Meet Our Leaders
Kevin Porter, MBA
Executive Director
Kevin Porter, MBA
Executive Director
Kevin has proudly spent most of his career helping at-risk and marginalized populations. He’s been advocating for the underserved in the Pikes Peak region in various capacities for the past 15 years. With close to 25 years of leadership experience, Kevin brings extensive non-profit and healthcare experience in operations, strategy, project oversight, business development, communications, marketing, and fundraising. Kevin has an MBA from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and a bachelor’s degree from Radford University in Virginia. He was past President of Pikes Peak Public Relations Society of America and a past Board Member for the nonprofit Kids on Bikes. He now serves as a board member for Fostering Hope, a local nonprofit that assists foster parents and disadvantaged children. A former Ironman Triathlon World Championships competitor and elite amateur road cyclist, Kevin now challenges himself outside of work with ultramarathons exceeding 100 miles in distance. He has two teenage children, volunteers at the Humane Society and is currently looking to adopt another rescue dog after recently losing his beloved boxer Baxter, known to frequent the halls of Special Kids Special Families facilities in search of treats and back scratches.
Dee Nyamieh Walker, PhD
Senior Director of People & Policies
Dee Nyamieh Walker, PhD
Senior Director of People & Policies
Dee who originally comes from Liberia, West Africa, serves as the Senior Director of People & Policies. In this role, Dee is responsible for strategic human resources planning, and provides leadership over all Human resources functions of the organization. Dee brings to SKSF over 15 years of experience in leading diverse cross-cultural and cross-functional teams in the corporate, academic, and faith communities. Dee has a wealth of executive leadership experience both locally and globally helping organizations in people and process development that prioritizes engaging, enabling, and enhancing a robust employee life cycle. Dee holds a PhD in Education from Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL. Dee has taught at four universities in the USA, including DePaul, Colorado Christian, Regis, and his Alma Mater, Trinity International. Dee also served as VP for Administration and Academic Affairs at three universities in Liberia, West Africa. He was the Global Staff Development Director at Compassion International for nearly four years. Dee currently serves as an Affiliate Faculty in the Graduate program for non-profit management at the Anderson School of Business and Computing, Regis University in Colorado. Dee is a soccer enthusiast and is a “religious” fan of Arsenal Football Club in the English Premier League and has coached soccer in Liberia, Kenya, Illinois, and Colorado. Dee enjoys walking, reading and, and considers himself as a life-long learner.
Michele Peters
Senior Director of Operations & Compliance
Michele Peters
Senior Director of Operations & Compliance
Michele has umbrella responsibilities and direct oversight of the five programs within the SKSF Organization. Michele works closely with the Executive Director to ensure that each program is in compliance with government regulations and finance processes. She is also responsible for the oversight and facilitation of the agency’s various audits, validations, and licensures. Michele has been with the organization since January 2021 where she held the role of Finance Manager. She has since been promoted to Senior Director of Finance and from there to her current position, Director of Operations. Previously Michele worked for Meadow Gold Dairy from 1997 to 2021, however, prior to entering the workforce, Michele was a foster parent. When not at work, Michele really enjoys spending time with her family and her 3 grown children and 5 granddaughters.
Derek Wilson, MEd
Senior Director of Development & Communications
Derek Wilson, MEd
Senior Director of Development & Communications
Derek serves as the Senior Director of Development and Communications at SKSF, where he focuses on enhancement of mission resources through relationship building, marketing, and team member development. Prior to coming to SKSF, Derek was the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for Silver Key Senior Services. There he was responsible to set, facilitate, and guide key strategic initiatives that impacted the entirety of the organization. Specifically, he effectively communicated, developed, executed, and sustained strategic initiatives in collaboration with the leadership and development/marketing teams. Derek managed the Resource Development and Volunteer team that included the organization’s fundraising, marketing, volunteer, and grant-writing activities. Other roles held recently; Donor Relations Director for the Southern Colorado Region of The Salvation Army primarily responsible for major gifts. Prior to that, Derek was Director of Extended Studies at the Helen and Arthur E Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences at UCCS. Derek holds a BS in Political Science and a Masters in Educational Leadership, both from Northern Arizona University. Derek is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Pikes Peak (LPP), a civic leadership program for the Pikes Peak region. Additionally, Derek serves on several local boards (YMCA, Tri-Lakes Cares), and was a nominee for the LPP Leading the Way award (’22), and a nominee for the Senior Resource Council Joe Henjum Business Professional of the Year (’22). Derek was a Realtor (2001-2007), is an instructor at UCCS (2016-present), is a father to 2 sons (18 and 16) and little dog (Quinn), loving husband to his wife Jaici, and enjoys movies, games, music, golf, hikes, skiing, and extraordinary conversations.
