Erin joined Project Angel Heart’s staff in 1995 and has served as Executive Director since 2004. As Executive Director, Erin works with the Board of Directors and oversees the staff, day to day operations, and long term planning for Project Angel Heart. While Erin is proud of how Project Angel Heart has evolved since she joined the staff in terms of efficiency, quality of service, and growth, she especially takes pride in what has stayed the same – the core elements that equate to ‘meals with love’: reliance on volunteers, impassioned community support and the special touches that let clients know we care. Erin graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.S. in Psychology, then from Regis University with a Master of Nonprofit Management. She currently serves on the boards of ANSA (The Association of Nutrition Service Agencies – a nation-wide group of meal-delivery sister organizations) and the Dining Out for Life International Association. She is also a former board president of Community Shares of Colorado and the Dining Out for Life International Association. Erin was born and raised in the Denver area and loves still living close to her family. Outside of Project Angel Heart, she tries to make the most of every minute with her husband and kids. She is the proud mom of two young, adopted children and hopes to raise them as future volunteers and philanthropists. In her scant spare time, Erin loves cooking, camping, knitting, and running. She’s completed three marathons and hopes more are on the horizon. AdministrationLindsey Clark, Administrative Coordinator
Lindsey grew up near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and got her bachelor’s degree at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Upon graduating, she joined Teach For America and taught sixth grade in rural North Carolina for two years before embarking upon Peace Corps assignments in Morocco and then Madagascar, with a six-month hiatus in San Francisco. Along the way, she has managed to visit over 40 countries and nearly every state in the U.S. The chance to be a hands-on auntie to her sister's young children lured her to Denver. Once here, her goal was to find a job with “soul”, so the chance to work for an organization as caring and worthwhile as Project Angel Heart seemed almost too good to be true. She started in the Administrative Assistant position in November 2007 and added grant-writing responsibilities in June of 2008. In her spare hours, Lindsey enjoys reading, writing, camping, practicing yoga, sewing and knitting, making lists, spending time with her family, and traveling at the slightest excuse. Amy Fleming, Director of Finance and Administration
Amy joined Project Angel Heart in March of 2007 in a newly created position, Director of Finance and Administration. A Coloradan since the age of three, she grew up in Colorado Springs and moved to Denver in 1994. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Colorado Christian University, along with a Marketing emphasis and Biblical Studies minor. Her previous work includes over eight years as financial controller of a retail music store in Lakewood, Colorado, and work for a Canadian-based recreational company. This knowledge and experience has come to serve Project Angel Heart well. Amy is a lover of the mountains and spends her free Colorado summer days fishing, hiking, and camping with her husband, Kyle, their son, Caleb, and their crazy dog, Piper. She also enjoys working in her yard and gardening – any excuse to be outside. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated staff, helping people in need. Client ServicesBrandy Brogan, Client Services Coordinator
Brandy joined the Project Angel Heart team in December 2002. She has worked in every department at Project Angel Heart, including the kitchen (as Special Diets Chef). In January 2007, she went full-time into Client Services. Her true passion (aside from cooking) is helping others. Being a part of the Client Services team has allowed her to do this. Brandy attended Luna Community College and New Mexico Highlands University, receiving an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science with an emphasis in Culinary Arts. Prior to working at Project Angel Heart, she was Head Chef at Pendaries Golf Resort in New Mexico. She has always had an interest in cooking and imaginative garnishing, and currently works part-time as a cake decorator. Brandy spends her spare time with her husband (Mike) and sons (Shea and Shawn). She loves to go hiking, skiing, fishing and enjoys painting and running. Sandra Furge, MA, Client Services Assistant
Sandra joined Project Angel Heart as Client Services Assistant in March of 2009. Previously, she enjoyed an 18-year career in corporate human resources. Her HR experience was concentrated in the entertainment industry in New York City, most notably at Radio City Music Hall, where she was Senior Vice President of HR and Administration. Sandra left corporate business in the mid 1990’s and relocated to the Florida Keys. From there she traveled extensively throughout Africa, India and North America. After several trips to the West, she relocated to Colorado. Following her passion, Sandra decided to return to college and pursue an advanced degree in Psychology. Combining her spiritual and mind-body interests, she completed the 3-year Transpersonal Psychology program at Naropa University in Boulder and received an MA degree in May 2008. Sandra is in the process of building a part-time psychotherapy practice in the Boulder area, where she works with clients experiencing chronic illness, grief/loss, and life transitions. She teaches mindfulness on both a group and individual basis. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family: Bob (her spouse of 38 years), daughter Allison, granddaughter Ella, and two Cocker Spaniels, Riley and Ruby. Leanne Loewenthal, MSW, Director of Client Services
