About
Learn about our incredible, volunteer Board Members, who represent the heart of our work in the community.
Disabling Barriers, a non-profit grant making organization, makes grants to charitable organizations that provide research, equipment, advocacy, support, and other services and resources to individuals with intellectual or developmental (I/DD) disabilities and their families and caregivers, with a focus on the pediatric and young adult special needs community in southern Colorado.
Our Mission Statement:
Disabling Barriers serves the physical and behavioral health of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Southern Colorado by providing grants to fill unmet needs, overcome barriers, and support caregivers through improved access to opportunities, programs, and resources so individuals with disabilities can reach their highest level of independence and potential.
Dr. Christopher Robinson -DB President/CEO
Dr. Christopher Robinson is the President of Disabling Barriers and served on the NTSOC Board of Directors. He is also the Vice President of Challenger Baseball, an adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges, a division within the Colorado Springs Little League organization. After retiring from the Air Force in 2007, Chris joined the Missile Defense Agency where he currently works as a Program Manager for the Warfighter Operational Integration Directorate.
As a father of a child with Cerebral Palsy, Chris’ passion for serving the physically and intellectually challenged community within Colorado Springs has continued to grow. For over a decade, Chris and his wife Liz have brought their love of baseball to the local community by providing an opportunity for children with disabilities to participate in America’s Pastime. Chris brings a Doctor of Management in Organizational Development and Change to Disabling Barriers enhancing his ability reach past the Springs to serve the greater Southern Colorado disabled community. Chris and Liz have three children and one grandchild.
Jeanne Conder, CFRE/CSPG -DB Board Chair
Philanthropy is Jeanne Conder’s professional and personal passion. During her 35 years in Colorado Springs, she has fundraised with The Navigators, Junior Achievement International, and as chief development officer and vice president for Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation and Discover Goodwill Foundation.
Jeanne now runs her own consulting business, Evergreen Philanthropy, to help connect donors and nonprofits in strategic, impactful and lasting giving. Jeanne and her husband Ron love entertaining in their home, mountain biking and leading a group of younger couples in building thriving marriages.
James Dougherty, MBA – DB Board Treasurer
James is a Colorado Springs native with a heart for the people of Southern Colorado. He grew up watching and working with his parents who run a small fine art business. From a young age he learned to work hard, ask questions, negotiate smart, and serve clients well.
With over a decade of experience in grants management and procurement, James has awarded and managed hundreds of millions of dollars of grants and contracts to universities, large multinational corporations, small businesses, and non-profit organizations spread over at least 79 countries. He is delighted to bring his experience to Disabling Barriers.
James and his wife adore raising their two young children near the stunning Rocky Mountains. They enjoy serving others through their church, providing hospitality, and leading courses like Alpha and Financial Peace University.
Sheila Williams, MPA, MHM -DB Board Member
Sheila Williams is an emerging healthcare industry leader with 20 years of experience in home healthcare. Her extensive background includes a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master’s in Healthcare Management, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems and organizational leadership. Her work as a behavioral health specialist in the Air Force further enhances her expertise and commitment to providing patient-centered, compassionate care to vulnerable populations.
An Air Force veteran, Sheila formerly served on the board of NTSOC, where she contributed to strategic planning and governance, ensuring the organization delivered high-quality care to its clients. Her commitment to the community is evident through her mentorship of individuals with developmental and intellectual differences, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.
In addition to joining Disabling Barriers, Sheila is a doctoral student at the University of Virginia Lynchburg, focusing on Healthcare Administration and Organizational Leadership. Her commitment to professional growth and excellence is matched by her dedication to her family. Married for 29 years, Sheila and her husband are parents to six children, three of whom are adopted and have special needs.
Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Sheila enjoys various outdoor and recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and bingo. She is an active member of her local church and a passionate advocate for numerous community causes.
With her extensive experience, educational background, and unwavering commitment to both her profession and her community, Sheila Williams is poised to make a significant impact in the Disabling Barriers Organization.
Edwina Woelfel, CNA -DB Board Member
Edwina Woelfel is a Certified Nursing Assistant who has lived in Colorado for 49 years. She is currently serving on the board of directors at Fishing has no Boundaries. She formerly served 5 years on the board of Reigning Hope therapy services and 1 year on the NTSOC board. She has a husband of 34 years, 2 sons and a daughter. Her youngest was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy who sparked Edwina’s love for the special needs community. She has volunteered and helped with fundraising for several organizations including the Cerebral Palsy organization, Reigning Hope and Fishing has no Boundaries. She enjoys camping, paddle boarding, ATV-ing, jet skiing and spending time with her family.
Lara Stern, RN BSN -DB Board Member
Lara Stern is a registered nurse with a passion for supporting children with special healthcare needs and their families. She currently works for El Paso County Public Health as a Nurse Care Coordinator. Lara brings experience, enthusiasm and an understanding of the special needs community. She recognizes the obstacles and challenges that these children face on a daily basis. She currently works directly alongside families to connect them with therapists, community resources, supports and physicians to improve health and developmental outcomes.
Lara is honored to serve on the Disabling Barriers Board. She is excited for the wonderful opportunities that will come from supporting agencies that help these children to attain their fullest potential and embrace the qualities that make them unique. She is excited to help ensure all children with special needs in Southern Colorado have access to fun and rewarding experiences, where they will be challenged and gain a sense of accomplishment. In her free time, Lara enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She enjoys hiking, camping, playing games, gardening, reading and traveling.
Rachel Lake MSW, LCSW -DB Board Member
Rachel Lake is the Executive Director of Special Education in Widefield District 3. Prior to her current role, Rachel was the Assistant Director at WSD3, and Special Populations Specialist at Academy District 20 Schools serving students who were homeless and in foster care and she spent 9 years working in Special Education in District 20 as a school Social Worker and Special Education Coordinator. She has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver and a master’s degree in Special Education from UCCS. Rachel is married with four adult children, two of whom are diagnosed with connective tissue disorders that impact their daily lives.
Rachel formerly served on the Board of Directors at NTSOC. She is committed to recognizing the inherent worth and value of individuals with disabilities and being a part of organizations that promote their interests and well-being. She is honored to serve on the Disabling Barriers board, an organization that upholds these values.
Alexis Christman, MS- DB Executive Director
Alexis Christman is the Executive Director of Disabling Barriers, where she leads the organization’s grantmaking, operations, governance, and strategic development in support of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Southern Colorado.
With a background in organizational leadership, public relations, project management, and nonprofit administration, Alexis brings a systems-focused approach to strengthening organizations and turning mission into action. At Disabling Barriers, she has helped develop grantmaking processes, governance practices, community partnerships, and internal systems while managing more than $14 million in funding to over 80 nonprofit organizations.
Alexis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational and Strategic Communication from UCCS and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Regis University. Her leadership approach is grounded in thoughtful strategy, continuous improvement, and a belief that effective organizations should remain focused on the people and communities they exist to serve.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, gaming, and spending time with her husband, Nick, and their very spoiled dog, Luna.
Adam R. Smith, CPA -DB Advisor
Adam is a passionate professional serving non-profits in tax and accounting. He helps empower non-profits to impact the world by supporting them through consulting and tax compliance services. Adam has over 16 years of public accounting experience, has worked with national public accounting firms, meeting and exceeding the expectations of non-profits in the area of tax compliance.
Adam and his wife, Cheryl, have three wonderful children. He is a member of the American Institute of CPA’s and Colorado Society of CPA’s, as well as the TEGE Exempt Organizations Council. Adam, a former Board Member, is excited to continue supporting Disabling Barriers as an Advisor.