Staff
For general information, please call our main number at 303-675-0713 or email us at hello@fpgd.org
Jerilyn Apodaca
Director of Programs & Interim Executive Director
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Jeri is a Colorado Native with over 15 years of experience working to encourage, support, and strengthen families and communities.
She wants to share her personal story of how Family Promise of Greater Denver changed her life and how she is now leading their efforts to support homeless families in Denver.
Years ago, she found herself in a difficult situation, homeless with my five children after relocating to Colorado from California. Family Promise of Greater Denver (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network) stepped in during this crucial time, providing her with shelter, support, and hope. Through their assistance, she was able to secure housing and rebuild her life.
This experience inspired her to pursue a degree in social work at Metropolitan State University and dedicate her career to helping others. She joined Family Promise of Greater Denver almost 5 years ago. She learned varies aspects of the agency such as stabilization, shelter, and the prevention program. Through dedication and hard work, she advanced to the role of Director of Program. Following recent changes in leadership She was recently appointed as the Interim Director.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and exploring new things.
Julie Gart
Director of Development
Julie Gart has dedicated her career to developing strong collaborative relationships with companies, agencies, volunteers and donors all with the goal to serve the highest needs and increase engagement in the community. She started her career in Austin, Texas as an Event Manager and had the pleasure of working with Lady Bird Johnson and her daughters at the LBJ Library. Together, they planted bluebonnets all down the Texas highways that still bloom today. This inspired Julie to dedicate her career to nonprofit work. Throughout her career Julie has donated bikes in low-income communities, inspired girls to run, made a difference with children going through life-threatening medical experiences and empowered children to succeed!
Julie is extremely curious, entrepreneurial and loves taking on new challenges. Throughout her career she has been recognized as being a “people enthusiast.” She thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and embraces the challenge of delivering the best experiences. Julie has a strong willingness to take on new challenges to continue building relationships. She recently earned her certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility; an exciting and transformative space, she enjoys this work and the community very much.
A Colorado native, Julie loves the lifestyle it has to offer! Outside of work, Julie is also an outdoors enthusiast and views the world through an artistic lens. Julie’s father taught her at an early age the importance of giving back. In his loving memory, Julie is inspired to ensure everyone has a home as part of her future endeavors.
Rebel Rodriguez
Shelter Operations Manager
In 2012 I received my bachelor's degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a concentration in nonprofits. I started my work shortly thereafter at The Rising Church in Arvada. I was Foodbank Director for eight years and during that time implemented the ability for our guests to get showers, then added the clothing bank and then eventually started as Director of Mission Arvada at The Rising. I was director for two years before moving on to caring for children whose parent's needed childcare during COVID when daycares were closing.
I love what nonprofits do for our communities and cannot imagine doing anything else. I especially appreciate working with people and families experiencing homelessness due to getting to know many personally working at the church. I developed relationships with individuals and families that impacted me greatly.
I love living in Colorado and enjoy being outdoors. I have fun riding off road ATV's, camping and hiking our many trails.
Quiera Smith
Shelter Specialist
Quiera is a native of Colorado, but prefers water over mountains. She is a true Pisces. Quiera began working for FPGD in July 2023 as a Shelter Family Advocate. Quiera is very passionate about working with populations that are often misunderstood, discriminated against and silenced. Quiera has worked with victims of domestic violence, homeless populations, LGBTQIA+, and individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Quiera knew that she wanted to work in a helping profession following the suicide of her best friend in 1990 and his brother in 2000 . Everyday she struggles with the what if’s often associated with family and friends left behind following a suicide. It is for this reason coupled with others that she strives to make sure that no one feels alone or insignificant.
Quiera received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature, with a minor in Anthropology, from the University of Colorado Boulder. She received her Masters in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University, where she was inducted into the Whitney M. Young Jr. Dean’s Honor Society. Quiera is planning to return to school to obtain her PhD in Counseling Psychology in 2024. Quiera absolutely loves obtaining knowledge and truly misses being in school. Classmates often became upset with her, because she requested more assignments.
Quiera enjoys spending time with her daughter, anything pertaining to helping animals, learning and speaking new languages, Sunflowers, Journey concerts, traveling, Van Gogh, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, writing poetry/fiction, synchronized swimming, scuba diving, watching boxing, roller skating and ice skating.
Emily Miller
Bridge Family Advocate
I was one of our Shelter families. Once I got back on my feet, I was fortunate to return to Family Promise of Greater Denver as the Shelter Family Advocate for 4 years. Recently, I took a short break and I returned to Family Promise to help with the growing need of our services as the Bridge Program Specialist. I am the mother of 2 vivacious men: Loyal (6) and Kourtlan (14) both keep me very busy, and they love volunteering at Family Promise of Greater Denver. I am excited to join this new team, new position and continue making an impact for this very worthwhile organization.
Christel Maldonado
Stabilization Specialist
Christel is a native of Colorado, however, admits that she loves the ocean as much as the mountains.
Christel has been working with our homeless population for over 16 years in many capacities, ranging from domestic violence, residential and homeless shelters, LGBTQ, advocacy Stout Street Health Center and assisting people in Human Services obtain benefits, and working at a housing authority for many years. All of my experience and work means so much to me as I love helping people in need. I am nurturing, patient and have a heart to help anyone who is vulnerable, struggling or just need a hand up to keep moving in life.
I have 2 beautiful children, and 4 adorable grandbabies, and a 15-year-old fur baby, Chloe, a toy poodle. MY LOVES!!!
On my free time I love being outdoors, hiking, bike riding, reading, singing and enjoying my family!
I am in college as well, at Metropolitan State College, majoring in Psychology. I love it!
I love Family Promise and look forward to this new journey!
Kristin Kinchla
Office/Marketing Manager
Kristin is originally from Boston but has been residing in Colorado for almost 4 years. In 2018 she received her bachelor’s in marketing and a double major in psychology from Roger Williams University and received her MBA with a concentration in Marketing in 2023 from Southern New Hampshire University. Kristin has worked in Marketing for 4 years in both the oil and gas industry and professional sports industry.
Kristin began at Family Promise in February 2024 excited to bring her ideas to the table and work for an organization with a strong impact on the community. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her dog, fiancé, snowboarding, and attending concerts at Red Rocks!