Building Belonging through Community Art with Maren & Miller and Jonathon stalls; music by yufen chou

Tuesday 9 am - 10 am

Description:
Start your day with this collaborative art session focused on belonging — an opportunity to create, connect with fellow attendees, and contribute to a shared piece that will be installed at the Nonprofit Hub at Jane’s Place. Live music provided by Dr. Yufen Chou.

Session Materials:

Presented By:

 
 

Maren J. Miller
Maren J. Miller is a leadership coach, educator, and artist with nearly 20 years of experience across classrooms and organizations. With a background in education and certifications in life and executive coaching, she supports nonprofit leaders in building cultures of belonging and navigating change. Maren integrates creative expression, somatic awareness, and equity-centered practices into her work. She is the founder of Heartful Alignment Coaching & Healing and Heartscapes Art Space, and also teaches at Ark Valley Preschool.



Jonathon Stalls
Jonathon Stalls is a multidisciplinary “Walking Artist” and founder of Intrinsic Paths. In 2010, he walked across the United States over 242 days and has continued to explore connection through movement, creativity, and community ever since. His work spans writing, drawing, mindfulness, and mobility justice through his Pedestrian Dignity project. He is the author of WALK – Slow Down, Wake Up & Connect at 1–3 Miles Per Hour and lives in Poncha Springs, Colorado.

Visit with Jonathan at the Walk To Connect Booth!


Dr. Yufen Chou
Dr. Yufen Chou is a music educator and pianist with over 20 years of teaching experience. She founded her own music studio in the Washington, D.C. metro area while completing her graduate studies and has served as an adjunct piano professor at Trinity Washington University and Prince George’s Community College. In addition to teaching, Yufen is an active accompanist and chamber musician. Since relocating to Salida in 2021, she continues to offer private lessons and participate in local music events. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Accompanying from The Catholic University of America and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Stephen F. Austin State University, and is a registered Suzuki instructor and trained Music Together teacher.

Board Training with tessa Lance

Tuesday 10 am - 12:30 pm

Session Materials:

Description:
This session will provide an overview of the duties of a nonprofit Board of Directors and will offer best practices for setting up, or resetting up, your Board for success! (Designed for current board members)

Presented By:

 
 

Tessa Lance
Tessa Lance is a nonprofit professional with over a decade of experience supporting mission-driven organizations. She serves as Development Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County, focusing on building relationships and securing resources to support local youth. Tessa has also served on the board of The Alliance, including as Board Chair, and is committed to making a meaningful impact in her community.

From Burnout to Belonging: Building Resilient Organizations Through Kind, Clear, and Financially Sustainable Policies

Tuesday 10 am - 11 am

Session Materials:

Session Description:
This session examines how organizational norms and policies shape who feels comfortable, valued, and able to belong—and how to design with greater awareness and intention.

Presented By:

 
 

Megan Strauss
Megan Strauss is the Founder and Executive Director of Alpine Achievers Initiative, bringing over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, and organizational development. She oversees a multi-million dollar budget and leads strategic planning, program design, and evaluation efforts grounded in community needs. Megan has also provided capacity-building support to nonprofits across multiple states through Strauss Consulting, with expertise in board governance, financial management, and organizational systems. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in nonprofit management and is committed to building strong, sustainable organizations.

Maren J. Miller
Maren J. Miller is a leadership coach, educator, and artist with nearly 20 years of experience across classrooms and organizations. With a background in education and certifications in life and executive coaching, she supports nonprofit leaders in building cultures of belonging and navigating change. Maren integrates creative expression, somatic awareness, and equity-centered practices into her work. She is the founder of Heartful Alignment Coaching & Healing and Heartscapes Art Space, and also teaches at Ark Valley Preschool.

Rethinking Partnerships with shelley Schreiner and panelists Beth Helmke, Judy Hamontre & Andrea Earley Coen

Tuesday 11:30 am - 12 :30 pm

Session Materials:

Session Description:
In this session a panel of nonprofit leaders, government officials, and faith leaders discuss the best practices for developing and maintaining public private partnerships.

Presented By:

 
 

Shelley Schreiner
Shelley Schreiner brings over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a background spanning direct services, organizational development, and policy advocacy. She most recently served as Executive Director of The Alliance and now consults with local nonprofits to help build strong, sustainable organizations. In addition to her nonprofit work, Shelley serves on Salida City Council and the Arts and Culture Advisory Board. She is actively engaged in the community through local events, performances, and fundraising efforts.

Beth Helmke - Beth has a professional background in the public and nonprofit sectors, education, healthcare, and communications. Currently serving as the Chaffee County Administrator, she has a Bachelors in Molecular Biology and Masters in Nonprofit Management. Beth is passionate about civic engagement, environmental stewardship and sustainability, and cultivating strong and resilient communities.


