DEVELOPMENTAL PATHWAYS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Commissioner
- County Commissioner
- Representative of Douglas County
Abe Laydon was elected Douglas County Commissioner, District I, in November 2018 and began serving his first term in January 2019.
Laydon's top priorities as County Commissioner include cutting taxes, providing real transportation solutions, ensuring responsible growth, working collaboratively with law enforcement and the school board to make sure we have proven safety solutions ready and in place to protect our kids, and making certain we have clean and abundant air and water for generations to come.
As County Commissioner, Laydon seeks to collaborate with everyone in Douglas County - citizens, the press, business leaders, civic servants and nonprofits - to deliver good things for the community. He has an open door policy and invites the opportunity to connect with all constituents and collaborators.
In addition to his fundamental responsibilities as a County Commissioner, Laydon also serves as a representative of Douglas County, by way of Board appointment, to the following area organizations: Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority Board, Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Investment Board, Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable, Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Control Authority, Community Services Block Grant Tripartite Board, Developmental Pathways Board of Directors, Douglas County Community Foundation, Douglas County Youth Initiative Advisory Board, and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation.
Adam Horney has been involved with Developmental Pathways since he was a teenager. Aside from Adam's involvement as a Board Member, he also enjoys attending social events held by Developmental Pathways and Continuum of Colorado, a local PASA.
Adam is currently employed at The Arc Thrift Store in the Customer Service Department. Adam has an incredible work ethic, particularly made known after being recognized as "Employee of the Month."
In his free time, Adam is a dedicated volunteer for the Denver Police Department, and is a tutor for Whiz Kidz through Colorado Community Church. He also enjoys spending time with his family. Adam was also the inspiration for Adam's Camp, a camp for kids and teens with special needs based at Snow Mountain Ranch in beautiful Granby, CO. Adam's mother Karel was the founder of Adam's Camp. In turn, Karel was Adam's inspiration in becoming the strong advocate he is today
Program Manager | BOCES, Littleton, Englewood and Sheridan Public Schools
A native of Iowa and Colorado resident for more than 18 years, Mr. Erickson resides in Lone Tree.As EVP & Regional Manager of Pacific Western Bank's Colorado Commercial Real Estate team, Mr. Erickson is responsible for expanding the bank's presence with established real estate developers and investors seeking commercial real estate loans throughout the Rocky Mountain region. An industry veteran of 20+ years, Mr. Erickson holds a BA in finance from Central College in Pella IA.
Job Titles:
- Founder / CEO of Driven by Our Ambitions
Daniel Sampson is the founder/CEO of Driven By Our Ambitions (DBOA, LLC) and Director of AuroraWorks. He founded DBOA in 2014 to help young adults and student-athletes enhance their opportunities to attain post-secondary education. With AuroraWorks, he supports their parent company -- CommunityWorks' mission of empowering the unemployed and those with barriers to employment to become self-supporting through job preparation and placement. Sampson has worked closely with Title I schools in Washington, D.C. and the Denver Metro Area to successfully elevate the chances of their student populations entry into college debt free.
Don Jesse Toussaint is a county court judge in Arapahoe County. Prior to his appointment, Judge Toussaint served as a district court magistrate judge for the Eighteenth Judicial District for one and a half years and as an assistant city attorney for the city of Aurora for five years. Judge Toussaint was also an associate for White and Steele, P.C. Judge Toussaint earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Technical Writing from the University of Colorado Denver, a Master of Science Degree in Management from Regis University, and a juris doctorate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
Judge Toussaint is the youngest of four sons. He was born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey by Haitian parents and lived a short time in northern Virginia. Judge Toussaint moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1991 and graduated from Overland High School in 1993. It was during this time when Judge Toussaint's interest in law materialized when he became one of the first teen court attorneys in Aurora. Judge Toussaint is married to his wife, Dr. Sue-Lin Toussaint, for twenty years and they are raising their two children, Julia and Ellis Toussaint.
Jenn's career started over 20 years ago serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities who often had co-occurring behavioral health related needs. As the Director of Clinical Services with Signal Behavioral Health Network, Jenn oversees regional safety net behavioral health services, contracted through the state Office of Behavioral Health, including crisis services and programs serving children, youth and families. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Case Manager, Jenn's career is dedicated to ensuring access to high quality whole person care, coordination of services, and health equity. She is an active participant and leader in behavioral health initiatives and committees in both Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, as well as across the state. Jenn is dedicated to developing programs to address gaps in healthcare delivery for those with complex needs. As a social worker, social justice is at the core of her work.
Jenn is married with two youth in the Douglas County School District. When not supporting her kids in swimming, cross country, and basketball, Jenn enjoys time with loved ones, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Kristin is the COO and co-founder of Bold Font Coaching & Consulting in cultivating culture and transforming leaders. She also has a passion for working with clients and veterans to boldly live with purpose and clarity in all chapters of life.
Kristin served 20+ years in the US Air Force as a negotiator and educator. Kristin deployed globally three times and managed multi-billion dollar portfolios helping to rebuild nations and stimulate local economies while supporting international coalition forces. She proudly served as an Associate Professor and Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel and feels strongly about growing leaders at all levels.
She hails from a proud Air Force family dedicated to public service. Her father flew & retired as an C-130/141 navigator, her mother was a teacher for 30+ years, her brother flew & retired as a cargo pilot, and her husband served as a Security Forces officer.
Kristin graduated from the USAF Academy and has earned 2 Master's Degrees and her CPCC coaching certification. She's an active member on this Board, and loves speaking for veteran groups, and at college to elementary school forums. She and her husband co-host community groups for the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association and Special Olympics Junior Olympics.
