ALIGN - Key Persons
Aaron leads Align's work with the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), a federally-funded program that helps low and fixed income families and individuals pay home heating bills. His role includes coordinating program management services, communicating with the State and software vendors, improving processes while better serving our clients. A Wyoming native, Aaron brings nearly a decade of digital marketing experience with a large Internet retailer. He is an avid supporter of Wyoming Cowboys sports teams and enjoys to golf in his free time.
Education
BS, Marketing. University of Wyoming
Adam brings to Align 25 years professional information technology experience. He is responsible for all aspects of Align's technology infrastructure from physical networks to cloud management and future planning. An antiquarian and bibliophile, Adam also enjoys spelunking, continuing one of the longest Ingress hacking streaks in the world, and peregrination. He is a former world record holder for the high score in iFRAC, a 3-D Tetris® game!
Located in Casper, Wyoming, Anna started in April of 2022 to serve exclusively as the Director of Learning and Development for the Wyoming Nonprofit Network and providing learning opportunities for nonprofits mainly in Natrona County. In January 2024, she transitioned into a consultant position for the Align Team and was able to open her expertise to nonprofits across the entire state. She is always looking for a challenge and considers her biggest accomplishment in life thus far was preparing a community to double in size for 5 days surrounding two minutes and forty-six seconds in the sky as the Executive Director of the Wyoming Eclipse Festival in 2017. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring her big Wyoming backyard with her two doggos Rivers Cuomo and Pinkerton.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of the Wyoming Economic Development Association
- WEDA Executive Director
Brett joined The Align Team as Executive Director of the Wyoming Economic Development Association in 2024, having most recently worked at the University of Wyoming's Business Incubator. Prior to that, Brett worked in development for UW, and held various roles in state and federal agencies. A Wyoming native, Brett earned his bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Wyoming. He is passionate about enhancing this great state and expanding the opportunities it provides.
In addition to working with WEDA, Brett also serves on the City of Laramie Parks, Tree, & Recreation Advisory Board, the Laramie Plains Civic Center Board of Directors, and the American Legion Wyoming Boys' State Board of Directors.
Education
BA, Communication, University of Wyoming
Brittany Ashby - Managing Director, President
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- President
In 2004, Brittany brought her passion for organizational improvement and community development to the table as one of the founders of Align. Since then, Brittany has specialized in human resources, organizational improvement and community development. Brittany brings an extensive knowledge and understanding of the most effective ways to work and communicate with organizations and communities, large and small. She is uniquely effective in bringing people together, building consensus, and moving projects and programs forward. With a keen sense of how leadership roles and organizations impact and shape the arenas they operate in, Brittany has developed strategies to improve work environments and communities throughout the region. Her skilled approach began with her heritage. Brittany grew up on a farm in eastern Colorado which prides itself in coming together for the betterment of its citizens. When not facilitating or driving program success, Brittany can be found running her children to dance or volleyball and volunteering in the community. She is currently on the Laramie County School District #1 (LCSD1) Board of Trustees and is an active member of the Cheyenne Rotary Club.
Carole joined the team in May of 2023 to help round out our growing Associations division. She has a background in psychology and experience with committees and event planning through her involvement with the Mental Health Awareness Week and Body Image Awareness Week committees on campus. Carole grew up in a home that valued non-profits and volunteered at the American Red Cross in her teens, and Habitat for Humanity as a young adult. She lived in Laramie with her husband and two children. She enjoys volunteering at a horse rescue and going to her kids' concerts, plays, sports, and other activities. Carole is also a self-published author and illustrator of a children's book. She loves to write and draw in her down time.
Education
BA, University of Wyoming
Cheri joins The Align Team as a Program Coordinator for the LIEAP Program. Cheri contributes to the team with her extensive customer service background and exceptional communication skills and approaches client issues with a blend of compassion and humor, drawing on over a decade of experience in contract management and project coordination. Raised in Wyoming, she understands the unique challenges of rural living and is committed to providing assistance and information to communities in our state. When she's not fully engaged with The Align Team, Cheri enjoys adventures with her cherished friends and family. She has a deep passion for outdoor activities that involve live music, water, sand, and sunshine-all at once. Cheri is a devoted mother to a wonderful son and two adored "golden" children, Princess Hope and Sir Chancelot.
