Meet The Team

Joy is Del Norte-born, but she now calls Center her home. She has served a the Principal at the Academic Recovery Center in the Center Consolidated School district for 15 years now, and she is passionate about coming alongside kids who need extra support to help them reach their highest potential. She has two adult children and is a proud grandmother of three adorable grandchildren. When she's not working with children, you can find her raising New Foundland puppies in her spare time! Joy is an proud supporter of HVCC because she believes in the value of meaningful activities that HVCC provides to support kids' growth beyond just academics.

Logan was born and raised in Del Norte and believes strongly in the value of raising up our youth to have a positive impact on the community. He works for public health as the Operations Manager, is a small business owner and a certified EMT. Logan has two beautiful daughters. Logan enjoys fishing, riding four-wheelers, and spending time with loved ones. He is a fan of HVCC because he values creating a positive atmosphere of learning to encourage kids to support the community around them.

Originally from Miami, FL, Matt has called Del Norte his home since 2001. He served in the Marine Corps and now works as a CAD + Topography Analyst. Matt is the proud father of one beautiful daughter, who regularly attends HVCC! In his free time time, he enjoys adventuring with his kiddo and rooting for his favorite football team. Matt loves HVCC because he has seen first-hand the amazing work we do with the youth in our community.

John has called Del Norte home since 2019. He was born and raised in Kentucky and pursued a career in music in New York City and Philadelphia before moving to Colorado for graduate school in 2016 and a career change devoted to helping others. John and his wife, Amy, are the proud parents of two amazing children and are passionate supporters of the youth in our community. In his free time, John enjoys experimenting with anything and everything music-related. He values HVCC because it is the heart of our community and brings families and children together through innovative programming.

Merlinda is from Monte Vista and loves supporting the San Luis Valley community in any way she can. She works as the re-engagement facilitator at the Academic Recovery Center. Merlinda has been married for 18 years to her wonderful husband, Charles, and she has four adult children. In her free time, Merlinda loves to crochet and is the owner of Charmer Artistic Creations. She values HVCC because she loves that our organization helps children achieve their goals in a positive learning environment.