Andrea Earley Coen
Andrea Earley Coen is the Executive Director of Guidestone Colorado, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the experiential education nonprofit sector. Her work spans education, agriculture, and community development, with a career that has included schools, farms, outdoor education centers, and wilderness programs across multiple states. Andrea is passionate about connecting people, land, and learning through community-based experiences.

Judy Hamontre
Judy Hamontre brings a background in education and the performing arts and has been active in the Buena Vista community since relocating in 2017. She currently serves as Outreach Chair and Vice Moderator for the Congregational United Church of Christ in Buena Vista. Judy is also a board member of the Ark-Valley Humane Society and serves as secretary of the Buena Vista District Accountability Committee.

BLUEPRINT for Board Engagement with Brian Beaulieu

Tuesday 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Session Materials:

Session Description:
Uncover intentional board practices that support organizational excellence. Session designed for nonprofit leaders seeking to support a strong board.

Presented By:

 
 

Brian Beaulieu
Brian Beaulieu is the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County and Board Chair for Boys & Girls Clubs of Colorado. With 37 years of experience in the organization, he is dedicated to serving youth and working families. Brian is passionate about building strong communities alongside engaged board members and advancing opportunities for clubs across the state.

Finding & Evaluating Grants for Success with Carol Ann Soltz

Tuesday 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Session Materials:

Session Description: Together we will explore how to find grant funders who are aligned with your organization's mission, vision and purpose and tips for writing successful proposals.

Presented By:

 
 

Carol Ann Soltz
Carol Ann Soltz is a contract grant writer with more than 20 years of experience helping nonprofits secure funding to advance their missions. She has worked across sectors including arts and culture, social services, healthcare, and criminal justice. Carol Ann specializes in developing strategic, compelling proposals and has a strong track record with both public and private funders. She is passionate about supporting organizations that strengthen communities.

AI Considerations in Nonprofit Management with Andrea Earley Coen

Tuesday 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Session Materials:

Session Description: AI can provide multiple opportunities to support nonprofit management, but also comes with unique considerations. This session will focus on strategies, methodologies, risks, ethics and impact of this quickly evolving tool in the nonprofit toolbelt.

Presented By:

 
 

Andrea Earley Coen
Andrea Earley Coen is the Executive Director of Guidestone Colorado, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the experiential education nonprofit sector. Her work spans education, agriculture, and community development, with a career that has included schools, farms, outdoor education centers, and wilderness programs across multiple states. Andrea is passionate about connecting people, land, and learning through community-based experiences.

Individual Giving: Building Relationships with Donors with Lezlie Berkley

Tuesday 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Session Materials:

Session Description:
How do you go about building donor relationships? Regardless of where you are in your donor program, think the small steps and large steps that create relationships and meaningful giving to your organization.

Presented By:

 
 

Lezlie Andrew Burkley
Lezlie Andrew Burkley has lived in Salida for nearly 30 years and brings a background in Organizational Communications and Strategic Marketing. She has led and supported major community initiatives, including school development projects and the establishment of Colorado Mountain College in Salida. As Executive Director of the HRRMC Foundation, she has helped secure critical equipment for rural health centers and supported initiatives like the Delnay Guest House for patients and staff. Lezlie is deeply committed to strengthening her community and is proud to have raised her family in the Arkansas Valley.

ED Bootcamp

Tuesday 10 am - 4:30 pm & Wednesday 9 am - 2 pm

Session Description: Intensive two-day program featuring 10 topics for first time Executive Directors to build skills, confidence and connection. Presented by Sandy Visnack, Andrea Earley Coen, Kellye Webber, Megan Strauss, Julia Makowski, Eric Johnson, Moe Leneweaver, Shelley Schreiner, & Dominique Naccarato.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Welcome to the ED Bootcamp

Tuesday 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Sandy Visnack is CEO of The Canopy Foundation and a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience. She has served in executive, development, and communications roles, bringing deep expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational growth. Sandy works closely with nonprofits to build capacity through mentoring, grant writing, and leadership support. She is dedicated to helping organizations strengthen their impact and achieve long-term sustainability.

Betsy Dittenber is a nonprofit leader with more than 18 years of experience in fundraising, direct service, executive leadership, and volunteer management. She holds a BA in Sociology from Colorado College and a Master of Arts in Public Service and Nonprofit Management from Marquette University, along with a certificate in the Impact of Equity from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Based in Howard, Colorado, Betsy brings a thoughtful, community-centered approach to her work. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, including hiking, backpacking, and rafting, and can often be found tackling gardening projects or creating art with her daughter.

