Meet the Team
Daniela Garcia
SPARC Administrator
Daniela is a dynamic leader with a strong background in driving community-focused initiatives and fostering social impact. She has played a key role in establishing SPARC for Adams County, where she leads efforts to secure diverse funding, promote equitable resource distribution, and empower communities to foster resilience and prosperity. Daniela holds a Master’s in Social Sciences from the University of Colorado Denver and a Bachelor’s in International Studies from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She excels in strategic communication, project leadership, and fostering robust partnerships. Outside of work, Daniela enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and dancing.
Community Partnerships Team
Vanessa Taylor
Community Partnerships Manager
Vanessa brings over a decade of expertise in program development, educational design, and facilitation across government, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors. She is passionate about fostering community resilience through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships. Vanessa holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor’s in Family and Human Services from the University of Oregon. Originally from Oregon, she now calls Colorado home, where she enjoys painting, reading, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and dog, R2.
Paige Otto
Community Resilience Coordinator – Neighborhoods
Paige grew up in Fort Collins and attended the University of Denver, where she received her Bachelor’s in Public Policy and Socio-Legal Studies. She has spent the last few years working at CASA of Adams & Broomfield Counties in various positions supporting at-risk children and youth in the community. In her free time, Paige enjoys hiking, musical theatre, and yoga; she completed her yoga teacher training certification in 2023.
Grants Team
Karla Estrada
Grant Manager
Karla has many years of experience in nonprofit work and government grant reporting. In her role with Adams County, she has enjoyed supporting organizations in their grant management and looks forward to continuing this work. In her free time, Karla enjoys going on long walks with her dog, caring for her houseplants, and diving into mystery novels.
Susan Crick
Senior Grant Business Partner
Susan is a veteran grants professional and project manager with over 24 years of experience working with nonprofits and local governments. She has helped secure funding for and launch successful initiatives that enrich our communities and create a more sustainable future. With her roots in environmental education and public programming, Susan has developed the ability to effectively communicate complex issues. She is passionate about building collaborations and telling stories that illustrate their impact. Outside of work, Susan can usually be found hiking, photographing nature and bugs, and spending time with her two sons.
Leticia Portillo
Grant Coordinator
Leticia brings over four years of experience in housing support and a deep dedication to advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. As a dedicated advocate, she plays a vital role in connecting individuals and families with essential resources to help them regain stability. A long-time resident of the area, Leticia takes pride in making a positive, lasting impact on her community. In her free time, Leticia enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, and crafting—activities that reflect her vibrant spirit and creativity. Her passion for her work and hobbies highlights her belief in the power of community, connection, and resilience.
Juan Cortes
Grants Compliance Specialist
Juan is an experienced finance professional with over 13 years of experience, dedicated to helping organizations grow and achieve their goals. Passionate about community support, with a strong focus on growth and education, Juan is committed to empowering others with the knowledge they need to succeed. In his free time, he enjoys landscape photography, outdoor adventures with his daughters and four dogs, attending sporting events, and taking in the breathtaking views of Colorado.
Ashley Garcia
Grants Compliance Specialist
Ashley is a dedicated Grant Compliance Specialist with a focus on initiatives that promote family stability and educational support. A lifelong resident of Adams County, she earned her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado, complemented by minors in Human Development and Family Relations (HDFR) and Sociology. She also holds a certification in Victims and Victim Studies. Her passion for community well-being is reflected in her work, ensuring effective compliance and management of grants designed to foster positive outcomes for families and educational systems. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cheering for Colorado’s sports teams, and spending quality time with her family.
Deisy Rojas
Grants Compliance Specialist
Deisy has experience working in victim services within the nonprofit sector. She is deeply passionate about advocating for and empowering individuals by providing essential support, resources, and compassion. Before this, Deisy gained valuable experience as a veterinary technician, where she discovered her skills in caring for both animals and their human companions. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with loved ones, watching horror and romantic comedies, staying active at the gym, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Potts.
