key personnel
Catherine O’Neill Thorn, Executive Director/CEO
she/her/ella
CLICK HERE for bio
Celeste Seiler, Director of Operations
she/her/ella
CLICK HERE for bio
Sarah Lanzarotta, Lead Facilitator and Director of Programs
she/her/ella
CLICK HERE for bio
Laura Peña, Lead Facilitator and Program Manager
she/her/ella
CLICK HERE for bio
Jessica Jarrard, FunDevelopment Coordinator
she/her/ella
CLICK HERE for bio
Theo E.J. Wilson, Community Liaison
he/his
CLICK HERE for bio
Bridget Hofsdater, Volunteer Coordinator
she/her
CLICK HERE for bio
staff demographics:
| Female: 6 | LGBTQ+ | 0 | Hispanic/Latinx | 1 |
| Male: 1 | African American | 1 | Caucasian | 5 |
AfA facilitators
Art from Ashes facilitators range from Master’s degree experts in counseling and professionals in the field of child development to poets and artists. Professional development in the form of curriculum training and an adult workshop series, as well a background check is required. Facilitators also are provided ongoing supervision with bi-annual reviews, and monthly trainings from experts in various fields of study relevant to facilitating youth, including group dynamics, adolescent brain development and drug/alcohol counseling. Volunteers who wish to work directly with youth are required to enroll in an adult workshop. Cost for the workshop is reimbursed after the volunteer assists at eight youth workshops.
board of directors
The Art from Ashes Board of Directors provides the skill and expertise needed to establish and run the development aspects of the organization. Each director shall be elected to serve a term of three years, and a director may be elected for an unlimited number of successive terms. Art from Ashes has 100% board financial giving.
Adriel Long :: President
she/her/ella
:: Donor and Board Relations Coordinator for the Colorado Symphony Association
Expertise: Grant Writing, Event Planning, Program Development, Communication, Fundraising
Professional Affiliations: Americans for the Arts
County of residence: Denver
Term Expiration: July 2022
CLICK HERE for bio
Michael Hooten, MSW :: Vice President
he/his
Programs Liaison
:: Mental Health Therapist, Social Worker & Wellness/Transition/Life Coach
Expertise: Human-animal relationships for learning, development and counseling; mind-body-breath connection for physical and mental health performance; experiential learning, group dynamics and leadership; outdoor education, recreation and program management for youth and young adults
Professional Affiliations: National Association of Social Work, Neurosequential Network (trauma-informed practices), Association for Experiential Education, Association of Outdoor Recreation & Education (professional development and education/research committees), Climbing Wall Association, American Alpine Club, Leave No Trace Environmental Ethics, Denver Quality Afterschool Connection, Supreme Science Qigong, Warrior Canine Connection (service dog training), Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching
County of residence: Denver
Term Expiration: May 2022
CLICK HERE for bio
Kelly Thomas :: Interim Treasurer
she/her/ella
Events Team Liaison
:: Senior Contract Executive at Microsoft Corporation
Expertise: Contract Drafting and Negotiations, Training, Art Education
County of Residence: Jefferson
CLICK HERE for bio
Josué Ruiz
he/his
FunDevelopment & Grant Writing Team Liaison
Expertise: Policy Analysis and Evaluation Strategy
Professional Affiliations: Capital Hill United Neighborhoods, Volunteers of America, Robin Hood Foundation, the Institute for Children, Poverty & Homelessness
County/Country of residence: Denver, Colorado and London, England
Term Expiration: April 2023
CLICK HERE for bio
Executive Director/CEO
Catherine O’Neill Thorn
she/her/ella