Lois is a Reading Specialist for the Cherry Creek School District. She has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of education. Lois has been an educator in several school districts, including districts in Orange Park, Florida and Coronado, California. Lois received many awards and accolades in her role as an educator. The highest honor being representing her school district as Teacher of the Year.
Lois holds degrees from the University of North Florida as well as a Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado, a summa cum laude graduate.
Lois has two daughters and two grandchildren, one who receives services from Developmental Pathways. Aside from spending time with family, Lois enjoys hiking, reading, collecting children's literature, and volunteering her time in support of others.
Job Titles:
- Community Outreach Coordinator
Community Outreach Coordinator Lorena Aguilar Vazquez shares how she helps families and what it's like working for Developmental Pathways.
Mayre Lynn Schmit is delighted to be a native Coloradan. She enjoyed a career as a Registered Dental Hygienist in the Denver Metro area for over 3 decades. Her multifaceted business took her past clinical duties to serving as Director of Dental Marketing as well as recreating the role of Dental Recare Consultant. Her practice building strategies and love of dentistry led to the discovery of unidentified productivity, thus increasing revenues and client establishment within her original model. Such innovation resulted in sustainable programming, leading her business to recognition as "Best Dentist" in "5280" Magazine during the last 5 years of her career.
As mother of a wonderful young man with IDD she embraces the lives of all those being served through the community of Developmental Pathways with genuine intention. She believes in the opportunity for growth as the cornerstone of success for each individual. Career enrichment, independent living in all its possibilities and the development of meaningful relationships are but a few of the areas for which she expresses passion in her current works.
Pastor Michael Brown is from the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches. His grandparents were his introduction to church and were a major influence in his life and future relationship with God. His grandparents provided a Godly model for faithful marriage and servant leadership. On several occasions, he would accompany his grandparents to deliver meals as they evangelized their community.
Pastor Michael believes it is no coincidence Mark 10:45 is a hallmark of his life. Pastor Michael accepted his call to ministry in 2003, and with continued guidance from his Senior Pastor, Rev, Frederick Tibbs, God provided an opportunity for him to receive theological training. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Theology with an Emphasis on leadership from the College of Biblical Studies-Houston and a Master of Theology Degree from Dallas Theological Seminary - Houston.
Pastor Michael has been married to his college sweetheart for 17 years, and they are blessed with four boys; Michael Jr. 15, Christopher 13, Isaiah 7, and Jonathan Paul 4.
Dr. McDonnell is an Iowa native who has called Denver home for almost 30 years. She is a Board Certified Dermatologist, operating her private practice in Lakewood since 1988. Dr. McDonnell's professional interests include skin cancer screening, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and alopecia in addition to various cosmetic and surgical procedures. She is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, Colorado Dermatologic Society (past President), Iowa Dermatologic Society, Arapahoe Medical Society, and Colorado Medical Society.
Dr. McDonnell has four teenage children: three daughters and one son who is served by Developmental Pathways. She enjoys spending time with her family skiing, hiking, traveling and being a huge supporter of her children's athletic and academic endeavors. In her spare time, she is also an avid runner competing in the Boulder Bolder and several other local races alongside her family.
Monique is a "military brat" born in Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado. She's lived in various places, in Greece, Japan, Utah, and has visited Germany and Hawaii.
She's a graduate of Eaglecrest High School and earned a letter jacket from years of dedication and hard work in Special Olympics. Her favorite sport is basketball. She continued her education taking a few classes at the Aurora Community College.
She's received services from Developmental Pathways for 17 years and in 2008 moved into her own apartment providing the independence she desired. Her experience, with her benefits, has guided her when she's assisting her Service Agency with interviewing potential employees, whom will be working with other clients.
Monique takes pride in her hard work ethic. She is currently looking for a job, but has enjoyed her previous jobs especially at Barnes and Noble.
She loves camping, hiking, and bowling. Her goal is to be happy and live just as other people do.
Nancy Sharpe is serving her second term as Commissioner representing District 2. She is Finance Chair in 2016.
As a 34-year resident of Arapahoe County, Nancy is committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents. She works to budget responsibly and keep taxes low so that Arapahoe County will live within its means and thrive. She is known as a strong, fiscally responsible leader who fosters highly effective working relationships with cities, counties and public entities.
As Commissioner, Nancy oversees the Human Services, Finance and Human Resources Departments. She currently chairs the Colorado Counties, Inc. Health and Human Services Steering Committee, is on the Developmental Pathways Board of Directors and is Vice Chair of the National Association of Counties Human Services and Education Steering Commit- tees. She also serves as a Governor appointee on the Colorado Executive Leadership Council on Child Welfare.
In 2014, Nancy partnered with 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler to start Not One More Child in Arapahoe County, a coalition of community partners who are working together to prevent child abuse and neglect in our county.
Nancy represents the County's interests on the Denver South Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors, C-470 Policy Committee, Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority Board, Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority, and the High Line Canal Trail and Cherry Creek Basin Working Groups. She also serves on the Arapahoe County Housing Authority, Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority, Denver South Transportation Management Association, and Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Board of Directors.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Risk Control Advisor With IMA, Inc
Tim is a risk control advisor with IMA, Inc., one of the largest independently owned insurance brokerages in the US.
He has over three decades of experience in safety consulting and holds a B.S. and a M.S. degree from the University of Central Missouri.
Tim lives in Centennial with his wife Suzanne and son, Dylan, who receives services from Developmental Pathways. Tim also serves as a coach in various sports for Special Olympics Colorado and founded the DP McFlurries Ski Team that participates with the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado.