Keep up with us
About the Team
We are a crew of passionate individuals working together to create a positive & fun environment for youth to learn and grow.
Leadership
Aaron Miltenberger
CEO & President
Tel: (719) 850-1464
On-Call Tel: (719) 588-5433
aaron@bgcslv.org
Mr. Miltenberger joined the Boys and the Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley as President/CEO in April of 2018. A long time advocate for historically underserved and marginalized youth, with over 25 years of working in student and youth development programs. Mr. Miltenberger has worked with foster homes, environmental education programs, youth corrections, wilderness therapy programs and with social services. He was a three-year employee at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley working in the Intel Computer Clubhouse. Most recently, Mr. Miltenberger was the Director of Student Life & Recreation at Adams State University, where he worked for 10 years. He received his Master in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from ASU in 2012 and is pleased to serve the community in this new capacity.
Dale Baker
Operations Director
(719) 589-5252
opsdirector@bgcslv.org
Dale is a valley native with over two decades of operations and workforce management experience. Husband and father of two grown daughters, Dale has deep family ties to the San Luis Valley and a strong level of dedication to the youth of our diverse communities. With a broad understanding of the challenges faced by children and parents, he brings compassionate, yet firm, leadership to the Club membership and staff, acting as a mentor and guiding force that continues to carry the organization into the 21st century.
Katie Walker
Health Navigator
(719) 401-4156 (Direct Line/Text)
(719) 589-5252 (Alamosa Clubhouse)
katiewalker@bgcslv.org
My name is Katie Walker, I am a Colorado Native who was born and raised in Canon City, CO as the youngest of two children in a family of four. After graduating high school in 2011, I attended the University of Wyoming for
one year before transferring to CSU-Pueblo Campus. During my last semester
at college, I was offered a full time position with the Sangre de Cristo
Arts Center & Buell Children’s Museum, where I spent the
next five years creating programming & coordinating field trips.
After the successful creation and expansion of grant funded ‘Sensory Friendly’
days for families with individuals on the autism spectrum, I transitioned
from my position as Associate Curator of the Buell Children’s Museum
to a career as a Registered Behavior Therapist (RBT) in December 2020.
From late 2020 until joining the Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley,
I implemented Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) behavioral therapy
with autistic individuals aged 2-18 years of age under the guidance
of a board certified BCBA. I am honored to be joining not only
the community of the BGCA, but of the San Luis Valley, and hope to add to
the positive transformations currently in progress.
During my off hours I enjoy camping, reading, bike riding, table top
RPG gaming, and spending time with my husband (a valley native, himself)
and our 3 month old son. Outside of club hours, you can usually spot me downtown at Milagro’s or The Narrow Gauge Book Co-op.
Position Vacant
Director of Social Emotional Learning
(719) 589-5252
seldirector@bgcslv.org
Look for this position to be posted soon on our Join Us page!
Please direct employment inquiries to
Access the Position Description & Apply online HERE.
Theresa Shown
Finance Director
(719) 589-5252
finance@bgcslv.org
Theresa is a graduate of Adams State University who combines her MBA degree with over 20 years of experience serving non-profit organizations to bring an exciting portfolio of skills and abilities to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley’s executive team. Her extensive accounting background and passionate drive to give back to the community allow her to focus her role as Finance Director towards helping valley youth achieve their goals and dreams in our richly diverse world. She also loves the outdoors and can often be found tending her large garden, camping, and hunting. When not exploring the wild outdoors, she cares for her loving family and attends church.
Lola Garcia
Human Resources Director
(719) 589-5252
lola@bgcslv.org
With an extensive background in Human Resources and a strong passion for helping people achieve their goals, Lola brings a powerful skill set and vast personnel management experience to the growing team of caring professionals at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley. She is always inspired by her two boys, Nathaniel and Nicholas, who are actively involved in sports, which can make for a hectic yet incredibly rewarding family life that is often spent watching games or just hanging out with family and friends. Lola looks forward to making the BGCSLV a choice employer in the San Luis Valley, with competitive pay and benefits, in addition to creating a rich learning environment where staff can develop their skills and continue to grow as service professionals.
Emma Campbell
Alamosa Unit Director
(719) 589-5252
unitdirector@bgcslv.org
Emma is driven by a passion for guiding youth to learn and grow to be their
best individual selves. Originally from Goffstown, New Hampshire, Emma
graduated from Fitchburg State University with a Bachelor's degree in Special
Education, and an Elementary Teaching License.
Following graduation, she worked as a behavior technician for kids with Autism, then found herself in Colorado as a part of an Americorps program, Alpine Achievers Initiative. AAI gave Emma the opportunity to serve at the Boys and Girls Club, where she fell in love with the youth, the staff, and the community of the San Luis Valley.
Emma is eager to learn and grow alongside the youths we serve and her colleagues at the Boys and Girls Clubs. She continually strives to find new ways to support and nourish a positive, safe environment for valley youth!
Garrett Marquez
Assistant Operations Director
(719) 589-5252
garrett@bgcslv.org
Garrett is most passionate about introducing kids to the outdoors and providing them with memorable experiences. This makes him an ideal leader for the Outdoor Adventure program. Previously a teacher, Garrett has experience educating and working with kids. On a Sunday, you can find him cheering for the L.A. Chargers or hiking to big bodies of water.
