Tom started at CYCA in May of 2023. As the Associate Director, Tom provides strategic planning and oversight around CYCA’s two AmeriCorps grants (Youth Corps for Colorado and Colorado Climate Corps), works with CYCA-accredited corps to provide technical assistance and support, oversees CYCA’s relationship with project partners including Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and leads CYCA’s efforts in partnering with the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education on the Careers in Natural Resources Initiative.
Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from The Ohio State University and began his AmeriCorps journey by serving in the National Civilian Community Corps in Denver, CO. He taught high school and GED classes at the Synergy School before moving on to lead a new GED program at Mile High Youth Corps. Tom went on to serve a total of 15 years at Mie High Youth Corps, transitioning from GED Instructor to Program Manager of Education & Training then to Senior Program Manager of Leadership & Conservation. In 2019, he pivoted back to work in educational equity serving for four years at City Year Denver leading AmeriCorps members at Lake Middle School and North High School and Colorado Youth For a Change leading members at 13 high schools across the Denver Metro area.
Tom is originally from Fairfax, VA and made his way to Colorado to enjoy everything in the outdoors…without humidity. Serving at CYCA fits right into Tom’s personal endeavors as he is often on the trail or camping in the cool Colorado mountain air while in search of another great landscape to photograph. Additionally, he enjoys boogieing to live music, losing at cornhole, darts, and horseshoes, playing softball, kayaking, and supporting the Buckeyes, Capitals, Commanders, and Rockies. Most importantly, he enjoys supporting his two daughters in whatever their current interest may be… choir, theatre, softball, soccer, swim team, tennis…while desperately trying to get them outside and into nature more.