Expertise: Published Poet, Program & Curriculum Development, Public Speaking, Grant Writing, Graphic Design, Marketing, Fundraising
County of Residence: Jefferson
CLICK HERE for bio and to leave a comment
Fundevelopment Coordinator/Secretary to the Board (non-voting member)
Jessica Jarrard
she/her/ella
Expertise: Technical Writing, Technical Editing, Technical Writing for Translation, Teaching, E-Learning, Grant Writing
County of residence: Denver
CLICK HERE for bio
youth representatives to the board
Kumi Avila, age 19
she/her/ella
Youth Participant/Poet/Performer
County of Residence: Arapahoe
Ray Arterburn, age 23
they/them
Youth Participant/Poet/Performer
County of Residence: Denver
board emeritus
Marie Verrett :: Founding Board Member
she/her/ella
:: Retired Air Force Colonel
Expertise: Management/Supervision, Public Speaking, Contract Sales
Professional Affiliations: American Society of Notaries, Military Officers Association of America
County of Residence: Denver
CLICK HERE for bio
board of directors demographics:
| Female: 7 | LGBTQ+ | 2 | Hispanic/Latinx | 2 |
| Male: 2 | African American | 2 | Caucasian | 5 |
board of advisors
Tommy Bagwell
Business Owner/Stylist, Fleur Salon
Andy Barbo
Owner/Operations Manager at Fleur Salon
Courtney Chandler
Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor, The Phoenix Center
Sharon Gabel, MBA, PhD
Senior Human Resources Analyst, Builders FirstSource
Cindy Grove
Vice President Relationship Manager at Colorado Business Bank
Rachel Julkowski
Documentary Filmmaker; Sesame Street Assistant Editor
Lewis Lease, MSW
Maestro de Capoeira
Expertise: Program Evaluation Specialist, Child Protection, Mental Health, Community-Based Social Work Practice, Capoeira, Photography
Lisa Lee
Attorney, Featherstone Petrie DeSisto LLP, Faculty of Federal Advocates, Denver Bar Association, Colorado Women’s Bar
Chris Loffelmacher
Program Coordinator for Adult Cultural Programming at Denver Public Library
Benjamin Martin
Assistant Vice President, Mountain View Bank of Commerce
Susan Martin
Accounting Supervisor, EOG Resources Inc
Debra A. Porter
Associate, Fairfield & Woods, P.C.
board of advisors demographics:
| Female: 7 | Pacific Islander | 1 | LGBTQ | 4 |
| Male: 5 | Caucasian | 11 |
volunteers & interns
Volunteers include board members and staff, all of whom donate 6 or more hours per month in their field of expertise. Volunteers choose from the following on which team to serve:
- Communications Team
- Community Liaison Team
- Events Team
- FunDevelopment Team
- Grant Writing Team
- Volunteer Coordination Team
Please indicate on the application if you’re interested in being on the Board of Directors or the Board of Advisors.
*Note that volunteers who work directly with youth must fulfill specific requirements. After submitting your application, contact the Director of Programs: 303.837.1550.
Apply for an internship opportunity with Art from Ashes in a multitude of fields, and we’ll set up an interview within a week of receiving your application. Please note that only two internships are available per semester.
Go HERE to find out more about volunteering at Art from Ashes.
Go HERE to apply for an internship.
guest artist bios
A pool of more than 30 contracted Guest Poets and Artists are available for AfA workshops. They are chosen based on their dedication to the arts and because they are professionals in their craft with honors, awards, and publications to their credit. They inspire and motivate the youth to engage in the process of creative expression at each workshop. Additionally, Art from Ashes introduces more than 40 published poets to the curriculum to ensure youth are introduced to the broader cannon of poetry as literature.
Gregory Harris (SETH)
CLICK HERE for bio
Qui’Anna Ray (Lady Speech)
CLICK HERE for bio
Suzi Q.