Leanne was born in England. Her family moved to New Jersey in 1978 and has lived there ever since. Leanne attended Alfred University, where she majored in studio art and minored in art history. Following graduation, Leanne worked at the Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City. As the Assistant Museum Educator for Gallery Education Programs, she worked with museum volunteers and tour groups. In 2002, Leanne moved to Denver to attend the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. She graduated in June 2004. Leanne joined the PAH staff in June 2004 as Client Services Coordinator, and became the Director of Client Services in 2007. Leanne enjoys cooking, reading and following sports (especially the New York Yankees). She lives in Denver with her husband George, their daughter, Sophia, and their miniature schnauzer, Charlotte. CulinaryLiz Dymond, Morning Kitchen Assistant
Elizabeth is a native of Colorado. She started working for Project Angel Heart in January 2006. Elizabeth attended a parochial school and later Denver Public Schools and is a graduate of West High School. After graduation, she worked in a variety of nursing Homes in Lakewood as a kitchen helper. While married, Elizabeth was the primary care giver for her older son who was handicapped. He was on dialysis and passed away in 2001. Elizabeth was raised a Roman Catholic and still attends church. She enjoys working with others and is an attentive worker with a great personality. She is quiet, friendly and very patient. Elizabeth spends her spare time caring for her young son, sight-seeing at old historic buildings and houses, and listening to Spanish music.
Chef Jon Emanuel has been cooking since he was in kindergarten. He was taught knife and cooking skills at a very early age by his father, who learned his skills from a former Chinese chef. Jon continued cooking throughout high school and college, then trained at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He then worked in many great kitchens including Roy’s at Pebble Beach, San Francisco 49er owned Sports City Café and Marriott hotels. His first Executive Chef position was at the Glacier Bay Country Inn, a wildlife and fishing resort in remote Alaska. Jon’s most recent Executive Chef position before coming to Project Angel Heart was with the United States Antarctic Program as Executive Chef of South Pole Station, Antarctica, where he made seven deployments over six years to the South Pole. In addition, Jon has recently been a food services consultant for Lockheed Martin and is currently a Chef-Instructor at Metropolitan State College of Denver. Jon has appeared in such publications as “Food and Wine,” “Saveur” and the New York Times, done several spots on public radio, been a featured chef on the PBS series “Country Inn Cooking with Gail Greco,” appeared on segments for ESPN and National Geographic television, and authored a cookbook and countless food-related articles. He is also a former board member of Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline Colorado, an anti-hunger non-profit group. Additionally, Jon is the founder and organizer of the Denver Adventurous Eaters Club, a group dedicated to the eating, cooking and promoting of bizarre and unusual cuisine. Jon lives in northwest Denver with his wife, Penny, and their two French bulldogs, Cosmo and Olive. In his spare time Jon enjoys playing the bass, reading, seeing movies, bike riding, barbecuing, and heading out of town to camp and fish.
John began as a volunteer with Project Angel Heart and then joined the staff in August of 2007. John is a New York native but has lived in Colorado since the age of four. He began cooking as child while spending time with his mother, a wonderful cook and recipe improviser. His free time was often spent reading cookbooks and experimenting in the kitchen, alternately to the delight and chagrin of his parents. During high school, John’s first job was at a greasy diner where he learned to flip fried eggs in the pan. Since then he has worked in a mottled assortment of establishments – most memorably a several-year stint at Wooglin’s, a Colorado Springs institution of laid-back, homemade fare. In 2006, John attended the Cook Street School of Fine Cooking where he studied the styles and techniques of classical cuisine. John shares a sweet condo in the Baker neighborhood with his female associate, Erin, and their two cats, Dudley and Susan. Recreationally, John enjoys cooking, reading, bicycling, making music-like sounds with his voice and keyboard, and watching Star Trek: The Next Generation. Jason Medrano, Special Diets Chef
Jason is originally from Topeka, Kansas, and moved to Denver when he was nine years old. After graduating from Arapahoe High School in 1999, he attended the Art Institute of Colorado in Denver. Jason is currently working towards his Bachelor’s Degree in Chicano Studies with a minor in Nutrition at Metropolitan State College. Jason was the head line-cook at ‘The Shack Restaurant & Bar’ for four years, serving bar-and-grill-type food. He has also done temporary work for various catering companies and restaurants. Needing a change, Jason joined the Project Angel Heart staff in the fall of 2002. He truly enjoys working with this staff and especially loves interacting with the volunteers. Due to personal experiences, Jason is very dedicated to the mission of Project Angel Heart. At a very early age, Jason learned that the nonprofit world is where he belongs. Jason enjoys being active, whether it is here in town or up in the mountains. His addiction to live music tends to empty his bank account. He loves to cook, spend time with friends and family, spread positive energy, and creatively express himself any way possible. He enjoys nothing more, however, than rooting for the best team ever— the Kansas City Chiefs.
