Our team
Yolanda Webb
Executive Director
Ywebb@arcadams.org
(720) 634-6886
With over 30 years in intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) services, I’ve led at every level—nonprofit, government, and private sectors. Known as the “People Whisperer,” my work spans strategy, leadership development, and community building, from directing an international school in Japan to serving as CEO of E’LON Cosmetics and holding senior roles for multiple governors. A Master’s graduate of Xavier University and Leadership Denver alum, I serve on numerous boards and the incoming chair for the State Rehabilitation Commission. Above all, I’m a proud mother of two and grandmother of two, committed to advancing equity and opportunity for all.
Paula Christina
Program Director-Advocacy
Pchristina@arcadams.org
(720) 634-6885
I started my advocacy efforts with The Arc of Adams County in 1998. I have a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Psychology and a master’s degree in City Planning, both from the University of Texas. My professional life has been a combination of social work, education and health care. I am grateful for the vast learning opportunities I have experienced working with families and other professionals. I value basic human and civil rights for all, no matter the gifts or challenges we each possess.
Sara Cortez
Administrative Assistant
Scortez@arcadams.org
(303) 428-0310 x 878
Lina Newble
Operations Manager
Lnewble@arcadams.org
(720) 634-6887
I relocated from California to Colorado in the Summer of 2018. Prior to relocation, my role as a mother expanded in 2012 to being a foster parent to my two nieces and nephew. I was also a caretaker & advocate for my sister who has a mental illness. During that time, I learned the importance of having organizations who specialize in advocating and providing resources for individuals with mental illness and disabilities and support for their family members. I was able to navigate my sister through getting the help and assistance that was much needed because of those resources.
Alma Simental
Marketing Manager
Asimental@arcadams.org
(720) 736-7730
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marketing and gained my first professional experience as a marketing student coordinator for a department that served first-generation students like myself. I enjoyed creating community, resources, and support through marketing efforts. Since then, I’ve worked in field, social media, outreach, and content marketing across different industries. I’ve always been drawn to organizations that make a positive impact, and I’m glad to bring that passion to The Arc of Adams County and support their mission.
Romaine akakpo
Consulting Advocate
Retor@arcadams.org
(720) 850-8308
Josh Wann
Child/Family & Adult Advocate
Jwann@arcadams.org
(720) 634-6888
I joined the Arc of Adams County in January 2020. I have been a part of the I/DD community for much of my personal life and professional career. Members of the I/DD community are my family, my longtime friends, and the best of humanity that I have experienced.
I continue to dedicate my 25+ year career to the I/DD community so that each person I work with may find more meaning, strength, and peace in their everyday living.
I attribute much of the richness of my life to the relationships I have with people in the I/DD community. My core values include education, understanding, honesty, compassion, and family. These values are in line with my personal approach to advocacy. My advocacy style is rooted in belief in the importance of people understanding their rights, their responsibilities in exercising rights, that people deserve respect and fair treatment, and that all people have the capacity to learn, grow, and achieve.
I see myself as a person that strives to be an agent of peace and reconciliation, to meet people where they are at in life’s journey, and to act and speak in ways that foster healing instead of harm.
Genesis Varela
Child/Family & Adult Advocate
Gvarela@arcadams.org
(720) 634-6883
I am a Bilingual Child/Family & Adult Advocate with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. Since 2017, I have dedicated my career to the field of special education, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and fostering environments where all individuals can succeed.
I joined The Arc of Adams County in March 2024, continuing my commitment to advocating for inclusion, resources, opportunities, and education for individuals and families. My approach to advocacy centers on collaboration, meaningful support, and ensuring each person’s voice is valued and included. I work alongside families from diverse backgrounds to ensure they have access to the services, supports, and opportunities needed to achieve their goals and fully participate in their communities.
April Prahst
Child/Family & Adult Advocate
Aprahst@arcadams.org
(720) 324-2892
I graduated from Nyack College with a BA in Intercultural Studies and have worked in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for 10 years, with experience in Day Habilitation, Medicaid Service Coordination, and Care Management. In 2022, I moved back to my hometown in Colorado and joined Arc Adams as an Adult Advocate. As a mother to neurodiverse kids, I’m passionate about helping people with IDD become strong self-advocates and supporting them as they realize and accomplish their dreams and goals.
