Meet Our Board & Staff
The seed of The Aspen Effect was planted when founder Jerry Van Leuven created a program called Ranch Hand Leadership Academy in 2017. Within a few years, the demand for this program and for other youth supported services in Douglas County became apparent. Jerry recruited other adults to become volunteer mentors and soon, the seed burst through the ground and a 501C3 nonprofit called The Aspen Effect was born! Today, The Aspen Effect is governed by a strong, professional governing board representing leaders from multiple disciplines and industries. Most of our board originally connected to The Aspen Effect as volunteer mentors, experiencing first-hand the magic that happens on a ranch with youth and animals. Our commitment to this work is grounded in the genuine desire to help our youth heal, grow and thrive.
Jerry Van Leuven, Founder & Executive Director
Experienced leader and life coach.
Amy Lawrence, Director at Large
Media Director, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Debbie (Deg) Egner, Board President
Retired executive from the cable TV industry
Carrie Wedel, Director at Large
Community Relations Specialist, CORE Electric Coop
Mike Hanchett, Director at Large
Founder & President, Hanchett Law
Rob Powers, Board Treasurer
Business Planning Director, Charter Communications
Michael Anthos, Director at Large
CFO, Mountain View Electric Association
Carrie Hansen, Director at Large
School Counselor and LPC at Wildflower Counseling