Elizabeth Lenski
CEO
Elizabethl@wildplumcenter.org
Elizabeth Lenski leads the Wild Plum Center, a cornerstone institution providing early childhood education and family support to Longmont’s families facing economic challenges. With over fifteen years of leadership at Wild Plum—including roles as Business Director and Chief Financial Officer—Elizabeth has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s financial strategy, operational excellence, and mission-driven impact.
Her career spans finance, human resources, and public service. She spent six years in the staffing industry, culminating in a management role where she gained expertise in human resources, employee retention, and workforce development. She later transitioned to roles in public service with the City of Longmont, at the Children, Youth and Families and Community and Neighborhood Resources divisions.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Colorado State University. These experiences have shaped her into a compassionate and visionary leader who deeply values the power of community. She believes that with hard work, faith, and collective support, even the boldest dreams can be realized.
Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys cooking, yoga, Latin music, and spending time with her family—whether on long walks or at the swimming pool.
Angela Jensen
Chief Program Officer for Children's Services
Angelaj@wildplumcenter.org
I oversee the planning, implementation, & evaluation of all educational and child development programs. This ensures that WPC's services align with our mission, vision, & values, as well as meets Head Start Performance Standards and Colorado State Licensing Rules & Regulations.
I have a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education, and have worked in the field for over 20 years. I began my career as a special needs assistant working with preschoolers before discovering my true passion - infants and toddlers! I spent 15 years as an Early Head Start Teacher, and have now shifted from directly supporting young children to empowering the educators, programs, and leaders who serve them. I’m committed to strengthening early childhood systems through collaboration, advocacy, & a deep belief in the transformative power of high-quality care and education.
Fun Fact: In my spare time, you can find me with my guys - my dog & husband. I also love thrift shopping, and am a crazy plant lady. 🙂
Kristi Pellouchoud
Chief Program Officer for Family Services
Kristip@wildplumcenter.org
My role in Family Services allows our team to champion parents as the primary teachers of their children and to support their dreams and goals.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Colorado and have been in the field of education my entire career. I have had numerous positions at Wild Plum in education and family service in my 30 years here.
Fun Fact: I spent my early elementary years in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where I got to ride my horse to school.
Shaun Lee
Chief Development Officer
Shaunl@wildplumcenter.org
As the Chief Development Officer, I write grants and fundraise to support Wild Plum and all that we offer to our community. I have over 20 years experience in non-profit work with various populations, and am passionate about our mission.
Fun Fact: I am a Native Coloradoan who loves to play scrabble and pickleball!
Damaris Villa
Human Resources Director
Damarisv@wildplumcenter.org
As a former Head Start parent, I have personally experienced the value of the programming at Wild Plum, and am passionate about supporting families with access to quality early childhood education and resources that foster self-sufficiency. I am dedicated to closing opportunity gaps and uplifting those in need through their work.
Fun Fact: I am married and the mother of three children. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family!
Elisa Molina
Financial Controller
Elisam@wildplumcenter.org
I support the organization’s financial operations through accurate record keeping, strong attention to detail, & compliance support. I work closely with leadership to ensure information is clear, reliable, & well-organized in support of our mission.
I hold a BS in Business Management and am currently completing a Master’s degree in Finance. My experience includes finance and administrative roles across nonprofit, government, & financial institutions, prioritizing attention to detail, organization, & supporting leadership.
Fun Fact: I’m a mom to twins, so multitasking and finding simple systems that help keep things running smoothly both at work and at home are part of my every day life!
Jackie Macias
Family Services Director- Home Based
Jackiem@wildplumcenter.org
I am the Family Service Director for our Home Based Program. I supervise the Home Visiting team and oversee the enrollment and recruitment for the home-based program.
I have been in the Early childhood field for over 18 years. I have a Human Services background, and I am passionate about supporting the children and families in our community towards self-sufficiency.
Fun Fact: I love spending time with my family and my dogs. I enjoy walking in the mountains and on the beach. Stargazing, podcasts, watching an Avs game, and reading are my favorite pastimes
Jessica Madrid
Family Services Director- Center Based
Jessicam@wildplumcenter.org
As the Family Service Director for our Center Based Program, my job entails multiple duties which I enjoy everyday. From enrollment and attendance to CCAP and community outreach, I work with our families closely and I also have the wonderful opportunity to work alongside our Family Specialist. We are committed to supporting our families as they thrive and work towards self sufficiency.
I have worked with WPC for 15 years where I have acquired knowledge and mainly the importance of Early Education.
Justine Lopez
Preschool Education Director
Justinel@wildplumcenter.org
I get to support teachers & staff in creating high-quality, inclusive early learning experiences for children & families, ensuring Head Start standards are met while fostering growth, curiosity, and school readiness. I’m an advocate and cheerleader for our teachers who work hard everyday to provide a caring and meaningful learning environment.
I have 20+ years of experience in education, beginning my career as an elementary school teacher before focusing on the most important years of learning which start in early childhood. I started as a teacher at WPC before becoming the Preschool Education Director.
