Leadership and organizational structure

Michelle Barnes
Executive Director

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Over her career, Michelle Barnes has championed bold change with her ability to motivate and inspire individuals to identify their highest potential. Today, Michelle can be found maximizing the lives of her fellow Coloradans as the executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services. As a result of what she does, millions of Coloradans receive support and services that help them to thrive. Earlier in her career, Michelle spent a decade in the technology sector before transitioning to the nonprofit sector. She subsequently served as an interim executive for organizations in transition before accepting her current role as a public servant. She holds an MBA from UCLA and a BA from William & Mary. In her free time, she can be found in the mountains of Colorado or plotting her next adventure.

Perry May
Deputy Executive Director, Health Facilities

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Perry May has dedicated his 30-year career to supporting individuals with behavioral health needs and intellectual disabilities. After a 25-year career in the private sector serving these individuals, first as a therapist and eventually as a leader, Perry joined the Colorado Department of Human Services as the deputy executive director of Health Facilities. As a social worker, Perry describes being a public servant for CDHS as “one of the great joys of my life. The opportunity to serve the most vulnerable people of Colorado by working hard to make the services available in the state the best they can be fills my soul.” Previously, Perry served as executive director of a large, private, not-for-profit behavioral health organization, providing residential, inpatient, outpatient and in-home services to children and their families, as well as supported employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Perry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Oregon and a Master’s in social work from the University of Denver. In his free time, Perry enjoys tennis, golf, skiing and many other outdoor sports available in this great state.

Minna Castillo
Deputy Executive Director, Community Partnerships

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Since 2017, Minna Castillo has directed the operations of programs and facilities that improve the safety, independence and well-being of Colorado's children, youth and families. Her work at the Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) demonstrates her dedication and commitment to helping families have what they need to thrive. That work includes a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practices, elevating family and youth voices, and collecting and leveraging data to expand evidence-based prevention services. Minna oversees the OCYF divisions of Child Welfare, Youth Services, and Community Programs — which includes the Colorado Sexual Health Initiative, Domestic Violence Program, Juvenile Parole Board, Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program, and Collaborative Management Program. She also oversees OCYF’s Colorado Implementation Science Unit and Medical Oversight Unit. Prior to joining OCYF, Castillo Cohen spent 20 years in the nonprofit sector, with all of her work focused on serving families. She is passionate about immigrant and refugee issues, substance use prevention, bicultural competence, and mentoring.

Christina Beisel
Deputy Executive Director, Financial Services

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Christina Beisel is a relationship-builder and a people person, two skills she utilizes to ensure programs have the funding they need to deliver quality services to all Coloradans. She came to CDHS after more than six years at the Colorado General Assembly as a legislative budget and policy analyst with the Joint Budget Committee. Before that, Christina worked for a small nonprofit after starting her career at the City and County of Denver. She spent most of her childhood in beautiful southwest Colorado before moving to Boulder to attend the University of Colorado. Outside of work, Christina loves all things food related, traveling, rewatching "The West Wing," and over-quoting Taylor Swift lyrics. 

Katy Morrison
Deputy Executive Director, Strategy 

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Katy Morrison is a problem solver who thrives in leading high-functioning teams. She has worked in public service for 18 years in both county and state governments in Nevada and Colorado. Various leadership roles led her to her current position as deputy executive director of strategy. Katy possesses a unique skill set, which includes the ability to analyze complex issues, identify areas for improvement, and develop effective solutions that positively impact Coloradans. Her passion for public service is on display every day as she guides a strategic, bold and innovative approach to problem-solving and helping the department better serve its clients. Katy holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and forensics from Jacksonville State University. 

Leora Joseph
Director, Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health

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Throughout her career, Leora Joseph has fought for justice for the most vulnerable people caught in the complex criminal justice system. Her passion is driven by her faith and the Jewish teaching of Tikkun Olam, the obligation to repair the world. She brings that spirit to her work as the director of the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH), which serves Coloradans with the most acute behavioral health needs, many of whom are justice-involved. Leora is committed to transparent processes and is working to develop statewide partnerships. Leora believes that only through meaningful relationships can we be agents of powerful change to better the lives of Coloradans. Leora has served as deputy chief of the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Bureau in the Boston (Suffolk County) District Attorney's Office and managing chief of the Special Victims Unit, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Unit in Colorado’s 18th Judicial District. Leora was awarded the Colorado Woman Lawyer of the Year in 2016 and the Ralph Martin Prosecutor of the Year in 2008. She has been a frequent lecturer at many universities, including the University of Colorado Denver and Harvard Law School. Leora is most proud of her three children; motherhood continues to teach her about leadership, service and hope.

