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.

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.

Mary Bess Bolling has joined YouthZone as the Restorative Justice Coordinator, where she facilitates and guides clients and community members through the restorative process. Mary Bess has worked with YouthZone since 2019 and brings the skills of a journalist and digital marketing expert to the job with eight years of experience as a teacher, writer, and marketing specialist. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University.

In my own life, the bumps in the road almost always provide me an opportunity to grow and learn – whether I’m aware of it or not! I’m grateful to be a part of an organization that sheds light on that opportunity for youth and families in our community, empowering and connecting them with resources and support. It’s such a gift to be a part of an organization that truly works to live its core values: integrity, no judgments, stewardship.

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]

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]

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

Michelle Lopez has a bachelor's degree in Human Behavior and is currently enrolled in a graduate program for Mental Health and Wellness with Grand Canyon University. Michelle’s background includes working in schools and substance work in the mental health field.

I happy to be at YouthZone as I love working with youth and families. It’s also a privilege to be able to give back to the same community that I grew up in and gave so much to me in my youth years.

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.

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.

Chelsea Portz is a native of the Roaring Fork Valley. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado with a concentration in Family Studies and Multicultural Education. Chelsea’s background and skills include Case Management, Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health First Aid and trauma informed care. She began her career in public service in education - which is at the heart of the work she does as a Youth Advocate. Chelsea holds gratitude in her ability to step outside and be surrounded by the things that bring her to life - she enjoys camping, hiking, paddling, fly fishing, and live music. Chelsea is also an avid sports fan!

I chose to work at YouthZone because I believe in the value of empowering youth and supporting families through a collaborative, individualized approach. By honoring the strengths, voices, and culture of our clients we have the potential to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Sharla Salinas is YouthZone’s Youth Advocate II. Sharla has a passion for mentoring youth and has always been intrigued by the criminal justice system. She believes that her diverse work history in education, legal work and health services will be an asset to her as she builds a foundation for her work at YouthZone. Sharla graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology.

I believe YouthZone is a great opportunity to mentor and assist youth to learn from their mistakes and stay out of the system.

I value working at YouthZone for many reasons, but most importantly because it provides youth with a safe place and a voice.

Katie Westcott started at YouthZone in 2018. In 2021, she took time off to focus on family and her new baby. She has a degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Colorado State University. Katie attended Grand Canyon University and earned her Master's in Psychology, which led her to the work she is doing today.  She worked a variety of jobs and did a lot of traveling, which helped develop my interest in human behavior. In her free time, she watches Cars 1, 2, and 3 with her toddler, exercises, and focuses on taking care of herself.

Getting back into the groove of work has brought me great joy. I truly enjoy working with teens because of their interesting perspective on the world. I’m thrilled to be back at YouthZone doing the work that I love!

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.

Linda Green is one of YouthZone’s administrative assistants.  She attended 2 years at Colorado Christian University, then known as Rockmont College, and also attended Front Range Community College and Colorado Mountain College.  Linda worked 10 years at West High School in Denver, Colorado.  Linda worked at YouthZone from 2000 to 2012, then rejoined the staff in 2014.

I couldn’t think of any place I would rather work then at YouthZone.  The total commitment that each staff member has working with the kids is amazing.  I feel bless to be working with such dedicated people and love the interaction with the kids.