JOVIAL CONCEPTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Mayor Edgewater, 2008 - 2016
Carrie is a fantastic community leader and brings people together to talk about ways to improve all of our lives!
Carrie is currently an engineering mentor at the Colorado School of Mines and is helping Jovial Concepts work with the students to develop sustainable products to help future generations! As a community leader, she always promotes the ideas of peace and ways to create truly sustainable communities.
Job Titles:
- Financial Consultant
- Financial Consultant With Equitable Advisors
Daniel Byrd is a Financial Consultant with Equitable Advisors in Lakewood, Colorado. In this role, he serves his clients by creating investment portfolios with exposure to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Daniel is an alum of University of Denver where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Real Estate from the Daniels College of Business. Throughout his collegiate career, he demonstrated a commitment to community service and continues to be an advocate for education, health, and financial stability as a professional through his efforts in Catalyst Society of the Mile High United Way.
A proud Colorado native, Daniel is an avid history buff (Huzaah!). He also enjoys swimming, racquetball, golf, and any Colorado sports event.
Job Titles:
- Permaculture Theorist and Designer / Deacon Rodda Is a Permaculture Theorist and Designer Who Has Been Working With Social Change Organizations in Denver for the past Two Decades
Deacon has spearheaded localization initiatives, permaculture research and education non-profits, and social benefit business ventures. Right now, Deacon is thrilled to be a part of making Jovial Concepts and The Co-op at 1st Avenue's future fruitful and long.
Emily J. Lauher is a bilingual speech-language therapist in Jeffco public schools. She joined Jovial as a volunteer in 2021 after seeing friends struggle to find fresh food at local food banks. She became a Jovial Board of Directors member in 2023. Emily coordinates the Edgewater Elementary Greenhouse and Learning Garden, guiding extracurricular clubs and supporting teachers who incorporate the gardens into lessons. Garden club kids share produce with classmates and their families. Emily also incorporates the garden into therapy sessions, as it encourages children to open up and express themselves.
Job Titles:
- Founder One Sky, One World
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Jeff Lawhead has a background in city and regional planning. He has interest in cooperative workforce development and co-living communities. Currently, he is a member of the Aria Cohousing Community and the Colorado Solidarity Fund, which invests in cooperative businesses.
John Stolzle is a garden manager and helps coordinate garden activities for Jovial. John received a masters degree in sustainable agriculture from federal university in Brazil and enjoys educating gardeners about stewardship and sustainable garden practices. "What I love most is that we‘re really about bringing gardening to the people, and this is at the heart of Jovial's mission
Job Titles:
- Event Coordinator
- Executive Director
- Founder
- Member of the Board of Directors
Kristina is the founder, event coordinator, and head organizer of Jovial Concepts.
After completing a four year degree in Philosophy and joining the working world, Kristina quickly realized that her aspirations are fixed in a life devoted to community service, education, and sharing in the joy of others.
Noah Falsetti is a Community Garden Leader for Jovial Concepts. Noah is in his second year with Jovial as a Garden Leader and is looking forward to several more growing seasons and whatever else Jovial has to offer in the future! Noah has a degree in geography and environmental studies and has been gardening his entire life. He also works as a veterinarian assistant at a pet hospital in Denver! Noah is thrilled to be able to use his knowledge and experience to help give back to the Denver community in such an important way.
Paige Burns is one of the Garden Managers and School Liaison at Jovial. She has always had a passion for nature, with a particular interest in plants which is why she and Jovial were simply meant-to-be. Paige started with Jovial as a volunteer in 2014, which led her to her current role as Garden Manager and School Liaison. Paige strongly believes in Jovial's mission and has a strong passion for working with kids. Paige is originally from Oklahoma, where her family still resides. She currently lives in the mountains with her husband, 4 dogs and a cat. She loves Colorado, hiking, yoga, and dancing her butt off at concerts. A master of networking, lover of plants and queen of all everything.
Vincent Harrington has a background in environmental biology and currently works as a civil engineer in Denver. Vincent was excited to join Jovial Concepts both to get first hand gardening experience and to give back to the community.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Yvonne is in charge of the book keeping and funds management for Jovial Concepts.
Yvonne was educated as a Nurse in the US Women's Army Corp, but she excels as an accountant, book keeper, and board member. She currently owns/operates a successful watercraft and condo rental company.