Josue Gonzalez Life Skills Educator Josue Gonzalez joined Mountain Youth in 2020, as a Lifeskills Educator for Mountain Youth's in-school program. Josue Gonzalez came from a big family in the countryside of Puerto Rico. Josue taught English as a second language in Puerto Rico for 10 years. That experience leads him to pursue a career in teaching. After years of studying for his bachelor’s degree in Education, he moved to the Vail Valley with his wife, who is also a teacher, and his two little boys. After many years of teaching Josue came to find a position as Life Skill Educator with Mountain Youth. Josue is also the Market Coordinator at The Community Market. He is using his teaching skills and leadership to help out the community more now than ever.

Our strategies are: Understand · Conduct comprehensive assessments, analyze results, and identify priority strengths and needs Inform · Disseminate information, share best practices, and guide decision-making Engage · Involve youth, parents, caregivers, community agencies, schools, coaches, mentors, counselors, businesses, government agencies, and any other partners in key roles to implement solutions Empower · Encourage youth-led, adult-guided approach to the work at hand · Recognize individual power to catalyze change · Continue championing the value of youth voices Transform · Lead a shift towards a healthier, resilient, and more connected community, ultimately impacting individual lives · Advocate for policy and community systems change so that healthier behaviors become the norm

Michelle Dibos Government Sector Michelle is the Community Engagement Director for Eagle Valley Behavioral Health. She is a human services professional with ample experience providing responsive services and programs that help enhance the lives of vulnerable populations, with a specific focus on the Latinx community. Most recently, Michelle worked in Eagle County Human Services managing Early Head Start and other whole-family and early childhood programs aimed at helping clients achieve self-sufficiency, empowerment and healthy family dynamics. Originally from Peru, Michelle came for a three-month student exchange program ten years ago, when she decided to make the Vail Valley her home. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies from Colorado Mountain College and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Services Administration from Antioch University. Michelle is passionate about education, diversity and inclusion, community sustainability and multigenerational approaches to family services. She is committed to raising the community’s voice and strengthening collaborative partnerships among local agencies, and believes that serving at the Mountain Youth Board will be a great way to support positive outcomes for local youth and families in our community, while addressing many of these topics. Outside of her role with Mountain Youth, Michelle also serves as the Secretary in the Board of Directors for Neighborhood Navigators.

James Wilkins Business Sector James is the CFO and Director of Finance for Eagle River Water and Sanitation District. He joined the District in March of 2015. Prior to working with the District, James worked in investment and commercial banking for 17 years. He has lived and worked in Eagle County since 1999, and has a son, Santiago, and daughter, Tori. He holds a B.A. in Economics with a minor in finance from the University of Colorado at Boulder, as well as a certificate from the Graduate School of Banking at Madison, Wisconsin. James has served on several non-profit boards over the past 16 years, including Habitat for Humanity, Eagle County Charter Academy, Eagle County Homebuyer’s Assistance Committee, Vail Local Housing Authority, Vail Religious Foundation and Eagle Valley Family Assistance Fund. James has also served on Mountain Youth’s board for 14 of the past 16 years.

Katie Jarnot Vice President Education Sector Katie currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Eagle County Schools. Previously she was the principal at Eagle Valley Middle School. Although she spent the majority of her adult life in New England, Katie grew up in the valley, having graduated from Battle Mountain High school. Katie has served in public education for nearly 20 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in English, theater, and education from Rockford University, a master’s degree in administration and supervision from University of New Hampshire, and is just months away from finishing her doctorate in Educational Leadership, from University of Northern Colorado. Katie served on the board previously, but took a short break to complete her doctoral work.

Amy Baker Family Education Manager Amy joined Mountain Youth in 2020. She is the founder of Go Your Own Way Coaching. Since 2006 she has been working one-on-one and with groups as a mentor and teacher to create more mindfulness in their lives and help clients align with their purpose. She specializes in supporting individuals who feel unfulfilled with their current careers/life situation and are ready to create their next stage of life that is challenging, purposeful and aligned with their core beliefs and values. Her main philosophy with coaching rests in the belief that everyone has the answers and clarity inside. Not to get all Whitney Houston, but she believes that the children are the future and loves sharing these tools with our "mountain youth.” Amy has been teaching yoga, meditation and mindfulness for over 2 decades, has a degree in Exercise Science and is pursing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health.

Megan Vogt Mental Health & LGBTQ Sector Megan opened Megan Vogt Counseling in 2019 with a special focus on mental health for adolescent, LGBTQ+, and maternal populations. Prior to starting her private practice, Megan was the school-based mental health counselor for Mind Springs Health. The Colorado native has a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University and her Bachelors in English Literature and Women's Studies from Colorado State University. Beyond the office, Megan enjoys exploring our outdoor playground with her wife, child, and dog. Some favorite adventures lately include mountain biking, telemark skiing, hiking, and camping. When spending time indoors, the crossword fanatic indulges in fancy coffee, books, and cuddles with her two orange cats.

Cat Stone Life Skills Educator Cat Stone joined the Mountain Youth team in 2020 and started full-time in August of 2021. After fifteen years of busy city life, her husband, her boys moved back to the Vail Valley four years ago from Denver seeking a mountain lifestyle. She taught for fourteen years as a classroom teacher in grades two through sixth in title one schools in Jefferson County. She is passionate about helping youth thrive in difficult situations and building resiliency. She is grateful to be working with students in the classroom on important life skills and behavioral health during their impressionable years.

Sandy Schroeder Director of Community Engagement Sandy joined the Mountain Youth team in June 2018 with robust experience in education as a teacher and administrator. In her past, she has taught prevention classes, French and special education. She also spent 8 years as a principal in two rural middle schools in New England. She taught English as a Second Language for Colorado Mountain College for 3 years, and she taught in Eagle County Schools for 8 years. Sandy holds Master's degrees in International Relations, French, Educational Leadership and Educating Diverse Populations. Sandy also comes to us with deep non-profit leadership, having served as the President of the Board of Directors at Carbondale based Valley Life for All. Her history with the Developmental Assets and passion for relationship building has proven to boost local CTC efforts.

Michele Zoller Operations Manager Michele joined the Mountain Youth team in December 2020 as our Operations Manager after 17 years in the corporate event industry. Born and raised in Florida and an avid Gator Fan, she fell in love with the Valley and all it had to offer after one ski season following graduating from the University of Florida. Michele has been in Colorado between Vail and Denver since 1994. After getting her Masters in Business from the University of Denver she made the Mountain Valley her home. ​ Michele brings strong organizational skills and her diverse business background to Mountain Youth. Michele has two boys and since having them has been actively involved in the school system and local community. She is excited to play a bigger role in providing resources and opportunity to our local youth.

Luis Cervantes Luis Cervantes joined the Mountain Youth in June of 2021. Luis is born and raised in the Valley. He is currently a junior at Eagle Valley High School. He is happy to be a part of Mountain youth because he gets to learn new skills and meet new people.