Vice President of Building Services and Safety

VOA Colorado staff member since 2013
Commissioned Minister since 2018

Why I pursued commissioning/ordination:

My journey to become a Commissioned Minister for Volunteers of America Colorado probably is not like most of my peers.  Growing up in a small town in Montana, our family did not attend church and there were never any prayers at the dinner table or even around the holidays.  My first real experience with the Lord was when I joined the military and even then, we only asked God for protection from harm.  It wasn’t until I came to VOA Colorado and saw the power of God that motivates others to help those in dire need that I realized I wanted something more, even if that realization took 4 years.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

My favorite way to serve as a minister is just to talk with people.  I really like to socialize and find out what makes people tick.  I am fortunate that my job allows me to provide employees and clients a safe place to live and work. It’s the daily interactions, not only with staff, but with clients that keeps me making the long drive every morning.  As with everyone, God has a plan for us, and it just took 47 years for him to show me mine.

Bret is currently pursuing ordination within the Volunteers of America Church.  His ordination project focuses on encouraging veterans in their life and their walk with God.

Service Coordinator – Boulevard One

VOA Colorado staff member since 2022
Commissioned Minister since 2025

Why I pursued commissioning:

I have a testimony; my life has been ordered by God. I have experienced some good and a lot of bad. When this beautiful opportunity of commissioning was brought to my attention, I was thrilled. Being a Commissioned Minister allows me to share my story with others who may be walking the same walk I have walked, living the same lifestyle I lived that God, one that My Savior has gracefully brought me out of. I also use this as a time to learn more. I am excited that we have so many different faiths in our ministry, and that I am able to ask questions and learn about the different ways people love the Lord.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

In a word, Prayer! My absolute favorite way to serve is praying with and for others. I am a prayer warrior, and I find a deepness when two or more come together to talk to God. As Matthew 18:20 says “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there…” “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).

Janine is working with fellow minister, Akia, to create a “ministry of movement” experience that will be open to all VOA Colorado staff.

Senior Residential Manager – Irving Street Women’s Residence

VOA Colorado staff member since 2013
Commissioned Minister since 2024

Why I pursued commissioning:

I have been interested in pursuing being a minister since I came to work at VOA. I know that spirituality is important to most of the people we serve, and I wanted to be able to provide hope of a better tomorrow and the unconditional love of God. I believe the best way to effect positive change is to care for others holistically. If we neglect their spiritual needs, we are neglecting a core part of them and doing them a disservice.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

I love just having the chance to be with my participants and share the love the Lord has for His children. I love being a safe place where they can share their wounds and we can work together to heal, with the perfect guidance of the Lord.

Courtney is all about community and will be working to build stronger ties between our Mission and the surrounding community.

Service Coordinator- Westminster Commons

VOA Colorado staff member since 2023
Commissioned Minister since 2024

Why I pursued commissioning:

I honestly believe with passion and humility that I am here to serve the lord. Some say that the greatest form of humility is serving others; I wholeheartedly agree. That is why I share my experience, strength, and hope. I also believe that the simple act of giving back to the community boosts one’s happiness, health, and sense of well-being, not only for myself, but for others. I have always had a desire to be of service and becoming a minster helps me do this, it also helps me grow closer to God. When I am helping others, I can often feel the Holy Spirt and there is no greater felling than that!

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

Helping others that are less fortunate than myself is my favorite way to serve. I often get to help those in need, those in search of a helping hand. Sometimes, as a minister, the simple presence of just being there, just listening, letting them know they are not alone; is what it is all about for me. As penned in the song Amazing Grace “I once was lost but now am found” describes myself before learning about the “Good News.” Now I get to help others as others helped me. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Joe continues to focus his ministry of presence and leading Bible Studies at the VOA Colorado Mission.

Senior Director of Residential, Youth & Emergency Services Division

VOA Colorado staff member since 2008
Commissioned Minister since 2019

Why I pursued commissioning:

In 2008 I felt a calling to be of a greater service to those around me due to the needs I was seeing in the community. This calling led me to Volunteers of America but instead of me serving those in need it was my soul that was in need. Now I am humbled every day that I get the pleasure to work at Volunteers of America. The people we serve and those who serve alongside me have uplifted my spirit and reinvigorated my faith in God. Through my work at VOA I felt emboldened to embrace my Christian roots and become a Minister. “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

I love to serve as a minister without being “labeled” as one. My humor might not be ready for late-night stand up, but my compassion is real and they do not see me coming.

