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Our Staff

• Chad M. Gentry - Executive Director Click to expand

  

  I received my degree in finance and accounting from the Oklahoma State University. After spending several years working in banking, investments and financial planning for corporations such as Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo), Sun Life, and Founders Mutual Funds, I developed a strong desire to help people with financial education. Having personally counseled thousands of families, I am still passionate about helping people through financial hardships. With over 13 years in the industry I am excited to share in the success of mpowered. My hope is that through financial education we might create a stronger and more fiscally fit community.

• Cassandra Netzke - Deputy Director Click to expand

  

  As Deputy Director, I bring to mpowered my skills as an attorney and counselor with over 15 years of experience working in, for, and with nonprofits that serve a wide range of clients. I’ve served on the board of Forecast Public Art and as President of Inside the Orchestra. In 2001, I co-founded a nonprofit organization to help give public school students access to experiential learning opportunities. I’ve counseled thousands of clients in everything from education advising and housing to complex legal matters. I am passionate about helping underserved populations access the skills, education, and resources they need to advocate for themselves and it’s a privilege for me to join this talented mpowered team. I am inspired every day by working with this dedicated group of professionals to bring financial wellbeing to our community. 

• Lydia Ruter - FEC Lead Personal Finance Coach Click to expand

  

  I joined mpowered in February 2013 as the Lead Personal Finance Coach in the new Living Cities Financial Empowerment Centers program.  My background is in social work and I am passionate about working in partnership with low-income families to meet their goals and achieve greater stability.  Previously, I worked at Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver in their family services department.  I worked with families to support them in reaching their goal of homeownership through Habitat, including improving their finances and paying down debt.   It sparked my interest in working primarily with families on financial education and financial goals. I am thrilled to be a part of this innovative partnership between community nonprofits, the city of Denver, and mpowered.

• Maritza Chairez - FEC Personal Finance Coach Click to expand

  

  I joined mpowered with the goal of helping people empower themselves. I was drawn to this organization because of its emphasis on promoting financial literacy to Coloradans all over the state. As one of the newest additions to mpowered, I am completing my professional training to become a Bilingual Personal Finance Coach in the fall of 2012.  A graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, my previous experience also includes working in the education and medical industries as well as interning for an event planner that focused on nonprofit events. I hope to draw from all of my skills and experiences in order to provide the best financial education for the community.  On a personal note, you can find me spending my free time reading, enjoying the Colorado scenery and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy watching professional sports and am an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and Nuggets and actually look forward to fall and winter every year. 

   

• Liz Ludchak - FEC Personal Finance Coach Click to expand

  

  After receiving my masters degree in nonprofit management from Regis University, I joined mpowered. It was a perfect fit since I had been working with low income families and had recently been a money manager for seniors. As a personal finance coach, with strong emphasis in bankruptcy counseling, my primary goal is to determine what the situation is and find services they may be able to obtain for assistance. During our conversations I always try to understand what they are going through, provide encouragement and education for the future and let them know they can contact our office if they need us for additional support. When not working I can be found teaching, gardening, cooking, and learning how to live in our community as frugally as possible

• Edith Reed - FEC Personal Finance Coach Click to expand

  

  I joined Mpowered with the goal of motivating individuals to become financially secure.  My passion is to provide information, guidance and support to individuals and empower them to make informed decisions, improve their situation and achieve their goals. I’m particularly excited to be serving in the community, partnering with local organizations and the City of Denver in this shared vision. I am an AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor. As a Financial Counselor Intern at Buckley Air Force Base I provided financial guidance and education to members of the military community and assisted them in effectively managing their finances. Previously, I monitored scholarship budgets and allocated funds for a local community college foundation.  I enjoyed advising students on scholarship opportunities and have an intrinsic desire to help people succeed.

• Olga Salazar - FEC Personal Finance Coach Click to expand

  

  I joined mpowered because of its mission to help individuals with personal financial coaching. I am excited to join the Financial Empowerment Centers program and helping City of Denver residents. I come with experience working in legal services, nonprofits, and providing family services to the Latino community throughout the Denver Metro area. I have worked with adults teaching skills including financial education, parenting skills, and GED classes. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Denver. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I enjoy working and helping people from different parts of the world. When I’m not at work, I enjoy hiking, playing guitar, reading and traveling.

