Where are you from?
I grew up in North Denver, Colorado, right by Mile High Stadium. But now I live in Roxborough, Colorado near Chatfield Reservoir.
What is your favorite memory from growing up here in North Denver?
I loved how close we were to Mile High Stadium. I remember riding my bike with my brother over to the stadium for practices to get autographs from the players. We would do the same for the Broncos and the Rockies because that was when the Rockies played at Mile High, too. My brother, at one point, had the whole baseball team’s autographs on his catcher’s mitt.
Have you ever made the connection that you grew up very close to where you work now?
Yes, I find I know all the “hot spots”, or places where the locals would go. I know the area so well I feel like I can navigate residents and co-workers to the best places, but also good resources!
What’s your favorite local food spot? Chubby’s on W 38th
BONUS: Hidden Talent as Prescribed by Fellow Team Member
Rose has an absolute TALENT for knowing the local food. Every time there’s a decision to be made about lunch, I just have to tell her the genre of food I’m feeling, and she will have a list of spots that she’s known for years. Even if it’s not a restaurant- she’ll recommend local salsa and hot sauce companies, bakeries and finger food spots, cafes. She’s the Denver navigator around here!
What do you like to do on the weekends for fun? Any hobbies?
I have always loved being outside when it’s nice out – in other words. the Colorado outdoors in the warm months. I like to go on walks, hike, fish and be on the lake. That’s what makes living in Roxborough so much fun, there’s a lot of outdoor space and trails nearby, but we also are right next to Chatfield Reservoir. One of our close family friends that lives in the neighborhood has a boat that we get out on often in the summer months at Chatfield. We go tubing, swimming, and have paddleboards too! I love being on the water.
Tell us about your family! What do you like to do together?
I have a wonderful husband who I have been married to for almost 10 years in May. I have two step-daughters – one is nineteen and a marine, the other is sixteen and a varsity cheerleader. I have a seven-year-old son who is a kind, smart, athletic young man (who was just student of the month at his elementary school) and a two-year-old, spit-fire daughter who is spunky and full of life. We also recently added a very fun and outgoing chi-weinie puppy named Walter to the family. He just turned a year old and has really enriched our lives and, fair to say, everyone at Archway, too. He really is loved by every team member he meets!
One of our favorite family activities is camping, we really have acquired quite the set up in camping gear over the years. We usually pick a place with a lake, my most memorable trip to Lake Granby was last year. It was perfect weather, and the lake and view were beautiful!
When did you start working at Archway? What has your role been?
My first day was March 27, 2017, so almost 4 years ago! I’ve been a property manager from the get-go, so I’m responsible for making sure that: all documentation for residents is accurate and up to date, the lease rules are being followed, the rents are paid, and the building is in the best condition it can possibly be.
The first properties I worked on were Arapahoe Green, which is in East Denver, and Sheridan Ridge, in Arvada. In September I moved to managing two properties right next to each other on West Colfax in Lakewood. They are called 40 West and Flats at Two Creeks and they are near Sheridan on Colfax Ave.
Why did you choose Archway?
Before Archway I was working in a busy office in sales doing physician recruiting and I just was tired of it. Working with Archway seemed to offer an entirely different “office” experience. One where there was much more genuine connection with people and where I had a healthy work environment to get my tasks done. It really can be a lot quieter and more peaceful than your normal office gig.
What motivates you in your job?
Knowing that I am actually making a difference for my residents is what brings me to work every day. I’ve been able to help a lot of residents and be a mentor for many at the different properties I’ve worked at. It is crazy to see how much residents want to have someone that they can trust and rely on, many are looking for an ally. It doesn’t matter if you are having an up day or a down day, it never shakes a resident’s confidence in you being that ally, they are so proud to have you in their life. That’s a really special feeling.
What is one moment you are really proud of working with Archway?
When I was leaving Arapahoe Green to come manage the properties here in Lakewood, the residents at AG threw a going away party for me. That community specifically has a lot of families of varying nationalities and cultures, so the main elements of the party – food, drinks, music, décor – were so enriched with other cultures. It was so cool that even through language and cultural barriers their care for me was so obvious. I sat with the ladies over their native tea for what I could tell was the gossip talk and had no idea what was being said. But just being in their presence and spending time together made it so much fun and meaningful.
Tell us about your award with HUD-VASH!
I received an Annual Certificate of Appreciation from HUD-VASH, the homeless Veterans program we have a partnership with. It was a pleasant surprise! HUD-VASH is a very layered program that can be challenging to navigate, so it was very rewarding to be acknowledged for my efforts! I am very grateful for our VASH partnership and love being there for our VASH residents, so this award was very close to my heart.
