TLC board members are comprised of local community leaders with the time and energy to commit to a monthly board meeting, volunteering at our annual fundraising events, and representing TLC in the community at foundation interviews, awards dinners, and in the grocery store aisle. All TLC board members are volunteers, and 100% provide financial support to the center (although there is no minimum requirement), as well as advocate for TLC in the community to help bring in dollars from businesses, grantors, and friends to support TLC programming.
Our board members are accountants, doctors, teachers, lawyers, TLC alumni parents, grandparents of neurotypical and neurodivergent children, and more! A diverse board comprised of professionals and community leaders from all backgrounds and areas of expertise represent the diversity of the children we serve and the breadth of the community we serve. If you’re interested in joining our board, we’d love to hear from you!
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TLC Board of Directors application (word): Please complete and return to our President Matt Eldred at meldred@learningwithtlc.org. TLC is always looking for potential members with a passion for community service. We will keep all applications on file for when an opening is available.
Melissa “Mickey” Leyba, TLC Board President; Permontes Group, Inc.
Board President, Executive Committee & Capital Campaign Committee Member.
Mickey Leyba is the Owner and President of Permontes Group, Inc., a Longmont based civil engineering and land use consulting firm she founded in 2012. With more than 25 years of experience working with both public and private partners, Mickey helps guide projects through the many steps of planning, zoning, subdivision, and development. Her firm had the privilege of leading the entitlement, permitting, and civil engineering design for TLC’s Early Learning Collaborative campus, one of the projects she is most proud to have supported.
A Colorado native from Westminster, Mickey studied at the University of Wyoming and has called Longmont home since 1999. She joined the TLC Board because she deeply believes in TLC’s mission that every child deserves a strong, healthy start in life. Coming from a family rooted in love, inclusion, and giving back, Mickey is passionate about helping create opportunities for all children and families in our community to thrive.
In her free time, Mickey enjoys being outdoors golfing, hiking, and exploring Colorado with her two Husky companions. A lifelong dog lover, she also volunteers and fosters dogs whenever she can.
Dr. Heather Isaacson, M.D., TLC Board Vice-President; UCHealth
Dr. Heather Isaacson serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at TLC, where she is also a member of the Executive Committee.
As a pediatrician, Dr. Isaacson holds a deep personal connection to TLC’s mission. She is passionate about the organization’s unique model that integrates children with special needs alongside their typically developing peers. Dr. Isaacson believes strongly in the importance of early intervention and has seen firsthand the positive impact TLC’s dedicated team of teachers and therapists have on the growth and development of children.
Her commitment to TLC stems from her belief in its transformative approach to early childhood education and therapy, making it an organization near and dear to her heart.
Richard Walker, TLC Board Treasurer/Secretary; Attorney
Rich Walker has practiced law in the Denver area since 1999. He also holds a license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has provided CPA services in Colorado and California.
Rich provides legal counsel emphasizing tax law, business formation and estate planning.
For over 40 years, Rich has represented businesses, professionals, farmers, wineries, and individuals in all variety of legal and business matters with an emphasis on taxation. Rich has helped clients start dozens of businesses and has provided advice on the sale of those businesses. Rich also represents clients with significant annual incomes and estates with millions of dollars in assets. In his capacity as a CPA, Rich has prepared hundreds of individual, business and trust and estate income tax returns.
In his free time, Rich loves spending time on his boat and traveling with his grandchildren.
Eric Kittelberger, TLC Board Member since 2019; Consultant
Eric Kittelberger is the Founder of Harlequin Financial and serves as a Past President of the Board at TLC. He is an active member of both the Executive Committee and the Finance Committee.
Eric holds a deep connection to TLC—his daughter is an alumna of the program, and his family has been a long-time supporter of the organization. Driven by a commitment to its mission, Eric continues to volunteer his time and expertise to ensure TLC’s continued success and growth in providing quality services for children and families.
Jossy Martinez, TLC Board Member since 2022; Front Range Community College
Calvin Shannon, TLC Board Member since 2022; Boeckermann, Grafstrom & Mayer
Calvin Shannon is a Certified Public Accountant at BGM CPA LLC and serves as an active member of the Finance Committee on the TLC Board.
Calvin’s involvement with TLC is driven by his belief in the vital services the organization provides to the community. He is committed to supporting TLC’s mission, recognizing the significant impact it has on the children and families it serves.
