ABOUT US: STAFF
Mary Ann Burdick - Executive Director Mary Ann has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Secondary Education. She has twenty years of experience in management of non-profits. She has worked with at-risk youth for over thirty years in various areas, including alternative education and mentoring programs. Ms. Burdick has extensive experience in program evaluation and implementation. She has been with Metro Denver Partners since 1988.
Francisco (Cisco) Gallardo – Program Director, GRASP Francisco “Cisco” Gallardo assisted in setting the foundation for gangs in Denver. In his teen years, he joined and helped create what has been one of the largest gangs in Denver’s north side. Since that time, after facing a possible 48 years in prison, he has dedicated his life to undoing the damage he helped cause. Over the past 14 years, through his work in the community to redefine respect, power and pride, and by making a commitment to help the youth heal, he has helped countless young people to redefine their own lives.
John Kraft - Program Coordinator, Adams County John has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Fine Arts, and has worked for Metro Denver Partners for over twenty years matching adult volunteers with at-risk youth. John coordinates the Adams County Program, targeting youth, ages 8 to 12, who come from families that have experienced substance abuse. John also matches other youth in our service area and age range of 8 to 17, coming from low-income and poverty situations. John has been with Metro Denver Partners since 1989.
Valerie Kraucunas – Administrative Assistant Valerie graduated from Creighton University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She has 2 years of experience in community development and administrative support, focusing primarily in research and document writing. Valerie joined Metro Denver Partners in October 2009.
Janet Pirchio – Volunteer Coordinator Janet has a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Montclair State University in New Jersey and is certified in Nonprofit Management through Louisiana State University. She recently spent two years in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), serving communities with compelling needs, specifically focusing on rebuilding efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Janet joined Metro Denver Partners in February 2008.
Karen Quinn - Program Coordinator, Adolescent Females Program Karen has an Associate’s Degree in Sociology, and has completed coursework in Juvenile Counseling. Karen has over twenty years of experience working with at-risk youth. She has worked with potential dropouts in job counseling, pre-employment workshops, academic skills, and conflict resolution to help kids become self-sufficient. Karen has extensive experience in case management and volunteer management. She is very involved in the community as well, and regularly works with the Black Round Table, DPS Collaborative Decision Making Team, many PTAs in Northeast Denver schools, and is a block organizer for For Our Kids. Karen has been with Metro Denver Partners since 1995.
Karina Sanchez - Outreach Worker, GRASP Karina is a Denver native and a University of Denver graduate with a degree in Marketing and Finance. She is a former homeless teenager who overcame much adversity and persevered to reach her dreams and goals. She recently joined GRASP to pursue her passion for working with troubled youth throughout Denver and surrounding areas. Karina seeks to encourage and motivate these youth to overcome the dangers of the streets.
Johnny Santos – Outreach Worker, GRASP Johnny currently attends Metropolitan State College and works as an intern for Denver Safe City. He is a former “street” graffiti artist, pursuing a degree in graphic arts and/or human services. Johnny is bilingual English and Spanish, and helps facilitate groups and GRASP’s work with Spanish-speaking parents. He joined GRASP in July, 2006.
Sandi Schoob - Bookkeeper Sandi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Metropolitan State College and a Master’s Degree in Financial Planning from Kansas State University. Sandi has over 18 years of progressive accounting experience managing Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Reconciliations, Grant Accounting, Financial Reporting, Payroll, Fixed Assets and banking relations. She has worked in private, public and non-profit arenas. Sandi joined Metro Denver Partners in July 2007.
Jessica Summers - Program Director, Douglas County/Assistant Director of Development, Denver Jessica has a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations. She has worked with the Partners organization for the past nine years. She served as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Metro Denver Partners in 2001 and became the AmeriCorps Program Director for all Partners affiliates in 2002. In November 2003 she became the Douglas County Program Director. She enjoys working with youth and is excited about expanding the mentoring program in Douglas County. She believes everyone needs a mentor.
Johnnie Williams – Outreach Team Coordinator, GRASP Johnnie is currently working with youth in the community by supplying constructive alternatives to gangs and other destructive activities. He is actively involved within the community, focusing primarily on educating teenagers on gaining and preserving self-respect, finding a positive purpose in life, learning to be more responsible and learning to make good choices as well leaving the gang lifestyle. Johnnie joined Metro Denver Partners in 2008.
Amanda Vigil - Magnet Outreach Worker
Amanda is currently working on her teaching license in Special Education and is concentrating on secondary education. She has worked for the past eleven years with teens in numerous settings as a mentor, coach, and teacher. Her passion is to help young people make positive changes in their lives and develop their skills to maintain positive decisions in the future. She believes that people will rise to the expectations placed upon them, and so she holds high standards for every young person that she comes into contact with.
CONSULTANTS
Ruth Anna - Marketing Consultant Ruth is an experienced executive and public relations practitioner, having over 25 years of diversified experience in private and public arenas with emphasis on project management, public relations consulting, and writing/editing. She counsels executives and directs the public relations functions for various businesses, government agencies, associations, political campaigns, and human service organizations. Ruth’s a graduate of the School of Journalism at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Her emphasis with Metro Denver Partners is in developing marketing strategies to enhance fund raising, improve volunteer recruitment efforts, produce promotional materials, and develop media relations and awareness.