[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0C3F49″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/CLS_ARTWORK_12-1.png” background_enable_mask_style=”on” background_mask_style=”wave” background_mask_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_last_edited=”on|tablet” use_background_color_gradient_tablet=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image_tablet=”on” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_enable_mask_style_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”About Us” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Who We Are” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”20px” header_2_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_2_font_size=”43px” header_3_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_3_font_size=”24px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” ul_text_align_tablet=”” ul_text_align_phone=”left” ul_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_text_align_tablet=”” header_2_text_align_phone=”center” header_2_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_text_align_tablet=”” header_3_text_align_phone=”center” header_3_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Colorado Legal Services is Colorado\u2019s statewide nonprofit legal aid program providing civil legal assistance<\/strong>\u2014which does not include criminal or traffic matters\u2014to low-income individuals and seniors throughout the state.<\/p>\n Our 13 offices provide free legal assistance<\/strong> in a broad variety of legal areas, including family law; eviction defense; consumer protection; services to survivors of serious crime, including human trafficking, and many others.<\/p>\n Colorado Legal Services\u2019 focus is to enforce and defend clients\u2019 legal rights to meet their basic human needs, including shelter, safety, food, health, and income.<\/p>\n Colorado Legal Services may provide legal advice, brief services or full representation\u2014depending on client needs and the organization\u2019s resources. In certain instances, cases may be referred to clinics or other agencies for additional help. Services are provided in a client\u2019s primary language.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Old-CLS-Poster.png” alt=”Old Cls Poster” title_text=”CLS Poster” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”34%” width_tablet=”40%” width_phone=”40%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”60px||15px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” text_line_height=”1.5em” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A poster for Colorado Rural Legal Services, one of the three Colorado legal aid organizations that consolidated in 1999 to form Colorado Legal Services.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”History” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Colorado Legal Services began as several separate legal aid organizations, which consolidated into one organization in 1999 to best serve low-income Coloradans with efficiency and cohesion. Today, the organization represents thousands of Coloradans for free each year.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_number_counter title=”Years of Service” number=”99+” percent_sign=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h4″ number_text_color=”#9DB07B” number_font_size=”60px” custom_margin=”20px|60px|5px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|0px|20px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” number_font_size_tablet=”50px” number_font_size_phone=”50px” number_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” number_line_height_tablet=”” number_line_height_phone=”” number_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_number_counter][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dmpro_timeline start_position=”right” timeline_active_line_color=”#F7C959″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|||-30px|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|||-30px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][dmpro_timeline_item date=”1925″ timeline_icon=”\||divi||400″ timeline_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ alt=”Mom Baby” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ date_text_font=”||||||||” date_text_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Legal Aid Society of Denver forms. In 1962, the name of the organization was changed to the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Denver. Until the Legal Aid Society of Colorado Springs was founded in 1953, Denver was the only city in the state with a formal legal services program for low-income Coloradans.<\/p>\n The Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Denver eventually added services to Boulder and Jefferson counties, and in 1981, it also began a pro bono program for 11 rural counties in northwest Colorado, known as the Northwest Colorado Legal Services Project.<\/p>\n [\/dmpro_timeline_item][dmpro_timeline_item date=”1953″ timeline_icon=”\||divi||400″ timeline_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ alt=”Mom Baby” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ date_text_font=”||||||||” date_text_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Pikes Peak Legal Services began as the Legal Aid Society of Colorado Springs, staffed by a part-time attorney and part-time secretary. The part time office later grew to a full time operation housed in the courthouse. The Pikes Peak Legal Services attorney also served as a half-time deputy district attorney prosecuting nonsupport cases.<\/p>\n In the late 1990\u2019s, Pikes Peak Legal Services joined with Pueblo County Legal Services, which began in 1966. The combined program was renamed Pikes Peak-Arkansas River Legal Aid.<\/p>\n [\/dmpro_timeline_item][dmpro_timeline_item date=”1969″ timeline_icon=”\||divi||400″ timeline_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ alt=”Mom Baby” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ date_text_font=”||||||||” date_text_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Colorado Rural Legal Services was founded and funded in 1969 by an Office of Economic Opportunity grant and began as a program designed primarily to serve migrant farm workers throughout Colorado. Colorado Rural Legal Services was run out of an office in Boulder, with regional offices originally located in La Junta, Alamosa, Grand Junction and Greeley. Offices were added in Montrose, Trinidad and Durango when the state provided funding for a short time in the early 1970\u2019s. Later offices were added in Fort Collins and Fort Morgan.<\/p>\n [\/dmpro_timeline_item][dmpro_timeline_item date=”1999″ timeline_icon=”\||divi||400″ timeline_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ alt=”Mom Baby” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ date_text_font=”||||||||” date_text_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Colorado\u2019s three existing legal services programs, the Legal Aid Society of Metro Denver, Colorado Rural Legal Services, and\u200b Pikes Peak-Arkansas River Legal Aid consolidated to form a new statewide program: Colorado Legal Services. The consolidation was recommended by a statewide planning group that included staff and board members from the three programs and other leaders throughout Colorado.