Deana has been with Align since 2004 and serves as the team's accounting manager and is also the dedicated point of contact and program coordinator for the Wyoming Community College Commission, a position from which she is able to help students in the state of Wyoming realize their educational goals. In her downtime Deana loves being a grandmother to her grandson, enjoys watching basketball, and travels whenever possible.
Deseray joined The Align Team in October of 2022 as a Program Specialist. Most of her time is dedicated to processing applications and helping the client community navigate their way through the LIEAP program. When she's not at the office, Deseray's passion for the outdoors and softball keeps her busy throughout the summer as a girls' youth softball coach. Born in Greeley but raised in Cheyenne, she loves spending quality time with her extended family, her amazing new daughter and two energetic dogs, Red Simba and Duke.
Since coming on board in 2018, Dorene has become an essential member of the Align Team, providing support to multiple clients. Whether it's answering phone inquiries regarding the STARS registry or walking LIEAP clients through the application process, Dorene's patience and attention to detail are outstanding. A Cheyenne native, you can find Dorene traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family, husband, 2 children & 4 Schnauzers. They enjoy spending time in the mountains, camping and watching football… Go Denver Broncos!
Job Titles:
- Client Services and Operations Specialist, HR Generalist
Elizabeth joined Align in 2021, initially as a Client Services and Operations Specialist, and recently adding the role of HR Generalist. Within this capacity, Elizabeth undertakes a diverse range of responsibilities for the team, spanning from recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new talent, to managing employee benefits, and maintaining meticulous records. She is dedicated to fostering employee development and nurturing positive relations within the team. Leveraging her strong communication skills, Elizabeth ensures that every team member is equipped with the necessary tools for success. Additionally, she extends support to Align's executive team and operations. Outside of work, Elizabeth finds joy in spending quality time with her loved ones and indulging in outdoor activities such as camping, biking, and enjoying as many warm-weather adventures as possible.
Education
BAS, Organizational Leadership. University of Wyoming
Erika rejoined The Align Team in August of 2022. Highly trained as a Program Specialist from 2019 through 2021 with the Team, Erika's main time will be spent assisting with the LIEAP program. With her impeccable customer service skills and bilingual abilities, the community benefits greatly from her commitment to excellence in this role. Erika loves being active in her church and singing as well as the non-stop watching of trending TikTok dance videos. Family is everything to Erika so it's no wonder she enjoys spending much of her free time with her extended family but especially with her busy, athletic pre-teen daughter and two adorable toddlers.
Gay Woodhouse is a Wyoming native, born and raised in the Torrington community. She received her B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Wyoming. She practiced law for the past 44 years in Wyoming. She has worked in private practice, as an Assistant Attorney General, an Assistant United States Attorney, Chief Deputy Attorney General and Wyoming's first female Attorney General. In 2001 she started her own solo practice of law Cheyenne. Over the years the Firm has grown with partners, Deborah Roden and Tara Nethercott and in 2022 with Katye Ames and Christopher Brennan with a Firm change to Woodhouse Roden Ames & Brennan. She was elected to serve on the Judicial Nominating Commission and has served as Wyoming State Bar Commissioner and President. In 2008 she was elected Laramie County Commissioner where she served for 4 years. She is involved in numerous non-profit boards including the Wyoming Senior Olympics, United Way of Laramie County, Wyoming Professional Assistance Program Board of Directors, Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation and others. She is an avid competitive road cyclist and enjoys water skiing, scuba diving, working out, yoga, and acrylic painting. She is married to Randy, has two sons, Dustin and Houston and two grandchildren, Makenzie and Austin.
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator
- in 2022 As a Program Coordinator
Jeannie joined The Align Team in 2022 as a Program Coordinator working on grant disbursement programs that aim to reduce health disparities in Wyoming as they relate to COVID-19. Jeannie has spent her entire career in the Non-Profit sector working on everything from collective bargaining with law enforcement agencies to facilitating change and growth in the Internet Policy sector. Jeannie's expertise lies in program design, strategic and operational planning, working group facilitation, and measurement methodologies. Jeannie enjoys collecting stamps in her passport (39 and counting!), supporting women in STEM, and beating her husband, Justin, at board games. She lives in Cheyenne where she and Justin are the proud parents of an old toothless cat named Rory, a neurotic rescue mutt named Khaleesi, and a 75lb Bernedoodle named Wally who has never had a bad day in his life.
