The KADEP Blog: Staff

KADEP Director:

Michelle King, MS, CTRS

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Hi I am Michelle King and I have worked at KADEP since January of 2003. I have a Master’s of Science in Therapeutic Recreation.

Prior to starting as staff at KADEP I was an intern here in the fall of 2001. I wear many different hats, providing social work services to clients as well.

I cannot imagine working anywhere else. KADEP is a very special place to me.

Programming Director:

Jessi Williams

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Hi! I’m Jessi and I am the assistant director here at KADEP. I am a CTRS who interned at KADEP the summer of 2004. I then went on to work here for six more years after that before leaving to gain more experience in other settings. I returned in November of 2022 and I am SO happy to be back. KADEP is home. I love coming to work everyday and spending time with the amazing KADEP clients. When I am not at KADEP you will find me with my family, cheering on my kids at their sporting events, reading and watching true crime.

Office Assistant:

Adriana Morales

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Hi my name is Adriana and I work at the front desk. I have been working at KADEP for 10 years and I love it; we have so much fun at KADEP, it doesn't even feel like a job more like a home away from home. I am very thankful and grateful to be able to work at a place that I enjoy so much. In my free time I spend time with my two kids.

Internship Coordinator/Therapeutic Recreation:

Donna Lozano, MEd, CTRS

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Donna is another Midwest transplant at KADEP and has been with the program since August 2001. She has both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Therapeutic Recreation and has been nationally certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist since 1994. Donna has been in the position of Internship Coordinator for the duration of her employment and recently added Senior Staff responsibilities to her duties. Donna was selected as the Colorado Therapeutic Recreation Professional of the Year in 2014 by the Therapeutic Recreation Society of Colorado, and she continues to serve at the national level within the field of Therapeutic Recreation. Along with truly enjoying her job and working with the clients, staff and many interns at KADEP, Donna also has a passion for gardening and the therapeutic value of “playing in the dirt” and has coordinated the adapted gardening done at KADEP since she began with the program.

Programming Staff:

Exercise Specialist:

Hi I am Nicole Defosses, the Exercise Specialist at KADEP! I have my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science which I received from Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts in May of 2020. Along with that, I have a certification in Exercise Physiology. I grew up in Colorado Springs and decided to move up to Denver all by myself in 2021. My whole life has incorporated exercise and healthy habits. Both my parents have medical backgrounds revolving around muscles and joints. The apple did not fall from the tree when I decided to pursue this career. I truly believe exercise is medicine and we all need exercise in our lives to sustain a wholesome, plentiful existence. My passion in life has always been to help all those around me and this position at KADEP truly allows me to use my knowledge and empathy to touch all the beautiful lives here.

Nursing Staff:

Ana Martinez

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My name is Ana Martinez, I started off as a meal assistant at Kadep. I was given the opportunity to become a CNA, I am now certified.

I am truly grateful to be at Kadep, the clients are more than just clients they became a part of my life.

I have been at Kadep for 7 years and counting.

On my free time I like to spend it with my kids, family, and friends.

Wendy Contreras, LPN

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My name is Wendy Contreras. I am a Licensed Practical Nurse, I was born in Los Angeles, California and obtained my License in Van Nuys, CA in 2008. I love working at KADEP because I can work one on one with many people and help them in ways that will be of benefit to them.