Summer joined the Project Angel Heart team in June 2008. She grew up in Aurora, Nebraska, and Brookville, Ohio, where her family had a hobby farm. They raised paint horses and had many pets, including Dobermans, lop-eared rabbits, ducks, and cats. She attend Ball State University and then transferred to Johnson & Wales in Charleston, South Carolina. (She says that living six minutes from the beach does something profound to one’s soul after a lifetime of growing up in the Midwest.) In 1999, Summer graduated with honors and degrees in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. In 1999, Summer moved to Colorado Springs. Her family had already spent the last several summers at a cabin in Gunnison, so it was no surprise when, three years after Summer moved out to Colorado, all of her family members joined her. Her parents now live in Black Forest for the winter and Gunnison for the summer. In 2002, the Colorado Springs restaurant where Summer was working suddenly closed its doors. So she sold her house and embarked on a torrid adventure full of misguided decisions. At the end of it all, she ended up in Denver, working at the Denver Country Club. There, she learned exactly what she was made of: rocks, crazy glue and turkey jerky. She also met her now-husband, Chris. But after five years and a lot of soul searching, she decided it was time to move on. She felt like something nobler was calling her name, and that is how she found Project Angel Heart. DevelopmentMindy Davidson, Director of Development
Mindy began working at Project Angel Heart in April 2006 as the Development Officer and advanced to Development Director by September 2006. Prior to coming to Project Angel Heart, Mindy worked with Arapahoe House for 4 ½ years, starting as the Development Assistant, graduating to the Development Coordinator and finally becoming the Foundation and Corporate Relations Manager. Her fundraising for drug and alcohol treatment included grant writing, corporate and foundation relations, event and volunteer coordination, annual giving, community outreach, and donor stewardship. Mindy was born in Colorado but raised a Nebraskan. Her blood truly runs RED. She studied culinary arts straight out of high school and is currently studying for a degree in communications from Regis University School for Professional Studies. Mindy’s culinary background includes catering and restaurant management. She is happy to be back in the land of the commercial kitchen. Mindy has lived in the metro-Denver area off and on for 28 years, with a few stints in Texas. She enjoys shopping, reading, night and daytime TV (including Broncos and Cornhusker games), and spending time with family and friends. Heather Kopas, MSSA, Development Coordinator
Heather joined Project Angel Heart's Development department in February 2008. Heather moved back to the Denver area after graduating from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) with a master's in Social Administration. Her background includes 20 years of non-profit work, both as an employee and as a volunteer. Her favorite phrase can be found on her office wall: “Move beyond the emotions of sympathy to the actions of compassion.” Heather is married and is and an adoptive pet owner to two adorable dogs, Max and Harley. She enjoys crafts, hiking, and reading suspense, historical fiction, and spiritual books. Heather and her husband enjoy four-wheeling in their Jeep and taking their dogs to the local dog park. Jessica Shoemaker, Events Coordinator
Jessica joined Project Angel Heart’s staff in September of 2009 as Events Coordinator. In this role, she manages, oversees, and coordinates all aspects of Project Angel Heart’s fundraising events. Jessica came to Project Angel Heart after living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for five years. While in Florida Jessica worked in Alumni Relations at Nova Southeastern University and as a Director of Events and Marketing at Deliver the Dream, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides retreats to families experiencing serious illness or crisis. She received her B.S. in Business Administration from Colorado State University. Jessica was born and raised in Littleton and is happy to have returned to Colorful Colorado. Outside of work, she spends most of her time with her husband and two-and-a-half year old Golden doodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle mix). She also enjoys biking, hiking, camping and spending time with friends and family. LaKeasha Smith, Public and Community Relations Coordinator
LaKeasha joined the Project Angel Heart staff in July 2008. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Journalism and Public Relations at Colorado State University, she moved to Boston, MA, to tackle graduate studies in Global Marketing Communications and Advertising. LaKeasha has worked with a multi-national communications firm, the Marriott, and has run a small, at-home business. Her true passion, however, is helping to make a difference in the lives of others. As a life-member of the service organization Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), LaKeasha assists underserved groups through service initiatives, social-issues education, sponsorships, and hands-on community programs. She has also participated as a small-group facilitator for the Women of Truth Bible Study at her church. Her favorite activities include: spending time with her beautiful four-year-old daughter, Jaida, and husband, Kenneth; eating exotic foods; and traveling. One of her favorite places to visit is New Orleans, where she enjoys the local cuisine and the eclectic live music. Distribution DepartmentKris Call, Distribution Coordinator
