Academy Staff

 

Karen Long
Co-Director

As a co-director and former site coordinator for The Academy, Karen Long has found a wonderful position in getting to help others, managing course requirements and getting to know the friendly Academy members. A graduate of Metropolitan State College of Denver, Karen’s degree in journalism has launched her into communications, public relations, and human resources jobs at the Colorado Bar Association, a private PR firm, and DU’s Daniels College of Business. She owned her own business selling Usborne Children’s Books to other moms, schools and libraries. She enjoys her three school-age children and a break during tap dance lessons on Wednesday nights.

 

Lynn Wells
Co-Director

The Academy is like a breath of fresh air to Lynn having previously spent 15 years in the cable TV industry in sales and marketing roles and ultimately as the Director of the Western Cable Division for CBS.  The energy of interesting people learning and discussing interesting things is very powerful.  In between corporate America and the Academy, Lynn spent 10 years in volunteer positions including fundraising, event planning and taking leadership roles with The Girls Scouts of America and The First Lego League Robotics organization.  Lynn holds a BA and MA in Communications and is fascinated by how the modern world has changed the way we interact with one another.  She will be taking this course at the Academy as soon as it is offered!  When not at the Academy, Lynn loves spending time with her husband and two children skiing, hiking and appreciating the little things in life.

 

Mary Ann Laurich
Site Coordinator and Assistant

Mary Ann Laurich has an ongoing passion for education at all levels. She has five children ranging in age from 8 to 17 plus a puppy, leaving her little time for her other interests of gardening, cooking, camping, and hiking.  Her previous career focused on working with children, adolescents and families in treatment facilities.  She is proud to have assisted in and been a part of the healing process of a child experiencing abuse, neglect and being at risk for future problems.  Mary Ann is a Site Coordinator and Assistant.  She sets up equipment, assists the course leaders, answers questions for participants, and provides office support for the Academy.

 

Cassie Babtkis
Site Coordinator and Assistant
Cassie Babtkis recently graduated from the University of Denver with a major in Communication Studies. She has always been drawn to non-profit work and has a passion for being a part of something that is bigger than herself. Cassie has worked for Great Outdoors Colorado and National Stroke Association. In her free time she likes to paint, write poetry, go hiking and play soccer. As a site coordinator, Cassie sets up equipment, assists the course leaders, answers questions for participants, and provides office support for the Academy.