Education
B.A. English - Concentration in Creative Writing
Jennifer joins the Align Team as a Program Coordinator for Early Childhood. With a passion for the early childhood system and community partnerships, Jennifer uses her experiences as an educator and administrator of non-profit programs to facilitate and implement changes which promote program empowerment, professional growth, and coordination of quality early care and education systems across the state. Jennifer and her husband Andrew are parents to three teenagers: Gaige, Madison, and Daxton. She and her husband own a bike and ice cream shop in Pinedale, Wyoming. Jennifer makes it a priority to enjoy time with her family and has personal interest in camping, cross country skiing and cooking. When she is not on the stream fly fishing, Jennifer enjoys volunteering in her community.
Education
B.A., Elementary Education with emphasis in Early Childhood. University of Wyoming
Certified Program Manager
Jenny joined the Align Team as Human Resources Director and Consultant in 2022, and one of her greatest joys is helping others succeed. Jenny's passion for helping others succeed led to a career in higher education leadership, human resources, and training & development. She brings knowledge of leadership and learning theory and excels at putting theory into practice. She uses her strong computer skills to develop efficient and effective processes and engaging training. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys her family, the great outdoors, and singing. She is a member of Cheyenne Rotary After Hours and sings in choirs in the Cheyenne community.
Kathy Cathcart - Managing Director, President
Job Titles:
- Chief Transition Officer
- Managing Director
- President
- Member of Zonta International
Kathy was a member of the leadership team that developed the concept of Align. Known as a master of efficiency and a skilled team leader, Kathy was instrumental in structuring the organization. Her strengths have helped numerous clients evolve into more efficient, effective, improved organizations. Kathy is effective in bringing people together, one-on-one or in groups. Coaching and mentoring are a passion for her. Building consensus and strengthening teams one relationship at a time. Holding tight to her core values her approach is open, honest communication. Kathy believes there is more than one way to attain objectives and has a unique perspective on events, people, and situations. She enjoys process mapping, assisting others to find new methods for performing tasks, operating processes, and reaching goals.
Born and raised in Wyoming, Kathy earned a bachelor's degree in Management and Human Resources from Park University. Kathy was the honored recipient of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Women's Leadership Award in 2020. Her actions around Cheyenne's COVID-19 response, civic and community engagement were the basis for this prestigious award.
Kathy is an active member of Zonta International whose mission is to improve the status of women through service and advocacy. She has served as club President and Treasurer. She has also held positions at the Zonta District 12 level as area director and secretary. She served as a board member and chair of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.
In her spare time, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and grandchildren. She also loves going to her grandchildren's activities and sporting events, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time on the beach.
Kathy began her career in banking, and was a member of the leadership team that developed the concept of Align. Known as a master of efficiency and a skilled team leader, Kathy was instrumental in structuring the organization. Her strengths have helped numerous clients evolve into more efficient, effective, improved organizations, and have helped define Align. Born and raised in Wyoming, Kathy earned a bachelors degree in Human Resources from Park University. She serves on the board of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with Zonta International and the Comea Resource Center.
Job Titles:
- Client Services and Operations Specialist
Kristie joined Align in August 2019. In January of 2021, she took on the role of Client Services and Operations Specialist. In this position, Kristie provides support for the consulting branch of The Align Team helping with the collaborative facilitation of Plans of Safe Care with the Wyoming Dept of Health, administrative support for the Cheyenne Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board, and other client services. Kristie also provides support to The Align Team's executive team and operations. In addition to her various client services and as part of her operations duties, she helps coordinate the company's internal PR activities. When she is not bringing the "fun factor" to the office culture, Kristie is an active member of Zonta Club of Cheyenne and "tries" to be the avid. self-taught painter she strives to be. She and her husband enjoy all things travel, hiking and kayaking and are proud parents to their wheaten terrier Wil O'Wheaten-Wilson.
