Meet the Align Team​

Kathy was a member of the leadership team that developed the concept of Align. Known as a master of efficiency and a skilled team leader, Kathy was instrumental in structuring the organization. Her strengths have helped numerous clients evolve into more efficient, effective, improved organizations. Kathy is effective in bringing people together, one-on-one or in groups. Coaching and mentoring are a passion for her. Building consensus and strengthening teams one relationship at a time. Holding tight to her core values her approach is open, honest communication. Kathy believes there is more than one way to attain objectives and has a unique perspective on events, people, and situations. She enjoys process mapping, assisting others to find new methods for performing tasks, operating processes, and reaching goals.

Born and raised in Wyoming, Kathy earned a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resources from Park University. Kathy was the honored recipient of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Award in 2020. Her actions around Cheyenne’s COVID-19 response, civic and community engagement were the basis for this prestigious award.

Kathy is an active member of Zonta International whose mission is to improve the status of women through service and advocacy. She has served as club President and Treasurer. She has also held positions at the Zonta District 12 level as area director and secretary. She served as a board member and chair of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.

In her spare time, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and grandchildren. She also loves going to her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time on the beach.

Specialties

• Program Management
• Process Mapping
• Change Management
• Team Planning
• Facilitation

Education

• BS, Management Human Resources, Park University
• Organizational Analysis Certification, Linkage Incorporated
• Leading Organizational Transition Certification, Linkage Incorporated
• High Impact Relationships Certification, Linkage Incorporated
• Professional Management Certification, Mountain States Employers Council

In 2004, Brittany brought her passion for organizational improvement and community development to the table as one of the founders of Align. Since then, Brittany has specialized in human resources, organizational improvement and community development. Brittany brings an extensive knowledge and understanding of the most effective ways to work and communicate with organizations and communities, large and small. She is uniquely effective in bringing people together, building consensus, and moving projects and programs forward. With a keen sense of how leadership roles and organizations impact and shape the arenas they operate in, Brittany has developed strategies to improve work environments and communities throughout the region. Her skilled approach began with her heritage.  Brittany grew up on a farm in eastern Colorado which prides itself in coming together for the betterment of its citizens. When not facilitating or driving program success, Brittany can be found running her children to dance or volleyball and volunteering in the community. She is currently on the Laramie County School District #1 (LCSD1) Board of Trustees and is an active member of the Cheyenne Rotary Club.

Specialties

• Administrator, Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA)
• Human Resources
• Training
• Facilitation
• Management and Leadership Development
• Rural Community (extensive work with and understanding of rural communities)

Education

• BA, University of Colorado-Boulder
• MS Adult Education & Learning Technologies, University of Wyoming
• SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Society for Human Resource Management
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), HR Certification Institute
• Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting, BoardSource

Jody joined Align in 2007, coming from the healthcare and philanthropic fields where she worked in marketing, community outreach and organizational planning. Utilizing her many years of experience and education, she works with Align clients primarily in the areas of strategic planning, facilitation, and association management.  Jody also serves as Executive Director of the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, the state association for charitable nonprofits. With a thorough knowledge of the nonprofit sector, she finds it especially rewarding to provide resources and support to the nonprofit community and raise awareness of their vital role in our communities. In addition, Jody enjoys being a Lecturer at the University of Wyoming, teaching  a course in  Nonprofit Management.   A Wyoming native, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and kayaking on quiet mountain lakes.

Specialties

• Executive Director, Wyoming Nonprofit Network
• Nonprofit capacity building
• Strategic Planning
• Public Participation
• Facilitation
• Association Management
• Leadership Development

Education

• BS, Arizona State University
• MS Strategic Leadership, Black Hills State University
• Leadership Development, Linkage Incorporated
• Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Certified Practitioner
• Public Participation, The International Association for Public Participation
• Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting, BoardSource

Sheila joined the Align Team in 2020.  Sheila serves as the program director and consultant for the Wyoming Preschool Development Grant which provides a framework and funding for improving the early childhood system in Wyoming.  She also uses her expertise to help manage other client projects in Align’s portfolio. Upon first meeting Sheila you can tell she is enthusiastic and dynamic.  Her laughter is contagious.   Add to that a self-motivated professional with exceptional interpersonal communication skills, Sheila is a great addition to the Align Team.  She has worked in the public sector for ten years with the honor of formerly serving on the Governor’s Early Childhood State Advisory Council, the Military Children’s Compact Commission, and the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Board amid many planning and policy workgroups pertaining to early childhood education in Wyoming.