Angel continues to lead our cohort of staff who have entered the commissioning process for becoming a VOA Colorado Minister of Service. She is also looking to revive an “anointing of the hands” ceremony for staff and volunteers.

Vice President of Marketing and Development

VOA Colorado staff member since 1980
Commissioned Minister since 1983

Why I pursued commissioning:

I was surprised to find out Volunteers of America Colorado was a church and had ministers. I was intrigued and found it an interesting coincidence as my father was a minister. Growing up, people would ask me if I ever considered following in my father’s footsteps; I resisted. To find myself working in a place that allowed me to exercise my gifts in relationship building AND become a minister has given me a unique opportunity to merge my spiritual and career paths. I think this is where God wants me!

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

Offering a word of encouragement to a colleague, a board member, volunteer or client is my favorite way to serve people. That can be simply listening without judgement, giving advice or praying with someone who is experiencing a tough time in their life. Serving as a minister is rewarding and very humbling.

Michael is our resident historian and our specialist in understanding and using our VOA “Book of Worship”, a resource for the whole of the VOA Church.

Associate Director, Resident Service Coordination

VOA Colorado staff member since 2019
Commissioned Minister since 2022

Why I pursued commissioning:

In 2020, I was invited to attend the Founders Day service and learned that I worked for a church! I was elated and amazed to find out that Volunteers of America Colorado had staff who were ministers and one of them was my boss! My social media page that day was something to the effect of, “look, my job is talking about Jesus!” That sparked a curiosity in me, but I was reluctant to pursue it. I prefer a covert type of planting and watering, so I waited. Over a year I had this constant tug on my heart to dive deeper into serving and loving on others. A minister contacted me about joining and that call was my confirmation. These are my peeps, and this is where God has me.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

Through music. A powerful force that connects, bonds, heals, soothes, and helps us to release and unburden. Regardless of the genre, God uses it all. When a client, co-worker, or even myself is struggling, God will drop a song in my lap like, “Hold On, I’m Coming”, by Sam & Dave, and it’s the perfect parachute for the moment. To God be the glory!

Akia is working with fellow minister, Janine, to create a “ministry of movement” experience that will be open to all VOA Colorado staff.

Ministry Director

VOA Colorado staff member since 2020
Commissioned Minister since 2025

Why I pursued commissioning:

Even though my work has always focused on the ministry, my initial employment status (funded outside of VOA Colorado) delayed my commissioning a few years. So, when my status changed and I became eligible, I was very excited to go through the process. Bonding with my cohort, connecting with VOA ministers around the country, learning the faith history of VOA and going through the beautiful ceremony made it highly meaningful to me.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

The privilege of walking alongside, encouraging and learning from our beautiful Ministers of Service is simply the best! We have the most diverse, gifted, engaging and compassionate group of ministers. What a great job I have! More specifically, I LOVE to show The Chosen series to our clients around town, praying for them and listening to their insights into the life and ministry of Jesus.

Dave is exploring chaplaincy training for himself and for other VOA Colorado Ministers of Service for the future.

Director – Shelter and Services Denver Area

VOA Colorado staff member since 2012
Commissioned Minister since 2019

Why I pursued commissioning:

My journey of becoming a VOA minister was inspired by my desire to gain more knowledge so to better serve our participants. However, I did not realize that this path towards ministry would also affect me on a subjective level. Through this journey I have found myself to be more intentional and deliberate in my day to day life as well as with my interactions with people.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

My favorite way to serve is by engaging with our participants through our programming. My favorite aspect to serving as a minster is when I am able to remind all those we serve that they are valued and loved.

Cynthia continues to do the unseen but heavy lifting of endowment and funding work for the ministry.