Shelley Banker
Director, Office of Economic Security

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Shelley Banker is a visionary leader who is passionate about changing inequities, disrupting social injustice, and organizing and empowering communities. As the director of the Office of Economic Security, Shelley leads a team working to improve policies, build support systems and eradicate poverty. Shelley has more than a decade and a half in nonprofit, private and public sectors promoting educational equity and access in Colorado’s postsecondary systems, including through the implementation and expansion of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), and the establishment of the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Educational Equity Office and Equity Champions Coalition. Shelley received her MSW from the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Colorado Denver. Shelley serves on the Denver CASA Board of Directors, is a second-generation Coloradan, and enjoys introducing her daughter to everything nature offers.

Erin Wester
Director, Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services

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Erin Wester is committed to helping Coloradans statewide to thrive through collaborative leadership, an innovative approach to solving complex problems, and her natural ability to create solid partnerships that incorporate a variety of perspectives. In her previous position as deputy commissioner of Colorado's Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), Erin worked to improve the access to, and accessibility of, affordable behavioral healthcare for Coloradans. This included oversight of quality standards, data and technology, system reform and clinical programming. Prior to the BHA, Erin worked for more than a decade in community mental health, starting her career as a family therapist and later using her leadership skills and business acumen to pursue operational roles where both her clinical and business knowledge could positively impact the workforce and community. Erin is passionate about supporting at-risk populations, improving the healthcare system and leaving the world a little better than she found it. She is grateful to serve as director of the Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services and the opportunity to improve the lives of Coloradans statewide.  

Erin has been in Colorado for 30 years, and in her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping and traveling.

Sandy Ho
Chief EDI Officer

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Sandy Ho (they/she) champions accountability and access. For almost two decades, Sandy has been improving workplace cultures and elevating service to communities. As the chief equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) officer for CDHS, they lead the internal and external EDI efforts of the department to create equitable and inclusive environments that reflect and respect the individual identities, abilities and backgrounds of our employees, clients, patients, communities and partners. They also lead the way in fulfilling the five-year CDHS EDI Action Plan to help all employees embrace our diversity while taking opportunities to succeed. Sandy holds a Ph.D. in leadership, research and policy from the University of Colorado.

Christina Mohler
Chief Human Resources Officer

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Christina Mohler’s passion is developing individuals to their highest potential. She approaches work with a learning mindset and leads with integrity and a focus on building relationships. With more than 20 years of HR experience, she is experienced in all facets of HR and excels at managing teams, developing leaders and driving organizational change. Using a strategic approach and excellent problem-solving skills, Christina has a proven track record of quickly achieving results in complex, fast-paced organizations. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master of professional studies degree in human resources and employment relations from Pennsylvania State University. 

Amy Ferrin
Chief Legal Officer

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Amy Ferrin’s call to public service and her enthusiasm to solve difficult problems led her to the role as CDHS’s chief legal officer. Amy spent 11 years of her legal career as a deputy district attorney for Colorado’s 18th Judicial District, primarily handling cases involving victimization of vulnerable children and at-risk adults. As a district attorney, she collaborated with community partners and stakeholders and learned that many vulnerable members of our community rely on CDHS programs and services to thrive. Amy also managed teams and served on task forces – where she worked to solve difficult problems related to child welfare, office culture and productivity, and quality of services. As chief legal officer, she helps CDHS manage risk and deliver high-quality services while embracing its bold and innovative vision. Amy is a Colorado native who is thrilled to be part of the team of people who help people.

Amy received her law degree from the University of Denver. She is a life-long learner who loves to read social science. In her free time, she enjoys getting outdoors with her family.

Elizabeth Mullins
Director of Operations, Administrative Solutions

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Elizabeth Mullins is a longtime champion of human services and has led teams in healthcare and nonprofit organizations for 25 years. Much of her career has focused on aging services, leading her to join CDHS in 2019 as the director of the Division of Veterans Community Living Centers. Elizabeth is a servant leader who emphasizes stewardship and her commitment to others’ growth and success. Elizabeth acquired a Bachelor of Arts in communicative disorders from the University of Kansas with plans to become a speech/language pathologist. However, early in her career, she changed course after one year as a nursing home social worker. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver and is a certified life coach.