During her downtime Sheila loves spending time with her daughter, family, and friends.  She also enjoys reading, cooking, exploring new places, and cultivating cherished memories.

Education

• BS, Health Sciences. University of Wyoming

Jenny joined the Align Team as Human Resources Director and Consultant in 2022, and one of her greatest joys is helping others succeed. Jenny’s passion for helping others succeed led to a career in higher education leadership, human resources, and training & development. She brings knowledge of leadership and learning theory and excels at putting theory into practice. She uses her strong computer skills to develop efficient and effective processes and engaging training. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys her family, the great outdoors, and singing. She is a member of Cheyenne Rotary After Hours and sings in choirs in the Cheyenne community.

Specialties

• Human Resources
• Leader Coaching and Development
• eLearning Design and Development
• Organizational Development
• Team Building

Education

• BA: German, Fort Hays State University
• MS: Communication, Fort Hays State University
• Graduate Certificate: Workplace Instructional Design, Boise State University

Laura Bump joined The Align Team in March of 2022 as the Financial Director. Laura has worked in public and nonprofit accounting in Cheyenne since 2009 and brings her extensive experience in finance and administration to The Align Team. Laura is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Wyoming Society of CPAs. Outside of work, Laura enjoys reading books, cooking, traveling, and playing golf, and spends her free time hanging out with her pup Lucy and her husband.

Education

• BS Accounting, University of Wyoming
• MS Accounting, University of Wyoming

Adam brings to Align 25 years professional information technology experience. He is responsible for all aspects of Align’s technology infrastructure from physical networks to cloud management and future planning. An antiquarian and bibliophile, Adam also enjoys spelunking, continuing one of the longest Ingress hacking streaks in the world, and peregrination. He is a former world record holder for the high score in iFRAC, a 3-D Tetris® game!

Sara joined The Align Team in November 2022 to fill the role of Associations Director. She serves as the administrator and face of Align association management contracts, including Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA) and the Wyoming Telecommunications Association (WyTA). In this role, Sara manages and reports to the boards of each of the associations with goals to grow and develop the organizations, enhance capacity as well as build community connections and relationships. She serves as the lobbyist for WEDA, advocating for policies that drive economic development, support innovation, develop a skilled workforce and invest in local communities.

Sara comes to The Align Team with over 15 years of experience in communications, media and public policy fields and is an award-winning writer. She has worked at the University of Wyoming and within Wyoming state government delivering impactful, dynamic results for the Cowboy state and its citizens. Her expertise includes government relations, public policy, strategic messaging, media relations, crisis and digital communications.

When Sara is not wielding her associations expertise and lobbying superpower skills, she enjoys reading Wyoming’s newspapers, crossword puzzles, knitting, hunting/shooting sports, fishing and enjoying craft cocktails.

Specialties

• Executive Director, Wyoming Economic Development Association
• Executive Director, Wyoming Telecommunications Association
• Government relations
• Public policy
• Strategic communications
• Media relations
• Crisis communications
• Writing and editing

Education

• MA, English, University of Wyoming
• BA, English with a minor in professional writing; University of Wyoming
• Fellow, Association of University Centers on Disabilities — Diversity and Inclusion

Tiffany works as a consultant, specializing in strategic planning, teambuilding, coaching, and all things data. Tiffany is a certified CliftonStrengths coach and helps teams and individuals understand and capitalize on their natural talents. She helps teams and individuals set goals, overcome challenges, and ultimately become more successful. Having worked in the fields of research and evaluation since 2003, Tiffany has expertise in survey research, logic modeling, needs assessments, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. In her non-work life, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, two cats, and one dog—and enjoys reading historical fiction, hiking, and working out.

