Board of Directors

Connections for Independent Living is overseen by a board of directors that meets regularly to discuss major issues of importance to the organization. Persons who live within the seven county northeastern Colorado service region for Connections who may have an interest in joining as a member of the board of directors are encouraged to contact us for additional information.

Elizabeth Mahoney

Chair

Elizabeth is a small business owner who directs Complete Professional Development, a Greeley coaching and consulting business. Born and raised in Colorado, Elizabeth moved to Greeley for graduate school at UNC, where she received her Master of Counseling Degree, Marriage and Family Emphasis. She has been a Greeley resident ever since. She recently transitioned from higher education, where she served as a career counselor for 17 years at UNC, to focus on growing and building her coaching and consulting business. Through her coaching and consulting, she works with individuals who are transitioning their careers, new entrepreneurs and managers and teams to help support employee development. Her previous work has been in retirement homes and assisted living centers, and working as an Independent Life Skills Trainer serving individuals and families who had been affected by a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). She is passionate about serving and advocating for people who have disabilities, and was excited to join the Connections board. She is a dog lover and Rover sitter.

Kate Howell

Kate Howell

Vice Chair

A native Coloradan, Kate has a wealth of knowledge of the area and has witnessed the tremendous change and growth that has transformed Northern Colorado into a sought-after destination. A resident of Kersey, she is well-connected and actively involved in the community. She is a member of the Exchange Club of Greeley. An avid supporter of Wreaths Across America at the Evans Cemetery, and an ambassador for the Evans Chamber of Commerce, she supports area businesses. As a Realtor, Kate loves to help people find their perfect home. It was through this love and the desire to give back to the community that Kate is thrilled to serve on the Connections board. She is dedicated to seeing that all people are able to have a place to call home.

Tony Gonzalez portrait

Tony A. Gonzalez

Secretary

Tony currently provides mental health services as part of the integrated care team with North Range Behavioral Health. Tony has a 32-year progression of human services experience. He emphasizes some of his best experiences being on the front line working with people with physical and developmental disabilities and their families as some of his most enjoyable years. His experience and education have provided him opportunity to work with a wide range families, teams, and staff. Tony dedicated 11 years to what is now the Department of Youth Services / adjudicated youth. He has also been a supervisor in a center for families who have been impacted by Acquired or Traumatic Brain Injury and worked as a job coach for people affected by disability. He is grateful for the opportunity to provide support to the Connections Board. Tony is a dog lover, outdoorsman and is fueled by his family.

Lou Steinberg

Louis Steinberg

Treasurer

Lou has more than four decades’ experience in banking and real estate in Northern California and Northern Colorado with several influential firms. A graduate of Sonoma State University with a bachelor’s in economics, Lou is exceptionally knowledgeable about finance and development. The Greeley resident has more than three decades of active community involvement, including coaching sports. He is currently a member of the Greeley Centennial Rotary Club. Lou has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, and 25 years as a school board trustee. With his wife Julia, Lou has two children, Rob and Melissa, and six grandchildren.

Norma Barrandey

Norma began her investment industry career in 2005. She is a former Wells Fargo Advisor helping a range of clients navigate their financial life. She currently works at Stifel. Norma earned a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Northern Colorado.  She holds Series 6, 63, 65, and 66 securities licenses, as well as the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ designations.  Norma is active in her local community, serving as part of the investment committee for the Community Foundation of Greeley and Weld County.

Mary Jo Brockshus

Mary Jo Brockshus

Mary Jo became a licensed commercial real estate broker in 2007 and works with REMAX Commercial Alliance. Real estate led her to her role with Connections. Over 11 years ago, she helped Connections purchase its office in Greeley. She joined the board in 2010 after seeing the support the organization brings to so many deserving Northern Colorado people. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, with post graduate work at UNC and CSU. In her spare time, she and her husband Brad Peterson raise Tibetan yaks and are active in promoting the benefit of these unusual animals.

Tim Wilson

Tim has a background in internet technology and cyber security. he is married to the love of his life and is the proud father of two adult children. Tim was drawn to Connections. “I want to enable those with disabilities the opportunity to flourish in society. We must advocate in public spaces including local businesses and government policy. We need the continued support of the services and programs that Connections is already providing.”