Staff

The Arc PPR Executive Director Wilfred Romero

Wilfred Romero

Executive Director

Wilfred has been a resident of Colorado Springs since June 2001. He has 25 years of experience leading non-profit organizations that provide services to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Wilfred holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Organizational Management in Human Resources.

In Wilfred’s previous position with Booz Allen Hamilton, he provided training and technical assistance to non-profit agencies’ management teams as a Grantee Specialist. Wilfred’s area of expertise is program Design and Management.

Wilfred considers one his greatest achievements to be the opening of a Boys & Girls Club of Cheyenne in the low-income neighborhood where he grew up. The Boys & Girls Club of Cheyenne now serves over 3,000 youth members in Cheyenne, WY.

Wilfred is excited about his position as Executive Director and is committed to leading The Arc Pikes Peak Region to new heights.

The Arc PPR Guardianship Coordinator Christina Butero

Christina Butero

NCG Guardianship Coordinator

Christina has worked with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a variety of roles for over 27 years. Christina has been employed with The Arc Pikes Peak Region for nearly 16 years. Christina is a nationally certified guardian through the Center for Guardianship Certification.

 She is a member of the Pikes Peak Elder Abuse Coalition Fiduciary Training Committee. She also serves on the Human Rights Committee (HRC) with The Resource Exchange.

Christina earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology from Trinidad State Junior College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations from the University of Southern Colorado (renamed Colorado State University at Pueblo). She received The Arc PPR’s Don Haney Award for community service in 2005 and the President’s Award in 2012. Christina’s true passion is fighting for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Christina was born and raised in Southern Colorado. She is an avid sports fan. Christina’s most important role is Tia to her nieces and nephew.

Daryl Trujillo 

Advocacy Coordinator

Daryl has always felt a special calling and deep commitment to working with people of varying abilities, as she grew up among family members with autism and cerebral palsy.  A retired educator with over 31 years of experience working with children and families, she served as a teacher, school psychologist, school district administrator, and early childhood program manager at the Colorado Department of Education throughout a long and rewarding career.

A bilingual Spanish speaker, Daryl is passionate about advocating for children and families who have been historically disenfranchised and who have experienced extreme social challenges and a lack of inclusion across systems.

Daryl is honored to serve as the Advocacy Coordinator for The Arc Pikes Peak Region, where she works to continuously improve support to families by implementing responsive and informed practices in the Advocacy Department and Succeeding in School and Life: A Parent Empowerment Program. She holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies and International Relations from Bucknell University and an Ed.S. in School Psychology from the University of Central Florida.

Daryl lives with her husband, two adult daughters, and her three grandchildren in an intergenerational household.  She is blessed by her strong faith and the love, energy, and laughter her family brings!

The Arc PPR Fiscal Coordinator Donna Butzin

Donna Butzin

Fiscal Coordinator

Donna has worked for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities since 1995. Donna joined The Arc Pikes Peak Region in 2010 as Financial Coordinator.

Donna earned a BS in Accounting from Regis University and has an expansive background in fiscal coordination. She is proud to be the trustee for The Arc Pikes Peak Region Pooled Income Trust.

She is a parent to three grown sons and Bama (grandma) to two incredible grands. In her free time, Donna enjoys attending concerts, theater, CC hockey games, and doing anything craft related!
The Arc PPR Advocacy Specialist Daniel Barriera

Danny Barriera

Advocacy Specialist

As a dedicated advocate for The Arc Pikes Peak Region, Danny brings 20 plus years of experience in championing the rights and needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by this community, he has developed a strong commitment to amplifying voices, building support and driving positive change.

Throughout his career, Danny has worked closely with this community, it’s leaders, organizations, and individuals to identify and address pressing concerns.

He has also built strong relationships with the individuals he serves and community allies to advance the cause, all while providing supports and resources to empower individuals to advocate for themselves.

Pete Boryla

Advocacy Specialist

Born and raised in the Denver metro area, Pete understands, from personal experience, the challenges that families of children with disabilities face.  A sibling of a brother with Down Syndrome, Pete is passionate about people who have often been marginalized in society. Pete’s overall goal is to help bring dignity to people with disabilities and to help others see that those with disabilities are unique individuals who bring their strengths and gifts to the table but who are often not afforded opportunities due to social stigmas. 