DeAnn Major
Director of Intake and Justice Advocacy
Dmajor@arcadams.org
(720) 634-6889
Jose Torres-Vega
Policy Outreach Specialist
Jtorres-vega@arcadams.org
With more than two decades champion — and living — the civil‑rights agenda for people with disabilities, I’ve led at every level: grassroots advocacy, nonprofit management, and state‑wide policy. Known as the “Disability Advocate Who Gets Things Done,” my work spans technology transformation, coalition building, and legislative victories, from virtualizing a statewide disability‑services network after COVID‑19 to steering Colorado’s Developmental Disabilities Council as its newly elected Co‑Chair. I’ve spoken on international stages, served as Co‑Executive Director of El Grupo Vida, and now guide outreach strategy for The Arc of Adams County. A graduate of Universidad de San Carlos and Leadership TLC, I sit on dozens of boards and committees—including the Colorado People’s Alliance, the RMHS Board, and the Denver and Jefferson’s Medicaid Advisory Committees—and I’m honored to continue serving as an independent non‑attorney advocate. Above all, I’m a proud mentor, advocate, cultural broker, and lifelong ally, dedicated to expanding equity and opportunity for every person with a disability.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dana Holinka
President
Dana has been a resident of Adams County for over 25 years and has a 22-year-old daughter with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). She became motivated in fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities when her daughter was born and will continue to make sure that she and others with I/DD have the same opportunities as anyone else. The Arc of Adams County has helped through the years navigate the education system and they have been a great resource over the years. As a board member of the Arc of Adams County, it has helped Dana continue her role of advocacy but on a much bigger scale. It is so important to give back to organizations that have made a difference in our life and being on this board does that each and every day.
Carrie Morris
Secretary
Carrie was born and raised in Denver, just like her mother and her maternal grandparents. She moved to Adams County with her husband Jim in the early 1980s and started her family in 1987. Raising two kids in this county and its 5 Star schools gave Carrie a good idea of what this community can provide. However, working in the IDD field since 1980 made it clear that not everyone has access to the same opportunities as her family.
Carrie began working for North Metro Community Services in 1988. She held a variety of positions there and worked with people of all ages. The combination of her home and professional roles helped Carrie to develop a strong belief that we need to work together towards equitable access to education, health care, and meaningful community participation. She hopes that her varied experiences can be helpful to the Board and agency in supporting its vision.
Al Naticchioni
Treasure
Al is new to The Arc of Adams County Board, but has a strong business and over 40 years in the financial services industry. He has years of experience in the corporate world as well as running his own small business. Although not a native, he has been in this area for approximately 30 years, and has been active in the betterment of our community as well as serving as President of the Westminster Rotary Club two consecutive years. In addition, he was the president of the clubs Foundation with over 1 million dollars in assets. He also has been active with the local Chamber and served on the board member for the Ranch Country Club for 4 years. He is proud to be an Arc board member, and believes his business and financial background along with his passion for community service will serve him well in this new role.
Jessica Scheihing
Member at Large
Jessica is a self-advocate with a vision and hearing impairment who has been connected with The Arc of Adams County for 15 years. She currently works at Arc Thrift Stores and has made multiple, meaningful connections with advocates, board members, and members of the community over the years. She’s excited to be a part of the board to share her perspective so that she can help others.
Steve Tiemann
Member at Large
Steve has been a member of the Arc of Adams County board since 2010. He is proud to be a board member because he likes to help people. Steve comments that talking about what the Arc does, helps him a lot too. Steve is a person living with a disability; he reflected that serving as a board member has helped him come a long way in being empowered to ask questions and speaking up about his thoughts and opinions on different subjects. He likes working with the other members of the board. Steve stated that the board members read information aloud for him and they help explain things he doesn’t understand in a way that he can understand it. “I really enjoy it!” he said.