Our Staff & Board

Kim has been a “Park Person” for 14 years. Kim oversees and guides all aspects of The Park People’s operations and activities. She works with our board on strategic organizational development, shapes programmatic goals, and develops partnerships in the community. Prior to becoming Executive Director, Kim served as Program Manager for four years, directing The Park People's urban forestry programs. She has a master's degree in Environmental Management (Yale University's School of the Environment) and a bachelor's in Anthropology and Environmental Studies (Santa Clara University).  She was Colorado-raised and has more than 19 years of nonprofit experience with organizations in Colorado, California, and Connecticut.  Kim sits on Denver's Urban Forestry Strategic Plan Steering Committee and on the Steering Committee of the national Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition, is an alum of the Denver Community Leadership Forum, and has served on Community Shares' Board of Directors, the national Arbor Day Foundation’s Alliance for Community Trees Advisory Committee, the Trust for Public Land's Climate Smart Cities Denver Technical Advisory Team, and the City of Denver’s Emerald Ash Borer Steering Committee.  Kim is passionate about the power of urban forestry, parks, and community-driven efforts to cultivate resilient, sustainable communities.

Lindsay joined The Park People in 2019, bringing with her 20 years experience in ecology and landscape design for private and government clients. Lindsay works hand-in-hand with the Programs Team, Urban Forestry Committee, and Executive Director to strategically guide and direct our core urban forestry programs, including Denver Digs Trees, Community Forester, and Treeforce. She earned her Masters in Landscape Architecture from UC Denver (2008) and a Bachelor’s in Geography and Environmental Studies from UCLA (2001). A life-long hiker, backpacker and self-described ‘plant nerd’, Lindsay is committed to advancing tree equity and working with communities to beautify, shade, and plant for our future. Contact Lindsay.

Morgan grew up in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains where she began to cultivate a lifelong love for exploring nature, tending gardens, and promoting conservation. She holds a BAS in Sociology & Anthropology from Shippensburg University and after graduation taught early-childhood special education. She moved to Denver in 2011 and began volunteering with The Park People in 2016. Participating in Community Forester and Denver Digs Trees inspired her to make a career change and earn an AAS in Horticulture & Landscape Technologies from FRCC. During an internship with the Denver Dept. of Parks and Recreation, Morgan participated in sustainability panels, helped implement a ‘Parklet’ for the 2019 Greater, Greener Parks Conference, and assisted in park planting projects across the city.  Morgan now leads Mile High Tree Champions, the corporate partnership arm of The Park People while supporting all other programs seasonally. She enjoys collaborating with The Park People staff, volunteers, community participants and partners, and is thrilled to be doing the important work of supporting strong, resilient communities and diversifying our urban forest. Contact Morgan.

Jane joined The Park People with an M.A. in Secondary Education from Arizona State University and over ten years of experience in public education. She brings with her a passion for partnering with people in the Denver community to build empowerment, create resources, and connect historically underserved populations with meaningful career paths. Jane oversees The Park People's TreeForce pre-apprenticeship program which provides participants with education and on-the-job, field-based experience in urban forestry. Outside of work, Jane enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, traveling, reading, playing music, gardening, meeting friends for brunch, and spending quality time with her family. Contact Jane. 

Laura began her time with The Park People as a dedicated volunteer for nearly a year before first becoming Office Manager and then moving into her current position, TreeForce Field Crew Supervisor (while additionally managing the Park Legacy program). Laura earned her Master of Science degree in Global Technology & Development from Arizona State University where her focus was the impact that nonprofit organizations have on the global conservation movement, especially through community-based initiatives and empowerment. Laura additionally earned a Graduate Certificate through ASU in Nonprofit Operations & Program Impact and has previous experience working with local environmental improvement and renewable energy organizations. As a nature lover and avid hiker, backpacker, and snowboarder (as well as animal lover…especially her three cats!), she is excited to continue down a path of conservation, tree planting, and doing her part to help biodiversity thrive in the outdoor spaces she enjoys so much! Contact Laura.