Alongside his work in Educational Advocacy, where he empowers parents to navigate the educational system and become their child’s strongest advocate, Pete also serves as the Advisor to the local chapter of Speaking For Ourselves, a national self-advocacy organization for adults with disabilities.  Drawing on his personal experience growing up with his brother, Pete has witnessed the transformative power of meaningful inclusion and tirelessly advocates for improved buy-in and meaningful support across educational and community systems. 

Pete’s academic and professional journey is a testament to his dedication. He holds a B.A. in Communication from Colorado State University, Fort Collins. He was honored to be a Family Fellow at the University of Colorado Anschutz in their Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders program. Since 2014, Pete has been actively involved in the disability system, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to his advocacy work.

Pete’s life anchors are his faith and spending time with his beautiful wife, family, and friends. He enjoys reading, traveling, running, hiking, and sports.

Nancy Homan

Advocacy Specialist

Nancy has worked with people with disabilities since college and continues to appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the community The Arc Pikes Peak Region has developed.  As an Educational Advocate, she brings over 30 years of experience working with students who face various learning challenges and enjoys supporting families as they find their way through the complex educational system. 

She takes a collaborative approach with families with the understanding that parents know their children better than anyone and are truly the “experts” in understanding what will help their children be successful in school.  Nancy’s goal is to support families as they “find their voice” and become successful lifelong advocates of their children.  

Nancy holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Perdue University and a Master’s in Social Work/Counseling from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.  She retired as the Assistant Special Education Director in Colorado Springs School District 11 in 2019.  Nancy also volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in her spare time.

Sydney Chaffee

Educational Navigator

Sydney was born in raised in Colorado Springs. She graduated in October of 2023 with her bachelor’s degree in biology and Society from Arizona State University. Sydney has always considered her upbringing unique and attributes much of it to who she is today. For the entirety of her life, she was raised in a home with adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, as her Mom is a Host Home Provider.

Growing up, Sydney only ever considered these individuals an integral part of her family. Being raised alongside adults with IDD has inspired Sydney’s professional aspirations of advocating for and supporting individuals with varying abilities and their families.

In her current role as an Educational Navigator for the Succeeding in School and Life Program, Sydney works to meet families where they are, and helping parents to feel equipped with the tools they need for their child’s success. 

In her spare time, Sydney enjoys baking, spending time with her cat Ozzy, and anything art-related.

The Arc PPR Guardianship Specialist Amber Spinks

Amber Spinks

Guardianship Specialist

Amber was called to serve individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities in 2007 and has been working for The Arc Pikes Peak Region as a Guardianship Specialist since 2011. Her desire was to work for an organization where she was able to pursue her passion of being able to advocate and enhance the lives of the individuals she serves. 

Amber has worked hard in building strong relationships with the individuals, as well as community partnerships.

Amber enjoys spending time with her family, spoiling her dog, Barkley, attending to her new hobby of collecting plants and gardening, going on trips, and anything else that sparks her interests.

The Arc PPR Guardianship Specialist Amy Hagerman

Amy Hagerman

Guardianship Specialist

Amy was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Fort Collins Colorado since the age of three. She graduated from Colorado State University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has worked for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families in an array of positions since February 1998.

Amy joined The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region in October 2021, with the hopes of utilizing her professional and personal experiences to advocate and enhance the lives of individuals with IDD. Amy enjoys her personal time by spending time with her family which consists of her Husband, 3 daughters and a menagerie of pets.

 

Morgan Wiese The Arc PPR Colorado Springs

Morgan Wiese

Communications Manager/Office Manager

With a passion for creating authentic relationships through various platforms, Morgan knew she wanted to work with an organization that prioritized uplifting underrepresented populations.

She graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Public Relations, a minor in Theatre, and a certificate in New Media in May 2022 before taking a leap of faith and moving to Colorado Springs.

She started working with The Arc Pikes Peak Region as the Communications/Office Manager in February 2023, and feels so lucky to join such an incredible team and community. She looks forward to learning more from people in the IDD community and searching for ways to engage more people in The Arc-PPRs mission.

In her free time, you can find Morgan belting out a Broadway song, on a long hike, or doing arts and crafts!

Grace Trujillo

Administrative Assistant

 
Grace is honored to serve and support everyone with whom she interacts as the Administrative Assistant at The Arc Pikes Peak Region.  She brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people who are often misunderstood and unseen.
 
