Excellent teammates have joined our staff since we last introduced them. Get to know them, below. The following staff make up the rest of our dedicated team:
- Tonya Lark, Operations Director
- Lisa Schmitz, Community Relations Director
- Stacy Cox, Child & Youth Coordinator
- Evy Reitz, Administrative Volunteer
HILLARY DICKMAN, Property Development Manager
Hillary’s work history includes a variety of experiences, all of which capitalized on her ability to figure out workable solutions to complex challenges. Her role at FLS continues down that path as she works to expand our residential capacity so that we can serve more families. Hillary and her husband, Scott, have two teenage daughters, three rescued mutts, and one very adventurous cat. Hillary loves to spend time out in the woods, making the Springs a great place to call home.
NIKKI LINDQUIST, Women of Courage Program Director
Nikki first discovered FLS as a volunteer when her MOPS group served an Easter brunch for our moms. A compassionate an engaging single mom herself, she immediately connected with the moms in Women of Courage and signed on as a Mentor. Nikki developed her own nonprofit ministry to help other single moms with all the furnishings they need to set up a home. A self-starter and entrepreneurial – having owned her own housecleaning business for nearly 20 years – she knows first-hand the challenge of balancing work and kids. Nikki is a member of Radiant Church and loves exploring and camping with her three children.
TAYLOR RAGLAND, Maintenance Coordinator
Taylor is practically a Colorado native, having lived here 26 years. He went to school for construction technology and built a couple of houses while still in school. He is currently on staff at First Pres as their maintenance person, where he’s served for 10 years. Taylor is excited to be working for FLS and helping the families who live here. He loves to work with his hands and fix or build anything. He married his lovely wife, Jessica, just one year ago. When he’s not working, Taylor loves to be outdoors in the mountains with his wife and his dog, River.
Jon Lee, MSW Intern
Jon was born in Flint, Michigan but grew up and lived in Colorado Springs for most of his life. A graduate from The Classical Academy, he received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Now in a Licensed Clinical Social Work program at the University of Denver, Jon is excited to complete his foundation year internship at FLS, gaining general nonprofit experience and working with our kids. He is grateful to call Colorado home and loves hiking and skiing in our beautiful mountains.
Grathel Banks, Resident Program Coordinator
Grathel has served in the fields of social work, counseling, and education. She is passionate about recognizing and supporting the unique journey of each person, and accompanying others as they cultivate emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. Grathel received a Master of Arts in Counseling and her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Having recently moved back to Colorado, she enjoys meditative labyrinths, local trail hikes with her Australian shepherd, Gracie, and teaching restorative yoga. Grathel is featured in Letters to the Sisterhood and is a retreat facilitator.
Mary Beth Thiel, Resident Program Coordinator
Mary Beth was introduced to FLS ten years ago as an intern and, through a surprising work of God, is now serving as one of two Resident Program Coordinators, loving her work one-on-one with our resident moms. An occupational therapist by training, she enjoys setting goals with clients that they can work toward together. Mary Beth spends her time as an active member of her church and taking figure skating lessons.