Carolina Calderon, MSW, LPC
Zach’s Place Program Director
Carolina Calderon, MSW, LPC
Zach’s Place Program Director
Carolina is originally from Costa Rica and has a passion for helping others. With a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Education, she brings a unique blend of expertise and heart to her role as Director of Zach’s Place. Carolina’s experience includes serving as the director of a highly reputable preschool, working as a special education teacher, and supporting families as a social caseworker at DHS. She is dedicated to guiding Zach’s Place toward growth and success, ensuring it remains a vital resource for the community.
Dionna Lanich, BSW
Adult Services Director
Dionna Lanich, BSW
Adult Services Director
Dionna started with Special Kids Special Families in February 2013 as the Joey’s Place Program Coordinator and was promoted to Adult Services Director in 2020. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Dionna has been working with people with developmental disabilities for over 24 years. Outside of work, Dionna enjoys watching football, cooking, reading and spending time with her family.
Richard Barros, MEd
Adult Residential Program Director
Richard Barros, MEd
Adult Residential Program Director
Richard serves as the Director of Residential Services for Special Kids Special Families. Joining the organization in 2024, he brings over ten years of experience serving the IDD population here in Colorado as a Host Home Provider, Residential Coordinator, Day Program Coordinator, Direct Support, and a classroom PERA. To note, Richard recently returned from California after a few years of service as a Therapeutic Team Lead on a 24/7 Crisis Support team for those with IDD who were at most risk. Having attended the University of Northern Colorado, he received his bachelor’s in Sociology and Master’s in Educational Leadership. Richard’s passion remains for those who belong to underserved populations.
T. Martina Porter, PhD
Child Placement Program Director
T. Martina Porter, PhD
Child Placement Program Director
Martina earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Colorado State University, Pueblo in 1993, and a Master of Social Work with the specialization in Children, Youth, and Family in 1998 from the University of Denver. In addition to obtaining a Doctorate in Philosophy Degree of Human Services from Walden University in 2014, Dr. Porter received a Graduate Certification in College Education and Learning also from Walden University Spring, 2015. Dr. Porter joined the Department of Defense, Air Force in 2005. As a Family Advocacy Outreach Manager/Social Worker, she oversaw 3 Air Force installations comprised of over 13,000 military members and civilian employees. She has over 22 years’ experience working in the areas of child welfare, domestic violence and sexual assault, teen dating violence, foster care, and adoption.
Gearolyn George
Behavioral Health Supervisor
Gearolyn George
Behavioral Health Supervisor
Gearolyn (aka “G.G.”) George, has over three years of experience in the behavioral health field. She is a dedicated and results-driven supervisor specializing in team leadership and program management. Skilled in overseeing a multidisciplinary team of Case Managers, G.G. excels in providing support, guidance, and strategic directions to ensure high-quality service delivery. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that prioritizes both the well-being of clients and the professional development of staff. In addition to managing caseloads and coordinating care, G.G. is committed to continuous improvement through training, mentoring, and advocating for mental health resources. With a compassionate and empathetic leadership style, G.G. is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and the effectiveness of the care provided. She is experienced in handling complex behavioral health cases, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
Monica Wickersheim
Finance Manager
Monica Wickersheim
Finance Manager
Monica is responsible for the direct oversight of accounts receivable, accounts payable and rep payee. Monica is also the lead for all financial audits as well as providing any needed financial reports to the leadership team. She works closely with all program directors to ensure financial processes are consistent and efficiencies are considered. Monica became employed in her present position in August 2022. Prior to joining SKSF she was a hairstylist and worked for 22 years as an Accounting Coordinator for Meadow Gold Dairy. When Monica is not working, she likes spending time with her family and fur babies. Monica likes to hike and travel anywhere that has a beach. Monica is also excited that she will be a grandma for the first time in February.
Shkak Yousuf, BCS
Transportation & IT Manager
Shkak Yousuf, BCS
Transportation & IT Manager
Shkak holds a bachelor’s degree in computer programming. He started at SKSF as a mentor and moved into this key position in 2016. He manages and oversees the data systems within all facilities of the organization. In addition, he coordinates and oversees the transportation department, including a fleet of 16 vehicles. Shkak has been with the organization since June 2012. In his free time Shkak loves to go camping, hiking, attend anything aviation related and loves working on cars.
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