Meet the Team

Leadership

Rick has been a transformational leader in the non-profit field for over 40 years. Prior to serving as Chief Executive Officer of HomewardBound, Rick served as President and CEO of the American Liver Foundation in New York City, CEO of the International Dyslexia Association in Washington DC, and in a variety of senior national executive positions with the National MS Society, American Diabetes Association, and American Cancer Society. In addition, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of AgeWise Colorado.

Interesting fact: Rick also owned and operated a couple of restaurant venues in Santa Fe, New Mexico so the guy knows his way around a kitchen and a walk-in.

Chris is an inspirational nonprofit leader with a background steeped in community. After gaining a degree in Criminal Justice, Chris utilized his problem-solving skills as a Branch Rehabilitation Specialist, traveling the country to help failing companies identify pitfalls and solutions to improve performance in the professional sphere. He has also worked as a Trust Recovery Specialist and Medicare Buy-in Specialist in the state of Wyoming, helping individuals access the benefits and care they need. 

Interesting fact: Chris was the State of South Carolina Golden Glove and USA Boxing Athlete Representative for 2 years.

Amber is a marketing and fundraising professional passionate about giving back to the community. Raised on the Western Slope, Amber received a writing degree from Western Colorado University and applied her skills in storytelling to a variety of businesses and campaigns working with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Center for Mental Health, and Finance of America Mortgage. 

Interesting fact: Amber’s superpower is winning radio contests. She has won tickets to almost 50 concerts, plays, and events over the last few years.

Originally from Florida, Kyle completed his MBA degree in 2023. He has spent his most recent few years working in Human Resources in both the private and public sector.

Interesting Fact: Kyle's love for hiking out west brought him back to Colorado with the goal to hike all of Colorado's 14ers. 9 down, 49 to go!

Misty obtained her B.S. in Psychology: Addiction and Recovery, Life Coaching, and Crisis Counseling from Liberty University. Prior to serving as RecoveryBound Program Manager for HomewardBound, Misty served in human services and criminal justice fields for the past 9 years. 

Interesting Fact:  Since Misty was in elementary school, she knew that she wanted to make a difference in the world by helping others.

Kelsey comes to HomewardBound with vast experience providing medical services to those who need to most. With a background in emergency medicine, mental health, home health, and hospice, Kelsey has worked with individuals in a variety of settings to improve outcomes and quality of life for the community.

Interesting Fact: Kelsey likes to wind down by spending time with her boyfriend and their wonderful pets.

Phil is a Grand Junction native who joined HomewardBound most recently from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. A proud University of Northern Colorado graduate, Phil previously worked in the parking and transportation industry at Colorado Mesa University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and at Breckenridge Ski Resort. He has spent summers serving as a Park Ranger at the Colorado Monument. 

Interesting Fact:  When not working, you might find Phil on the pitch refereeing a local high school or college soccer match.

Paul has been at HomewardBound for over five years. Originally from St Louis, Paul has made Grand Junction his home for over 30 years. Prior to joining the team, he worked as a dietary aid at Larchwood Inn and a cook at Grand Junction Regional Center, where he also worked as a technician for several years.  

Interesting Fact: Paul loves to bake and paint. He is a talented portrait artist using his family as inspiration.

Staff Headshots provided courtesy of MJ Thomas Photography

Board of Directors