Organization History
Forward Steps was founded by Milton Huffaker in 2006 in response to troubling statistics regarding poor short- and long-term outcomes for youth with experience in the foster care system. The Guardian Scholars Program for foster youth in Colorado was established to provide vital emotional support, mentoring, coaching, career guidance and financial assistance as students transition into adulthood and pursue postsecondary education.
Forward Steps formally merged with the Realizing Aptitudes Foundation in May of 2021. The Realizing Aptitudes Foundation was founded by Huffaker, as well. Forward Steps partners with other local, nonprofit organizations to provide free, expert career and post-secondary readiness coaching services. Theses services cater to underserved youth and young adults in Denver Metro, Front Range, and Northern Colorado. Realizing Aptitudes is now a program under Forward Steps.
Through both programs, Forward Steps promotes a multiple pathway model in its career development work. This work is focused on the transition from high school to postsecondary enrollment and attainment, and workforce readiness and entry. The coaches and mentors in both programs employ a multicultural component, trauma informed, 1:1, and small group approach. These are crucial to building rapport and engaging students who previously thought that postsecondary training, education, and a fulfilling career were not an option for them.
MILTON HUFFAKER
– A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
December 15, 1934 – June 2, 2019
Forward Steps’ founding board member, R. Milton Huffaker passed away in June 2019. This profound loss leaves us heartbroken but, also, more committed than ever to ensuring that his legacy lives on through the many seeds he planted throughout his life. Milton was a remarkable person who led a life devoted to adding value to the people, industries and communities that he touched.
Born in Southeast Kentucky, the 8th of 12 children, Milton was an avid reader in a family that valued education. He was an early coherent laser pioneer and following his post-graduate education began a 15-year career where he initiated and directed a number of important developments related to laser radar that eventually led to the sale of his company, Coherent Technologies, in 2005. His passion for people and interest in helping those in need led to the formation of Forward Steps in 2006 with the vision of providing access to education in order to enable independence for former foster youth
He was dedicated to, and masterful at, identifying potential in others and investing all that he could to ensure that this potential was realized. That philosophy embodies the spirit of Forward Steps which seeks to identify, inspire and nurture the potential that all youth coming out of foster care have and, without Milton’s generosity and vision would be lost. His spirit will be there with each Forward Steps scholar who registers for classes, completes a semester and earns a degree.
Thank you, Milton, for sharing yourself with us, and inspiring us all to do and be better.
You will be missed and forever remembered.
Staff
Jennifer Falkoski
(she/her)
Executive Director
Jennifer has served as Forward Steps’ Executive Director since January of 2020. She came to the organization through her affiliation with its sister organization, Realizing Aptitudes Foundation. Jennifer has served in various capacities throughout her 8 years with Realizing Aptitudes Foundation including two as executive director.
Realizing Aptitudes Foundation is a community based, non-profit organization that provides career and post-secondary readiness services to adolescents and young adults. Realizing Aptitudes helps students identify well matched career pathways based on what they are good at (abilities) and interested in, as well as exploring character strengths and positive coping resources that help students navigate life transitions from secondary to post-secondary education or workforce entry.
Prior to joining Realizing Aptitudes, Jennifer was an organizational consultant in the private and non-profit sectors focused on strategic planning and culture change, program development, and executive coaching.
As a first generation student positively influenced by a few key teachers along her path, Jennifer is committed to paying forward the guidance she received and taught as an adjunct instructor in the Colorado Community College System for 7 years. Jennifer earned a Doctorate of Psychology from the University of the Rockies in 2011 and holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Psychology from The Colorado School of Professional Psychology as well as a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Management from The University of Montana School of Business Administration. She is currently affiliate faculty at Metro State University teaching in the nonprofit studies program.
As a Wyoming native and living in Colorado for 15 years, Jennifer loves being in the mountains and enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and climbing Colorado’s many 14ers.
Lauren Sosa
(she/her)
Guardian Scholars program manager
Lauren Sosa, MNM, is the Guardian Scholars Program Manager at Forward Steps. In this role Lauren serves as the Program Manager responsible for coordinating scholarship funds, administration needs, recruitment, operations, and network community building. Equally important, Lauren serves as a professional mentor to our Guardian Scholars, helping scholars with resource navigation and wrap-around support as scholars enroll, pursue, and complete their post-secondary educations.
Lauren is a nonprofit Servant Leader, she is the product of a values-driven, Jesuit education formed in Denver, Colorado. Lauren holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, from Regis University. Lauren has a strong commitment to direct service work and has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector in Colorado. Prior to her role at Forward Steps, Lauren dedicated her passions and professional skill-set towards college access equity work for first-generation students, as a former Senior College Admissions Counselor and Assistant Director of College Counseling & Alumni Support. Most recently Lauren worked in nonprofit administration for a Denver-based social enterprise mission initiative focused on young-adult workforce development. As a Colorado Native, Lauren enjoys camping in the mountains, traveling, reading, and cooking new recipes with her family during her off-time.
