Meet Us

Cofounder and Executive Director: Lisa Steven
Lisa Steven has more than 15 years experience working with teenage mothers. She co-authored the Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Handbook and worked with MOPS International on their Strategic Plan for expanding the ministry of Teen MOPS. She is a member of the Denver Women's Leadership Forum and has served as one of three chairpersons for the Joint Pregnancy Services Network. Lisa was nominated for Jefferson County Woman of the Year in November 2002, and was awarded the Jefferson County Realtor's Association "Community Service Award" in 2007. Lisa is one of the cofounders of Hope House of Colorado and has been the Executive Director since 2003.

Cofounder and Program Director: Amie Walton
Amie Walton has had more than 10 years experience working with teen moms. She is completing her degree in Applied Psychology at Regis University. Amie is a member of the Denver Women's Leadership Forum and the Joint Pregnancy Services Network. She has traveled to the Kostrama and Vladimr regions of Russia in order to train others in the Hope House Residential Program. Amie is one of the cofounders of Hope House and has been Program Director since 2003.

Mentoring Program Coordinator: Lynn Martinez
Lynn Martinez began working as the Mentoring Program Coordinator for Hope House of Colorado in November, 2008. She has had more than 12 years experience working with volunteers and families as the Pastor and Director of the Children's Ministry at Grace Church of Arvada. During her work at Grace Church, Lynn trained and supervised more than 600 volunteers and managed a volunteer staff of 65 that served over 300 children. She has been instrumental in the education and equipping of local Children Ministry Pastors, Directors and volunteers though training seminars. Lynn has a passion for helping young families in need and brings her years of experience as a team leader, mentor and instructor to expand and promote the Hope House Mentoring Program.

Development Director: Katie Cassidy
Katie Cassidy graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. She earned her Master of Science degree in Business Administration in 2004 from the University of Wyoming. Prior to working at Hope House of Colorado, Katie successfully managed two stores in the retail industry. She started at Hope House as House Manager in January 2007, and in August 2007 was promoted to Development Director. She has attended trainings on planned giving, e-Fundraising, corporate sponsorships and sustainable development plans. She co-chairs the Hope House Resource Development Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee.

House Director: Robin Scott
Robin Scott was Hope House of Colorado's first employee and has held many positions including Residential Counselor, House Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, and Case Manager. Currently, Robin is the House Director at Hope House and enjoys working with the teen mothers and moving them forward towards self-sufficiency. Prior to working at Hope House, Robin worked at a crisis pregnancy center, where she became passionate about young adults and healthy choices. Robin has also worked at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and managed CASA volunteers.

GED Instructor: Elizabeth Corless

Elizabeth Corless began working with teen mothers at Hope House as a Residential Counselor in 2007.  Elizabeth has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services. Elizabeth was promoted to Residential House Manager and expanded her duties to include the supervision of the residential facility, staff and volunteers. When Hope House began to offer GED Preparation to teen mothers, Elizabeth accepted the position of GED Instructor. Elizabeth provides individual instruction, encouragement and a supportive learning environment in order to help teen mothers in the Denver metro area successfully earn a GED.

Hope House Board of Directors:

John Scott
John Scott serves as the Chairman of the Board of Hope House. With 20 years experience in the wealth planning business, John has been an independent advisor for over a decade. His experience includes the founding of his own firm, J. Scott Holdings, in January, 1999 and Lifetime Wealth P.C.E. in June, 2005 where he serves as President and CEO. John serves as a board member on several foundations and trusts such as the Ideker Family Foundation and the Denver Barbos Green & White Trust. He also serves on the Presidents Advisory Council for Alaska Christian College, as well as the Board of Directors of Fellowship of Christian Athletes Colorado. John attended college at the Colorado School of Mines where he studied Petroleum Engineering. During his spare time, John enjoys fly fishing and mountaineering.

Stacy Hougland
Stacy Hougland joined the Hope House Board of Directors in 2008 and currently serves as the Director of the Resource Committee and Vice Chairman/Secretary of the Board. Previously, Stacy was a Director of Advertising for a book publishing company and Director of Volunteers for Oklahoma Special Olympics. She has served on committees and boards for her church including Parent Council, Deacons, and Women’s Ministry. Her greatest joys continue to be her husband of 22 years, two teenage children, four horses and everything about living in Colorado.

Patrick Smith
Pat Smith joined the Hope House Board of Directors in 2008 and serves as Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee. As the president of GTC Nutrition since 2000, Pat directs global strategy development, coordinates stake owner relations and assists in managing manufacturing operations. Mr. Smith received his Masters degree in International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.

Larry Wickes
Larry Wickes joined the Hope House Board of Directors in 2008. Larry is a native of Colorado and served as an Associate Pastor for 15 years at a large church in Arvada, Colorado. Larry and his wife, Joanie, have had their own counseling and deliverance ministry called Keys of the Kingdom International for the past three years. Larry and Joanie have been married for 35 years and have four adult children and eight grandchildren.

John Steven
John Steven, with his wife Lisa, is one of the founders of Hope House of Colorado and has served on the Board of Directors since the ministry’s inception in 2000. John and Lisa were teen parents and have been married 23 years. John is a machinist and has been with his family’s business, J&D Machine Technology, for 26 years.

Lisa Schlarbaum
Lisa Schlarbaum joined the Hope House Board of Directors in 2009. She has over 20 years of sales experience in the Consumer Goods, Performance Improvement, and Forrest Products Industries. Her professional experience ranges from new client acquisitions, strategic account management and client relationship development. Lisa serves as the Chairperson for the Board of Trustees at Broomfield United Methodist Church. She is an active member of the United Methodist Women and is founder and co-leader of one of their small groups. She has also served on the Women's Mission Team and the Ministry Council. In January of 2009 she was recognized by United Methodist Women as an individual who has made a significant contribution in honoring God by serving others. Lisa has a Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Lisa and her husband Jeff live in Broomfield with a 12 year old daughter and a pre-school age son.

Tony Walton
Tony Walton, with his wife Amie, is one of the founders of Hope House of Colorado and has served on the Board of Directors fsince the ministry's inception in 2000. Tony is a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Persian Gulf War. Tony also has extensive experience in automotive mechanics and service management. Tony and Amie have been married for 16 years and have three children. In his spare time, Tony enjoys spending time with family, camping, traveling and serving at church.

John Tellis
Reverend John Tellis has served on the Hope House Board of Directors since 2008; he previously served for two years in 2005 and 2006. Rev. Tellis accepted his call into the ministry under the leadership of Pastor W.D. Simmons, Central Baptist Church, Denver, CO. Rev. Tellis has been preaching for more than a decade. Rev. Tellis is the Pastor of Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church and believes that God has a great work for His people in a Season such as this. He received his Doctorate of Theology degree from Truth Bible College in Jacksonville, FL. He has partnered with a number of churches and schools to provide education and outreach services. John has worked as a telecommunications executive for more than 25 years. Rev. Tellis is the founder of Tellis Ministries, Inc., (TMI). TMI taps into the needs of hurting and wounded souls by planting hope into their lives. TMI also focuses on strengthening families and offering preventative methods to help deal with issues that might arise. Rev. Tellis has been married for 33 years and is blessed with three children and one grandchild.