The Jacob Center team is made up of deeply present, fiercely compassionate, purpose-driven individuals who lead with empathy, curiosity, and courage. They show up fully for the youth and families they serve—not as fixers, but as listeners and partners, honoring each person’s story.
In 2024, The Jacob Center worked with more than 300 individuals.
The dedicated support of our compassionate community partners and donors has allowed us to reach further than ever before.
Learn more about our impact in the community for Larimer County and Northern Colorado
Our Directors
Stephanie Magnie – She/her
Operations Director
Emily Brown – She/her
Development Director
Alyssa Esposito – She/her
Clinical Director,
TBRI® Practitioner
Erin Zeiner – She/her
Executive Director,
TBRI® Practitioner
Board of Directors
Doreen Canova
President
BIO
I joined the board of directors because I wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to the community. With a special passion for supporting families facing challenges and having been a single mother of three children myself at one time, I understand firsthand the struggles that families can experience and the importance of having strong community support.
I have over 30 years of comprehensive business experience from my role as a Sales Manager at HP, where I’ve developed expertise across multiple disciplines including finance, human resources, organizational development, performance reviews, and strategic problem-solving. Additionally, as a Realtor with Keller Williams of NOCO, I help families navigate one of life’s most significant decisions, finding the right home.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me expressing my creativity through painting, tackling DIY home projects, cooking for my large extended family, and creating cherished memories with my grandchildren. These experiences keep me grounded in what truly matters: family, community, and connection.
Suriya Vijayasarathy
Vice President
BIO
As a former Jacob Center Youth and Family Coach, volunteering on the Board is a full-circle experience for me. This organization’s dedication to serving young people and their caregivers in the community I grew up in resonated with me years ago as an aspiring social worker, and it still inspires me to this day.
I am a Continuous Improvement Specialist at the Adams County Health Department and am the owner of Curious Courage Consulting, LLC. I empower teams to turn vision into action by embracing their core strengths and solving complex problems with both their heads and their hearts. I leverage my expertise in Lean and organizational development to facilitate the Jacob Center’s annual strategic planning and to standardize internal processes.
In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, hiking, cooking, and adventures with my dog, Aggie. I’m always ready to nerd out about film/TV, fantasy literature, and heavy metal music.
Kristine Skelton
Treasurer
BIO
Devin Aubry
Secretary
BIO
As a school counselor with four years of experience serving youth ages 10-19, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges facing young people and their families. My work in PTECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) has given me extensive experience supporting first-generation families, advocating for equity in access, and ensuring felt-safety for students and staff.
I hold Masters in School Counseling and a BA in Human Development, and have experience in both clinical settings and youth in-patient programming. My expertise in organizing meetings, navigating diverse perspectives, and advocating for systemic improvements within resource constraints translates directly to effective board governance for the Jacob Center.
In my free time, I enjoy art, staying active, music, and tending to my plants. I love spending time with my 2-year-old nephew and connecting with my community through farmer’s markets, climbing, and local events. I joined the Jacob Center Board to give back to systems that support youth and help design frameworks that honor the humanness of young people and families.
Melinda Phipps
Fundraising/Marketing Liaison
BIO
As a member of the Fort Collins Community for 25 years and public educator for 15 years, I’m able to support the mission of The Jacob Center through community connection, creative problem solving, and curiosity My lived experience, as well as, my background in serving students in alternative education settings provides unique insight into the challenges faced by youth in our community.
When I am not working, I am (honestly) probably still thinking about work. I love my job as a high school teacher and am always seeking ways to make it engaging, relevant, and fun! I also enjoy time camping with my husband and two children, reading, and traveling.
I joined The Jacob Center’s board after working alongside them in partnership with Poudre School District. Once that partnership concluded, I was eager to reconnect with the expert staff at The Jacob Center to continue in supporting their mission. It’s an honor to be among this dedicated, brilliant, and committed team!
Jesse Liu
Community Liaison
BIO
I serve as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for my private practice Empathic Insights, LLC and work part-time for UCHealth, bringing expertise in community connection, clinical perspective, and intersectionality to support the Jacob Center’s organizational goals. My background includes serving Larimer County in many different roles. I have worked with intergenerational trauma, identity formation, trauma-informed mental health care, and social justice advocacy in a variety of settings.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our dog (Black Lab), playing board games/TTRPGs, and traveling.
I joined the Jacob Center’s board because I have first-hand experience knowing the importance of the work that the Jacob Center has for youth and families. My experience as a clinician, combined with my personal expertise, drives my commitment to the Jacob Center’s mission of empowering youth and families.
Courtney Henkelman
Community Liaison
BIO
As a Commercial Relationship Manager at First Interstate Bank in Boulder, CO, I help connect business owners with the financing and capital needed to help grow their business and create jobs and opportunities in our local communities. My role provides insight into creating opportunities for collaboration and shared growth.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters as well as cooking, traveling and spending time outdoors.
I joined The Jacob Center’s board to help support the team’s mission of serving at risk youth and families. I am passionate about helping others find connection within their communities and creating opportunities for collaboration and shared growth.
Join the team
We’re always looking for passionate individuals to be part of our mission at the Jacob Center.
For inquiries about employment, volunteer, and internship opportunities, please email contact@jacobcenter.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
View Our Open Positions Below:
There are no open positions available at this time. You may email us your resume and cover letter if you would like to be considered for future positions.
why the Jacob center?
We offer holistic, trauma-competent programming
Serving youth and families for over 30 years
Focused on cultivating resilience and felt safety
Experienced leadership team (over 110+ years of experience combined)
Committed to continuous training, learning, and mentorship
We work hand-in-hand with youth, caregivers, professionals, and neighbors – your voice matters
Have questions?
Connect with us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Members of our Amazing team
We’re now 25+ people dedicated to serving youth and family. Our team focuses on empowerment, felt safety, and mutual respect. All while having fun.
Zach
Zach is never short on enthusiasm, excitement, and flexibility in his work with youth and families. He is a great advocate for youth and works very hard to assure kids are seen and heard. Zach’s passion for this work is refreshing and he creates a safe space for kids, co-workers, and families to be expressive, create connection, and have fun!