Development Manager Denver and Northern Colorado

VOA Colorado staff member since 2023
Commissioned Minister since 2025

Why I pursued commissioning:

I wanted to become a commissioned minister with VOA Colorado because we are called to help others through unconditional love and through scripture. We get to do this with Volunteers of America and serve our clients and partners.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

I love being able to give back to our clients and being able to spend time with them, sit and listen to them and just be with them and let them know that they are seen, they are heard, and they are cared for.

Jess is all about partnerships and is working to make more connections between local churches and VOA Colorado.

Senior Director of Volunteer Services

VOA Colorado staff member since 2024
Commissioned Minister since 2025

Why I pursued commissioning:

My call to serve the Lord and serve people is most important in my life. I realize I do not need to be a minister to serve; however, I decided the chance to dig deeper into Scripture, build my faith, and grow in fellowship with the other ministers was a great opportunity. It also opened up opportunities to serve in new ways within the Programs at VOA Colorado.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

I offer a listening ear and encouragement while building a connection for greater relationship and trust.

Jim is focusing his ministry on how to create places within VOA Colorado for storytelling and fellowship, believing that sharing our stories is the basis for healthy relationships.

Veteran Employment Specialist; Veteran Employment Team

VOA Colorado staff member since 2023
Commissioned Minister since 2025

Why I pursued commissioning:

I have always wanted to serve God’s community in a more formal manner then a lap person. At one point I had wanted to become a nun, but that calling did not chose me. Working with VOAC and our ministry provides me the means to explore and express my beliefs, but more importantly I can demonstrate the greatness of being in God’s community and influencing others to pursue their greatness as they choose as a part of God’s community.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

I love to teach and explore the many varied ways of celebrating God, through history and cultures. As I become more exposed to a variety of ways to study the more, I find others who want to discuss and explore too. This nurtures me, but more importantly it attracts others who have questions and become inspired as we learn together.

Sharyl is pursuing training to become a “death doula”, a person who is present to sit with those who are facing death.

RSVP Program Coordinator

VOA Colorado staff member since 2021
Commissioned Minister since 2023

Why I pursued commissioning:

My faith is the foundation of my life and when I learned that VOA had a ministry and I could be part of it, I was overjoyed! The vision is Jesus and His teachings: love, joy, peace, service, kindness, compassion, truth, and hope. These are beautiful attributes and His vision for mankind. VOA shares that vision. How cool is that!?

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

Sharing the love of Jesus with clients, teammates, and volunteers. It’s all about the love! “If we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” ~1 John 4:12

Jan is teaming with fellow minister, Camille, to bring soul care encouragement and practices to all of VOA Colorado.

Executive Administrator

VOA Colorado staff member since 2022
Commissioned Minister since 2024

Why I pursued commissioning:

I believe that we all have gifts to give to the world and part of our walk is to find these gifts and share them with others. I’ve lived my life in service to others, both in my career and further, as a leader in my church and Bible study instructor. When I came to Volunteers of America, I knew I was in a space that fed my faith as well as allowed me to be in community with staff and clients as a minister. Acting in faith daily with those I encounter makes me a better Jesus follower and allows me the opportunity to learn and grow in my faith with others who are all here to serve God’s children. I’m so grateful to be part of such a humble ministry of service as Volunteers of America Colorado.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

My favorite way to serve God is to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. Whether it’s being an active listener with a staff member or client or sharing a welcoming presence in a room that needs peace and prayer, I have found that sharing our journeys together and learning from each other is the true meaning of unity.

Camille is currently pursuing ordination within the Volunteers of America Church. Her ordination project will be the creation of “Soul Care Workshop” available to all our VOA Colorado staff.

President and Chief Executive Officer

VOA Colorado staff member since 2018
Commissioned Minister since 2020

Why I pursued commissioning:

Becoming a commissioned VOA minister allows me the opportunity to integrate my faith with my career to fulfill a life-long goal of mine to, as Paul states in Ephesians, “lead a life worthy of your calling for you have been called by God.” As a VOA minister I simply want to walk humbly with my Lord Jesus Christ, pursue mercy and everyday be his hands and feet in serving those in need.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

I feel as though God has gifted me in speaking His word and then providing an application of that word with individuals, small groups or even larger gatherings. I love to do that and I’ve done this through church, invocations, Bible studies and in more informal one-on-one meetings. But what I really love to do is be available to any who wants or needs to talk or share. I desire to be a good listener and then learn, pray and search the word with whomever is interested or in need.