Specialties

• Strategic Planning
• Facilitation
• Coaching
• Logic Modeling
• Research
• Evaluation
• Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach

Education

• MS, Counselor Education. University of Wyoming

Aaron leads Align’s work with the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), a federally-funded program that helps low and fixed income families and individuals pay home heating bills. His role includes coordinating program management services, communicating with the State and software vendors, improving processes while better serving our clients. A Wyoming native, Aaron brings nearly a decade of digital marketing experience with a large Internet retailer. He is an avid supporter of Wyoming Cowboys sports teams and enjoys to golf in his free time.

Education

• BS, Marketing. University of Wyoming

Susan serves as a Program Manager for the Align Team providing essential leadership for multiple project teams by ensuring progress toward goals and deliverables and monitoring compliance with federal and state requirements in alignment with each program. Susan brings to the table technical expertise with an eye for detail and a zest for spreadsheets. Susan leads efforts on reporting for various programs and has built accountability structures to assure timely completion of projects and program deliverables. In her spare time, Susan enjoys spending time with her family and cheering for her son at hockey games.

Education

• BS, Business Management.  University of Phoenix

Deana has been with Align since 2004 and serves as the company’s bookkeeper and is also the dedicated point of contact and program coordinator for the Wyoming Community College Commission, a position from which she is able to help students in the state of Wyoming realize their educational goals. In her downtime Deana loves being a grandmother to her grandson, enjoys watching basketball, and travels whenever possible.

Jennifer joins the Align Team as a Program Coordinator for Early Childhood.  With a passion for the early childhood system and community partnerships, Jennifer uses her experiences as an educator and administrator of non-profit programs to facilitate and implement changes which promote program empowerment, professional growth, and coordination of quality early care and education systems across the state.  Jennifer and her husband Andrew are parents to three teenagers: Gaige, Madison, and Daxton.  She and her husband own a bike and ice cream shop in Pinedale, Wyoming.  Jennifer makes it a priority to enjoy time with her family and has personal interest in camping, cross country skiing and cooking. When she is not on the stream fly fishing, Jennifer enjoys volunteering in her community.

Education

• B.A., Elementary Education with emphasis in Early Childhood. University of Wyoming
• Certified Program Manager

Jeannie joined The Align Team in 2022 as a Program Coordinator working on grant disbursement programs that aim to reduce health disparities in Wyoming as they relate to COVID-19. Jeannie has spent her entire career in the Non-Profit sector working on everything from collective bargaining with law enforcement agencies to facilitating change and growth in the Internet Policy sector. Jeannie’s expertise lies in program design, strategic and operational planning, working group facilitation, and measurement methodologies. Jeannie enjoys collecting stamps in her passport (39 and counting!), supporting women in STEM, and beating her husband, Justin, at board games. She lives in Cheyenne where she and Justin are the proud parents of an old toothless cat named Rory, a neurotic rescue mutt named Khaleesi, and a 75lb Bernedoodle named Wally who has never had a bad day in his life.

Education

• B.A. English – Concentration in Creative Writing

Kristie joined Align in August 2019.  In January of 2021, she took on the role of Client Services and Operations Specialist. In this position, Kristie provides support for the Wyoming Nonprofit Network as the point of contact for the WyoGives initiative, administrative support for the Cheyenne Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board,  and other client services.  Kristie also provides support to Align’s executive team and operations.  In addition to her various client services and as part of her operations duties, she helps coordinate the company’s internal relations activities. When she is not bringing the “fun factor” to Align, Kristie is an active member of Zonta Club of Cheyenne. She and her husband enjoy hiking and kayaking and are proud parents to their hound dog Ellie May Clampett-Wilson and their wheaten terrier Wil O’Wheaten-Wilson.

Education

• BS, Business Management. University of Phoenix

Elizabeth joined Align in 2021 as a Client Services and Operations Specialist. In this role, she works primarily with the Wyoming Nonprofit Network providing outstanding service to its members, operations, and Board helping to ensure great representation of the Wyoming charitable nonprofit sector. Elizabeth also provides support to Align’s executive team and operations. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, biking, and enjoying as many warm-weather adventures as possible.