Chelsey Hall
Director of Strategic Operations, Community Partnerships

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Over her career, Chelsey Hall has championed ways to authentically include community voices into changing government systems. Today, Chelsey leads a team to enhance the Department’s human-centered culture while creating mutually beneficial relationships with counties and community-based organizations. As a result, communities are more engaged and connected to the Department’s work and mission. Community voices matter and are essential to help Coloradans thrive. Previously, Chelsey spent a decade as a grant manager for Colorado behavioral health grants, and before that, emergency response in her hometown of Joplin, Mo. She subsequently served as the state emergency response grant coordinator after the Joplin tornado in 2011, leading community outreach and recovery efforts. She holds a Master of Public Health degree from Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Science from Missouri Southern State University. In her free time, you can find Chelsey renovating her home while practicing her DIY skills or swinging for her first hole-in-one.

Misgana Tesfaye
Director of Business Innovation, Technology and Security

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Misgana Tesfaye's passion for public service led him to his role as the director of Business Innovation, Technology and Security (BITS) at the Colorado Department of Human Services. This division manages CDHS technology projects and initiatives in partnership with the Governor's Office of Information Technology. Misgana joined CDHS from the Colorado Department of Revenue, where he was the deputy director of the Business Innovation Group. Misgana served at the Department of Revenue for 17 years before joining CDHS. He started his public service career as an auditor and quickly moved into technology when he worked on the Colorado Integrated Tax Architecture project, which modernized Colorado's tax administration systems. In his current role, he focuses on improving ongoing operations' efficiency and increasing the value obtained from investments in enterprise solutions. Misgana has an MBA with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance. He is a Professional Scrum Master and is passionate about agile transformation in state government. Misgana is a proud husband and a father of two. In his personal time, he loves traveling the world and sharing the amazing Colorado outdoors with his wife and children.

Telly Belton
Controller

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Telly Belton brings her passion to work every day. She is passionate about the people served by health and human services programs and has personal connections to several services that CDHS provides to Coloradans. Her passion for service started at the federal level as an auditor for the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. After two years at the federal level, Telly chose to bring her skills closer to home and joined CDHS as a program accountant. In her career with CDHS, she continued to grow into positions of responsibility in the Internal Audit Division, resulting in her promotion to director. Most recently, Telly was promoted to the controller of CDHS, and she looks forward to continuing to serve the department and our clients in her new role. Telly is a Metro State University graduate and a proud mother of three amazing sons.

Evan Caster
Director, Homelessness Initiatives

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Evan Caster champions creating just and equitable communities to serve the most vulnerable Coloradans. In his role as the director of Homelessness Initiatives for CDHS, Evan works to build internal and external community partnerships and lead strategic initiatives focused on preventing and reducing homelessness across Colorado. He has more than a decade of experience working with and leading non-profit organizations focused on co-creating solutions to complex community health issues. Before working at CDHS, he led the Pikes Peak Continuum of Care for five years, transforming strategies and programs to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring in El Paso County/Colorado Springs. Evan also chaired the Colorado Homeless Management Information System Collaborative with a mission to collect real-time, comprehensive and actionable homeless data in Colorado. He believes strongly in collaboration and strategic learning to create the conditions for systems change. Evan holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Skidmore College. In his free time, Evan can be found exploring the Coloradan wilderness with his wife and two children.

Kim Farestad
Deputy Director, Health Facilities

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Kim Farestad’s career has been guided by a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: "Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." She lives by that quote, as she did for 18 years at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Colorado, a private, non-profit residential provider for adolescents. In various positions as a manager and director at Devereux,  Kim helped drive the operational strategies for the organization while also doing what was best for the children served. 

As the deputy director of Health Facilities at CDHS, she is an innovative and effective leader with a focus on delivering high-quality care to our patients and clients while improving efficiency. In her role, Kim applies her skills in successfully managing the development and coordination of operational strategies for CDHS facilities while optimizing resource allocation and budget management. Kim earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver with a double major in biology and psychology.  

AnneMarie Harper
Director, Communications

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AnneMarie Harper has nearly two decades of professional communications experience in the government and nonprofit sectors, as well as journalism. Throughout her career, she has used her knowledge, skills and expertise to create communications that inform and engage communities. As the director of communications for CDHS, AnneMarie is responsible for overseeing all internal and external communications. Prior to joining CDHS in 2024, she served as the communications director for the Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, where she was instrumental in managing Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and mpox. She has also served as public relations director for Girl Scouts of Colorado and was a news producer at television stations across the country.

Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services

The Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services fosters independence to Coloradans through access to seamless and responsive personalized service. The office focuses on services and programs benefiting older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans and veterans’ spouses requiring skilled nursing and domiciliary care.

Divisions and programs

 

Division of Aging and Adult Services

• Adult Protective Services
  • CAPS Check Unit
• State Unit on Aging
  • Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado
  • Caregiver Support
  • Legal Assistance
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman
  • Nutrition Services
  • Senior Community Services Employment 
• Colorado Commission on Aging

Division of Regional Center Operations

• Grand Junction Regional Center
• Pueblo Regional Center
• Wheat Ridge Regional Center

Veterans Community Living Centers

• Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons
• Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center at Florence
• Veterans Community Living Center at Homelake
• Veterans Community Living Center at Rifle
• Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center at Walsenburg
• Colorado Veterans Community Living Center Commission

Disability Determination Services

Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health

The Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health provides strategy, oversight, monitoring and operation of two Colorado Mental Health Hospitals, as well as a Forensic Services division. 

Divisions and programs

Mental Health Hospitals

• Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan
• Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo

Forensic Services

Mental Health Transitional Living Homes

Office of Children, Youth and Families

The Office of Children, Youth and Families is responsible for the coordination of quality and effective services for Colorado’s most vulnerable children, youth and their families. The office supervises Colorado's child welfare system and operates the state's youth services system, as well as several other programs.

Divisions and programs

Division of Child Welfare

• Organizational Support
• Permanency
• Youth Services
• Finance
• Research, Analysis and Data
• Placement Services
• Child Protection Services

Division of Community Programs

• Colorado Sexual Health Initiative
• Domestic Violence Program
• Juvenile Parole Board
• Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program
• Collaborative Management Program
• MINDSOURCE Brain Injury Network

Division of Youth Services

• Youth Services Centers
  • Aspire Youth Services Center
  • Gilliam Youth Services Center
  • Golden Peak Youth Services Center
  • Grand Mesa Youth Services Center
  • Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center
  • Mount View Youth Services Center
  • Platte Valley Youth Services Center
  • Prairie Vista Youth Services Center
  • Pueblo Youth Services Center
  • Spring Creek Youth Services Center
  • Summit Youth Services Center
  • Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center
• Regional offices

Medical Oversight Unit

Finance

Communications

Judicial and Legislation

Colorado Implementation Science Unit

Download a PDF of the Office of Children, Youth and Families organizational chart 

Office of Economic Security

The Office of Economic Security provides income, nutritional and support services to those in need. Primary programs include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), and several employment programs.

Divisions and programs

Division of Child Support Services

Division of Food and Energy Assistance

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• SNAP-Ed
• Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
• Food Distribution Programs
  • Household Programs
    • The Emergency Food Assistance Program
    • Commodity Supplemental Food Program
  • Child Nutrition and Schools
    • Summer Food Service Program
    • Child and Adult Care Food Program
  • Disaster Feeding and Commodity Alerts

Division of Economic and Workforce Support

• Colorado Works (TANF)
• Adult Financial Programs
• Colorado Employment First
• Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program
• ReHire Colorado
• Senior Community Service Employment Program

Staff Development Division

Community Partnerships

Community Partnerships builds relationships within the department and with communities across the state to serve Coloradans effectively. The office also oversees several CDHS offices, as well as Boards and Commissions, Community and Family Engagement, and County Services.

Divisions and units

Client Services

Community and Family Engagement

County and Tribal Liaisons

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Implementation and Strategic Planning

Operations

Policy Advisory Committee

Administrative Solutions

Administrative Solutions provides support services to help CDHS's offices, divisions and programs achieve their goals and make our agency as efficient, effective and impactful as possible.

Divisions and units

Human Resources

Business Innovation, Technology and Security

• Business Innovation
• Technology Product Owners
• Security/IT Compliance
• Technology Contract Management

Legal

• CORA/records
• Office of Appeals

Quality Assurance

• Administrative Review Division
• Direct Care Facilities Quality Assurance
• Division of Youth Services Quality Assurance
• Public Assistance Quality Assurance

Facilities Management

Audit

Financial Services

Financial Services is responsible for CDHS's more than $2 billion budget. The office's primary functions are accounting, budgets and policy, and contracts and procurement.

Divisions

Accounting

Budget and Policy

Contracts and Procurement

Legislative Affairs

Strategy

The Strategy office ensures the operational efficiency and effectiveness of CDHS by crafting and executing the Department's strategic plan and provides oversight of related work stream priorities.

Divisions

Policy

Strategic Operations and Solutions

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind
• Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council

Communications