CLICK HERE for bio
Theo Wilson (Luce)
CLICK HERE for bio
Angela Nicole
CLICK HERE for bio
Joshua Randy Abeyta
CLICK HERE for bio
Norma Johnson
CLICK HERE for bio
Dan Martinez
CLICK HERE for bio
Santemu Aakhu
Franklin Cruz
Kayla Marque
CLICK HERE for bio
About AfA
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Categories
- Award (8)
- Blog (66)
- Creativity (45)
- Events (12)
- News (98)
- Poems (25)
- Writing Prompts (4)
Bookmarks
Poems written by Celeste in 3 minutes at the Art from Ashes weekly staff meetings:
3-26-20
You need not ask me for your freedom
your mind is powerful enough to set you free
take a deep breath
believe in yourself
clear your mind
and fight
no one can control the spirit within you
harness that energy
and fight
for yourself
for your family
I believe in you
you only need to believe in yourself
the tools are there
3-31-20
I am made of light; I am made of stars
only visible in the night
when things are still and quiet
when people take time to reflect
and enjoy what they are forced to see
Energy built up and ready to burst
through the sky
time has passed
thousands of ancestors ago
still marveling at these same lights
wondering when I’ll ever float down
Poems written by Celeste in 3 minutes at the Art from Ashes weekly staff meetings:
5-1-20
Words flowing freely
circling around and dancing in the air
like watching a couple swiftly move
across the dance floor entranced in a waltz
before reaching the ears of those
most in need of that magic
watching their faces light up
as they enjoy seeing those words
continue dancing
onto the next person
5-3-20
Shackled no more
let the world read my poems
slowly being tortured on repeat
they will never let you be
if you don’t let them free
each thought a character of myself
they need to roam
breathe in fresh air
or they will die alone
Poem written by Daniella in 3 minutes at Art from Ashes:
March 9th, 2021
One Day
One Day I will be able to taste your name upon my lips
and it won’t taste like bitter black bean water.
One day I will be able to sleep peacefully through the night
without waking in cold shock from a memory
or a dream that you were there, lying next to me.
One day, I will wake up and the thought of you won’t haunt me anymore.
One day you will just be a name inked upon my leg.
One day you won’t be a painful stain upon my memory.
One day, I’ll forget the bruises and scars you left,
not just physical but the ones you left on my heart as well.
One day I’ll forget your name.
One day I won’t care to remember what your face looks like.
One day it won’t matter that I loved you unconditionally.
One day I won’t love you anymore.
One day my body and my heart won’t be torn to shreds because of you anymore.
One day the thought won’t cross through my head, wondering if you are okay.
One day I will be okay. But not today.
Today, I am not okay, and that is okay.
Poem written by Daniella in 3 minutes at Art from Ashes:
May 21st, 2020
Mothering a Pandemic
Battle scars and broken hearts.
False positives and shouldn’t be negatives.
Broken cars and masks covering faces.
Panic-driven viruses and sharp words.
Various paper shortages and mass fears.
Loud screams, soft sleepy whimpers, and many poopy diapers.
Hot caffeinated drinks and sleepless nights.
Isolation and ventilators.
Bodies infected and bodies healthy.
Bodies dead and alive.
Mood disorders and useless expensive therapy sessions.
Tears and lies.
Darkness even in the most well lit of places.
Lovers and fathers lost. Broken families.
Sad girl walking solo into complete unknown.
Questioning and despair.
Not enough effort never will be.
Especially not to make this relationship work.
More tears. Apparently, she cannot be fixed or helped.
She has lost sight of herself. Angry words, accusations, and misunderstandings.
For black or white, either way we must continue to nurture and fight
for what’s right and mother this global pandemic.
Poems written by Celeste in 3 minutes at the Art from Ashes weekly staff meetings:
5-7-20
I was ignorant in my youth
the way I looked at the world
was through a narrow opening
I did not understand my thoughts, actions, words
and how that affected certain populations
I am as outraged as you are
your family is being silenced and murdered
after learning my perceptions were incomplete
I will stand and speak for those that are
tired of yelling
6-2-20
This sea is deeper than we know
holding firm the weight of the world
the coral reef is in danger
but it’s strong
the belly of the ocean carries life
that we cannot easily see
providing food in its own ecosystem
to nourish and sustain growth
garbage is a threat
polluting the life that so many hold dear
the surface can be beautiful
but you can’t know for sure the rage
that’s about to erupt
truth be told, it will swallow you
Poems written by Celeste in 3 minutes at the Art from Ashes weekly staff meetings:
4-8-20
My words are priceless
I’d be cashing them in for all the kindness
spreading that shit around like
there’s no tomorrow
compassion is valued too low
I’d buy up all that stock
to drive up the price
making it a hot commodity for
those rich assholes
that’s how it works, right?
