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  • Home
  • Español
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  • How To Help
  • Who We Are
  • Community
  • Our Why
  • Events
  • Resources
  • FAQ
  • Blog

Welcome

Meet the people behind Lotus Foundation

Founders

Heather Starr

Heather is the founder of Lotus Foundation. She brings to the organization a passion for advocacy and survivors. Heather obtained her Master's Degree in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University in 2020. She has a history of volunteer work and advocacy with various organizations, including The Trevor Project and Lutheran Family Services, in addition to her years of experience directly serving survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. 

Stephanie Wood

Stephanie is the co-founder of Lotus Foundation. She brings to the organization a passion for advocacy and survivors. Stephanie obtained Bachelor's Degrees in both Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado in 2020. She has a history of volunteer work and advocacy with various organizations, including the Colorado Springs Police Department, in addition to her years of experience directly serving survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. 


Victim Advocates

Cathryn Karmondy

Cathryn has many years experience as a Victim Advocate for survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. She has worked with multiple organizations building and implementing rental assistance programs, and generously guided the creation of Lotus Foundation's own Home Safe Rental Assistance Program. Cathryn has also joined the Lotus team as a case manager and an advocate for survivors.

Sarah Frederick

Sarah currently has a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and is completing her internship with Lotus Foundation while working on her Master's Degree! Sarah is a Victim Advocate with experience serving survivors of both domestic violence and human trafficking. She is passionate about survivors and hopes to eventually open her own nonprofit for domestic violence.

Additional Advocates

Angelique

Sarah S. 


Volunteers

Bobbi Schneider-Harris Social Media Manager

Bobbi is the 2024 NAM Miss Colorado. As part of her pageant title, she is expected to give back to the community. We are so grateful that she chose Lotus Foundation to assist!

Bobbi is a marketing whiz, and now manages all of Lotus Foundation's social media accounts and online presence.

Additional Volunteers

Joshua

Trish

Tonja

Keira


Board of Directors

Heather Starr - President

Founder and Executive Director of Lotus Foundation. Nationally Credentialed Victim Advocate through the NACP, with ID# N26-878-7984. State Certified Victim Advocate through COVA, certificate #092823-0093-B. 

Stephanie Wood - Vice President

Co-founder of Lotus Foundation. Confidential Victim Advocate.

Active Duty member of the U.S. Air Force.

Danielle McCarthy - Secretary

Confidential Victim Advocate. Community partner. Danielle's background is in both business and education. With a heart to serve the local Colorado Springs community, she brings over 30 years of nonprofit experience, volunteerism, and leadership.

Shawn M. Starr - Treasurer

Community partner. Army veteran. Shawn holds two Master's degrees; Strategic Leadership as well as Business Administration. He is the Owner and CEO of a large Colorado based company, a real estate investor, and a successful business liaison with proven financial acumen.

Chandra Ruotolo

Community Partner. Chandra comes from a background in the healthcare industry of over 20 years. Her most recent endeavors include joining the real estate sector as a joint business owner alongside her husband Matt. Together, they currently manage a large team that spans across 8 states.  She is a mentor to many and is passionate about seeing women grow and to build community with one another.   

Hector Pesqueira

Community Partner. Hector is a graduate of International Business School in Mexico, where he spent more than 20 years as CEO of a family-owned company. In his hometown of Hermosillo, Sonora, Hector started a nonprofit organization to assist persons with different capabilities to have the right equipment for their day to day needs. Hector now resides in Arizona where he is a Regional Director for a large Colorado-based company. 

Dr. Henriikka Weir

Community Partner. Ph.D., MCJ Director at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Former police officer and Associate Professor at UCCS. Passion for children's rights, continued research on victimization and violence, and developing academically strong students.

Copyright © 2023 Lotus Foundation - All Rights Reserved.

Lotus Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

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