Education

• BAS, Organizational Leadership. University of Wyoming

Jessica joined Align in September 2021 as a Client Services and Operations Specialist. Coming from 13 years in one of Colorado’s largest school districts, she knows just how to provide outstanding service to members, operations, and Boards helping to ensure great representation. She will be working with the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA) and Wyoming Telecommunications Association (WYTA). Jessica also provides support to Align’s executive team and operations. Jessica helps run a youth bull riding program catering to youth in WY/CO or surrounding areas. When she is not being a personal chauffeur to her kids’ sporting activities, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids. They enjoy rodeos, camping, fishing, and enjoying the company of friends.

One of the most well-known faces of our team, Tina has been with Align since 2009 and serves the office in a critical capacity. From arranging travel of team members, securing supplies, to assisting with accounting functions, Tina ensures that our team is operating efficiently and is well-prepared for any project that comes our way. Tina is also the point of contact for Energy Share of Wyoming and provides back up for the Cheyenne-Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board among other duties.  Her behind-the-scenes support is what helps Align consultants focus on providing the best client service possible. Tina’s favorite pastime is spending time with her family.

Since coming on board in 2018, Dorene has become an essential member of the Align Team, providing support to multiple clients. Whether it’s answering phone inquiries regarding the STARS registry or walking LIEAP clients through the application process, Dorene’s patience and attention to detail are outstanding. A Cheyenne native, you can find Dorene traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family, husband, 2 children & 4 Schnauzers. They enjoy spending time in the mountains, camping and watching football… Go Denver Broncos!

Patty joined the Align team in April 2021 as a Program Specialist working with the LIEAP and STARS programs.  A Cheyenne native who has lived in several parts of the country including Alaska twice, Patty’s years of experience in administrative work, makes her a valuable member of the Align team.  When not in the office, Patty enjoys crafting, spending time with her husband and five children and watching the Colorado Rockies.

Shannon joined The Align Team in April 2021 as a Program Specialist, assisting with the LIEAP and STARS programs. Shannon’s passion to serve her community is evidenced by her more than six years working in the non-profit sector.  When she is not taking classes at LCCC working towards her Associates in Business and Accounting, she spends her free enjoying time with her son and family, as well as volunteering at the local homeless shelter.

Stacy joined the Align team in April 2022 as a Program Specialist working with the LIEAP and STARS programs. A Wyoming transplant, Stacy has spent most of her career in customer service and thrives on assisting others. Outside of work, Stacy loves to read and cross stitch, but more importantly spend time with her husband and three daughters playing board games or walking their two dogs.

Erika rejoined The Align Team in August of 2022. Highly trained as a Program Specialist from 2019 through 2021 with the Team, Erika’s main time will be spent assisting with the LIEAP program. With her impeccable customer service skills and bilingual abilities, the community benefits greatly from her commitment to excellence in this role. Erika loves being active in her church and singing as well as the non-stop watching of trending TikTok dance videos. Family is everything to Erika so it’s no wonder she enjoys spending much of her free time with her extended family but especially with her busy, athletic pre-teen daughter and two adorable toddlers.

Deseray joined The Align Team in October of 2022 as a Program Specialist. Most of her time is dedicated to processing applications and helping the client community navigate their way through the LIEAP program. When she’s not at the office, Deseray’s passion for the outdoors and softball keeps her busy throughout the summer as a girls’ youth softball coach. Born in Greeley but raised in Cheyenne, she loves spending quality time with her family and two energetic dogs, Red Simba and Duke.

Located and working mainly in Casper, Wyoming, Anna started in April of 2022 to serve exclusively as the Director of Learning and Development for the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, a client of The Align Team. In this capacity, Anna will use her skills and passion for connecting people, resources, and organizations with common goals in the nonprofit community sector. She is always looking for a challenge and considers her biggest accomplishment in life thus far was preparing a community to double in size for 5 days surrounding two minutes and forty-six seconds in the sky as the Executive Director of the Wyoming Eclipse Festival in 2017. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring her big Wyoming backyard with her two doggos Schnook and Rivers Cuomo.