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:

Maggie Brogan, CTRS

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Hi! I'm Maggie and I am a CTRS here at KADEP. I grew up in New York, then moved to North Carolina where I received a bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy from UNCW in 2021, and now here I am in Colorado! Some of my favorite types of activities to participate in with clients include hydrotherapy (really anything water-based), adaptive sports, yoga/mindfulness, art-based interventions, and music-based interventions. In my free time I love to go hiking with my dogs, go paddle-boarding in the summer, read books, listen to and create music. Fun fact- I love to sing and I also play guitar, ukulele, and little bit of piano. I am so excited and thankful for the opportunity to work at KADEP and spend time with our amazing participants!

Samantha Thiele, CTRS

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Hey y’all, I'm Samantha Thiele, and I've recently embarked on my journey at KADEP as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. I earned my bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in psychology in May 2024. Originally from Rogers, AR, I discovered my love for Colorado during an internship in Boulder. I find joy in working with clients and am eager to explore a variety of new interventions. My specialties include canoeing, kayaking, and baking. Outside of work, I cherish picnics with mountain views, visiting coffee shops for chai tea lattes, and hiking to waterfalls. I'm thrilled about the growth and opportunities that lie ahead at KADEP as my journey continues.

Allison Qualls, CTRS

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Hello! My name is Allison and I am a CTRS here at KADEP. I am originally from Alaska, received my bachelors in Recreational Therapy from the University of Utah, did my internship at KADEP in 2020, lived in Indiana for two years, and recently completed my master's in adaptive sports from the University of New Hampshire. I have worked with a wide variety of clients, but my favorite thing is showing them the potential that they have to do great things. I hope to bring my knowledge and connections of adaptive sports to KADEP! Besides sports I love using art, poetry, dancing, fitness, cooking, and reading to help clients reach their goals. Outside of KADEP you can find me in the mountains, throwing my body for a plastic disc in Ultimate Frisbee, reading, baking, and doing lots of art. I can't wait to see where this new adventure takes us!

Nursing Staff:

Alisa Talley, LPN

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Hi, my name is Alisa Talley, I am the LPN for KADEP and proud to be part of such a wonderful program. I have been a nurse for nearly 20 years and still love what I do every day. I am married to a fellow nurse and we have a wonderful daughter named Coralyn. We ventured to the beautiful Colorado 10 years ago and have loved every minute of Colorado life. When I am not at work, I enjoy teaching my daughter my baking and Italian cooking skills.

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.