make ’em think it’s worth a million dollas
joke’s on them
it actually is
4-18-20
Mother Earth hears my cries
she soothes me like a child
with the sound of the breeze through the trees
the waves crashing against the rocks
the birds singing their songs
stillness, she writes
is healing
what you’re doing is not meant to be
follow your passion
be in nature
take time to observe the little things
your tears will be no more
Poems written by Celeste in 3 minutes at the Art from Ashes weekly staff meetings:
8-18-20
Waiting for you to see
twisted trails of words
trains moving in all directions
organized chaos at its finest
one distraction
one wrong step
will derail the whole operation
making pit stops in deserted towns
hoping for signs of life
shouting through the dust storm
to only choke on the emptiness
12-3-20
Brain shutdown, overload
the worry meter is off the charts
the world around me
is out of control
curl up and rest
remove myself from harmful interaction
be okay with knowing
that is all there is
all I can do
not to give up
but give myself time
Poems written by Celeste in 3 minutes at the Art from Ashes weekly staff meetings:
12-16-20
I would give myself permission
to stand up and walk away
saying yes to each opportunity
that only benefitted me
for once I want to be selfish
longing for that day that seems
as far away as the stars lead you
as surreal as a Dali painting
time melting away as you are
forced to stand still and
watch the minutes ooze down the walls
turning into lost years
when you are no longer worth
anything at all
that’s when freedom finds you
12-23-20
A lamp sheds light on spaces of darkness
yet it stands alone in the corner
not capable of reciprocation a conversation
to stand by and watch as other find
their way
may be difficult for some
a sounding board for those that
struggle with hearing the words of others thoughts
in return also lighting the space
the lamp resides
finding our way in their shadow
Poems written by Celeste in 3 minutes at the Art from Ashes weekly staff meetings:
2-4-21
The who I want to be
what my heart wants
to untangle the knots
not knowing which begins or ends
to be a kid again with my mind now
not to waste the time as I did
to explore and experience the new
not to runaway
to love myself and who I am
not to be disappointed at the end of the day
to be content
not always wanting more
to feel freely
not be afraid of what giving in would look like
my heart is a woman at the end
of her life
reminiscing over regrets
2-23-21
I opened my heart and out came a flood of emotions
I opened my emotions and out came a confused little girls
I hugged the confused little girl and out came clarity
I pondered that clarity and out came my true expression
I opened my heart
3-9-21
I can make a difference
I have the power to make change
and the world a better place
I see a problem and I try to fix it
I anticipate all possible turns
and get ready to maneuver around them
I’m able to sit back and listen
or speak up when needed
I’m raising two strong girls
that will carry on with my legacy
I empower those around me
and affirm they can be and do anything
by Zaya Heffenger, 17
Clear underneath those same stars
That burn me every time I reach out to touch
Because it’s better than being in a freezing cold universe
White contrasting with the recessing of my life
My favorite star that bursts just before
I have a chance to say what I always meant to say
by Zaya Heffenger, 17
Got abducted
As I was born for the stars
Home never wanted
And home is where the heart is
My heart belongs to
The deep velvet of the universe
That has sprinkles of light
That is just barely enough
Enough to smile
Enough to breath
Run
Run far away
So far light can’t even touch
And sound won’t ever reach me
It’s enough
Home is where the heart is
And I have neither
But I have hope for infinite miles
And infinite smiles
I have hope that my home is you
Art from Ashes es el ganador del Premio del Alcalde 2018 a la Excelencia en Arte y Cultura: Premio para Jóvenes
Este premio se otorga a una persona menor de 18 años que ha hecho una notable diferencia en la comunidad a través de las artes o una organización que ha impactado significativamente las vidas de los jóvenes en la Ciudad y el Condado de Denver a través de las artes.
¡Gracias al comité de selección por el Premio del Alcalde 2018 a la Excelencia en Arte y Cultura (incluyendo a Erika Righter of Hope Tank), quien honró a Art from Ashes con el Premio Juvenil!
