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:

Kristin Wells - Executive Director
Kristin’s passion to work with disadvantaged children brought her to Challenge in 2000. As the first fulltime director, she identified obstacles that exist for scholarship students in a private, college prep school. With these in mind, she designed an applicant screening and selection process. She also worked to expand support services, such as case management, mentoring, tutoring and a summer program to increase students’ chance of success. Challenge’s retention rate is now greater than 95%. Kristin earned a degree in Business Administration from Iowa State University. Her previous work experiences were with Colorado Academy & a non profit that serves abused and neglected children.

Kate Hoffman (MSW), Program Manager/Case Manager
Kate began working for the Challenge Foundation in the summer of 2005 after getting her master’s degree 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 manages the Colorado Academy site and works with approximately 20 students and families at both St. Mary’s and Colorado Academy.

Gemma McDonald (MPH,MSSW), Program Manager/Case Manager
Gemma began working for the Challenge Foundation in April of 2006. She has master's degrees in Social Work and Public Health from Columbia University and a wide array of experiences working with disadvantaged youth from diverse cultural backgrounds. In 2005 Gemma spent time working with women and children in Quito, Ecuador and looks forward to putting her Spanish language skills to use through her work with the Challenge Foundation. Gemma manages the Challenge Foundation mentoring program as well as working with a caseload of approximately 20 students and families.

Holly Dichter, Program Manager/Case Manager
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. She then taught 2nd and 3rd grade in the Aurora Public School system for three years before accepting her job with the Challenge Foundation. Holly will oversee the new programs at St. Therese Middle School located in Northwest Aurora and Regis High School beginning with the ‘07-’08 school year. She is excited to use her bilingual skills and to be a part of the Challenge Foundation after spending so many summers getting to know the students and staff.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Challenge Foundation Office:
4545 South University Boulevard
Englewood, CO 80110
Office – 303.762.8300 x256
Web site

Kristin Wells
Email

Kate Hoffman
Email

Gemma McDonald
Email

Holly Dichter
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