Dave will continue his focus on advancing God’s Kingdom on this earth by growing the VOAC ministry in terms of faith, biblical calling, encouragement of ministers, recruiting new ministers and bringing the love of Jesus Christ to the people we serve and the community in and around VOAC.

Recruiting Specialist; Human Resources

VOA Colorado staff member since 2023
Commissioned Minister since 2025

Why I pursued commissioning:

I have been able to see firsthand the works of Jesus in my life daily and how they impact my walk in all areas of life. Faith has taken me through the hardest and best of times and if I am able to share that love that Christ has for each of us in my work with staff and clients it just adds to the blessing that being able to combine your faith and vocation provides!

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

Just sharing the agape love that Christ has for each one of us daily. Being present and intentional in my relationships with others and what their faith needs are. This will look different to each person I encounter, and I try to meet people where they are in their journey!

Becca is currently working to make it easier for our VOA Colorado staff across the state to ask for prayer from our ministers.

Services/Coordinator/Case Manager

VOA Colorado staff member since 2019
Commissioned Minister since 2024

Why I pursued commissioning:

I initially had no intention of becoming a Commissioned Minister with Volunteers of America.  However, I had the opportunity to actively engage with one of the Ministers.  The Minister introduced a well-orchestrated spiritual program to the residents of my facility. I was invited to learn more about the Ministry. What I learned was that I would be surrounded by others who strived to assist those who are in need, with love and compassion. I found myself in a place where I would be accepted for being who I am. For giving and loving unconditionally, as I have always done with all jobs and positions, I’ve held.  Becoming a Commissioned Minister has allowed me to grow spiritually and better assist the population of which I support/serve. The Commissioning has also taught me to pay it forward and to cherish and forgive my family and friends as God has loved and forgiven me.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

My favorite way to serve as a minister for Volunteers of America is to continue the efforts of our founders. I will pursue my personal goals of serving those going through hardship and challenges. I will follow through with spreading the good news of our Lord and Savior to all that will listen.  I will strive to exercise patience and understating while serving God’s Children. “Whatsoever you do, for the least of my people, that you do unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Char is focusing her ministry on those recently released from incarceration, working with a local half-way house and finding ways to connect this ministry with VOA Colorado.

Chief Financial Officer and VP of Finance and Administration

VOA Colorado staff member since 2023
Commissioned Minister since 2025

Why I pursued commissioning:

As my faith deepened after moving from Japan to the U.S. as a young adult, my professional life in corporate finance and international leadership has led me to ministry through service—where numbers, people, and purpose all come together. I pursued commissioning because I wanted to bring my faith and vocation into full alignment. For many years, I viewed my role in finance as purely administrative—but over time, I came to see it as a form of ministry. Stewardship, after all, is a sacred calling. It’s about ensuring that every resource entrusted to us is used to lift others up and reflect God’s care for His people. Commissioning represents a commitment to serve with both excellence and humility—to lead not just with skill, but with heart. It is my way of saying “yes” to a life where faith and leadership are inseparable, where decisions about budgets and strategy are also acts of service and worship. I wanted to grow not only as a leader, but as a servant of Christ who can model spiritual integrity in the workplace.

My favorite way to serve as a minister:

My favorite way to serve as a minister is through encouragement and presence. I find that ministry often happens quietly while listening to a colleague who is weary, praying for discernment before a difficult meeting, or helping others see God’s hand in the work they do every day. I love creating moments of calm and hope in spaces that are often filled with stress or uncertainty. Because my background is in finance, I also find joy in helping others see that ministry is not confined to preaching or programs—it can live in systems, structures, and even spreadsheets. When we manage resources faithfully, we make God’s provision visible. When we lead with compassion, we create space for grace to flow through our work. That, for me, is the heart of ministry—serving others through both spiritual care and practical action.

Chi is our specialist for navigating the Ministry Housing Allowance for all current and newly commissioned ministers of service at VOA Colorado.