Allie joined The Park People in 2023 as a Field Crew Supervisor in the TreeForce program. Allie worked for
several years as a hydroponic greenhouse manager in the non-profit urban agriculture sector, as well as some time with Denver Parks and Recreation as a Park Horticulturist. With an Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Appalachian State University focusing in Sociology and Sustainable Development, as well as her past work experience, the intersection of meaningful environmental work, engaging community, and getting your hands dirty is where Allie thrives. She is eager to put her knowledge and experience to work learning about urban forestry, tree care, and connecting people in the community with employment opportunities in the industry. 

Loriee joined The Park People in 2022, moving to Denver from the South, where she organized Arkansans to self-advocate for better healthcare and access to voting. A writer by trade, she once published on topics like climate change and recycling, and was thrilled to get paid to hike and backpack into the woods. At The Park People, Loriee has found the perfect home to combine her decade of experience in community and volunteer organizing with a passion for moving our communities toward climate resilience. She holds a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Michigan and a BA in Speech Communication and an Environmental Studies minor from Trinity University in San Antonio. Loriee loves meeting new people, listening to their stories, and integrating their ideas and energy into our community solutions. Contact Loriee.

Amanda is originally from rural Illinois and spent much of her youth wandering around fields, forests, and creeks before moving to Indianapolis to obtain a BA in English Creative Writing from Indiana University. Then, after an extensive backpacking trip among the dogwoods, redbuds, and rhododendrons of the southern Appalachian Mountains in 2017, her love of and connection to nature was rekindled, and thus began her dive into horticulture, volunteering with the University of Illinois’ Master Gardener program, working in the green industry, and pursuing her BS in Horticulture from Oregon State. Amanda moved to Colorado in 2021 and focused on landscaping and cultivation before eventually finding a place as Field Crew Supervisor for TreeForce with The Park People. When not out digging holes with her crew, you can find Amanda tending to her many plants, traveling, hiking, camping, and telling her friends and family (and anyone else within earshot) about trees! Contact Amanda. 

Brenda joined The Park People in 2023 with a BA in Political Science and a Minor in Chicano/a Studies from the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Brenda moved to Denver at a young age and has been inspired by her Denver community to involve herself in work that reflects her strong commitment towards dismantling oppressive systems and building a more equitable and inclusive future for all Denver communities. On her free time she loves to go on long walks in her local parks, and to spend time with friends and family. Contact Brenda.

Sandra joined The Park People in 2024, bringing over twenty years of experience in nonprofit management and support. Raised in Washington state, I journeyed to Colorado in 2001 and began teaching science classes all over the state of Colorado. Organizing overnight teaching trips and keeping our team safe began my passion for operations, to-do lists, and people support. When I’m not busy writing a policy or reading contracts, I can be found happily walking our many urban parks, reading, dancing, or practicing yoga. Contact Sandra.

Jess holds a degree in Forestry with a specialization in Wildlife Conservation and Preservation from Southern Illinois University- Carbondale. Her passion for nature has taken her on diverse journeys; including agroforestry work with the Peace Corps in Senegal, trail building in Colorado Springs, urban forestry projects, and fire management efforts across Colorado. Jess spends free time hiking, camping, traveling, attending concerts, reading, and spending time with friends, family, and her cuddly orange cat, Floyd. As a proud “tree nerd,” Jess is thrilled to bring enthusiasm and expertise to The Park People. She is committed to creating equitable access to trees, while sharing knowledge about their care. She can’t wait to help inspire others to develop their own love for the natural world! Contact Jess

Abby was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona and received her degrees in Business Economics and Environmental Sustainability Studies from Northern Arizona University. She moved to Colorado after graduation and joined The Park People in 2024. Her passion for sustainability and community building was solidified during a study abroad program in New Zealand around permaculture and Māori culture in 2023 and she knew she wanted to pursue a career with a nonprofit focused on sustainability. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, crocheting, painting, traveling, and spending time with her cat Juniper. Contact Abby.

