Our Team
Board Members:
Cindy Rubino, Treasurer
“I first learned about Sun Valley Youth Center from a friend and current Board member. The Board was hoping to find someone who could fill the Treasurer’s position. As a former Director of Finance at a non-profit, I had the expertise they were seeking. On my first visit to SVYC, the center was still teeming with kids in the late afternoon. The buzz of activity was infectious. The kids seemed happy and well cared for and you could feel the love and care that permeated the center. Hugs were abundantly given and received. I knew then that SVYC was an organization with heart and that I would be honored to be affiliated with. SVYC does “walk through life with their youth and families”.
Andrea Smith, Chair
“I first learned of Sun Valley through an acquaintance who was passionate about the organization’s mission. As I learned more about the resources and sense of community SVYC provides these young people, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Exposure to a variety of activities, and particularly experiences that incorporate teamwork and collaboration, are key to the development of well-rounded young people. SVYC’s programs help ensure residents have access to these opportunities for their future. My goal at SVYC is to utilize my nearly 20 years of experience in marketing communications, media relations, community relations, event promotion, atheletic administration, strategic planning, and public education to advance the organization’s mission.”
Evan Lewis
I first learned about Sun Valley Youth Center from a friend and former chairman of the Board. In meeting with Kris to see how I might get involved, I could see her passion for the youth center and the kids. Having the honor to serve on the Board, I have come to know the depth of the impact Sun Valley Youth Center has on the lives of the community members, which is demonstrated by the strong, lifelong relationships that are formed. I have experience in finance through my career as an investment professional, which has helped inform my work on the Board.
Amanda Schweikert, Secretary
“When I was first introduced to the Sun Valley Youth Center in 2015, I instantly knew that it was an organization with which I wanted to be involved. I joined the team and worked with the amazing kids and the hard-working staff and volunteers for over 2 years. Now I am thrilled to be back with the Sun Valley community as a board member, utilizing my skills and passion to help inspire positive change in the neighborhood for deserving children and families. “
Annette Galvan
I am serving on the SVYC Board because I grew up in Sun Valley and going to the youth center. Without SVYC I would not be who I am or be where I am today. I am product of the good that this center has done and continues to do for the community. It’s an honor to serve and help my community grow and flourish.
Executive Director:
Kris Rollerson
kris@sunvalleyyouthcenter.org | 720-436-0886
Kris Rollerson has been the Executive Director of the Sun Valley Youth Center since 1999. She is a graduate of Calvin College (Now University), as well as the Devos Urban Leadership Initiative. She obtained her MA in Leadership and Management from Western Governors University. She recently was honored by being awarded a Sabbatical through the Colorado Health Foundation. Kris has been serving urban youth for since the age of 18, and continues to love to spread the Love of Christ to this generation of hurting youth. She is a networker, and community liaison as well as advocate for the youth of the community.
“Kris has always been hard working and loving. I’ve known her since I was 5 and I am 17 now. She takes time out of her day to help with anyone in need. She puts so much time and effort into her work. Kris is never the type of person to say no in a need or crisis. Kris has loved to work with kids for 22 years and still gives it her full heart.”
– Tziporah, Previous Youth
Our Team:
Email our staffs’ first name @sunvalleyyouthcenter.org to connect
Diamond Sykes
Elementary Program Director
720-296-3753
Previous Youth
Denisee Sierra
Middle/High School Program Director
720-539-5343
Jesus Ortiz
Assistant Director
D'naeya Sykes
Middle & High School Group Leader
Previous Youth
Bruce Ratliff
Middle & High School Group Leader
Isaac Gomez
Elementary Group Leader
Stacy Voss
Grant Writer
Najah Abu Serryeh
Nutrition Leader
Parent of SVYC Youth
I came to the Sun Valley Youth Center because they were short staffed and asked if I could temporarily help out. I hesitantly said yes being I had no prior experience working with children and no intention to, either. I planned to be there for only three short months but after those three months, I could not leave. I fell in love with the Youth Center, the mission, the community, and the smile of each child I met and grew to know. I fell in love with the little moments where I found myself laughing with the children over the silliest things. I fell in love with the moments when I held a crying child and helped them regulate themselves and show me that smile again. I fell in love with moments I taught a child a self-regulating technique and watched them teach it to others. I fell in love with the moments I was being chased by a child in a game of tag and we were laughing so hard we could hardly run. I fell in love with the moments I bonded with a child over a simple game of catch. I fell in love with the moments a child taught me something new. I came to the Sun Valley Youth Center thinking I would change the lives of these children but, more than anything, they have changed mine.