Ashley Flynn
(she/her)
Realizing Aptitudes Program Manager
Ashley Flynn is the Program Manager of Realizing Aptitudes, where she drives strategic partnerships and program innovation to ensure that all youth—especially those facing adversity—can access meaningful career and postsecondary opportunities. With a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Central Florida and nearly a decade of experience with the program, Ashley brings a deep commitment to youth empowerment and equity.
She works in collaboration with schools, nonprofits, industry partners, and collective impact initiatives to break down systemic barriers and help young people discover their strengths, set bold goals, and pursue lives of purpose and possibility. Her work is rooted in the belief that when youth thrive, communities thrive—and that building a more equitable future for Colorado starts by investing in the potential of every young person. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys skiing, reading, and exploring the natural beauty of Colorado.
Nicole Jones
(she/her)
Program Coordinator & Student Support Specialist for the guardian scholars program
Nicole has extensive experience working with youth from a wide range of backgrounds, including students navigating systemic barriers, first-generation college pathways, and communities impacted by trauma. She has spent much of her career operating within trauma-informed environments, where trust, consistency, and emotional safety are essential to student success.
Her approach centers the whole person and recognizing how lived experience, identity, and environment shape learning, behavior, and career readiness. This lens allows Nicole to design and facilitate programs that are both supportive and empowering, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of direction.
In addition to her work in education, Nicole brings extensive experience from the public sector, where she has led and supported workforce development initiatives in partnership with municipalities, school districts, nonprofits, and industry stakeholders. She has designed and managed youth workforce programs, career exploration initiatives, and leadership development efforts that align education with real-world labor market needs. Her public-sector work includes collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing programs funded through grants and public dollars, and building sustainable career pathways for youth and young adults. This combination of hands-on youth engagement and public-sector systems experience allows Nicole to contribute both strategic insight and practical execution to organizations committed to long-term impact.
Nicole’s academic background strongly informs her practice. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Lane College, and later completed her Master’s degree in Psychology at New York University, with a focus on mental health and trauma. This interdisciplinary foundation—spanning science, psychology, and education, supports her expertise in generational workplace dynamics and youth workforce development. Nicole is known for creating programs that help young people and organizations understand generational differences, build adaptive leadership skills, and translate talent into sustainable career pathways. Her work consistently bridges youth development, mental health awareness, and workforce strategy to drive outcomes that are both humane and effective.
Paula Pineda
(she/her)
Career Pathways Coach for the Realizing Aptitudes program
Paula joined Forward Steps in December as a Career Pathways Coach for the Realizing Aptitudes program. With a background in Secondary Education, Paula’s passion for supporting youth and people with barriers led her to expanding her skill set to work in human services.
She is coming to Forward Steps from an overnight Denver shelter for women and transgendered people, where she worked as a Lead Shelter Assistant providing support and resources to guests with a trauma-informed approach. Prior to her career shift, Paula was a Literature and Language Arts teacher for middle and high school in Denver, Taiwan, and Sierra Leone. When not working, Paula spends her time reading, traveling with friends and family, and practicing roller skating.
Governing Board
Rob Morrison Tiernan
President
Rob has spent the majority of his career influencing communities by serving in senior executive roles. These roles have helped build bridges between companies and their markets. Rob focuses on strategic positioning, effective communication and leadership through transition. This has resulted in a number of successful mergers and acquisitions and enriched opportunities for those involved.
As early as high school, Rob volunteered his time to serve in the community. He began these activities by supporting inpatients at the Arizona State Mental Hospital, then providing relief to victims through the Boulder County Police Department, serving the homeless through Boulder Outreach for Homeless Overflow and EFAA.
Since its inception in 2006, Rob has been supporting the mission of Forward Steps and the potential the organization has to provide each scholar an opportunity beyond their circumstance. The nurturing guidance, educational focus and financial support are a reflection of the positive elements that were accessible in his life, and what he strives to make available to others. He believes that it is only by working with and through people that the individual lives of those that comprise our communities can and will improve. We can all do our part, if only to impact one life in a positive way which can build a stronger community around each of us.
David Ambroz,
Juris Doctorate
Executive Director, Corporate Citizenship & Social Responsibility – Executive Director, Internal Communications
Disney | ABC Television Group
Emeritus Board Member
In that role, David leads DATG’s pro-social and philanthropic efforts. He aligns charitable giving and other pro-social activities with the business and brand objectives of DATG family of channels. These channels include ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Jr., Radio Disney, the OTV, and ABC News.
Additionally, David coordinates efforts across platforms to inform and engage Disney | ABC employees through various internal networks, web platforms, and other efforts.
Prior to joining Disney, David was the Executive Director of Los Angeles City College Foundation. In that role, he led all aspects of fundraising, grant application & management, marketing & communication, alumni affairs – founded the Guardian Scholars Program; and taught American Political Science. Earlier, David was an active attorney.
David received a juris doctorate from the UCLA School of Law. He also has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, VA.