Education
BS, Business Management. University of Phoenix
Laura Bump joined The Align Team in March of 2022 as the Financial Director and is now Vice President of Internal Operations. Laura has worked in public and nonprofit accounting in Cheyenne since 2009 and brings her extensive experience in finance and administration to The Align Team. Laura is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Wyoming Society of CPAs. Outside of work, Laura enjoys reading books, cooking, traveling, and playing golf, and spends her free time hanging out with her pup Lucy and her husband.
Education
BS Accounting, University of Wyoming
MS Accounting, University of Wyoming
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board
- Treasurer
Michele DeHoff was raised in Laramie County, attending K-12 in Pine Bluffs. She earned a bachelor's degree in Finance with minors in Accounting as well as Banking and Financial Services in 1999 from the University of Wyoming. She then joined the Wyoming Division of Banking as a Bank Examiner, learning a great deal about banking operations. She left the banking industry briefly to try her hand at traveling sales while seeing much of the great State of Wyoming. She returned to banking as a Credit Analyst in 2004 and was soon promoted to the Commercial Lender. In 2015, Michele joined the Commercial Lending Team at Jonah Bank. She is a proud graduate of Leadership Cheyenne, the Colorado Graduate School of Banking and, most recently, Leadership Wyoming. She has a passion for serving nonprofits and volunteering in her community. She has served in leadership roles for local nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Club of Cheyenne, Wyoming 2-1-1, Junior Leadership of Laramie County, the Early Education Partnership and the Cheyenne Family YMCA. Michele is a founding member of a nationwide nonprofit, Funding the Future, which seeks to improve access to financial literacy education for America's youth. She also seeks every opportunity to mentor youth in DECA and FBLA, as well as college students participating in entrepreneurship competitions. More than anything, Michele and her husband Tom enjoy raising their four children, MacKenzie, Luke, Marcus and Mason, in Wyoming. They love supporting their kids' activities, traveling, hiking and exploring.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Wyoming with minors in Accounting and Banking and Financial Services
Patty joined the Align team in April 2021 as a Program Specialist working with the LIEAP and STARS programs. A Cheyenne native who has lived in several parts of the country including Alaska twice, Patty's years of experience in administrative work, makes her a valuable member of the Align team. When not in the office, Patty enjoys crafting, spending time with her husband and five children and watching the Colorado Rockies.
Sara joined the Align Team in October of 2023 as a Program Specialist with the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Sara has a passion for providing services and support to the client communities that are served by LIEAP. She is a North Dakota native and is currently an Active-Duty Air Force Spouse stationed at FE Warren Air Force Base with her husband and children. Prior to coming to Wyoming, they were stationed at the Royal Air Force Base in Mildenhall, England for 4 years. During that time, Sara had the opportunity to travel to Scottland, France, Belgium, and Spain. Sara has three teenagers at home that keep her busy! In her limited free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes watching Kansas City Chiefs football games, going to movies. and taking their two Cavapoo dogs for walks.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Minot State University
Job Titles:
- Client Services and Operations Specialist
Sarah joined The Align Team in September of 2021. She was brought on as a Client Services and Operations Specialist in March 2023. In her role, Sarah mainly supports the Preschool Development Grant, bringing with her a wide range of skills and knowledge. Sarah also provides support to Align's executive team and operations. Sarah's work in the non-profit sector is motivated by her compassion for others, which she often demonstrates through mental health awareness and advocacy. She uses her background in psychology to assist the Governor's office in its efforts to address Wyoming's mental health crisis, most notably through the Governor's Mental Health Summit. Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, with much of her downtime spent with her life partner and their rescue cat. She can often be found crafting, hiking, or trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Education
BS, Psychology. University of Wyoming
BA, Sociology. University of Wyoming
Shannon joined The Align Team in April 2021 as a Program Specialist, assisting with the LIEAP and STARS programs. Shannon's passion to serve her community is evidenced by her more than six years working in the non-profit sector. When she is not taking classes at LCCC working towards her Associates in Business and Accounting, she spends her free enjoying time with her husband, son and family, as well as volunteering at the local homeless shelter.
