Our Staff
With a Bachelor's degree in English from Texas Weslyan University, Sharron brings over 30 years of training and development experience with her. She specializes in the development and implementation of intergenerational programs, evaluations and curriculum. As one of the co-founders, Sharron has been an integral part of the public relations facet, grant writing and financial management.
In her spare time, Sharron enjoys swimming and spending time with her family, friends and puppies in beautiful Colorado!
As one of the co-founders of Bessie's Hope, Linda Holloway has much passion and drive! She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University, a Bachelor's in Music Education from Midwestern State University and a Master's in Humanities from the University of Colorado. Linda is a Board Certified Music Therapist and a Clinical Chaplain. Presenting at workshops and speaking nationally, Linda strives to educate people everywhere on the importance of intergenerational relationships and community involvement with our assisted living and nursing home elders. She is a key player in the success of Bessie's Hope and spearheads many of the fundraising and awareness events and plays a vital role in volunteer recruitment.
Bessie's Hope is a living legacy to Linda's grandmother, "Bessie Stephens".
Darleen Stiny grew up in Denver near Washington Park. After two years at CSU she transferred to University of Maryland where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has lived several years in the DC area, in France, Canada, Korea and 19 years in New Zealand. Darleen owned and directed several businesses, including a nannies college. The love of transformations and miracles have always been a key motivator. Darleen joined the Bessie's Hope team as a program coordinator in 2007 and loves the differences we make for our volunteers and for the elders! When not at work, she enjoys traveling, dancing, exploring and spending time with loved ones.
Kelly Ragland began as a Program Coordinator at Bessie's Hope in 2006 after spending seven years as a bike messenger, dispatcher and office manager for a local delivery company. A Boulder native, Kelly received her bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1998. There she majored in Political Science and minored in Women's Studies. In 2008, Kelly completed her Masters Degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Denver. While not at Bessie's Hope Kelly enjoys riding her bicycle, traveling, spending time with her two dogs and two cats, and continuing her education by taking various IT classes at the Community College of Denver.
Michelle comes to Bessie’s Hope with a litany of experience and exuberance for life and the lives of others. Michelle found her passion of working with seniors later in life, but it didn’t take her long to build nurturing relationships that have enhanced the lives of so many. Michelle’s most recent work experiences include successful and rewarding employment as a Program Coordinator for an Adult Day facility, an Activities Director as well as a Sales and Marketing Director for an Alzheimer and Dementia facility. Michelle’s vibrant personality and passion for life is contagious and we are glad to have her as part of our team.
Time spent away from Bessie’s Hope finds Michelle boating, biking, walking and playing with her dogs, as well as enjoying time with her partner, family and friends.
Sarah Polzin is a Colorado native who grew up just west of Denver in Arvada. She graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a teaching degree and licensure in Art Education. She has a strong background in art and she has been working and teaching within the disabled community for over 10 years. One of her goals is to apply her background in arts to the elder populations she is working with. Sarah believes that art is very therapeutic and can be used as a creative outlet by anyone. While not working Sarah enjoys traveling, making her own art, spending time with family and friends and tap dancing.
Jane has been with Bessie’s Hope for nearly 5 years. She became acquainted with Bessie’s Hope when her granddaughters participated in the Youth & Elder program through their school. Jane spends most of her days working in the office, but gets out and about helping with the events that support the Bessie’s Hope program.
