Latest News at The Challenge Foundation
The Challenge Foundation employs a team of experienced, educated, highly dedicated staff who work with our mentors, teachers, students and their families, to ensure that our students reach their full potential academically, personally and as members of our community.
Our staff includes:
Kelly Holley (Ed.M.), Executive Director
Kelly joined the Challenge Foundation in the summer of 2011, after working in independent schools for the past several years. Kelly was raised in independent school environments, as both of her parents were teachers who worked in boarding schools on both the west and east coasts. Her experience and knowledge of independent school environments has given her a thorough understanding of the support services necessary in order for students to be successful in a rigorous academic program. She believes that all students who demonstrate an excitement for learning and strong moral character, regardless of their family's ability to pay, should have access to the best education possible, and she looks forward to serving Challenge Foundation Scholars and their families as they navigate through independent schools. Kelly earned a B.A. from Middlebury College and a Masters in Education from Harvard.
Kate Van Cott (MSW), Director of College Admission and Retention
Kate began working for the Challenge Foundation in the summer of 2005 after getting her Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver. Kate's commitment for serving children and families is evident from her work experience. She has worked as a family therapist in a residential treatment facility, served as program director and case manager for an experiential after school program, and volunteered at Judi's House, a local support group for grieving children and families. Kate is excited to be with the Challenge Foundation team and hopes her energy and passion will benefit the foundation and students. Kate oversees the college support program, helping students through the college admission process and providing support during their college education. In addition, Kate manages the Colorado Academy site and works with approximately 20 students and families at both St. Mary's and Colorado Academy.
Holly Dichter (MNM), Director of Education and Recruitment
Holly began working for the Challenge Foundation full time in August of 2007 after spending the previous 5 summers working in the summer program both as an intern and a teacher. She has a degree in Elementary Education from Regis University and has also completed her Masters in Non-Profit Management from Regis University. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade in the Aurora Public School system for three years before accepting her job with the Challenge Foundation. Holly manages the Challenge Foundation program St. Anne's Episcopal School. In addition, she oversees the educational services provided to our students and is in charge of the application and screening process for all Challenge Foundation applicants. Holly speaks Spanish and uses these skills frequently to communicate with Challenge Foundation families and applicants. Working at the Challenge Foundation is something she greatly enjoys and is a wonderful opportunity for her to use both her education and non-profit backgrounds.
Danica Hemmann (MSW), Director of Service Learning/ Case Manager
Danica began working at the Challenge Foundation in June 2009 after receiving her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver. Her enthusiasm to work with children and families had been built through her experiences working with refugee women and students in Ghana and other diverse community work. She also spent time working as an academic peer mentor and advisor strengthening her belief in the importance of education. She is dedicated to advocating for a community in which excellent education is accessible by all. Danica helps manage the application and screening process for applicants from Denver public schools and supports Challenge students as a case manager. She hopes to bring her experiences of community service to build similar passion in the students she works with.
Kelsey Traynor, Mentoring Program Director/ Case Manager
Kelsey began working full time for the Challenge Foundation in October of 2011 after teaching for the Summer Program for the previous three years. She is a St. Mary’s Academy alumna and Denver native. Kelsey was a Field Hockey student-athlete at St. Louis University where she graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Education and minors in Mathematics and Theology. In addition to the teaching Kelsey has done with Challenge during the summer, she has a variety of experience working with youth including coaching field hockey for club programs in St. Louis and Denver, coaching Varsity field hockey at St. Mary’s Academy, and teaching fourth grade and seventh grade at St. Mary’s Academy. Kelsey fully believes that each student deserves the right to a quality education regardless of socio-economic status, ethnicity, or gender. She looks forward to helping Challenge Foundation scholars achieve success through supporting them as a case manager and providing excellent mentors.
Chelsea Gorsky (M.Ed.), Program Manager/ Case Manager
Chelsea began working for the Challenge Foundation in November 2010 after spending 5 years teaching special education within Denver Public Schools. She graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and enjoyed using this background to support the students and families at the inner city elementary schools where she worked. During her first 2 years of teaching she was also getting her Masters Degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She believes that it is not about the situation in which you live but the opportunities you take advantage of throughout your life. She loves using her academic background to help students and families in her new capacity with the Challenge Foundation.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Challenge Foundation Office:
4545 S. University Blvd.
Englewood, CO 80113
Office – 303.209.3364
Web site
Kelly Holley
Email
Kate Van Cott
Email
Holly Dichter
Email
Danica Hemmann
Email
Kelsey Traynor
Email
Chelsea Gorsky
Email
St. Mary’s Academy
4545 S. University Blvd.
Englewood, CO 80113
Telephone - 303-762-8300
Fax- 303-783-6201
Web site
Colorado Academy
3800 S. Pierce St.
Denver, CO 80235
Telephone-303-986-1501
Fax-303-914-2583
Web site
