ALTERNATIVE HOMES FOR YOUTH - Key Persons
Charlotte Cotter has a Master's Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from the University of Denver. Charlotte earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science with a double minor in Law and Sociology. Charlotte comes to Alternative Homes for Youth with experience in acute psychiatric care for adolescents, drugs and alcohol, suicidality, and trauma. Charlotte completed two internships: one at Denver Health and another within Denver Public Schools prior to joining the team at AHFY in 2017. Charlotte utilizes a strengths-based and client-centered approach when working with youth and their families to empower them in achieving their goals.
Job Titles:
- Director of Training and Staff Development
Emily Griffith received her Bachelor's degree in Human Services, emphasis in Community Rehabilitation from the University of Northern Colorado. Mrs. Griffith began her career with Alternative Homes for Youth in 2010 as an Intern then was hired as Direct Care staff for the Post Graduate Program. She was then promoted to leadership team and is also the agency's Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Trainer. Mrs. Griffith oversees the program for Post Graduate clients that are beginning their reintegration into the community by attending college, practicing sober living, developing life skills, and creating new community connections. She is the agency's liaison with many community collaborations including Weld Food Bank, Wise Acres and Aims Community College.
Job Titles:
- Support Services Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Front End Program Manager
- Support Staff
Kimberly Wallace earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado in 2004 and her Master's degree in Psychology at Walden University in 2013. Ms. Wallace has been working with juveniles for over 17 years. Kimberly has worked for Alternative Homes for Youth since 2005 in various capacities including Youth Advisor, Team Lead, Supervisor and her current position, Case Manager. Through the past several years Ms. Wallace has expanded her expertise by offering support services for youth transitioning to independent living. Her program is outlined in the Outpatient Services tab. Kimberly was promoted to Program Manager in March of 2022.
Lydia graduated in August 2021 with her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regis University and has a Bachelor's Degree in Literature and Classics. She sees counseling as the process of telling our stories, knowing ourselves more fully, and practicing more skillful coping that can help us live in alignment with our values. Lydia brings her experience mentoring young adults and providing clinical care to adolescents and individuals in recovery from substance use, and approaches her work with a compassionate, collaborative stance.
Mike Phillips joined AHFY in June 2014 to serve as the CFO/Business Manager for the Organization. Prior to joining AHFY, Mr. Phillips spent many years in banking providing trust and investment management services in Colorado, Arizona and California. Mr. Phillips graduated from the University of Colorado, moved to Greeley in 1987, and has served on numerous community and non-profit boards.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Professional Counselor and Certified Addictions Counselor
Shayna Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addictions Counselor III. She earned her Master's degree from Naropa University in 2000 and has worked with juveniles for over 20 years. Ms. Miller has extensive experience working with juveniles with substance abuse challenges, sexual offending behaviors and survivors of trauma. Shayna is trained in EMDR levels 1 and 2. Ms. Miller is also an affiliate faculty at Regis University in the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy.
Tonya earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Colorado Christian University in 2010 and a Master's degree in Special Education from Concordia University in 2015. She has been a licensed Professional Educator for ten years, having taught and tutored all grade levels kindergarten through the twelfth grade in both private and public education settings. In addition, she is a certified handwriting specialist and received training in supporting students with dyslexia in the general education classroom. She is passionate about differentiating instruction for all students, utilizing assessment data to inform instructional methods, and maximizing learning outcomes through the delivery of high quality standards-based instruction.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources / Administrative Assistant