<\/p>\n [\/dmpro_timeline_item][\/dmpro_timeline][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Leadership” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Matt-headshot.jpg” alt=”Matt Headshot” title_text=”Matt” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Matthew Baca, Executive Director ” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Baca joined Colorado Legal Services as its executive director in 2023, after four years as Director of Community Engagement at the Colorado Attorney General\u2019s Office. Before working for Attorney General Phil Weiser, Baca worked as a Staff Attorney in CLS\u2019s Migrant Farm Worker Division, and before that, he was an attorney at Earthjustice, a public interest environmental law firm. Baca grew up in Colorado and attended the University of Colorado Boulder before graduating from New York University School of Law, where he was a RootTilden-Kern Scholar, and simultaneously earned a master\u2019s in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. He is a board member of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and a commissioner on the Colorado Access to Justice Commission.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Joel-headshot.jpg” alt=”Joel Headshot” title_text=”Joel” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Joel Minor, Deputy Director for Advocacy” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Minor joined CLS from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, where he served as the Environmental Justice Program Manager. Minor previously served in the Natural Resources and Environment Section of the Attorney General\u2019s Office as rulemaking counsel to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Prior to joining the AG’s Office, he was a senior associate attorney at Earthjustice, a nonprofit public interest environmental law firm, where he represented community members in environmental justice and oil and gas cases. Before joining Earthjustice, Minor clerked for the Hon. Carlos F. Lucero of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. Minor earned his J.D. and M.S. in environmental science at Stanford, and a B.A. in Environmental Policy at Colorado College.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Molly-ryan.jpg” alt=”Molly Ryan Headshot” title_text=”Molly Ryan” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Molly Ryan, Deputy Director for Operations” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Molly has worked at CLS for 24 years, including as a staff attorney, managing attorney, and Director of Administration and Access. She began her legal career as a staff attorney at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri in St. Louis. Molly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. from the University of Illinois.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Arash.jpg” alt=”Arash headshot” title_text=”Arash” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Arash Jahanian, Advocacy Director for Denver ” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Jahanian, the advocacy director for Denver, was previously Senior Counsel at Denver Public Schools, where his main responsibility involved the District’s longstanding consent decree relating to services for English Language Learners and their families. Jahanian\u2019s prior legal experience includes working as Director of Policy and Civil Rights Litigation at the Meyer Law Office, PC, staff attorney at the ACLU of Colorado, attorney at the civil rights firm Rathod Mohamedbhai LLC, and judicial clerk for the Honorable Wiley Y. Daniel of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Jahanian has served as president of the Colorado LGBT Bar Association and chair of the Denver LGBTQ Commission. A graduate of the University of North Carolina and Georgetown Law, he is currently secretary of the board of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado and on the ACLU of Colorado’s legal panel.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sarah-lipka-new-scaled-e1736798310411.jpeg” alt=”Sarah Lipka New” title_text=”Sarah Lipka New” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Sarah Lipka, Advocacy Director for Southern Colorado ” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Lipka is the Advocacy Director for Southern Colorado. She was formerly the Managing Attorney for the Colorado Springs Office of Colorado Legal Services. She has been with CLS since 2008 and began managing the Colorado Springs office in 2015. She has previously worked in the Denver, Alamosa, and Pueblo CLS offices. Sarah has practiced in the areas of family law, foreclosure defense, public benefits, and eviction defense. She received a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado School of Law in 2007 and Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from the University of Colorado in 2003.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Karin-Troendle.jpg” alt=”Karin Troendle” title_text=”Karin Troendle” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Karin Troendle, Northern Colorado Advocacy Director” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Troendle has worked at Colorado Legal Services for over 20 years, and prior to her current role as Northern Colorado Advocacy Director, practiced consumer and housing law.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Foto-Silvia.jpg” alt=”Foto Silvia Headshot” title_text=”Foto Silvia” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Silvia Zelaya, Director of Finance and Controller ” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Zelaya joined CLS from the Saint John Institute as Director of Finance and Controller. Zelaya previously served as Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting at Mile High United Way. Prior to that experience, Zelaya was the Chief Financial Officer at INCAE Business School Latin America as well as additional experience as Finance Officer in multinational companies in Geothermal Energy, Phone and Communications and other industries. She received an Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Economics from Universidad del Pacifico in Peru and MBA from INCAE Business School in Costa Rica. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Karen-headshot.jpg” alt=”Karen Headshot” title_text=”Karen” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Karen Vilner, Director of People & Culture ” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Vilner (Masciulli) has 18 years of experience as a talent and professional development expert and was most recently the Director of Legal Talent for the Colorado Attorney General\u2019s Office. