Tanya Ahamed is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver. Tanya began her career working with victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse and then moved into doing therapy with convicted offenders who have been court ordered into treatment. Though Tanya’s path changed direction, she has maintained her belief in change and healing and she has now been working to rehabilitate criminal offenders since 2005. In addition, Tanya is the Fundraising Director and sits on the Board of Directors for S.O.U.L. Foundation where she works in rural Uganda to promote education, community development and sustainable business cooperatives within small villages. She is so thankful and proud to be a part of Breaking Silence and to contribute to the groundbreaking projects bridging healing, awareness, and support for all people healing from interpersonal violence.

Alane Holsteen began working with victims of domestic violence in 1990 at the Denver City and County Domestic Violence Unit while studying at the University of Colorado for her degree in Women’s Studies. She went on to be hired by Jefferson County District Attorney’s office in 1991.Ms. Holsteen has continued to work as a Victim Specialist in Jefferson County for all crimes against children cases, including sex assaults, physical abuse, homicides, exploitation, and trafficking. Ms. Holsteen has presented in many state wide trainings regarding child victims over the years including the Colorado Law Enforcement Officers Association, Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Colorado Investigators Training Program, Colorado Children’s Advocacy Centers, and the Sex Offender Management Program.

My name is Barb Sheppard. I was born in Florida and raised in Albuquerque, NM. Colorado has been my home since 1982. I graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a Bachelors degrees in Behavioral Science and History. I live in two different worlds. My job is in corporate America (IT) but what feeds my soul is the volunteer work I get to do. In the 90s, I volunteered with junior achievement for several years, working with pregnant teens and low income, inner city, middle schoolers with behavior problems. I was also a part of Kids Can, an abuse prevention program in Jefferson county that worked in elementary schools. I have travelled to Kenya, El Salvador and Guatemala as part of educational therapy teams. Since 2010, I have been a victims advocate in Jefferson county and a member of American Red Cross disaster team. I am passionate about my work with victims and am grateful that I have the ability to use my time to give back to those in need. It is gift.

Ellie Reiter thrives on driving the potential of individuals and teams to innovate, tackle challenges, and fuel impact through meaningful outcomes. For over 20 years she has channeled this approach through the design, coaching, and facilitation of social impact programs that build the capacity of people and organizations.

Ellie joined Youth INC in the fall of 2015 as an Associate Director. Currently, she’s the Director of Governance and Leadership and curates Youth INC’s point of view and impact on governance for youth-centered nonprofits through the design and delivery of a suite of capacity building programs focused on enhancing the efficacy of nonprofit Boards of Directors.  Prior to Youth INC, Ellie applied her program design, development and management skills as a Program Strategist at TYTHEdesign, a design-thinking based social enterprise and as a Program Officer II at the Institute of International Education. Early in her career, Ellie taught English as a Foreign Language in Spain and China. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College and a Master of City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University.

From 2019 – 2023, Ellie served as the Board Chair of the S.O.U.L. Foundation an organization that supports community-led development initiatives in rural Uganda, having joined the board in 2018.  She is a Guide with the Human Being Store where she coaches professionals to their leadership potential by guiding them to unleash their individual talents, strengthen teams and improve impact. Based out of Denver, Colorado, she enjoys traveling with her family and relaxing with the occasional jigsaw puzzle.

With over 20 years of experience in the bar and restaurant service industry, Ryan Stack has left an indelible mark on the world of libations. His journey began as he honed his craft, serving patrons with flair and finesse. From mixing classic cocktails to curating unique drink menus, Ryan’s passion for hospitality and flavor led him to new heights.

In 2014, after successfully owning and operating the renowned Mixed Company cocktail bar for 3 years, Ryan decided to explore a different avenue. Fate intervened when a friend approached him with an enticing proposition: delve into the burgeoning beer scene in Oklahoma. Ryan’s curiosity piqued, and he embraced this exciting transition.

Ryan’s journey continued as he became the proud owner and operator of the Prairie Artisan Ales brewpub for an impressive 5 years. Under his guidance, the brewpub flourished, creating exceptional beers that resonated with locals and visitors alike.

Ryan eventually relinquished his ownership in Prairie Artisan Ales, seeking new horizons. His path led him to the picturesque state of Colorado, where he now resides. Ryan’s commitment to community remains unwavering, as he actively contributes to causes close to his heart.

Callie Marie Rennison is a professor and former associate dean of faculty affairs at University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs. She also served as the Director of the Office of Equity and Title IX Coordinator for the CU Denver and Anschutz Medical campuses. She earned her Ph.D. in 1997 in Political Science from the University of Houston, University Park, where she also received a B.S. in Psychology, M.A. in Sociology and M.A. in Political science. In 2016, she was awarded the Bonnie S. Fisher Victimology Career Award from the Division of Victimology in the American Society of Criminology.

Dr. Rennison has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses including Research Methods, Statistics, Murder in America, Crime and the Media, and Introduction to Criminal Justice.

Brittany Meyerhardt is a writer, director and producer living and working in Los Angeles. She is currently working full time as a content producer for an active eyewear company called goodr. Her love for film, acceptance and making stuff come to life is reflected in her support for Breaking Silence. Brittany has served on the board since 2020 and assists in the production of our flagship program, Stories of Survival.