I firmly believe that when we're solely on our own, we don't have a chance; together we're stronger.

Ali Naaseh-Shahry is a Colorado native who holds degrees in international public policy from University of Colorado (BA) and University College London (MSc). He moved to western Colorado in 2015 to teach six-and-under ski school at the Aspen Skiing Company. Ali has taught a wide variety of academic and experiential subjects to people of all ages. Most recently, he worked as a special education teacher with the Roaring Fork School District, where he used data-driven decision making to improve his delivery of specialized instruction. Ali enjoys lift-access powder skiing, raft-access fly fishing, and spending time with his cats.

Working for YouthZone is exciting because I get to play an active role in the development of our beautiful mountain communities and the people who live, work, and play here.

Tania Beltran grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley and graduated from RFHS back in 2009. She has a wonderful son (Santiago) with whom she loves spending her free time with.

I choose to work with Youthzone because I love being a part of a team that focuses on building strong families and providing a safe community for our youth. I am blessed to work with such a caring organization.

Vanessa Otero is a long time local of the Roaring Fork Valley. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and continuing to perfect her makeup skills as a licensed cosmetologist, loves the colors Colorado has to offer in the fall, and being out in nature. Vanessa is super excited to be part of an organization that promotes equity and inclusion and focuses on strengthening families and their youth.

"Be one percent better than yesterday."  -Unknown

Naomi Pena is a dedicated advocate and cherished member of the Roaring Fork and Grand River Valley communities, where a challenging personal experience inspired her to redirect her career toward helping others. With valuable experience from interning at YouthZone and working with the Department of Human Services, she is passionate about supporting local youth. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in human services, Naomi finds fulfillment in advocacy work and enjoys perfecting her nail art and makeup skills, while also cherishing time with her family and dog.

"Always stand up for what you believe in.”

Airen is the Program Director at YouthZone and the CYDC Senate Bill 94 Coordinator for the Ninth Judicial District.Airen holds a Masters Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. Airen’s background and skills include mental health counseling, crisis intervention, restorative justice, and mediation. Airen moved to Colorado from Utah and started working with YouthZone in August, 2018. She enjoys spending time with her family and playing in the outdoors.

I feel privileged to be a part of YouthZone’s amazing work.

Paula Hall is an experienced leader with a dedicated focus on improving the lives of young people, families, and communities. Her professional experience includes working in multiple community settings: hospitals, public schools, crisis response, foster care programming, and substance use disorder treatment. In addition to community building and support, Paula has worked with employee assistance programs, residential treatment centers, multiple military installations, and other contract and private practice work. Paula loves living in the RFV, and tries to spend as much time outside as possible.

Paula holds a B.S. in Psychology and Criminology from Arkansas State University, M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Southwestern University, and completed the required post-graduate clinical studies at Henderson State University. She also holds a certification in Organizational Leadership, with an emphasis in diversity, equity, and inclusion from Rice University. Her professional credentials include: Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) in Arkansas and Colorado, Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Distance Credentialed Counselor, and she is a Nationally Credentialed Counselor (NCC).

Email: [email protected]

Chelsea Smith has been working with children and teens in diverse settings for over 10 years. Her curiosity around Restorative Justice Practices first sparked while in social work school. During that time, she took a course with Longmont Community Justice Partnership which further developed her passion for finding creative solutions to heal communities. Most recently, Chelsea worked as a district social worker within Roaring Fork Schools. Chelsea brings a collaborative approach to her work and is excited to join the Youth Zone team. When not practicing social work, you may find Chelsea on the slopes, on her yoga mat, with her family, or doing improv.

I believe authenticity is key to connection, in the words of Fred Rogers, “I think children and adults long to be in touch with what’s real. Don’t you?”

Sarai Quintana was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, raised in Dallas, Texas, and moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2014. For the last 9 years, she has worked closely with youth and their parents in her communities. Some of Sarai's background and skills include Prevention Work Models, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Case management, and adopting a multi-generational approach when working with families. Sarai is also bilingual and bicultural; and understands the different cultural views within the Latino Community. In her spare time, Sarai enjoys practicing her photography skills, hiking, and trying out new restaurants.

Email: [email protected]

Michelle Medrano grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley and is a proud alumnus of Roaring Fork High School. Michelle has a master's degree in Mental Health and Wellness and is a Certified Addictions Technician. Her background includes working in at-risk schools and substance work in the mental health field.

I am happy to be at YouthZone and be able to give back to the same community that  gave so much to me in my youth years.

Erin Greenwald has over 14 years of real-life practice in the recovery community. She has experience facilitating groups and mentoring young women. She is a Certified Addiction Technician and holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology from CU Boulder. Erin was raised in the Roaring Fork Valley and both her kids graduated from Coal Ridge High School. Erin is a passionate mother dedicated to helping and making a difference in her community.

"Your greatest contribution to the universe may not be something you do, but someone you raise" - Unknown

Keri Sorenson,an associate degree holder with a minor in psychology, has devoted over seven years of her life to the recovery community, serving as a mentor and active member. Witnessing the struggles of individuals dealing with addiction and trauma from an early age, Keri felt a potent drive to help others on their healing journeys. She put this passion into action as a Recovery Technician for a women’s inpatient treatment center for two years. In her free time, she loves having fun with her 2 daughters, going to concerts, traveling, camping, cooking, scrapbooking, watching the Denver Broncos play, hiking and basically doing anything outdoors!

At YouthZone, I eagerly tap into her robust experience and expertise to remind teenagers that they are WORTH IT and can realize any dream they uphold.

I chose to work for YouthZone because of my love for working with children and desire to see them thrive in their lives with all the support they need. To quote a brilliant performer, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside.”.

I like working with YouthZone, because YouthZone has an understanding of the challenges youth have and provides youth a safe place to be able to be themselves.

“If you judge a book by its cover, you might miss out on an amazing story.” -Unknown