Shawn Reese was born in Cheyenne. After graduating from Central High School, he attended the University of Wyoming and received a BS in Sociology and Master's work in Planning. He married Amiee Case in 1996. Reese's career has been marked by public service and planning and development. In 2003 he began a long tenure with the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) which was then in its infancy. There he developed and grew the Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program. Governor Mead hired Reese in January 2011 to serve as his policy director and energy advisor. In 2014 he returned to the WBC as CEO, overseeing a $34 million-dollar annual budget and 45 employees. In 2019, his wife took a job in her hometown of Laramie as a gift officer for the UW Foundation. Seeing this as an opportune time for change, Reese left the WBC and now is the Chief Operations Officer for Wyoming Humanities, a private, non-profit based in Laramie. Shawn and Amiee have two children, Clara and Owen, both of whom attend the University of Wyoming.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Professional Management Certification, Mountain States Employers Council
Sheila joined the Align Team in 2020. Sheila serves as the teams Vice President as well as program director and consultant for the Wyoming Preschool Development Grant which provides a framework and funding for improving the early childhood system in Wyoming. Upon first meeting Sheila you can tell she is enthusiastic and dynamic. Her laughter is contagious. Add to that a self-motivated professional with exceptional interpersonal communication skills, Sheila is a great addition to the Align Team. She has worked in the public sector for ten years with the honor of formerly serving on the Governor's Early Childhood State Advisory Council, the Military Children's Compact Commission, and the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Board amid many planning and policy workgroups pertaining to early childhood education in Wyoming.
During her downtime Sheila loves spending time with her daughter, family, and friends. She also enjoys reading, cooking, exploring new places, and cultivating cherished memories.
Education
BS, Health Sciences. University of Wyoming
Deseray joined The Align Team in October of 2022 as a Program Specialist. Most of her time is dedicated to processing applications and helping the client community navigate their way through the LIEAP program. When she's not at the office, Deseray's passion for the outdoors and softball keeps her busy throughout the summer as a girls' youth softball coach. Born in Greeley but raised in Cheyenne, she loves spending quality time with her extended family, her amazing new daughter and two energetic dogs, Red Simba and Duke.
Stacy joined the Align team in April 2022 as a Program Specialist working with the LIEAP and STARS programs. A Wyoming transplant, Stacy has spent most of her career in customer service and thrives on assisting others. Outside of work, Stacy loves to read and cross stitch, but more importantly spend time with her husband and three daughters playing board games or walking their two dogs.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President of Consulting
Tiffany is currently the Vice President of Consulting, specializing in strategic planning, teambuilding, coaching, and all things data. Tiffany is a certified CliftonStrengths coach and helps teams and individuals understand and capitalize on their natural talents. She helps teams and individuals set goals, overcome challenges, and ultimately become more successful. Having worked in the fields of research and evaluation since 2003, Tiffany has expertise in survey research, logic modeling, needs assessments, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. In her non-work life, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, two cats, and one dog-and enjoys reading historical fiction, hiking, and working out.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
One of the most well-known faces of our team, Tina has been with Align since 2009 and serves the office in a critical capacity. From arranging travel of team members, securing supplies, to assisting with accounting functions, Tina ensures that our team is operating efficiently and is well-prepared for any project that comes our way. Tina is also the point of contact for Energy Share of Wyoming and provides back up for the Cheyenne-Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board among other duties. Her behind-the-scenes support is what helps Align consultants focus on providing the best client service possible. Tina's favorite pastime is spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Client Services and Operations Specialist
Zach has been a Client Services and Operations Specialist since May 2023 for the Align Team specifically working with the WEDA, WYTA, and SEWBA projects. Growing up in Wyoming, Zach has a strong connection to Wyoming and its communities. He enjoys the outdoors, fitness, famil y, and friends. He considers himself a world traveler having been outside the US a whopping 1 time and seeing South Korea. He has a black belt, he's pretty sure, but we will never know because he hasn't taken any karate classes. He loves adventure and growth and that's what he brings in being part of The Align Team.
Education
Associates Degree, Laramie County Community College
BS: Entrepreneurship, University of Wyoming