Governance

Tuesday 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Session Materials: Governance Slides; Principles & Practices & Roles & Responsibilities Matrix

About Andrea Earley Coen
Andrea Earley Coen is the Executive Director of Guidestone Colorado, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the experiential education nonprofit sector. Her work spans education, agriculture, and community development, with a career that has included schools, farms, outdoor education centers, and wilderness programs across multiple states. Andrea is passionate about connecting people, land, and learning through community-based experiences.

HR & Organizational Culture

Tuesday 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Session Materials: HR/Org Culture: Slides

Kellye Webber, SHRM-SCP
Kellye Webber is an HR consultant who supports small and growing organizations in building strong, compliant, and people-centered workplaces. With over a decade of experience across multiple industries, she provides both strategic guidance and day-to-day HR support. Her expertise includes employee relations, compliance, performance management, and HR program development. Kellye is known for delivering practical, tailored solutions that help organizations confidently manage their teams.


Understanding Nonprofit Financials

Tuesday 1:30 - 2:15 pm

Session Materials: Slides and Handout

Megan Strauss
Megan Strauss is the Founder and Executive Director of Alpine Achievers Initiative, bringing over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, and organizational development. She oversees a multi-million dollar budget and leads strategic planning, program design, and evaluation efforts grounded in community needs. Megan has also provided capacity-building support to nonprofits across multiple states through Strauss Consulting, with expertise in board governance, financial management, and organizational systems. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in nonprofit management and is committed to building strong, sustainable organizations.

Organizational Risk Management

Tuesday 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm

Session Materials: Org Risk Management: Slides and Handout

Julia Makowski
Julia Makowski is the Operations Director for Alpine Achievers Initiative. A Colorado native, she brings more than 15 years of experience in outdoor and experiential education, including leadership roles with Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. Julia has also worked in youth services at the Buena Vista Public Library and is inspired by connecting students with the communities that support them.


Technology Risk Management & Cybersecurity

Tuesday 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Session Materials: Slides and Supplemental Materials

Eric E. Johnson
Eric E. Johnson is the owner of Tenn Cent LLC and brings over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. His work focuses on the intersection of technical infrastructure, risk management, and organizational leadership, helping organizations build resilience in an increasingly digital landscape. Based in Salida, Eric is active with local nonprofits as an advisor and volunteer. With a background as a developer, manager, and consultant, he translates complex technical concepts into practical, actionable strategies that support and protect organizational mission and data.


Evaluation & Impact

Tuesday 3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

Session Materials: Slides

Sandy Visnack is CEO of The Canopy Foundation and a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience. She has served in executive, development, and communications roles, bringing deep expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational growth. Sandy works closely with nonprofits to build capacity through mentoring, grant writing, and leadership support. She is dedicated to helping organizations strengthen their impact and achieve long-term sustainability.


4:30 pm - Closing (Rejoin South Hall for Profit with Purpose Reception)

Fundraising Basics

Wednesday 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Session Materials: Slides and Handout

Moe Leneweaver
Moe Leneweaver is a relationship-driven fundraiser with experience ranging from grassroots organizing to securing major gifts. Her approach centers on connecting donor values with meaningful impact, helping organizations build sustainable support. Known for her curiosity, follow-through, and strategic thinking, Moe supports nonprofits in strengthening their fundraising efforts. She brings both practical experience and a thoughtful, people-centered approach to her work.

Communication & Advocacy

Wednesday 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Session Materials: Slides and Handout

Shelley Schreiner
Shelley Schreiner brings over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a background spanning direct services, organizational development, and policy advocacy. She most recently served as Executive Director of The Alliance and now consults with local nonprofits to help build strong, sustainable organizations. In addition to her nonprofit work, Shelley serves on Salida City Council and the Arts and Culture Advisory Board. She is actively engaged in the community through local events, performances, and fundraising efforts.

Strategic Planning & Plan Management

Wednesday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Session Materials: PowerPoint and Handouts

Dominique Naccarato
Dominique Naccarato serves as the Director of Western Colorado University’s Master in Environmental Management Program and Administrator for the Western Alliance for Restoration Management. She has held leadership roles with GARNA and served on Salida City Council, with experience spanning environmental education, policy, and nonprofit leadership. Dominique also consults with nonprofits and mentors Executive Directors through CCCF programs, and is deeply connected to the Chaffee County community.

Worklife Balance & Closing

Wednesday 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Sandy Visnack is CEO of The Canopy Foundation and a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience. She has served in executive, development, and communications roles, bringing deep expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational growth. Sandy works closely with nonprofits to build capacity through mentoring, grant writing, and leadership support. She is dedicated to helping organizations strengthen their impact and achieve long-term sustainability.