment to children and families extends beyond the classroom. In recognition of her tireless dedication, she received the Community Outreach Award from Blue Sky Bridge—a testament to the deep impact she has made in the community.
Nick Miller
Nick joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2025. He is an experienced youth development professional with more than two decades of work spanning traditional education, outdoor education, after‑school programming, and youth sports. He built a career centered on empowering young people through safe, engaging, and growth‑oriented environments. His previous work in the climbing industry has included overseeing youth programs, developing safety protocols, and managing operations within dynamic, community-driven facilities. Beyond professional pursuits, Nick is an avid traveler, cook, rock climber, and outdoor enthusiast.
Jillian Reid
Jillian joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2024. She began as an intern at the largest child advocacy center in the state of Georgia in 2013, serving in multiple roles prior to beginning her work as a forensic interviewer. Jillian has trained partners, taught students, and served as the Multi-Disciplinary Team Facilitator for Fulton County, home to Atlanta. In addition to child sexual and physical abuse cases, Jillian has extensive experience interviewing human trafficking victims, witnesses to homicide, and gun violence victims and witnesses. Jillian has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services-Case Management from Kennesaw State University.
Jeff Stewart
Jeff joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2018. Coming to us from financial services management in a corporate environment, Jeff wanted to parlay his skills and experiences into meaningful administrative and logistical support for Blue Sky Bridge’s clinical and educational programs. His transition to the non-profit world was influenced by memories of years past, serving the needs of kids through education and volunteering opportunities. He’s proud and excited to be part of a mission which tangibly protects and serves children and families, and advances abuse prevention goals through educational outreach. He holds a B.A. in History from Lafayette College.
Lisa Taylor Strauss
Lisa joined the Education Team after 29 years as a classroom teacher. Through her work in Boulder Valley, she saw firsthand the powerful impact of children learning about body safety through Blue Sky Bridge lessons. Lisa holds a B.A. from the University of Illinois, along with an elementary teaching license and a master’s degree in Bilingual Special Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Childhood Education. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, Lisa brings an enduring commitment to inclusive, accessible education.
Patrick Sullivan
Patrick is an executive, leader, and entrepreneur residing in Boulder, Colorado. Originally from the California coastal town of Santa Cruz, Patrick spent 20+ years working as an executive in the Bay Area in consulting, tech, and wine companies prior to moving to Colorado with his wife and son. He has held leadership roles in finance, marketing, sales, and operations. Patrick is an avid soccer player and fan and a member of the Boulder Odd Fellows Lodge 9, where he has served as a trustee and currently serves as Treasurer. He is a former board member and chair at Mackintosh Academy Boulder and currently serves as Director, Finance and Operations for Blue Sky Bridge.
Imelda Villalobos
Imelda was a case support intern at Blue Sky Bridge before joining the team full-time in 2024. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, focusing on Victims and Victim Services, as well as a minor in Sociology. Imelda also completed an internship at the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA). She is proud to be a part of a non-profit that is committed to advocating for the awareness and prevention of child abuse. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and hanging out with her cats.
Ruth Wight
Ruth is a Smith College graduate with a degree in Psychology and a minor in English. She spent many years serving as a Development Director in the nonprofit sector before discovering a deep passion for working with youth and children. This calling led her to roles as a Youth Mentor with several Boulder-based nonprofits, as well as a long time volunteer with Blue Sky Bridge. Ruth is committed to empowering young voices and equipping children with the tools they need to thrive. She brings her energy and natural gift for teaching to her work in classrooms.
Madison Wilmeth, MSW, LSW
Madison joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2024 as a therapist. Prior to this role, she was a Masters level intern on the intervention team where she learned how to support children and their families. Madison holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Massachusetts Global and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands. She is a Licensed Social Worker and works with children and their families through traumatic experiences utilizing Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Madison focuses on promoting growth and well-being, empowering her clients with the necessary skills and tools to navigate life’s challenges.
