Holly Dichter (MNM), Director of College Program
Holly began working for The Challenge Foundation full time in August of 2007 after five summers as an intern and teacher in our summer program. She has a degree in Elementary Education from Regis University and has also completed her master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from Regis University. She also taught 2nd and 3rd grade in the Aurora Public School system for three years. Outside of serving as the Director of the Denver program, Holly directs her attention to helping our scholars as they apply to college and then navigate higher education institutions. She also keeps in close contact with all of our alumni, providing resources and support for their continued growth. Holly is fluent in Spanish, which enables her to communicate effectively with many Challenge families and applicants and she enjoys using her background in both education and non-profit organizations in her work at The Challenge Foundation.
Mary Kate Elliott (M. Ed.) – Coordinator of Summer Programming, Student Advisor
Mary Kate Elliott (M.Ed) is the Coordinator of Summer Programming and a Challenge Student Advisor. As a seasoned educator with expertise in multiple subjects areas, including English Language Arts, Social Studies, and English as a Second Language, she has had a significant impact on her students' lives. In addition to her teaching role, Mary Kate has also devoted her time to coaching high school swimming, demonstrating her commitment to fostering holistic development in her students.Mary Kate's academic background has reinforced her ability to advocate for students' needs effectively. She has consistently shown dedication to supporting parents in their children's education journey and to establishing strong partnerships between home and school. Mary Kate's true passion lies in nurturing the success of each individual student, tailoring her teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. Her departure from teaching marks a new chapter in her career as a Challenge Foundation advisor, where she will undoubtedly continue to impact education positively and empower students to achieve their full potential.
Cristina Thayer – Student Advisor
Cristina joined The Challenge Foundation in October 2023 after working as an intensive learning paraeducator through Boulder Valley School District. Cristina graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, concentrating in Intervention and Prevention Science. During her time at CSU, Cristina developed the passion of helping others be their best selves through love of mentorship, academics, and enrichment. Cristina is a first generation student and is a bilingual Spanish and English speaker. Through her personal and work experiences, Cristina is passionate about continuing to provide meaningful work, achievement, and lasting relationships built on communication and support. Cristina is currently advising scholars from St.Mary’s Academy and St. Anne’s Episcopal School.
Connie Ferenbaugh (M. Ed.) – Mentor Program Coordinator
Connie joined the staff of The Challenge Foundation in the fall of 2023, after 21 years in the classroom in both Ohio and Colorado. She graduated from Bluffton University with a BA in Education and from Bowling Green University with a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Connie is excited to work with students, families, and mentors in her role as Mentor Program Coordinator. She believes her background in education and passion for helping students succeed will be integral in creating relationships that will help guide students through their years with The Challenge Foundation.
Hernaldo Pinon – Internship Coordinator, Challenge Advisor
Hernaldo joined the Challenge staff in January of 2023. He recently graduated from the Grenoble-Alpes University in France with a degree in General Linguistics. As a Challenge alum familiar with the work and mission of the foundation, Hernaldo was drawn to the idea of being able to help the scholars in the position he was once in. His brief time as an 8th grade English teacher developed his passion for mentorship and the importance of cultivating self-empowerment in young people. Hernaldo grew up in a low-income Spanish-speaking household in North Denver and is looking forward to sharing his journey with Challenge scholars. Hernaldo's role at Challenge is to advise scholars at Colorado Academy and Kent Denver. He will also be developing our internship program to connect with organizations that want to support Challenge high school and college scholars with internship opportunities.