My name is Danielle Helm, and I have lived in the Barnum neighborhood for the last 10 years. It’s very important to me to work to preserve Barnum’s history and to protect the culture of the people and the community we have. Our neighborhood has been under-resourced, and the effects of climate change are growing disproportionately here. I’m grateful to work with The Park People to help grow our Urban Forest.

Besides working with The Park People, I practice as an Acupuncturist and Herbalist specializing in Reproductive medicine. I am also a tattooer, and a mom of two little kids. 

I love gardening, cooking, hanging with friends, playing cozy video games and making art! 

Amanda began with The Park People as a volunteer community forester as a way to balance the chaos of life in the busy indoor healthcare system with some outdoor grounding. This work lead to a meaningful connection within the neighborhood of Globeville, where she resides. Her work as a community forester evolved into a community coordinator role, with shared goals of The Park People and the neighborhood. She is really looking forward to how this role will help collectively transform the neighborhood for the better.

Though not technically a native, Leah Rounds has lived in Colorado her whole life, and in West Colfax since 2009. Leah has a Bachelor’s in Environmental Policy, a Master’s in Library and Information Science, and has been a long time volunteer and Board member of the West Colfax Association of Neighbors (WeCAN). Leah joined The Park People as a Community Connector in the summer of 2023 and is excited to be working with neighbors, local organizations, businesses and schools to bring more trees (and more shade) to the West Colfax neighborhood. When not promoting community and trees, Leah runs her after-school enrichment program, Rooted Readers, fosters dogs with the Denver Animal Shelter, and escapes to the mountains with her husband and two kids as often as possible.

Kim Ramirez is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a diverse range of interests and experiences. As a proud mother of two beautiful and intelligent women, she understands the joys and challenges of parenthood. Additionally, her role as a loving grandma to a precious baby girl brings immense joy to her life. With a marriage spanning over three decades, Kim exemplifies commitment and loyalty. Her strong partnership is a testament to her dedication and resilience, both in her personal and professional life. Kim has a passion for reading and indulging in a good cup of coffee. These simple pleasures bring her happiness and enrich her life. An outdoor enthusiast, Kim finds solace and rejuvenation in nature. Whether it's walking in the park, enjoying a stroll around her neighborhood , or exploring new hiking trails, she embraces the serenity of the great outdoors. Community and family are at the core of Kim's values. She actively engages in activities that promote social welfare and upliftment. Her dedication to building strong bonds within her family and her local community speaks volumes about her character and commitment to creating a positive impact on those around her. Kim Ramirez embodies a true balance of personal and professional endeavors. Her genuine love for her family, and zest for outdoor adventures make her a well-rounded individual. 

Mi nombre es Blanca Idolina Marrufo Ruiz. Nací en una área rural en el estado de Chihuahua, México. He vivido en el vecindario de Barnum por 20 años, y comencé a trabajar con The Park People en Junio del 2023 y soy Embajador Climático Comunitario en Barnum y Barnum West. Soy feliz de ser parte del personal con TPP porque tengo la oportunidad preservar vecindarios saludables con muchos árboles y bellos jardines. Soy lider comunitario, trabajo con el Consejo de Políticas Alimentarias de Jeffco JFPC luchamos por la equidad racial y la Justicia Alimentaria. Soy mamá de tres hermosas hijas,  amo estar en casa ver películas con mis hijas y cuidar mis mascotas, alimentar las ardillas y estar en contacto con la naturaleza.

My name is Blanca Idolina Marrufo Ruiz. I was born a rural area in Chihuahua, Mexico. I have lived in the Barnum neighborhood for 20 years and I started to work for The Park People in June of 2023 and I am a Community Climate Ambassador in Barnum and Barnum West. I am happy to be part of the personnel with The Park People because I have the opportunity to preserve healthy neighborhoods and lots of trees and beautiful gardens. I am a community leader, I work with Jeffco Food Policy Council (JFPC) and we fight for racial equity and food justice. I am a mother to three beautiful daughters, I love being at home watching movies with my daughters, taking care of my two dogs and bird, feeding squirrels, and being in touch with nature.