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. All of our board members became 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.