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, Karen received a B.A. from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor in 2000 and a law degree from the University of Colorado Law School in 2004. Before joining the Attorney General\u2019s Office, Karen helped lead Diversity Lab’s OnRamp Fellowship program and held several positions at the University of Colorado Law School. She also served as Vice President of the Board of Directors of Westgate Community School in North Denver and is a mentor for Law School… Yes We Can! <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Molly-french.jpg” alt=”Molly French” title_text=”Molly French” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Molly French, Director of IT and Innovation” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Molly has worked at CLS since 2022, initially as CLS’ website coordinator, Technology Manager and currently as Director of Information Technology and Innovation. She began her career in marketing web and graphic design, then followed her interests, curiosities and experience into her current position. Molly earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Business Administration, and while working full-time in the university’s graduate school, her Master’s in Agency Counseling at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She earned her Project Management Certification in 2017 and is currently PMP certified. She served on the first Denver Parks and Recreation Advisory board, and currently serves on the Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project Advisory board. She happily volunteered for several years with Reading Partners and on Habitat for Humanity projects.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melinda-taylor.jpg” alt=”Melinda Taylor” title_text=”Melinda Taylor” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Melinda Taylor, Grant Manager ” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Prior to her work at CLS, Melinda served as Clerk of Court of the Denver Juvenile Court, and prior to that was Training Coordinator for the Colorado Office of the Child\u2019s Representative after having served as the Executive Director of the Resource Center for Separating and Divorcing Families at the University of Denver, the first demonstration project for advancing interdisciplinary services to separating and divorcing families. Melinda previously worked for eight years as Court Executive for Colorado\u2019s 17th Judicial District. Melinda started her career at the Colorado Judicial Branch State Court Administrator\u2019s Office working in judicial education and policy analysis in the family area. Melinda graduated with a Bachelor\u2019s degree in political science and sociology from Regis University. She earned her Master\u2019s degree in legal administration from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Emily-headshot.jpg” alt=”Emily Headshot ” title_text=”Emily” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Emily Wenger, Communications Director ” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Wenger is a creative storyteller with a passion for serving Coloradans. She has a master\u2019s in communication and media management from Colorado State University. She is thrilled to support the incredible legacy of Colorado Legal Services. Wenger previously worked at the Colorado Attorney General\u2019s Office as a communications specialist and was an award-winning reporter writing on a wide variety of beats in Colorado and Iowa.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/EM-Headshot-14.jpg” alt=”Em Headshot 14″ title_text=”Em Headshot 14″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_toggle title=”Eliza Montoya, Executive Assistant ” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” custom_padding=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|true” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Montoya joined CLS in 2018 as a paralegal, before becoming Executive Assistant she was the Paralegal and Intake Supervisor in the CLS Colorado Springs office. Prior to joining CLS she was the Risk and Claims Manager for a shipping and insurance company. Eliza also worked at a California non-profit as the Mission Director after serving as the Executive Assistant to the Board Chair. She has over 15 years of legal experience as both a paralegal and legal assistant. Eliza earned her Master\u2019s Certificate in Paralegal Studies at the University of San Diego School of Law, and has a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. Eliza also received her national Certified Paralegal designation in 2017 and is a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Board” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Colorado Legal Services is led by a board of directors that includes attorneys, people who are eligible to be represented by the organization based on their income or other factors, and members of other organizations throughout Colorado that also serve low-income Coloradans.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chair:<\/strong> Vice Chair:<\/strong> Treasurer:<\/strong> Secretary:<\/strong> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”two-column” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_free_form=”@media only screen and (min-width: 600px) {||.two-column {||-moz-column-count: 2;||-moz-column-gap: 1em;||-webkit-column-count: 2;||-webkit-column-gap: 1em;||column-count: 2;||column-gap: 1em;||}}||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Melissa L. Decker<\/strong> Minturn<\/p>\n Jerome DeHerrera<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Karla Gomez<\/strong> Durango<\/p>\n Amber Gonzales<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Michelle T. Adams<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Anne Castle<\/strong> Golden<\/p>\n Paula Greisen<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Patricia Hall<\/strong> Durango<\/p>\n Franz Hardy<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Nancy Hijar<\/strong> Clifton<\/p>\n Jeffrey Johnson<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Henry Kroll<\/strong> Boulder<\/p>\n Kirsten Kurath<\/strong> Grand Junction<\/p>\n Joi Kush<\/strong> Colorado Springs<\/p>\n Kimberly Lord<\/strong> Boulder<\/p>\n Betty Marroquin<\/strong> Fort Collins<\/p>\n Meredith Munro<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Meshach Rhoades<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Helen Starr<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Danielle Survine<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Kara Veitch<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Daniel Vigil<\/strong> Denver<\/p>\n Rachel Wallace<\/strong> Colorado Springs<\/p>\n Robyn Schnetzler<\/strong> Technical Accounting Expert for the Finance and Audit Committee and the Board of Directors<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Colorado Legal Services is Colorado\u2019s statewide nonprofit legal aid program providing civil legal assistance\u2014which does not include criminal or traffic matters\u2014to low-income individuals and seniors throughout the state. Our 13 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-24","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Officers<\/h3>\n
Tina Smith
Denver<\/em><\/p>\n
John P. Frey
Fort Collins<\/em><\/p>\n
Kenzo Kawanabe
Denver<\/em><\/p>\n
Kymberly Merrick
Craig<\/em><\/p>\nMembers<\/h3>\n