At The Matthews House, we believe that strong families are the cornerstone of vibrant communities. Our Caregiving & Parenting programs are designed to support and empower parents and caregivers, providing them with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to nurture their families effectively. Explore our diverse programs tailored to meet the needs of families in our community.
In 2005, our founder met a young man in Old Town Fort Collins who had just aged out of foster care. With no resources available in Larimer County for youth in his situation, he was left couch-surfing and living on the streets. Motivated by his story, The Matthews House was established to provide a safe space for system-involved youth, offering the resources and support needed to break free from cycles of poverty and abuse and move toward independence.
After several years and hundreds of success stories, we recognized the importance of working with families to prevent crises before they occur. By improving family relationships, providing essential resources, and offering ongoing coaching, we’ve been able to positively impact hundreds of families annually.
In 2024, we expanded by returning to our roots, inspired by that young man who aged out of the foster care system and the growing need to support unaccompanied youth in our community. While we couldn’t solve the homelessness problem back in 2005, we have since developed numerous creative solutions. Unfortunately, youth under 18 cannot access adult shelters, and today, over 1,800 youth and young adults in Northern Colorado are homeless, with 1 in 30 young adults having slept somewhere other than their home in the past month.
We are excited to announce our partnership with Thompson School District and other close partners to open Northern Colorado’s first youth shelter in January 2025.
NICOLE ARMSTRONG, M.S.
Executive Director
Serving TMH Since: 2008
Nicole@TheMatthewsHouse.org
MARIANA RUIZ
Executive Assistant
Serving TMH Since: 2016
Mariana@TheMatthewsHouse.org
SARAH SIKES
Volunteer + Development Associate
Serving TMH Since: 2023
Sarah@TheMatthewsHouse.org
VANCE SHERWOOD
Marketing Associate
Serving TMH Since: 2024
Vance@TheMatthewsHouse.org
AARON BROWN
Youth & Young Adult Director
Serving TMH Since: 2020
Aaronb@TheMatthewsHouse.org
SHAWN KEEFER
Youth & Young Adult Life Skills Manager
Serving TMH Since: 2013
ShawnK@TheMatthewsHouse.org
BETHY SHAW
Youth & Young Adult Housing Manager
Serving TMH Since: 2018
Bethy@TheMatthewsHouse.org
MINDI CASTANEDA
Children & Family Director
Serving TMH Since: 2022
Mindi@TheMatthewsHouse.org
NATALIE VACHA
Family Services Manager
Serving TMH Since: 2018
Natalie@TheMatthewsHouse.org
LISE HARWELL, M.Ed.
Operations and Grants Director
Serving TMH Since: 2016
Lise@TheMatthewsHouse.org
JUDY RODRIGUEZ
President
Judy brings a heartfelt commitment to child and family well-being through her work as a child welfare consultant. With a strong background in both state government and local county departments, she offers valuable insight into the systems that support children and families. Judy is also a former foster parent, a role that continues to shape her deep understanding and compassion for those navigating the foster care experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Graceland College and is dedicated to creating safer, more supportive communities for every child.
BRITTANY PEARCE
Vice-President
JACINDA SPRINCZ
Secretary
Jacinda brings more than 10 years of experience as an HR professional working closely with both for and non-profit organizations to drive success through strategic people management. Prior to her years in HR she served as the Children’s Director for a local church, tying her love for organizational success to children and families with a strong focus on fostering positive and productive environments. She is dedicated to supporting development, enhancing operational efficiencies, and creating thriving cultures within the communities she serves. Outside of work and THM, you’ll find her doting on her fur children (two dogs), volunteering for her local church, and gathering with friends for adventures in fishing, food/drink and travel.
WIL HOTZ
Treasurer
BRI BROWN
ROYCE GLADER
BRITTANY HABBEN
Brittany is a proud Colorado native and Colorado State University alum who currently serves as a Director of Development at CSU. She’s passionate about helping students thrive by connecting them with funding opportunities for basic needs, scholarships, and programs that foster community and a sense of belonging. Outside of work, you’ll often find Brittany volunteering at her local church, teaming up with friends for brewery trivia nights, or planning her next travel adventure.
NOELLE HAGAN
Noelle brings more than 25 years of experience as an organizational capacity consultant and meeting facilitator, working closely with nonprofits and local governments across Colorado. Guided by a deep commitment to public service, she has served on numerous nonprofit and governmental boards—including eight years on the Montrose City Council. Today, Noelle continues to lend her time and talents as a board member of The Matthews House and as a trustee for the Buell Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to supporting early childhood care and education programs throughout the state.
TERRAN HAUSE
BETH TATARKO
Beth is the President of The Austin Peters Group, a consulting firm that partners with local governments and nonprofits across the Midwest. With a heart for helping kids and young people, she has been a lifelong volunteer in schools and youth organizations, and proudly served six years on her local school board. Outside of work, you’ll often find Beth and her husband, John, biking, hiking, enjoying live music, or learning the art of fly fishing together.
PAULA WOODWARD
With support of communal and corporate partners, as well as, individual and familial donors we have the ability to disrupt cycles of poverty.
As an agency we are the engine and our donors and sponsors are all the adjacent parts that keep this vehicle moving. We are supported by over 40 businesses, 20 plus community partners, and dozens of individuals who wholeheartedly desire to create equality and opportunity for all of its individuals.
Empowering youth and families through connection, self-efficacy and independence.
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