David has been active on issues regarding homelessness, since his own time living homeless before entering foster care. David resides in Hollywood, California with his husband.
In his free time, he serves as the President of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission; serves as a California Child Welfare Commissioner, previously serving as a Commissioner with the ABA, is formerly a contributing writer to Huffington Post. David was recently recognized by President Obama, as a Champion of Change for his work on behalf of foster youth.
Janel Domenico
Board Member
Janel is currently Vice President of the Liberty Foundation of America and is a respected national political and policy-oriented fundraiser. Additionally, She has led finance efforts for more than a half-dozen United States Senate campaigns. Janel has worked on education and policy-oriented fundraising projects in Colorado and around the country. Some of her clients have included U.S. Senators John Thune, George Allen, Wayne Allard and Congressman Bob Schaffer. Janel, additionally, has past clients that include the Denver Public Schools Foundation, and the Liberty Foundation. Before transitioning to the private sector, Janel worked as an aide to U.S. Senator Don Nickles in Washington, D.C.
While living in D.C., her eyes were opened to the challenges faced by at-risk youth and she became a regular volunteer. She and her husband have also served as foster parents.
Janel now lives in Golden with her husband Dan and their two energetic children.
Dr. Stuart Lord
BOARD MEMBER
Stuart Lord, the President, and CEO of Delta Developmental, organizational solutions for leadership development. He is well versed in higher education administration and leadership, organization development, institutional diversity and inclusion, and business operations. He brings over 25 years of senior executive leadership in strategic planning, leadership development, and executive coaching.
In working with executive leaders and teams to increase effectiveness, Dr. Lord focuses on four key strategies: 1) Set the right direction and create meaningful work; 2) Engage all stakeholders and hold them accountable for performance; 3) Ensure that processes and systems facilitate focus and execution; 4) Lead effectively – maintain relationships of trust to achieve and sustain the desired result.
Dr. Lord’s most recent efforts have been focused on guiding universities and companies, including Interstate Restoration, FirstonSite, Wheelock College, Emergency Family Assistance Association, Dartmouth College, The Kingston Bay Group, and the Fox Institute. His work in these roles has yielded transformative results, including leveraging assets, enhancing institutional diversity and inclusion, exceeding financial revenue targets, and helping executive leaders address their most important leadership needs.
In higher education he has served as University President, Interim President, Deputy to the President, Associate Provost, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, University Dean, and Executive Director for the White House President’s Summit on America’s Future in the Clinton Administration.
Stefan Magnusson
Treasurer, Board Member
A recent transplant from New Jersey, Stefan and his wife, Ellen Morris, now reside in Boulder. Prior to their relocation Stefan served as Managing Director/Regional Head of Market Risk at Rabobank in New York. He has spent 27 years working at various financial institutions. The varying roles include diverse aspects of quantitative modeling, risk management, regulatory compliance, and structured products. Stefan’s previous roles include positions at Deutsche Bank, ABN-AmRo, Cantor Fitzgerald, HSBC, and Republic National Bank of New York. Prior to moving into the financial sector, he worked as a geophysicist in energy/mineral exploration and development. This work included five years in Germany, Iceland, and the United States.
Stefan earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Geophysical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines as well as a graduate certificate in International Finance from Fordham University. In addition to his professional responsibilities, he has dedicated his time to serving as a Mentor at Nordic Innovation House – New York and as NY chapter director of the Global Association of Risk Professionals. Stefan and Ellen were both involved in supporting efforts of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for Children of Essex County.
Stefan and Ellen are parents to two sons, Evon (23) who is an urban forester for the City of New York and Victor (21) who is attending Union College. The family enjoys traveling for adventure and to visit friends and family around the world.
Jeff Mendel
Secretary, Board Member
Jeff Mendel has been a member of the Forward Steps Advisory Board since its inception in 2008. Jeff’s experiences in many aspects of small business, entrepreneurship, non-profit and social services suit him well for the Board. Jeff is a veteran of 30 years in the craft brewing industry. 20 years were spent as a partner and director at Left Hand Brewing Co. He previously participated as co-founder of Tabernash Brewing Co., Indian Peaks Distributing Co. and the Colorado Brewers Guild. In addition, Jeff worked six years at the non-profit Association of Brewers. He served three years on the non-profit Boulder County Head Start Pre-School Policy Council. Most importantly, he took two years to be a stay-at-home foster father.
Currently, Jeff lives in Boulder with his wife, Daphne, and their two dogs (rescues, of course). He serves as a consultant in the craft beer industry.
Eric Veve
Board Member
Having grown up in the Boulder County Foster Care Program, Eric has a unique understanding of foster care. He understands the needs and challenges children face when raised in the Social Services system. It has been an honor to be part of an organization looking to change the lives of children.
Eric lives in Erie, Colorado. He married his high school sweetheart in 1999, and they have three beautiful children, Madyson, Mariah, and Mason. When away from his Wealth Management Firm, Eric enjoys travel and exercise. Above all else, Eric enjoys spending time with his friends and family.