Our Team
Founders Charlene Thoma, CEO and Michelle Raymond, CFO bring a combination of over 50 years of experience in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to All Friends. Meet Our Team here:
Charlene’s experience includes working for a Community Center Board (CCB) providing day and residential support services. Charlene also worked for a large Program Approved Service Agency (PASA) as a Program Coordinator, advocating for host home providers and guardians; as a Residential Director responsible for providing customer services and supports; and as Quality Assurance Manager ensuring that all State rules and regulations were in place and followed correctly.
Michelle brings over 25 years of experience navigating the fiscal requirements and challenges of a Medicaid funded Program Approved Service Agency (PASA). Michelle is dedicated to working with Friends, families, guardians, and providers, and State personnel while maintaining transparency and fidelity of our Friends’ financial resources as well as the resources of All Friends.
Heather Henkel, RN, Nurse Case Manager. Over the past 25 years Heather has been a Host Home Provider, Job Coach and Resource Coordinator for a local CCB. Heather then got her BSN and has worked ever since as a Nurse Case Manager for a large PASA before joining us here at All Friends, and we are thrilled to have her with us. Heather is well known in this service arena for her compassion as well as passion caring for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Linda Weiman, Benefits Specialist. Linda’s skills obtaining, maintaining, and advocating for all benefits and funding for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is only exceeded by her caring for each individual and family we work with. Linda has worked in this field for almost 20 years and is truly considered an expert in her field among CCBs, PASAs, County agencies and the State.
Nate Raymond, Residential Director. Nate has worked several years with Denver-based International Non-Profit organizations. His prior I/DD experience is as Direct Care Staff in a day program setting. Born and raised in Colorado, Nate obtained his Undergraduate Degree at Coe College in Iowa and his Graduate Degree at the University of Denver. Nate has brought innovative processes to All Friends along with professionalism in working with and supporting his caseload of Friends along with their families and providers.
Amber Rael-Meyer, Residential Program Manager. Amber has worked in the I/DD field going on 15 years. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Amber has worked as a Direct Care staff in the day program setting, then moved into the Residential Setting as a Program Coordinator, and Program and Quality Assurance coordinator for a large PASA. Prior to arriving at All Friends, Amber has had the role of Director of IDD Services at a small PASA, being responsible for services for children, adults and families.
Megan Ness, Residential Program Manager. Megan’s experience working within the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities field started in 2007 and has spanned over multiple areas of service including Residential, Day Program and most recently Case Management. She brings a significant knowledge of the inner workings of the waivers and understands the little nuances of the services available on each. Her passion is working with adults and children with intellectual disabilities and is a strong advocate for those she supports and their families.
Brookie Wendt-O’Brien, LPN. Brookie has over 10 years’ experience working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities. Brookie brings a passion for giving the best care and support to Our Friends.