También fueron honrados Dorothy Tanner (Premio a la Innovación), Su Teatro Cultural y Centro de Artes Escénicas (Premio Global), Colorado Ballet / Keya Clairmont (Premio IMAGINE 2020), y René Heredia Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theater (Premio de Impacto). Gracias al alcalde Hancock, a Denver Arts & Venues, en particular a Tariana Navas-Nieves, Becky Grupe y Brooke Dilling, ¡quienes organizaron todo el evento!
Gracias también al artista indígena Jonathan Nelson por las hermosas revistas, los postres de Sugar Bakeshop y Coffee House, que son administrados por mujeres, los premios de Access Gallery, y la fotografía de eventos de fotógrafos veteranos, TASK FORCE ISO.
¡Gracias a los maestros de ceremonias Suzi Q. Smith y Rachel Bayse, y por la excelente música de David Ochoa!
¡Y estamos muy agradecidos por el maravilloso trabajo de Zerosun por este video increíble!
Es como hacer el barco moverse
Publicado el 25 de abril de 2019 por AfAAdmin.
Entrevista por Michael McLoughlin
MICHAEL (M): ¿Puedes decirme cómo entraste en contacto por primera vez con Art from Ashes?
ZAYA (Z): Estaba en un programa completamente diferente llamado the Youth Advocate Program, para niños que realmente estaban luchando en la vida, ya sea con sus propias emociones o con la familia. (En the Youth Advocate Program) Te llevan a diferentes lugares, y uno de los lugares fue AfA. Recuerdo que cuando lo descubrí por primera vez, veníamos todos los miércoles, y definitivamente fue una de las mejores experiencias que he tenido en mi vida. Siempre me hace feliz estar aquí.
M: ¿Cuánta conexión has tenido con Art from Ashes?
Z: Definitivamente es una de las conexiones más profundas que he tenido. Por eso me gusta tanto. En mi vida cotidiana, no hay muchas personas a las que pueda recurrir, pero este es uno de los lugares a los que siempre puedo ir, en este lugar me escuchan y eso es bueno porque no suelo hablar mucho. Aquí hablo de manera metafóricamente, de esa manera puedo discutir realmente las cosas que me interesan y conectarme con la gente de una manera que es realmente inspiradora.
M: Antes de encontrar Art from Ashes, ¿cuánta conexión tenías con el arte y la poesía?
Z: Antes de AfA tuve una conexión con la Defensora de la Juventud (youth advocate), y todavía hablo con ella. Esta persona es una de las grandes conexiones que he tenido con alguien y una de las experiencias más brillantes que he tenido. Cuando tengo una conexión de este tipo, sólo trato de aferrarme a ellas porque son muy raras. Creo que cuando llegan ese tipo de conexiones, hay que apreciarlas.
M: Dijo que siente que este es un lugar donde puede expresar su voz, pero no puede hacerlo en otros lugares. Cuénteme cómo pudo darse cuenta de esta situación cuando comenzó a venir más a Art from Ashes.
Z: He notado una gran diferencia en mi vida diaria. Como si AfA se sintiera más como mi hogar que mi propio hogar. Y es porque la gente siempre quiso que estuviera en silencio. Si alguna vez dije algo, entonces siempre fue como, me metí en problemas, o me gritaron, o cualquier otra cosa que quisieran hacerme. Recuerdo que cuando escribí mi poema en AfA, ellos querían que hablara. Me dijeron: “Queremos que vayas al micrófono y digas lo que escribiste”. Fue una locura, como si nadie realmente me pidiera que hablara, ¿sabes? Nunca nadie quiso escucharme, pero aquí realmente querían escuchar, y por eso leí, y fue uno de los momentos de mayor alivio que he tenido. Eso me dio paz, además sentí que realmente le importaba a alguien. La gente dice todo el tiempo: “Significas mucho para mí” o “Quiero lo mejor para ti”, pero sus acciones dicen lo contrario. En realidad no quieren escucharte. En AfA es diferente: dicen que te aman, pero lo hacen a través de acciones. Y te alientan a hablar, alientan a los demás a escuchar y alientan a todos a respetar la voz del otro. Eso es realmente real.
