Founders
Heather Starr - Executive Director
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 experience directly serving survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
Stephanie Wood -Director of Operations
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 experience directly serving survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
Board of Directors
Heather Starr - President
Founder 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 an executive with a large Colorado company, a real estate investor, and a successful business liaison with proven financial acumen.
Dr. Henriikka Weir - Board Member
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.