Diana Joined Scholars Unlimited in July, 2017. She was already a fan of the organization: in her prior role as Director of Early Learning and Education at Mile High United Way, Diana monitored the work of 32 partner agencies -- including Scholars Unlimited -- and developed a keen appreciation of Scholars Unlimited's literacy intervention programs. Diana holds a bachelors degree in International Affairs from the University of Colorado at Denver; earned a Masters of Nonprofit Management from Regis University; and was recently awarded her Ph.D. in Education, Leadership and Policy Studies from the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. Diana recalls that as a young child, her favorite storybook was Old Hat, New Hat because it was silly (and frilly), and she cherishes The Giving Tree -- "a beautiful book with a meaningful story."

Linda was an elementary teacher in Denver Public Schools for 28 years, then joined the district as a literacy specialist. In that role, she developed curriculum and provided training, mentoring and coaching to DPS teachers. She has been with Scholars Unlimited since October 2005. As a young child, her favorite book was The Little Engine That Could.

Prior to joining Scholars Unlimited in October 1999, Jennifer worked for Denver Public Schools as the Program Coordinator for Community Schools, within the Department of Extended Learning. Jennifer says, “As a wee child, I loved the book Millions and Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag.”

Joel’s work with Scholars Unlimited’s students began when he was a recreation instructor with Denver’s Department of Parks and Recreation. He was hired by Scholars Unlimited in March 2008 as a Site Coordinator. As a young reader, his favorite book was Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle.

A native of Colorado, Kelly earned her bachelor's degree in psychology at CU Boulder. Shortly after beginning her professional career, Kelly landed a position in the development department at the Colorado Ballet -- and quickly decided she had discovered her career path. Kelly joined Scholars Unlimited in September, 2016. As a young reader, she read To Kill A Mockingbird -- and it remains one of her all-time favorite books because of Atticus' commitment to justice for all.

Sherry came to Scholars Unlimited in April 2009 with a broad range of skills and experience: She was a CPA with Ernst & Young, worked as a business analyst and program manager in the IT/software development field, and was a business consultant for American Management Systems (now CGI). A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is the book she remembers most fondly from her childhood.

Michael joined Scholars Unlimited as a business intern in February 2009 – but within two months, he was on the payroll as our data entry specialist. Since summer 2012, he has overseen all data collection and outcomes reporting. As a young reader, his favorite book was A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle.

Jennie started as Program Director in January 2017 -- but this isn't her first stint with Scholars Unlimited. She joined our organization in 2007 as a Youth Development Instructor, then served as a Site Coordinator at several sites. In 2010, she was promoted to a Program Specialist position, where she worked until leaving us for a Senior Supervisor position with Denver Public Schools' Department of Extended Learning. Jennie is a return Peace Corps volunteer, having served in Vanuatu as a teacher trainer. Jennie holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with an emphasis in elementary education. She recalls that as a child, her favorite book was The Giving Tree "because it was comforting to me."

Patrick planned to have a career in the non-profit sector, and just happened to land a job with Playworks after graduating from the University of California-Davis. At Playworks, he quickly discovered that the youth development field is his passion. He joined Scholars Unlimited in November 2014. As a young reader, Patrick’s favorite book was The Giver by Lois Lowry.

As an Americorps volunteer in Washington state, Patrick worked in the On Track program, guiding at-risk high school students to get them on track for graduation. After moving to Denver, he joined DPS as a para-professional at Dora Moore K-8 school — and began working in the Scholars After School program, as well. He was named a site coordinator in 2012. Hoop Dreams was Patrick’s favorite book as a young reader.