Fun Fact: I love to let my inner child shine throughout my adult years & the children here at Wild Plum are a constant source of inspiration. I enjoy dressing up in costumes, climbing mountains, being silly and dancing to joyful music!
Megan Howe
Infant/Toddler Education Director
Meganh@wildplumcenter.org
As the I/T Education Director, I coach teachers to be the best educators they can be, & ensure that we are using our thoughtfully chosen curriculum in an effective way that meets the needs of the children and families in our care.
I have 13 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education and have had many roles, from support staff to classroom teacher to administration. I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Leadership, & am working towards a coaching credential.
Fun Fact: My favorite class in college was Geology, I loved learning about the different types of rocks & geological phenomenon. I still enjoy finding cool rocks & identifying them.
Rachel Landon
Center Director- Heart of Longmont
Rachell@wildplumcenter.org
I am the Center Director at Wild Plum's Heart of Longmont location. I work collaboratively with a wonderful group of educators to create high quality and comprehensive services for the children and families in our program.
I have 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. I have taken on various roles in the field from caring for infants, teaching preschool to working in leadership roles the last 4 years. I have my Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
Fun Fact: I love anything spooky or macabre. I enjoy almost all genres of music and going to concerts. I am a foodie and love trying new types of food from all cultures. My best friend is a toothless orange cat named Nugget.
Matthew Lamb
Center Director-Longs Peak
Matthewl@wildplumcenter.org
I am the Center Director at our Longs Peak location. I get to work alongside a fantastic group of teachers and educators, overseeing 5 classrooms ages 0-5.
I have been working in the education field for approximately 12-14 years. The work we do at WPC both in and outside of the classrooms is important to our community, and I feel lucky to have found my home here at Wild Plum!
Fun Fact: I was in "Disney on ice" when I was 7 years old!
Valerie Portis
Center Director- Powell & Meeker
Valeriep@wildplumcenter.org
I am the Center Director for the Powell and Meeker Sites. The best part of my role is to support children, families and the staff in any capacity for the safety and well being of the children and adults. I have worked in the early childhood education field for 30+ years. After building a background in Special Ed, I eventually found my passion working with preschoolers. I was a teacher at WPC for 4 years before being the Center Director. I have a BA in Human Development with a concentration in Child Development, and a MA in Early Childhood Education with a Licensure in Early Childhood Special Education (0-8 years of age).
Fun Fact: My parents and siblings moved her from the Philippines in the early 1970's. I am the only one in my family who was born a California Bay Area Native, Go Dubs (Golden State Warriors Basketball)!
Cinthia Loya
Health & Nutrition Director
Cinthial@wildplumcenter.org
Hi, I’m Cinthia, and I’m proud to serve as the Health and Nutrition Director. I’ve been working in public health for over 11 years and am a Certified Medical Assistant amongst other things. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting families, children, and our community through health education, prevention, and nutrition programs.
I’ve always believed that wellness is about more than just meeting medical needs—it’s about creating supportive, welcoming spaces where families feel empowered and cared for. Building relationships in our community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work, and I’m grateful to be known as someone families can trust and turn to.
Fun Fact: I enjoy playing softball, kickball, crafting, and spending time with family and friends. These hobbies help me stay balanced and remind me of the importance of nurturing both body and spirit—the same philosophy I bring to my work every day.
Hailey Bishop-Henken
Project Development Director
Haileyb@wildplumcenter.org
I am the Project Development Director, focusing my efforts on showing off all the great work Wild Plum does every day to grow our donor and supporter base. I enjoy running our social media and public marketing efforts, overseeing our volunteer program, as well as supporting the creative ways we can increase and diversify our funding sources. Wild Plum has a lot to offer this community.
I have a Bachelors and Masters in Public Health, with a focus on Education and Communications.
Fun Fact: I'm also an Irish Dance Teacher for multiple locations around Colorado & the US!
Board of Directors
Do you believe in our mission and want to support an organization that is building equity through education?
Wild Plum Center has a Board Member Opening and you are probably the perfect fit!
To learn more about how you can make a positive impact in hundreds of lives each month by volunteering a few hours of your time, please contact info@wildplumcenter.org.
The Board of Directors of Wild Plum Center is an active, engaged group of people that meets with key staff annually for an in-depth strategic planning session and monthly to set policies and maintain the overall direction of Wild Plum Center. The board defines the mission, establishes priorities, crafts strategies, and ensures that plans and programs are implemented.
Board President: Dennis Berry, Retired Administrator- CU Boulder Center for Leadership
Vice President: Angelique Velasco, Librarian- Lafayette Public Library
Treasurer: Sarah Schey, SouthState Bank- Vice President, Branch Manager
Secretary: Judy Davis, Retired Therapist
Members:
Erica Bowman- Principal in SVVSD
Dr. Brad Wood, DDS- Rocky Mountain Laser Enhanced Dentistry
Susan Julien- Retired Educator
Dawn Quintana- City Clerk, City of Longmont
Holly Kammerer- Lawyer, Burg Simpson
Maria Valdez- Parent Representative
Consultant to the Board:
Employers Council, Human Resources