Summit Advocates is now ARISE

Our Staff

Lesley Mumford

Executive Director

director@arisesummitco.org

Lesley was named the Executive Director of Advocates for Victims of Assault in June 2018. She was drawn to advocacy after experiencing the powerful impact of advocacy and how it changed her life. Lesley’s personal experience has given her an unwavering commitment to advocacy. Prior to serving as the Executive Director at AVA, Lesley was a public safety professional for 18 years. Lesley most recently served as the Operations Division Commander at the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, leading a division of 33 law enforcement officers. She worked in the Investigations Section for nearly a decade. In that position, Lesley worked closely with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. During her career, Lesley served on several multidisciplinary teams and helped create cooperative agreements improving survivor services.

Mandi Kennedy

Development Director

development@arisesummitco.org

Mandi joined the Summit Advocates team in February 2022 with a passion to improve community health outcomes through prevention, advocacy, and effective programming. Mandi earned a Master of Public Health degree in Behavioral and Community Health from the University of Maryland prior to moving to Colorado in 2018. Mandi comes to Advocates with experience in public health, outreach, and education. Prior to working at Summit Advocates, Mandi worked at an adolescent health center in Baltimore, MD, served as an AmeriCorps member in Denver, CO, and worked for the Summit County Public Health Department as a community-mobilizer working to improve youth health outcomes in Summit. Mandi believes in the power of community and collaboration to effect long-lasting change within communities. Mandi is excited to be working at an organization that believes strongly in advocacy, empowerment, and client-centered services.

Ana Castro

Victim Services Program Manager

housing@arisesummitco.org

Ana Ruth Castro, a Nicaraguan citizen, joined Summit Advocates on June 5, 2023 as the Victim Services Program Manager. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role. Ana graduated from law school in 2004 and began her career in the administration of justice in 2006, within the Nicaraguan Judiciary. Her passion for advocating for justice and supporting vulnerable victims led her to work as a Public Defender from 2012 to 2018. During her time as a public defender, Ana dedicated herself to gaining specialized knowledge to better serve victims. She earned a postgraduate degree in domestic violence, which gave her a deeper understanding of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding this issue. This specialization allowed her to provide comprehensive and compassionate support to people affected by domestic violence. With her extensive experience in the Administration of Justice and her specialization in domestic violence, Ana is well prepared to fulfill her role as Victim Services Program Manager at Summit Advocates. Without a doubt, her dedication and experience will have a significant impact on the organization and the people we serve. Ana's commitment to justice and support for victims of violence will contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive community.

Torey Ivanic

Outreach and Education Coordinator

outreach@arisesummitco.org

Torey Ivanic joined Summit Advocates as the Outreach and Education Coordinator in August of 2023. She brings a passion for the prevention of sexual assault and violence that stems from her own childhood story of which she wrote a memoir. She attended the Ohio State University for her Bachelor of Science in Biology and then lived in Summit County for three years before getting her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Arizona School of Health Sciences. She worked as a family practice Physician Assistant in rural California while getting certified in classical homeopathy from Homeopathy School International. With more than ten years of experience in family practice as well as running Homeopathy First, she has a holistic view of care and wants to make an impact “upstream.” Torey is focused on building bridges and collaborations to support survivors as effectively as possible while focusing on education about and prevention of assault. Her self-care routine includes yoga, rock climbing, telemark skiing, biking, hiking, hot baths, long conversations, and Netflix

Merida Lazareno

Victim Services Program Navigator

advocate@arisesummitco.org

Merida, originally from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, joined Summit Advocates in February 2024. With a background in social work and administrative assistance, she attended The Jalisco University Network in CUCSUR. Her experience in the nonprofit sector reflects her dedication to working with people of different backgrounds and needs. Merida envisions a caring and thriving community, emphasizing the importance of providing individuals, parents, and community members with the proper tools for success to create a violence-free community in our county. She values strong families as the foundation for robust communities and believes diversity contributes to a richer community experience. Her commitment aligns well with Summit Advocates' mission and goals.

Our Board

Lisa Holenko

Lisa has been a resident of Summit County for over 10 years and a business owner in Frisco for 7 years. She moved here from New Jersey where she was a high school English teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in literature, as well as a secondary teaching degree from William Paterson University. In her role as high school teacher, Lisa was a student advisor to the Special Olympics Volunteer Club, Operation Smile Club, Dover High School Journalism Club, and Dover High School Tigers for Humanity Club. Through her business, she also supports Summit County Rotary and Summit County Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time, she loves to read, cook, Nordic ski, hike, and paddle board.

Tige Stromire

Tige Stromire recently joined the Summit Advocates Board. He moved to Western Colorado 35 years ago and after raising three kids in the suburbs, he had the opportunity to relocate to Summit County two years ago with his wife Leah. He works as a Business Banking Relationship Manager with US Bank. He has over 20 years of banking experience. He graduated form Mesa State (Colorado Mesa) with a bachelor’s in business. After raising his kids, which included countless hours of coaching and cheering them on, he now has more free time to give back to his community. Tige feels that Summit Advocates' mission often impacts children, and helping children is a passion of his. Along with Summit Advocates, he is a youth baseball coach, and an active member of the Elks. In his free time, he is an avid snowboarder and dabbles in all that Summit County has to offer in the summer including fishing, biking, hiking, golfing and disc golf.

Mike Rifkin

Michael began his insurance career as a catastrophe adjuster for Safeco Insurance Company in 1978 handling claims in Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Washington state in the aftermath of the Mount St. Helen's eruption. He continued his career with Safeco after graduating Colorado College in 1980. At that time Michael entered an intensive 2-year program focusing on personal and commercial lines underwriting as well as surety and risk management. Upon completion of this program Michael joined the family agency in 1982. In 1994, Michael became the Principal owner of Rifkin Insurance Associates, Inc. In addition to his agency responsibilities Michael served on the Young Agents Committee of the Independent Agents of Colorado beginning in 1983 and was selected as Young Agent of the Year in 1986. Michael served on the Board of Directors of the Independent Insurance Agents of Denver and was elected to its presidency in 1990. From 2004 to 2016 Michael was elected to the Board of Directors of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado (PIIAC) and in 2007 served as the State Board President. In addition, from 2007 to 2016 Michael served as Colorado's National Director to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.

Suzy Bauer

Coming Soon