M: ¿Tienes un ejemplo de algunas metáforas que has usado en tus poemas?
Z: Sí, una experiencia de la que realmente no hablo mucho, porque la mayoría de la gente no quiere hablar de eso porque se siente incómoda, es que cuando era más joven, estaba siendo abusando. Pero aquí, pude hablar de ello. La gente realmente se conectó con lo que estaba diciendo, usé una metáfora del hombre bogey (bogey-man), también una del océano, ya sabes. Es como hacer que el barco se mueva, pero ese movimiento trata de ahogarte, o como una tormenta o algo así. Eso es lo que realmente me refiero. En realidad no llamo mis experiencias por su nombre… es difícil para mí decirlo, porque la gente no sabe de qué estás hablando, pero igual entienden. Las personas que me escuchan no saben por lo que pase (el abuso que sufrí cuando era más joven); no lo saben lógicamente. Pero si se pueden conectar conmigo emocionalmente, lo sienten.
M: ¿Cómo crees que el arte va a afectar las cosas a medida que avanzas?
Z: Definitivamente noté un cambio, incluso puedes verlo en mí. Como si me conocieras antes de comenzar a asistir a Art from Ashes y quisieras hacer una entrevista, probablemente diría que no, y no querría decir nada, ¿sabes? Ahora me anima a hablar, a ser valiente y a dejarme ser. Todavía estoy trabajando en cosas. Ahora me conecto con la gente y antes no tenía a nadie, ¿sabes? Definitivamente estoy avanzando, creo que el cambio se ve. Seguiré teniendo más coraje, más valentía, más honestidad y esperanza. Porque estoy creciendo cada día, ¿sabes?
M: ¿Vas a seguir practicando la poesía?
Z: En AfA me volví un escritor de poemas y gracias a eso estoy intentando nuevas cosas… Siempre he querido cantar, por ejemplo. De hecho, empecé a convertir algunos de mis poemas en canciones.
M: ¿Y cómo va eso?
Z: Va bien. Tengo suficiente para un álbum. Tengo un paquete entero, suficiente para toda la producción. Estoy trabajando con alguien para grabarlo, y estamos trabajando en mi voz también. Estamos haciendo borradores, y estamos viendo que funciona mejor. Cantar es mi nueva pasión.
M: Eso suena como un gran avance. ¿Cómo vas a seguir adelante con estos proyectos?
Z: Definitivamente voy a seguir escribiendo, y voy a seguir haciendo más música, más álbumes., haré las cosas una por una, y también iré a la escuela y obtendré una educación universitaria. simplemente pondré creatividad y esperanza en todo lo que hago.
Over the years, I have worked diligently and passionately to create an agency that can stand strong in the community—always with a view to sustainability. Starting with volunteers and gradually adding a small part-time staff, we set the intention to hire and train a dedicated staff willing to work alongside me and even beyond me. After 15 years, I am honored to have that team in place. In addition, our board of directors has proven their dedication on a purely volunteer basis, donating money and working well beyond their monthly commitment to ensure we continue to serve the youth we love and support the communities in which we live.
I know that my journey toward health and wholeness is strengthened because of these good people—and because of you.
None of this could have been possible without the involvement of the wider community of volunteers, supporters, and creative geniuses. We measure that success in the number of youth served—their transformation undeniable as they discover the power of their creativity. It also is measured in our many awards and national recognition. Ultimately, the success of the work we do is no longer dependent on my full-time presence, which is why I know Art from Ashes will continue to thrive over the next four to six months.
Although I will still be available during my time of healing, the dream has been realized in that the community supports the agency that supports the community. That is every founder’s dream.
Please know that your generosity this giving season, as always, furthers our mission. I would ask that your gift be so joyfully and freely given, that AfA’s wonderful staff can focus not only on their (significant amount of) work but for a time, also on some of mine. Please support them as much as you are able.
While I may not be able to respond to messages directly, know that I appreciate and would ask for your prayers and good thoughts.
I hope to see you soon!