Loves

My wife and two children, getting involved, learning something new, first cup of coffee of the day, bike rides, connecting with people, and visiting natural mineral springs.

Doesn’t Love

Songs that get so stuck in my head that I hear them all night, mean people, closed mindedness.

Favorite Thing About Working at United Way of Larimer County

Of course, the people (so driven, professional, caring, and fun) but also the mission & vision- it’s SO different than the corporate environment!

Loves

My little boy Charlie, an excellent cup of coffee, crisp fall mornings, scarves, and live music.

Doesn’t Love

Celery, apathy, ignorance, and pie.

Favorite Thing About Working at United Way of Larimer County

There are so many aspects to my job that I love. My ability to think critically about real issues in our community, and then put those thoughts into action is extremely gratifying. Not only do you have the opportunity to make a real difference, but you get to do so while working with a wonderful group of people. Never before have I worked in a more positive and encouraging environment with teammates who truly care about their life’s work.

The statistics are unsettling. In Larimer County, 22 percent of fourth graders are not reading at grade level. 17 percent of students don’t graduate high school on time. While these numbers are better than the national average, can Larimer County afford to have nearly one out of every five students failing to graduate from high school?

Research has consistently reported that early language and literacy development are linked with academic achievement, higher graduation rates, and enhanced productivity in life. To address this issue, United Way of Larimer County has partnered with the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County, Poudre School District (Fort Collins), Thompson School District (Loveland), Estes Park School District, childcare providers, Colorado State University, and other nonprofit groups to launch an initiative called Smart Start for Kids.

Smart Start for Kids is focused on two main areas: School Readiness and Early Literacy.

The school readiness component is directed toward ensuring that every child enters school prepared to learn.

“Kids are not just falling behind once they enter school. They are arriving to kindergarten already behind their peers,” said Erin Zimmermann, Education Initiative Manager at United Way of Larimer County. “That’s why we’re committed to helping parents and caregivers of young children understand how to give their children the best possible start.”

The early literacy component is focused on ensuring that every child achieves reading proficiency by the end of third grade.

“We know that being read to, having access to books, and learning opportunities out of school time are critical for kids to develop oral language skills, creative thinking, memory development, and the ability to read,” said Zimmermann. “We as a community can have a large influence on these factors for children between kindergarten and third grade.”

Smart Start for Kids is a long-term strategy, and its success depends on numerous partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, childcare providers, parents, donors and volunteers.

“I cannot think of one single issue that will have a greater impact on the future of our community in 20 years time than this,” said Gordan Thibedeau, President & CEO of United Way of Larimer County. “Working together, as a community, we can have the results that we want.”

For more information, view the complete Smart Start for Kids outline.

If you are interested in contributing to Smart Start for Kids, either as a donor, advocate or volunteer, please contact Keely Mendicino at kmendicino@uwaylc.org or 970-407-7004.

By day, you can find Megan hard at work creating and designing marketing materials for the entire organization and maintaining United Way’s online presence (social media, e-mail marketing and the website)…and that’s only the tip of the marketing iceberg. When she’s not busy wearing her many hats here at “the U-Dub,” you can find her at home with her family cheering on the Rockies, teaching her adorable 1 year old how to paint like her mom…and cheer for the Rockies, enjoying one of Colorado’s many breweries, or quite possibly, at Coors Field…cheering on the Rockies.

Loves

My daughter (Audrey, aka “Piddle”), my husband, my cats, Rio margaritas, Vegas, any music by Incubus, gopher hunting, carving pumpkins, summer…and the Colorado Rockies

Doesn’t Love

Slow drivers, people who don’t use their blinkers, cucumbers, watermelon, snow and the Boston Red Sox

Favorite thing about working at United Way of Larimer County

I love my co-workers! We are all here, working our tails off to help make Larimer County a better place…and we love every second of it!

Nicolle spent her younger years in North Platte, Nebraska but, much to our advantage, she has called Larimer County “home” since she was 11. She has been a part of the “U-Dub” team for a total of 5 years, lending her time to our Resource Development and Community Investment teams before becoming our Office Manager. Not only does she have her hands in everything United Way, she also moonlights seasonally as an elf for Loveland Habitat For Humanity.

Loves

Raindrops on roses & whiskers on kittens (kidding!). My husband, family, friends & critters, music, people who surprise me, books, my car, The Biggest Loser, acts of kindness, cereal, chocolate, laughing, summer weekends at Lake McConaughy.

Doesn’t Love

When the dog bites, when the bee stings (still kidding…). People on bicycles that feel traffic laws do not apply to them, anyone who insists on seeing the worst in the world, pooper scooping, cleaning my bathrooms, going to the dentist, denial.

Favorite Thing About Working at United Way of Larimer County

This answer has been similar for almost all the spotlights before me – and that’s because it’s that awesome – my favorite thing about the “U-Dub” is my co-workers. We are truly a family, including the arguments, challenges, support, love and loyalty. I’m honored to be a part of it- helping the staff in their work to change and save lives.

When she’s not running around, advocating for change, you might find her hiking with her husband and pup, tending her garden at her new home, or grooming her Pinterest-fueled craft addiction. If you do happen to see her around, give her a big high-five and a “Go Rams!”

Loves

Coffee, anything girly, the rain, movies, camp fires, beer and wine, photography, yoga, roses, football and, most certainly, spending time with my family and friends.

Doesn’t Love

Spiders, moths, beans, discrimination or hatred toward others, and flying (I’d rather take a road trip J).

Favorite Thing about United Way of Larimer County

I love what we stand for, I love the people I work with, and I enjoy giving people I meet through workplace presentations the option to give back to the community through United Way to make long lasting changes. I believe strongly in our mission, vision, and goals. Working for United Way has made me a better person, a better professional, and has given me the basis for launching into the human service industry which I’m excited to be a part of.

As our Resource Development Director, she manages the amazing fundraising team and helps raise money for our community. In her spare time, she volunteers with Partners Mentoring Youth. We are proud to have this go-getter as a part of our team!

Loves

Her dog Trae, Fort Collins, the Forge Publick House, her family, dance parties, concerts, boots & tights, laughing, good friends, Red Table Café, her sweet cruiser

Doesn’t Love

Mushrooms, ignorance, being late, inefficiencies, snakes

Favorite Thing about United Way of Larimer County

She adores the heart, work ethic and passion of her teammates. She loves that we’re all a bunch of over achievers who like to have fun.  And most of all, she loves knowing that her work is making a real difference in people’s lives, right here in Larimer County! GO TEAM!

When she isn’t busy connecting people to volunteer opportunities, giving presentations or coordinating programs and events, she enjoys skiing, hiking and scuba diving. This ambitious outdoor enthusiast is the perfect addition to our United Way family!

Loves

Her boyfriend, dog, family, friends, llamas, roses and African art

Doesn’t Love

Spiders, meat (she’s a vegetarian), mascots (She hates not knowing who is inside a big costume)

Favorite thing about working at United Way of Larimer County

The people she works with—co-workers, volunteers, teachers, students and other nonprofit employees—everyone is so caring and supportive!