Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) provides one-to-one mentors for any youth, ages 6-17 years old, and young adults, ages 18-24 years old.
Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Our goals for the youth that we serve are focused in areas that have a positive impact in each of their lives: increased self-confidence, improved academic performance, increased interest in learning, and stronger, positive relationships with humankind through increased sense of belonging.
Our volunteer Bigs are making an impact on their Littles, and we believe they are the heart of our programs. Yet, parent/guardian involvement is key to the success of the Match.
Our agency was founded in La Plata County in 1984 by local citizens who wanted to improve the lives of any youth in Southwest Colorado from all demographics and families.
They chartered a Big Brothers Big Sisters agency and adopted the national organization’s successful one-to-one mentoring model with its 100+ year history and proven track record of helping youth move beyond internal and external circumstances to reach their potential.
Our one-to-one mentoring is provided via our traditional Community-Based Mentoring program, High School Bigs program and Big Futures program. Additionally we support community-wide efforts that encourage and advocate for informal mentorship opportunities in partnership with other organizations, businesses and relationships.
Strive to continuously develop through cooperation and collaboration
Foster belonging and connection
Believe in the power of dignity, respect and acceptance
Find joy in the process of making a difference
Leverage resiliency, flipping challenges into opportunity
Jenn is the CEO for BBBS SWCO and has been part of the organization since 2009—as a two-term board member, longtime Big Sister to a Little for 10 years (now considered a REAL sister) and mentor to other Big Future fellows.
She brings extensive leadership experience from Conservation Legacy as the Director of Human Resources & Staff Development, Leadership positions with Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and has sat on numerous boards and committees in the community that support youth since grounding herself in Durango in 2003.
A 2018 Barbara Conrad Leadership Award recipient, Jenn is deeply committed to youth and leadership development across Southwest Colorado as she continues to work with other community businesses to elevate their leadership and strategic thinking through her own company.
Michelle is the Finance Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado. Michelle brings over 25 years of bookkeeping experience working with non-profits and small businesses.
She also oversees general office management, assisting with legal documentation and compliance, as well as managing grant submittals and documentation.
With 20+ years in the field of youth development, Megan came to BBBS ready to make an impact on community youth that need mentorship in their lives.
Megan is committed to strategic teams, building the capacity of nonprofits to do their mission-driven work, backed with a degree from Missouri State University in Public Relations, a nonprofit management certification, and countless trainings in youth development and leadership.
Susan received her Bachelor of Arts from Western Colorado University in Sociology and Kinesiology and Master’s Degree in Humanitarian Leadership and Trauma Informed Care from Wheaton University.
In Southwest Colorado, Susan began her career with American Cancer Society. Additionally, she has had the opportunity to work abroad as a part of education and health initiatives with the non-profit, Hope’s Doorway, as well as Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health.
Susan is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Ryan has worked for over 10 years in the field of Parks and Recreation, specializing in youth and adult sports programming, as well as special event coordination.
He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Park Management from Penn State University. Ryan came to Big Brothers Big Sisters with a passion for helping children and their families through positive adult mentorship.
Kip Koso
Board Chair
Tristen Musselman
Outgoing Chair
Will Herringer
Board Member
Marie Nelson
Secretary
Jared Atencio
Treasurer
Gary McNeil
Incoming Chair
Jeff Dickerson
Board Member
Matt Aupperle
Board Member
Brian Lundstrom
Board Member
A special thanks to our committee volunteers, donors, local businesses who support us, and our community advocates! We couldn’t do anything BIG without you.
Please fill out the form and we will be in touch with information.
