Members of our Mental Wellness Team celebrate at our annual Heart of Pueblo Fundraiser.

[email protected]
​720-420-3216

Kelly Groen
​Interim COO

​     During the last 8 years, my focus has been on building health equity through Spark's Mental Wellness Program, which leverages the skills and generosity of volunteer mental health clinicians who provide services to marginalized populations experiencing barriers to accessing care. I have 23 years of experience leading and growing successful volunteer engagement programming in the nonprofit sector and am honored to direct Spark’s Mental Wellness Program. I firmly believe that access to quality mental health services should be available to all, regardless of wealth or status. I have recently taken on the role of Interim COO for Spark the Change Colorado.
     In my spare time, I love to spend time in nature with my son and dog enjoying the beauty that Colorado has to offer. I am a lifelong volunteer and believe wholeheartedly in the power of volunteerism to impact communities.

[email protected]
720-262-3066, Booking Link

Dena Rodriguez-Leach
​Director, Mental Wellness Program

     Greetings! I'm Dena Rodriguez-Leach, I initially joined the Mental Wellness Program in 2013 as a volunteer intern. I joined the Spark team as an employee to spearhead the Supervision and Workforce Development Initiative and the sparKnowledge Mental Wellness Continuing Education Initiative. These roles allowed me to deepen my commitment to integrating workforce development with mental wellness, supporting those with barriers to mental health services.

     Alongside my colleague Tonya Johnson, I proudly co-founded the Mental Wellness Task Force of Southern Colorado, a Spark initiative born out of a critical community need. My dedication to mental health extends into the community as an active member of the Suicide Coalition of Pueblo County and as Board President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southeast Colorado, where I help drive initiatives close to my heart.

     With a master’s degree in social work from Metropolitan State University and a master’s in public policy and administration from Walden University, I am passionate about sparking change daily—supporting individuals and building the mental health field across our region.

[email protected]
​720-784-3393

Tonya Johnson
​Manager, Southern Colorado Initiatives

     I manage the Mental Wellness Initiatives for Southern Colorado. My focus is to enable a variety of mental health services, resources and education to those most vulnerable within our communities, breaking down stigmas and barriers to accessing direly needed mental health services.
     Currently, I sit on numerous task forces, coalitions, and committees, including: Pueblo Domestic Violence Community Task Force, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), Alliance to Combat Human Trafficking (ACHT-Pueblo), Community Commission on Housing & Homelessness (CCHH), the Mental Wellness Task Force of Southern Colorado.
     In my down time, I love spending time with my two amazing adult daughters, 3 grandsons, and husband of almost 30 years. I also volunteer my time within the Pueblo community​.

[email protected]
303-818-7759

Barb Knapp
​Manager, Spark Health Corps Initiatives

     I lead the Spark Health Corps school-based mental wellness internship program. We place paid, clinically-supervised School Mental Health Associate interns in partner host schools across Colorado.
     I have a passion for causes that serve children and families, education, mental health equity, and the environment. I’ve focused my work on non-profit program management and strategy, marketing, and the development and stewardship of public/private partnerships, with over 20 years of experience delivering impact for mission-driven organizations. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family & friends, live music, volunteering, and I serve on several boards. ​

[email protected]
Client Support Line: 720-262-3273

Karla Perez, M.A., LPCC
​Manager, Denver Initiatives

     Hola/Hello! My name is Karla (She/Her/Ella) and I serve as the Manager for Denver Mental Wellness Initiatives, dedicated to bridging mental health resources and connections to historically underserved communities. I also assist in coordinating our Client Support Line to ensure that anyone seeking counseling services is connected with one of our phenomenal Mental Wellness Program volunteer counselors.
​     Fluent in Spanish and English, I am committed to forging pathways for Spanish speakers and the Latine community as well as other communities of color. With a background in providing mental health support for individuals in crisis and adolescents involved with the justice system. I also hold a master's degree in forensic psychology from the University of Denver and am working towards hours for licensure.
     In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, exploring new restaurants, and cherishing moments with loved ones. Together, I know that we can cultivate supportive, interconnected communities where mental wellness is prioritized and the foundation of all that we do.​

[email protected]
Client Support Line: 720-262-3273

Lindsey Cope ('Cope')
​​Volunteer Experience Manager

     I am the Volunteer Experience Manager for the Mental Wellness Program. I onboard and foster the relationships of the incredible volunteers in our program. In addition, I maintain accurate volunteer records, provide periodic evaluations, as well as plan and organize events to celebrate our volunteers. 
     I grew up in Europe , which I loved and miss very much. I graduated from CU and have lived in Colorado for over 25 years. One of my favorite adventures was having a 40 acre farm and homeschooling my two kiddos with oodles of farm animals and wide-open space.