Dave Hargis
Director of Marketing &
Resource Development
(719) 589-5252
marketing@bgcslv.org
With an extensive background in Sales, Marketing, Office Management, and Career Services, Dave brings a diverse set of skills that is well paired with a strong sense of wonder and hope for the future.
Dave's innate belief that we all have the potential to help each other create meaningful lives for ourselves and prosperous communities that enrich us all is strongly linked to his love of heroes, science fiction, and his faith in the ability of each one of us to be a catalyst for each others greatness! Semper Fi!
Nikolas Ricks
Saguache Unit Director
(719) 588-4661
nikolasricks@bgcslv.org
Hello everyone! My name is Nikolas Ricks, or Nik. I am from Akron,OH and I am absolutely excited with this new opportunity. I was a boys and girls club kid myself. I came to a location just like this one almost everyday after school while I was growing up. The location I attended was in Canton,OH I'm going to make everyday fun, and memorable as much as I can. If I can help in any way please let me know I will. I choose to come work for the club due to the life lessons it taught me. It truly made me feel like not only a person. However it gave me the confidence to get things done throughout life.
My favorite thing to do in my spare time is to listen to music, workout, and draw. I have been making music as well as drawing since I could remember. I love football, and traveling through the mountains as much as I can. The rest of my family lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I have a sister and brothers. I also have a daughter. My little girl is 6 years old, and she is a riot! Love that little girl though! This is me, Nikolas Ricks. If you see me around don't be afraid to say hi I just might make your day!
Our 2023
Board of Directors
Note: BGCSLV Board terms are three years, are renewable, and are staggered.
In addition, the organization has 100 percent of board members contributing financially to BGCSLV on an annual basis.
Mr. Adam Lopez, Multi-Media Sales & Digital Specialist Valley Courier
Chair (2023)
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2023
Term Expires: 2025
Contact Info: Email adam.lopez281@gmail.com Tel 719-588-7982
Mr. Robert Van Iwaarden, Owner, Van Iwaarden Builders, Inc.
Secretary (2023)
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2005
Term Expires: 2026
Contact info: Email vib@gojade.org Tel 719-589-4224
Mr. Mike Hudson, CPA and Shareholder, Wall, Smith, Bateman & Associates, Inc.
Treasurer (2023)
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2014
Term Expires: 2023
Contact info: Email mikeh@wsbcpa.com Tel 719-580-3619
Ms. Judy McNeilsmith, Chief Operating Officer, La Puente Homeless Services
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 1998
Term Expires: 2026
Contact info: Email jmcneilsmith@gmail.com Tel 719-588-0779
Mrs. Kimberly Chacon, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Adams State University
County of Residence: Rio Grande
Board Member Since: 2019
Term Expires: 2026
Contact Info: k73chacon@gmail.com Tel
Mrs. Helen Sigmond, Lawyer Private Practice
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2021
Term Expires: 2024
Contact Info: helensigmond@gmail.com Tel
Mrs. Anke Spiegelhauer, CPA, MT, Tax Manager , Wall, Smith, Bateman & Associates, Inc.
County of Residence: Rio Grande
Board Member Since: 2019
Term Expires: 2026
Contact Info: ankes@wsbcpa.com Tel 719-589-3619
Dr. Lauren Sonderegger, Valley Wide Health Systems
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2021
Term Expires: 2024
Contact Info: lauren.sonderegger@gmail.com Tel 510-502-0325
Ms. Meagan Smith, Director of Operations, La Puente Enterprise
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2021
Term Expires: 2024
Contact Info: director.enterprises@lapuente.net Tel
Ms. Holly Van Hoy, Youth Services Librarian, Alamosa Public Library
County of Residence: Conejos
Board Member Since: 2021
Term Expires: 2024
Contact Info: hvanhoy@ci.alamosa.co.us Tel
Charlotte Ledonne
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2022
Term Expires: 2025
Contact Info: charlotte.ledonne@gmail.com Tel
Ms. Angelica Raya
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2022
Term Expires: 2025
Contact Info: rayaangel020@gmail.com Tel
Mr. Antonio Sandoval
County of Residence: Antonito
Board Member Since: 2022
Term Expires: 2025
Contact Info: antsand50@hotmail.com Tel 719-580-5730
Mr. Rob Oringdulph, Retired, Edward Jones
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2007
Term Expires: 2026
Contact info: Email oringdulphr@icloud.com Tel 719-580-0130
Ex Officio
Mr. Ron Chapman, CPA and Shareholder, Wall, Smith, Bateman & Associates, Inc.
Emeritus (2020)
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2007
Term Expires: N/A
Contact info: Email ronc@wsbcpa.com Tel 719-580-3692
Parent Representative
Mrs. Esther Mendoza, parent educator Early Childhood Center
County of Residence: Alamosa
Board Member Since: 2017
Term Expires: 2023
Contact info: Email mendozaesther65@yahoo.com Tel 719-588-5386
Youth Representative
Amaya Garcia- White Buffalo
Current Youth of the Year 2022
Board Member Since: 2022*
Term Expires: 2024
Cynthia Mejia,
Previous Youth of the Year 2021
Board Member Since: 2021*
Term Expires: 2023