Dianna Arrington, TLC Board Member since 2023; Consultant
Dianna Arrington is a Consultant and serves on the Governance Committee on the TLC Board.
Dianna’s involvement with TLC stems from a personal experience—her nephew was a student at the organization, and she was deeply moved by the meaningful work being done and the positive impact it had on the lives of children and families. Inspired by this, Dianna chose to offer her support and contribute to the organization’s mission.
Ashley Kasprzak, TLC Board Member since 2024; Consultant
Ashley Kasprzak has 35 years of experience furthering the missions of social change and community improvement organizations. From delivering programs to securing grant funding to listening to stakeholders for strategy development, Ashley is an expert in nonprofit management. She leads the TLC Governance Committee and serves on the Development Advisory Group. She joined the TLC Board of Directors because she knows that full-inclusion schools, like TLC, benefit students, parents, and the whole community. She and a group of Northwest Denver community leaders began a parent cooperative called Explore & Discover in 2002. Even though Ashley’s children are grown, she contributes to TLC to help Longmont-area children have the best growth opportunities possible.
Ashley is dedicated to organizational effectiveness, strategic thinking, planning, and evaluation. She owns AK Consulting and works with nonprofit leaders focused on early childhood education, youth development, the humanities, successful re-entry from incarceration, and health and wellness. She has raised over $31 million during her career. Ashley and her husband, David, have two adult-age sons. She likes to hike, bike, play tennis, read fiction and non-fiction, and visit museums.
Angel Sanchez, TLC Board Member since 2024; City of Longmont
As a TLC Board Member, Angel Sanchez supports staff training and helps drive the organization’s mission forward. In his role as Social Equity Coordinator for the City of Longmont, he brings valuable experience in community engagement, equity, and inclusion.
Angel first became involved with TLC after his daughter began receiving therapy services through the organization. Encouraged by fellow board member Jossy Martinez, with whom he has served on other boards, Angel was inspired to get involved after learning more about TLC’s impact. He is passionate about supporting TLC’s mission and the meaningful services it provides to children and families in the community.
Aurora Ramirez, TLC Board Member since 2025; Boulder County Public Health
Aurora is passionate about building strong, connected communities where every child and family can thrive. With years of experience in early childhood and family support, she works to bridge the gap between families, healthcare providers, and community services. Her leadership focuses on making resources more accessible and ensuring that families’ voices shape the systems designed to serve them.
At TLC, Aurora brings her dedication to equity and collaboration to the board, helping advance the organization’s mission to provide high-quality, inclusive early childhood opportunities. She values TLC’s role as a trusted partner for families and sees her involvement as a meaningful way to strengthen the community she cares so deeply about.
Outside of work, Aurora enjoys crafting and spending time on the water kayaking.
David Barker, TLC Board Member since 2025; Central Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. David Barker is the Pastor and Head of Staff at Central Presbyterian Church in Longmont and is an active participant on the Governance Committee on the TLC Board.
Rev. Dr. Barker chose to volunteer with TLC because of his strong belief in the importance of early childhood education for all children. He is also deeply inspired by TLC’s commitment to inclusivity and its positive impact on the community, which aligns with his own values of service and community-building.
Amanda Callender, TLC Board Member since 2025; Vectra Bank
Amanda Callender is a dedicated and strategic leader with over 18 years of experience at Vectra Bank Colorado, where she currently serves as the Retail Group Administration Manager. Throughout her tenure, Amanda has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, cross-functional collaboration, and team development. Her leadership style is rooted in integrity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics.
Amanda has played a pivotal role in supporting executive initiatives, streamlining administrative processes, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive results makes her a valuable asset in governance and strategic planning.
As a member of the TLC Board of Directors, Amanda serves on the Board Advisory Council for Community Development, where she contributes her expertise in strategic planning and community engagement to advance the organization’s mission.
Born and raised in Longmont, Amanda is passionate about supporting organizations that reflect her core values. She believes that children are our future. Investing in them will be our legacy.
Steve Kukic, TLC Board Member since 2025; Retired Psychologist
Dr. Stevan Kukic is a lifelong advocate for children with special needs. His passion for supporting inclusive education and evidence-based practices aligns closely with TLC’s mission. Dr. Kukic chose to volunteer with TLC because he deeply believes in the organization’s commitment to helping children and families thrive.
