Personal Clave

Jack has been with REC since 2018 and has been a part of the team that helped grow REC's services. He has worked with our secondary programming team, served as our programming director, and then transitioned to vice president of programming and operations. Before coming to REC he has worked in the nonprofit world both in his hometown and with a two-year stint in Panama with the Peace Corps. Jack feels he can benefit our students holistically by giving them the opportunity to connect to the outdoors in the beautiful spaces we have around us here in the Grand Valley.

Joy's journey with REC began in 2006 as a grant writer during our founding year. In 2009, she became co-executive director with founder Mary Spirio, and in 2015, she transitioned to the sole executive director role. In May of 2024 Joy decided to depart from the organization. Joy's dedication to the youth of Mesa County and REC leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Susette was born in the Philippines and moved to Grand Junction in 1993. She has ties to REC through her family and has always believed in the importance of academics as the foundation for success in life. Susette’s organizational skills and calm approach to solving any problem make her invaluable at REC.

Landen is from Grand Junction and graduated from Colorado Mesa University in 2019 with a degree in economics and a minor in accounting. Since he enjoyed working with kids, a friend convinced him to work as a REC tutor while studying at CMU. The rest is history. Landen agreed to transition onto our administrative team after graduation. Landen and his accounting skills have been invaluable to REC.

Megan graduated from Colorado Technical University with a BSBA in human resource management. Megan has lived on the Western Slope most of her life. She believes strongly in advocating for others and helping them find their voice.

Jan is a retired elementary school teacher. She taught grades 1-3 for 31 years in School District 51. She is passionate about helping kids reach their potential in school and to become responsible, independent lifelong learners.

Cari and Pam share the role of secondary program director and have worked together for years. Cari grew up in Grand Junction and is a retired middle school ELA teacher. Pam grew up in Iowa and has lived in Grand Junction for the past 36 years. She is also a retired middle school music and social studies teacher. They have a combined total of 60 years teaching for District 51 and are committed to helping all students become active learners and citizens.

Hannah is from Bloomington, Indiana, where she graduated from Indiana University. She has been a swim instructor, a ski instructor (in Germany!), a Girl Scout leader, and a youth program manager at Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. New to the Grand Valley, Hannah enjoys creating community and is excited to combine academics and hands-on, outdoor learning in her work at REC.

Ashley began her journey with REC as a tutor at Orchard Mesa Middle School in 2019. Then, she moved into the role of site program assistant for two years before assuming her current position as Enrichment Coordinator in 2023. Born and raised in Grand Junction, Ashley’s 15 years of experience in various educational and out-of-school-time programs and a degree from South Dakota State University have fueled her passion for helping students succeed. Ashley draws on her strong foundation to make a difference in the lives of students and is thrilled to play a part in building the enrichment program here at REC.