• Lisa Aguayo - Office Administrator Click to expand

  During this recession, I’ve seen many people being turned down for loans in the credit union industry because of economic hardships or uninformed decisions affecting their credit. I was moved by mpowered’s holistic approach to helping people out of debt rather than burying them in it.  With a lot of understanding and personal experience I am honored to be part of the mpowered team.  In my home life, I enjoy family time, movies, cooking and fishing.

• Shawn Davis - Development Officer Click to expand

  

  I came to mpowered with over 12 years of experience in public administration. Before becoming an independent consultant, I was the Development Director at the Colorado Prevention Center and I directed the Centers of Excellence for Culturally Competent Care for Kaiser Permanente Colorado. I have a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from Ohio University with a focus on health policy, a Masters of Gerontological Studies (MGS) from Miami University with a specialization in chronic diseases. I have a certificate in fundraising management from the Fund Raising School at Indiana University. My passion is financial literacy and I’m enthusiastically committed to seeing that minorities have access to financial education. 

• Melissa Duncan - Credit Wellness Specialist & Personal Finance Coach Click to expand

  

  I joined mpowered in 2008 with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. As a personal finance coach, I provide an enriched and supportive environment for our clients as they move through their financial journey while facilitating them to become advocates for themselves. I work directly with the Debt Management Program client base as well as helping to support our Bankruptcy and Credit Wellness Programs. Outside of mpowered, I love to play sports, read, and most of all spend quality time with my husband, young daughter and our families.

• Amy Fidelis - Marketing Director Click to expand

  

   After serving on mpowered’s Board of Directors for 2 years I joined the staff in 2012.  Prior to mpowered I ran an award-winning financial education program and managed community relations for a local credit union. I’m excited about mpowered’s efforts to promote financial stability, literacy, and independence because I believe in the power of behavior change and helping people understand their relationship with money.  A former high school teacher, I still love to teach and motivate. I studied at Wheaton College in Illinois and earned a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Colorado at Denver. I’ve traveled to Africa, South America, Europe, and Central America for professional development, volunteer work, school, and family.  Outside of work I train Brazilian Jui Jitsu, and volunteer for RMIAN and the Denver/Boulder BBB.  

• Beth Kaspar - Debt Management Program Director Click to expand

  

  I joined mpowered in the spring of 2007, where I am inspired to help my clients make sense of their finances. My goal with every client is to provide simple, helpful advice to make progress towards their financial goals. A committed “non-profiteer”, I have over 10 years experience in Denver area non-profit agencies, including 6 years managing volunteers at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. When not working, I enjoy gardening, reading, film and volunteering with my favorite charities.

• Mike Schorer - Program Director - Colorado Springs Click to expand

  

  I have worked in the credit counseling industry for over 15 years.  Before working in credit counseling, I owned and operated a clothing manufacturer business.   I learned the importance of managing our company finances and this translates into my personal finances.  My interest is to share, through individual counseling and through teaching classes, what I have learned and know with those who are struggling with their finances.  Outside of work, I enjoy hiking the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains and running to keep as fit as possible.  I also volunteer in a local non-profit outreach to impoverished children of the world.

• Laura Lascano - Bilingual Personal Finance Coach Click to expand

  

  I joined mpowered 6 months after my arrival in the US from Argentina in 2008. I started in a Customer Service position that allowed me to practice my degree in Social Communication from Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, as well as to brush up on my English. In November 2010, I completed my training as a personal finance coach. Since then, I’ve been thrilled to guide and support clients on every step of the journey they take to achieve financial stability. Also, as a former High School Teacher, I’m really passionate for financial education and committed to share that within Denver’s Hispanic Community. When I’m not working, you will find me hanging out with friends, watching a foreign movie, reading, or enjoying a hike in Colorado’s beautiful landscapes!

• Katy J. Rogers - Human Resources Director Click to expand

  

  I joined mpowered in 2009 as Program Director and was later promoted to Deputy Director. Prior to joining mpowered, I worked in the domestic and international microfinance industry for more than six years, most recently helping launch ACCION New Mexico’s expansion into Colorado. My management experience includes four years as ACCION Chicago’s Vice President/Director of Marketing and Lending.  My work with ACCION’s small business clients taught me the importance of unbiased financial advice and counseling based on individual personal situations.  At mpowered we provide this trusted guidance to hundreds of individuals and families every month.  I hold a BA in Business/Economics from Wheaton College in Illinois and an MBA from the University of Colorado at Denver. I’m originally from Minnesota and I currently live in Evergreen, Colorado with my husband and children.  Outside of mpowered, I like to spend time cooking, hiking, and training for half-marathons.