Our Board
Amber & Michael Choy have been married since 2006 and have 4 beautiful children.
Kristi Hurley has been married since 1993, has 4 wonderful children, and 1 sweet grandchild. She is the owner of The Giggling Life Care Farm.
We are looking for people interested in joining our board. Please contact us if you are interested!
Amber & Michael Choy have been married since 2006 and have 4 beautiful children.
Kristi Hurley has been married since 1993, has 4 wonderful children, and 1 sweet grandchild. She is the owner of The Giggling Life Care Farm.
Ryan Kleingarn and her beautiful family enjoying some time outside at a local farm.
Rylan Kleingarn and her beautiful family enjoying some time at a farm.
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Professional Qualifications
Amber's professional qualifications are well-aligned with Poppy Farm's commitment to providing mental health interventions alongside animals in a nature-based setting. Her educational background includes:
Bachelor's in Special Education from Gonzaga University: This provides her with foundational knowledge in special education, which could be valuable in understanding and catering to the needs of individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities.Master's in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado: This further enhances her expertise in special education, likely equipping her with advanced skills in assessment, intervention, and collaboration with stakeholders.Education Specialist Degree in Child, Family, & School Psychology from the University of Denver: This specialized degree signifies her deep understanding of psychological principles as they apply to children, families, and school settings. She's trained to address a wide range of mental health and behavioral concerns within these contexts.Nationally Certified School Psychologist through NASP: This certification demonstrates her commitment to high professional standards and indicates that she has met rigorous criteria in the field of school psychology. She has proficiency in assessment, consultation, intervention, and program evaluation.School Psychologist since 2012: Her extensive experience in this role implies a wealth of practical knowledge and skills in supporting the mental health and academic success of students within educational settings.Certificate in Animal and Human Health through the School of Social Work at the University of Denver: This education initiative underscores her dedication to expanding her expertise specifically in the intersection of animal-assisted education and mental health.
Overall, with her diverse educational background, professional experience, and ongoing pursuit of specialized training, Amber is well-equipped to contribute to Poppy Farm's mission of providing mental health alongside animals in a nature-based setting.
Michael brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as the head of social media at Poppy Farm. Here's an overview of his qualifications and interests:
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism: Michael's educational background in journalism from the University of Missouri provides him with a solid foundation in communication, storytelling, and media production.Experience in Various Producer Roles since 1997: With over two decades of experience working in different capacities as a producer, Michael brings a wealth of expertise in content creation, project management, and media coordination. His extensive background brings proficiency in navigating various aspects of media production and effectively engaging audiences.Interest in Photography, Politics, and Public Relations: Michael's diverse interests in photography, politics, and public relations complement his role in social media management. His passion for these subjects likely translates into creative and engaging content creation, strategic messaging, and effective communication with diverse audiences.City Boy with a Commitment to Poppy Farm: Despite being a city boy at heart, Michael's commitment to Poppy Farm demonstrates his dedication to the organization's mission and the importance of the work being done. His willingness to immerse himself in a nature-based setting speaks to his passion for the cause and his eagerness to contribute positively to the community.
Overall, Michael's combination of education, experience, interests, and commitment makes him well-suited to lead social media efforts at Poppy Farm. His role will likely involve leveraging his skills to effectively communicate the organization's message, engage stakeholders, and foster meaningful connections both online and offline.
Kristi's professional qualifications and experience highlight her expertise in both behavioral science and education, as well as her specialized knowledge in equine therapy and experience in running her own care farm business. Here's a breakdown of her qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from National University: Kristi's undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science provides her with a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, which is invaluable when working with children and implementing therapeutic interventions.Master's Degree in Education from National University: Her master's degree in Education further enhances her skills in designing and implementing effective educational programs, as well as her understanding of child development and learning theories.Certificate in Equine Therapy: Kristi's specialized training in equine therapy signifies her expertise in utilizing interactions with horses as a therapeutic intervention. This certification likely includes knowledge of equine behavior, therapeutic techniques, and safety protocols.Owner of The Giggling Life Care Farm: Kristi's experience as the owner of her own care farm business demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership abilities. Running a care farm involves managing operations, caring for animals, coordinating activities, and providing therapeutic services to clients.
Certificte in Life Coaching: Kristi has the ability to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve communication skills, goal setting, motivation, and interpersonal relationships. This includes a commitment to personal development and the ability to effectively navigate various aspects of life.Experience Working with Farm Animals and Children: Kristi's extensive experience working with both farm animals and children brings a deep understanding of animal-assisted interventions and their potential benefits for children's well-being. Her hands-on experience likely includes facilitating interactions between children and animals, designing therapeutic activities, and fostering a nurturing environment for growth and healing.Inspiration for Poppy Farm: Kristi's role as one of the inspirations for Poppy Farm underscores her passion for nature-based interventions and her commitment to providing holistic care for children. Her vision and dedication played a significant role in shaping the mission and philosophy of Poppy Farm.
Overall, Kristi's combination of academic qualifications, specialized training, practical experience, and entrepreneurial spirit makes her a valuable asset to Poppy Farm. Her expertise in behavioral science, education, equine therapy, and care farming aligns closely with the organization's mission of providing mental health alongside animals in a nature-based setting.
My name is Ryanne and I’m a Colorado native with a deep love for everything this beautiful state has to offer. I’m married to Brian, and together we have two wonderful children—Miles, who is 14, and Courtney, who is 6. When the weather is warm, you’ll find us outside camping, hiking, and boating. In the winter, we enjoy skiing together as a family.
Since I was a young child, I’ve always dreamed of becoming a teacher. I’ve had the privilege of working for Adams 12 Five Star Schools for the past 20 years, where my journey has included teaching grades first through fifth, serving as a P-12th grade district social studies coordinator, and most recently, working as an assistant principal. I feel incredibly honored and passionate about serving children and our community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the students I work with.
It is also an honor to be a part of Poppy Farms, where I am able to contribute to a cause that aligns with my values and passion for supporting our community.
Since I was a young child, I’ve always dreamed of becoming a teacher. I’ve had the privilege of working for Adams 12 Five Star Schools for the past 20 years, where my journey has included teaching grades first through fifth, serving as a P-12th grade district social studies coordinator, and most recently, working as an assistant principal. I feel incredibly honored and passionate about serving children and our community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the students I work with.
It is also an honor to be a part of Poppy Farms, where I am able to contribute to a cause that aligns with my values and passion for supporting our community.