Grace is committed to working for an organization that advocates for people with varying abilities and believes that there needs to be more opportunities for the voices and skills of the disability community to become integrated into their local communities.
Grace uses her gifts, strengths, and passion to ensure that everyone with whom she interacts feels valued, important, and respected.

In her free time, Grace enjoys painting, crocheting, baking culinary delights, reading, and hanging out with her family.

The Arc PPR Staff Amanda Blakely

Amanda Blakely

Clerical Support

Amanda is one of The Arc Pikes Peak Region’s longest serving employees. At the office Amanda helps the staff by providing clerical support and assisting with various tasks.

Amanda enjoys working at The Arc PPR  particularly the social events we sponsor. Outside of work Amanda enjoys volunteering at the library, swimming, reading, listening to music and playing with her dog Cody.

Vincent Egan The Arc PPR Colorado Springs Special Olympics

Vincent Egan

Front Desk Specialist

Vincent Egan, is proud to represent the Arc Pikes Peak Region. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, graduate of Palmer High School and year-round Special Olympic Athlete and Athlete Leader for 19+ years, he’s kept very busy! 

Served on the Special Olympics Colorado Board of Directors, a graduate of the first class from Special Olympics Athlete Leadership University. Honored to represent Special Olympics at three World Games; Los Angeles, Austria and Abu Dhabi and 2 National Games, Nebraska and Florida. Vincent is also a seasonal employee at Eisenhower Golf Course at the Air Force Academy. Volunteers at his church, loves to hang out with friends and family and in his free time can be found on the golf course!

Succeeding in School and Life Educational Navigator Staff

Robert Lewis

Educational Navigator

Robert is a retired Special Education teacher in the state of Colorado and Texas. As a sibling to a brother with moderate to severe physical and intellectual disabilities, and the father of a son with high-functioning autism, he offers an in depth perspective as a parent, brother and educator working with and serving individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

During his 25-year career as a member of the US Air Force, Robert observed his son in different school systems both in the United States and England and applied those experiences when teaching students with various learning challenges. His belief is that all kids can learn and grow when given the opportunity and provided positive support. In his spare time, Robert enjoys cooking, running, hiking, and spending time with his family and friends.

Laura Villarreal-Jimenez

Bilingual Navigator

As far as she can remember, Laura Villarreal Jimenez has constantly dedicated her life to the care and education of children- even from an early age. Although Laura has always been passionate about fighting for people’s rights, the arrival of her son and his subsequent diagnosis of autism at age two gave her the final impetus she needed to continue her work advocating for people, though shifting her focus to the disability community. Laura is grateful and proud to serve at The Arc Pikes Peak Region. Her energy is driven by her passion to create a better world for those with disabilities,  and to carve out inclusive opportunities for her son that will outlast her lifetime.

As part of her role at The Arc-PPR,  Laura serves as the bilingual Spanish-speaking Navigator in the Succeeding in School and Life: A Parent Empowerment Program. She feels especially called to this work, as she not only has found a wonderful community of like-minded people who have a similar calling to others, but also finds joy in her outreach to those families who face cultural and linguistic barriers and who have historically been underserved in our community.

Laura was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. She holds a B.A. in Performing Arts with a focus on Theater from the University of Guadalajara. Laura also has a background in law, having worked with law firms for over nine years. Laura’s perspective is broad, having lived in various countries, including Canada and the USA.

Laura has found joy and happiness in her bilingual and bicultural home. She is happily married to her husband of six years and is the proud mother of two beautiful children.  In her spare time, Laura enjoys dancing, art, theater, and comedy, as well as attending concerts.

Tom Bianca

Educational Navigator

Tom is a retired educator and life-long learner with over 25 years supporting learners of all ability levels. Additionally, he is the parent of an adult son with IDD and can relate to what you are experiencing. Tom has a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a K-12 certification and 15+ years of experience helping learners of all grades and ability levels in the resource room, and working collaboratively with general education teachers and especially parents to meet the needs of students and help all learners progress towards their potential.

Tom has continued to remain active after retirement, working with students and young adults in various capacities including a mentor, job coach, and tutor.

His experience reinforces his belief that all individuals can learn, and in the importance of collaboration between schools, parents, and agencies. As a result of this collaboration, children are better able to have their educational and social-emotional needs met and reach their individual potential.

In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with his two adult sons, activities with his three grandchildren, spending time and traveling with his wife, and pursuing several life-long hobbies.

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The best way to ensure that you receive our newsletter, our event invitations, and other important information is to become a member of The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region.