CAP Thriving OST
Regional Professional Development
Join us for Fall 2025 Thriving OST professional development sessions with both virtual and in-person options! Check out the options below and see full session descriptions when you click "Register"
September 3 - Virtual
9:00 - 9:10 CAP Intro
9:10 - 10:10 Session 1
10:10 - 10:20 Break
10:20 - 11:20 Session 2
Presenters
Session 1: Impact Storytelling
Jen Martin
Jen Martin (she,her), Founder and Creator of Radiant Soul, LLC, brings a wealth of experience in wellbeing, social-emotional learning (SEL), and youth development. With a Master's in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, a Bachelor's in Family Relations, and a 200-hour Wellness, SEL, and Yoga Teacher Certification, Jen is passionate about supporting organizations and individuals in implementing impactful programs. From leading professional development sessions to providing consulting and coaching services, she is dedicated to bringing her skills to nourish wellbeing and mindful living to every endeavor.
Session 2: Advocating for your Program
Erik Peterson
Erik Peterson joined the Afterschool Alliance in July 2009 and coordinates and advances the Afterschool Alliance’s policy efforts at the federal level by helping develop policy goals and implementing strategies that advance access to quality afterschool and summer learning programs for all. Erik works to build and strengthen relationships with policy makers and allied organizations to increase public support and funding for out of school time programs. Prior to coming to the Afterschool Alliance, Erik worked for the School Nutrition Association (SNA) in the Washington DC area, and as both an AmeriCorps VISTA and staff for the Sustainable Food Center in Austin, Texas. He received his Master's in Public Affairs from the LBJ School at the University of Texas, and also has a Bachelor's degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Presenters
Michel Holien is the Director of Dissemination for Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF), which is an evidence-based, preventive intervention for children with current or previous child welfare involvement due to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Michel is tasked with disseminating FHF locally, nationally, and internationally.
In addition to working at FHF, Michel has worked at Clinica Family Health Services as a Behavioral Health Professional and Program Manager, Boulder County Public Health as a part of the management team with the Boulder County Prevention and Intervention Program, and most recently, for 7 years at Denver Public Schools as the founder and manager of the Prevention Services team, which includes Substance Use Prevention, and Alternatives to Suspension.
Michel has a BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MSW from the University of Denver. Her areas of focus and expertise include upstream prevention, shared risk and protective factors, and positive youth development.
Session 1: Fostering Skills for Better Outcomes
Michel Holien
Runeela has a Ph.D. in Education, Equity, and Transformation, specializing in peace pedagogy and has taught courses in multicultural education in higher education. Originally from Pakistan, she has been in teaching and learning since 2000, including roles in Pakistan, the USA, Uganda, and China. A Fulbright scholar, Runeela’s research focuses on peace education and evolving diverse educational cultures. She applies her expertise in qualitative research analysis and developing curriculum for marginalized communities to advance equity and inclusion in education. Currently, Runeela is working at The Quarter Project, an NGO in Fort Collins dedicated to inspire women to join STEM careers especially those from marginalized and minoritized sections of population.
Session 2: STEM Family Engagement: Planning Tool
Runeela Taskeen
Presenters
Tamera Sakotas serves as a Teacher Programs Consultant at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) where she provides training and support for educators in three areas: Best Practices in Science Education, Mind, Brain and Education and Nature and Environmental Literacy.
Session 1 & 2: The Science of Attention
Tamera Sakotas
Session 1 & 2: The Science of Attention
Tamera Sakotas
Presenters
Kelly has spent 20 years in the nonprofit sector, much of it working with youth, educators, and out-of-school time (OST) providers—long before she knew the acronym. Her favorite projects include teaching personal finance and service learning to both children and older adults, and leading a youth-driven philanthropy program for elementary students driven by youth voice and choice. Kelly has a gift for connecting with people often left out of the conversation: underestimated youth, overlooked older adults, and families from marginalized communities. Now, as Executive Director of the Colorado Afterschool Partnership, she continues to build bridges between communities and create space for those voices to be heard—loud and clear.
Session 1: Financial Literacy Games
Kelly Streck
Amber Stowe has worked in municipality-based OST programs for 30 years with oversight of early childhood and school-age licensed programs. She currently works for Foothills Park & Recreation District in Littleton, Colorado, with a team of over 100 employees. Hiring a quality team is crucial to having successful programs and is something Amber holds as a strong value in her work environment.
Session 2: Hiring Practices
Amber Stowe
Sarah Conley has worked with OST programs for 26 years, both private sector and public education. She has always advocated for quality out-of-school time programs for all children keeping their best interests as a priority always to support the whole child.
