Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County

This interview with Sandy Snider was recorded on February 16, 2023. In this episode we discuss Sandy's experience navigating a mental health challenge and how organizations across the county were able to help her overcome it. If you want to get involved with NAMI, or are someone seeking assistance, you can learn more by visiting their website at https://www.namicoloradosprings.org/ . If you are in...

This interview with El Paso County Deputy Director of Communications Natalie Sosa was recorded on February 14, 2023. In this episode we discuss the value of continuing education, the importance of communicating in a crisis, and why Natalie has a strong connection to mentoring. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit https://...

This interview with El Paso County Chief Human Resources Officer Xavier Frost was recorded on February 1, 2023. In this episode we discuss Xavier's views on the HR profession, the benefits a job with El Paso County offers, and how he ended up with a curious nickname. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit https://www.elpaso...

This interview with El Paso County Commissioner Cami Bremer was recorded on January 31, 2023. In this episode we discuss the Commissioner's position in local government and how she views her role as a leader in the community. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit https://www.elpasoco.com/ . If you are interested in stories...

This week's interview featured the Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UCCS, Dr. Judith Scott; the President of Aponi Partners, Penny Whitney; and the Executive Director at Liberty Heights, Alina Solarzano. This interview was recorded on January 13, 2023. In this episode we discuss UCCS's JAWS Program and how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding aids their...

This interview with UCCS's Director of Community Training and Empowerment, Nicole Weis, was recorded on January 10, 2023. In this episode we discuss UCCS's GRIT Program and how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding aids their efforts. If you want to get involved with the GRIT Program, you can learn more by visiting their website at https://grit.uccs.edu/ . If you are interested in more sto...

This interview with CASA of the Pikes Peak Region's Executive Director, Angela Rose, was recorded on January 4, 2023. In this episode we discuss the valuable work that CASA is a part of, how they support their staff through the difficult tasks they perform, and how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding aids their efforts. If you want to get involved with CASA, you can learn more by visitin...

This interview with El Paso County's Chief Finance Officer, Nikki Simmons, was recorded on January 3, 2023. In this episode we discuss the 2023 El Paso County Budget, how it comes together, and what it means for El Paso County residents. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit https://www.elpasoco.com/ . If you are intereste...

This interview with Careers in Construction Colorado's Executive Director, Glenn Hard, and Operations Manager, Marlo Asher, was recorded on December 15, 2022. In this episode we discuss the benefits on alternative pathways for high school students post-graduation, the value of experience in the construction industry, and how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding from El Paso County is maki...

This interview with Homeward Pikes Peak's Executive Director, Beth Roalstad, was recorded on December 12, 2022. In this episode we discuss a number of programs run by Homeward Pikes Peak, including the soon-to-be-opened Bloom House. This new program was made possible, thanks to grant funding from El Paso County via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). If you want to get involved with Homeward Pike...

This interview with The Salvation Army's El Paso County Coordinator, Captain Doug Hanson, was recorded on December 8, 2022. In this episode we discuss how The Salvation Army got their start, the benefits they have seen from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding from El Paso County, and why they become a top-of-mind organization around the holidays. If you want to get involved with The Salv...

This interview with one of El Paso County's Project Managers, Amanda Grant, was recorded on December 1, 2022. In this episode we discuss the importance of transparency with government funding, the ins and outs of American Rescue Plan Act grants, and how those grants positively affected El Paso County residents. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with i...

This interview with El Paso County Search and Rescue's Public Information Officer, Jay Christianson, was recorded on November 21, 2022. In this episode we discuss the role Search and Rescue plays in El Paso County, what it takes to be part of the team, and the outcome of a recent national competition the team took part in. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communic...

This interview with NAMI's Director of Strategy and Operations, Kirk Woundy, was recorded on November 16, 2022. In this episode we discuss NAMI's efforts within the El Paso County community, the delicate nature of helping those that they serve, and how the organization is putting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding from El Paso County to good use. If you want to get involved with NAMI, o...

This interview with El Paso County's new Deputy Administrator, Sunny Bryant, was recorded on November 7, 2022. In this episode we discuss Sunny's outlook on her new role, how this position compares to previous jobs she has held, and the importance of residents being involved in local government. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, pl...

This interview with El Paso County's Coroner, Dr. Leon Kelly, was recorded on November 1, 2022. In this episode we discuss the uniqueness of an elected coroner, what it's like testifying at trials, and the importance of addressing various challenges within the community. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit https://www.el...

This interview with Pikes Peak United Way's Chief Operating Officer, Heather Steinman, was recorded on October 19, 2022. In this episode we discuss United Way's efforts within the El Paso County community, how they work together with various non-profit agencies, and how the new Family Success Center could not have happened without American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding from El Paso County....

This interview with El Paso County's Attorney, Kenny Hodges, was recorded on October 7, 2022. In this episode we discuss the County Attorney's role, the unique way in which the office operates, and which John Grisham book Mr. Hodges leans on for his most pressing legal advice (the answer may surprise you). If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its re...

This interview with Catholic Charities' Behavioral Health Specialist, Allie Warner Orozco, was recorded on September 27, 2022. In this episode we discuss Catholic Charities' purpose within the community, how they work together with various non-profit agencies, and how beneficial it was for the organization to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding from El Paso County. If you want to...

This interview with El Paso County's Interim Director of Public Works, Jack Ladley, was recorded on September 15, 2022. In this episode we discuss the various operations performed by the Public Works department, ways El Paso County residents can play a part in the department's success, and why collaboration with numerous organizations is so critical. If you are interested in learning more about ho...

This interview with El Paso County's Administrator, Bret Waters, was recorded on September 30, 2022. In this episode we discuss the role the County Administrator plays in local government, the importance of various working relationships between the County and other parties, and where Mr. Waters sees El Paso County five and ten years from now. If you are interested in learning more about how El Pas...

This interview with El Paso County's Executive Director of Communications, Vernon Stewart, was recorded on September 26, 2022. In this episode we discuss the role communications plays in local government, why it's important to have two-way communication with County residents, and what steps the Communications team is taking to create more transparency in their messaging. If you are interested in l...

This interview with Solid Rock Community Development Center's Executive Director, Ben Anderson, was recorded on August 16, 2022. In this episode we discuss Solid Rock's purpose within the community, what their goals are for those they serve, and how beneficial it was for the organization to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding from El Paso County. If you want to get involved with...

This interview with Springs Rescue Mission's Chief Development Officer, Travis Williams, was recorded on August 26, 2022. In this episode we discuss Springs Rescue Mission's purpose within the community, what their goals are for those they serve, and how beneficial it was for the organization to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding from El Paso County. If you want to get involved...

This interview with Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance's (PPBEA) Director, Bob Gemignani, was recorded on August 23, 2022. In this episode we discuss the PPBEA's mission within the community, how their programs benefit students and businesses alike, and how beneficial it was for the organization to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding from El Paso County. If you want to get...