Kris joined Project Angel Heart in 2009 as part-time Distribution Coordinator. Kris has worked in circulation and distribution for over 7 years, most recently as Sales Manager for a National Distribution Company. Kris also works as an Executive Administrator for a youth lacrosse league and runs a candle business she started with her husband almost 15 years ago.Kris was born in California. Her parents moved the family to Canada for a couple of years and then (in 1976) decided to call Colorado home. Kris grew up experiencing all the abundant activities that Colorado has to offer, including camping, fishing, four-wheeling, skiing for the US Ski Team, and competitive soccer. Kris’ parents bought a second house and two stores in Leadville, CO, and at 12 years old, Kris started working behind the cash register at her parents’ businesses. Kris has 2 daughters, 3 step-daughters, and 1 grandson and enjoys spending every moment she can with her large family. She coached youth basketball for 10 years and worked with Dalmatian Rescue for 5 years. She spends her spare time helping other women with their businesses, coordinating fundraising events, volunteering at her daughters’ school, working in the yard and around her pond, camping, fishing, watching reality television, and working on her website. Jason Fox, Distribution Driver Jason Fox
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Sandy Nagler, MSM
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Sandy has been with Project Angel Heart since 1998. In her current role as Program Director, she supports the Kitchen, Volunteer Resources, Client Services and Distribution departments while overseeing aspects of direct services to our clients and assisting in managing the agency’s strategic growth.
Born and raised in Michigan, Sandy moved to Denver in 1994 after completing her undergrad studies at Kalamazoo College. She has been working in human services ever since. She enjoys outdoor pursuits, discovering new music, watching movies and professional hockey, cooking, trivia, and spending time with friends. She is the proud auntie of six nieces and nephews. After recently completing a graduate degree in Management from the University of Colorado at Denver, she is delighted to have time to read for pleasure again (especially the Onion).
Humbled by the type and amount of efforts volunteers dedicate to Project Angel Heart’s mission, Sandy’s favorite part about working here is being a small part of a team of hundreds, dedicated to making sure people living with life-threatening illness benefit from nutritious meals made with love!
Volunteer Resources
Kyle Backlund, Volunteer Liaison
Kyle Backlund
Volunteer and Event Liaison
303-830-0202 x28
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Bio and photo coming soon
Anne Treacy, Volunteer Resources Coordinator
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Anne Treacy
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Anne joined Project Angel Heart in August 2007 as the Volunteer Resources Coordinator. A Chicago native, Anne lived in Salt Lake City for 2 years before moving to Denver in January 2000. She holds a Bachelors degree in English with a minor in Spanish from The University of Iowa. She has been an active volunteer for many years with various organizations, including Project Angel Heart.
In her previous life she worked in software development, but major layoffs prompted some reevaluation, and she decided to make volunteering more than just a pastime. Anne joined AmeriCorps and spent a year mentoring teens, doing community outreach, and working with volunteers at East Denver Family to Family. When that year came to a close, she was thrilled to join the Project Angel Heart family!
Anne enjoys skiing, camping, hiking, reading, wandering, and bluegrass music festivals. At the end of the day she goes home to two cats, a dog, and myriad home-improvement projects. She believes in: knowing your neighbors, using what you have, doing what you can, shopping locally, family, ghosts, volunteering, grassroots efforts, mending fences, poetic license, celebrating, leaving a small footprint, taking the scenic route, rules of thumb, going all out, letting people merge in front of you on the freeway, synchronicity, talking to strangers, and making your birthday last a week. She has finally learned to leave the rake pointy-side down.
Sean Wolfe, Director of Volunteer Resources
Sean Wolfe
Director of Volunteer Resources
303-830-0202 x16
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If you're interested in joining our team, please see our employment opportunities.