About us
SLV Community Solutions, provides collaboration and data support to organizations working to address the challenges faced by those impacted by poverty in the San Luis Valley. The vast geography, isolation, limited work force and small population centers present barriers to organizations that collaboration and accurate data collection and analysis can help alleviate. SLV Community solutions is a community action 501(c)(3) which leverages the Community Services Block grant to help communities engage in providing better communication, effectiveness, reach and cooperation to identify the needs, and bring resources together so communities can craft and implement solutions to those struggling under the weight of poverty.
Our Board of Directors
Nicholas Barela
President
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​Nicholas Barela is the Director of Social Services for Conejos County.​​​
With over 25 years of experience in the human services field, Nicholas brings a deep commitment to community well-being and a proven track record of leadership and impact. As the current Director of Human Services, he oversees a broad range of programs designed to support individuals and families, promote equity, and strengthen community resources.
Nicholas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, combining strategic insight with a passion for service. This foundation has guided his work in developing effective programs, managing multidisciplinary teams, and leading initiatives that address critical social issues.
In addition to professional roles, Nicholas has been actively involved with faith-based and community organizations for many years, aligning personal values with professional service. Through this work, he has fostered strong community partnerships and supported holistic approaches to human development and support.
Crystal Waldroupe
Secretary
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Crystal Waldroupe is a founder and owner of SkinSations in Alamosa CO. She is a professional Nail Tech and Aesthetician and she is obtaining a certification as a Peer Support Specialist and an Addiction Recovery Coach. Her lived experience as a recovered addict has motivated her to give back to those who are on the road to recovery. She was born in Pueblo and she moved to the San Luis Valley when she was 12 and has lived in nearly every town in the Valley. Crystal loves the people and the diverse culture and natural beauty in the valley. Crystal enjoys helping others because others have helped her along the way. She believes that people should help people because it is a source of self gratification. Crystal believes that the best way to build trust in community is by truly getting to know people.
Ivette Atencio
Ivette Atencio is a dedicated community advocate and longtime resident of Monte Vista, Colorado. Though not born in the state, Ivette was raised in the San Luis Valley and holds a deep love and commitment to the community she calls home. She lives in Monte Vista with her husband, TJ Atencio, a lifelong local.
Ivette has held various roles across the San Luis Valley, all centered around a common purpose: serving and supporting others. She currently serves as the Monte Vista Community Officer for the LOR Foundation, where she continues her mission of community empowerment.
Ivette firmly believes that building strong, healthy communities begins with caring for one another and working together—values that guide her work and leadership every day.
Israel Garcia
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Vice President
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Israel García, a native of the San Luis Valley, grew up in a low-income Mexican immigrant family with roots in the region spanning 15 generations. This upbringing instilled in him a lifelong understanding of social justice.
A proud alumnus of the University of Colorado-Boulder, Israel earned a full scholarship through the Gates Millennium Scholarship program. He graduated with B.A. degrees in Ethnic Studies, Political Science, and Sociology, along with a Certificate in Leadership Studies and Practice.
His early career included impactful roles as an Organizer, Field Director, and Campaign Manager. Driven by a desire to serve his community, he returned home to the Valley to become the Director of Community Education at La Puente Home, Inc., and later the Senior Organizer and Community Leader for the Colorado Trust.
Israel's dedication to organizing was born from a personal quest to improve his own circumstances and those of others facing similar challenges. He firmly believes in the collective power of everyday people to effect change when they are informed, organized, and united. This belief has fueled a career in public service focused on advancing progressive policies, supporting strong leaders, and ensuring access to vital resources for the most vulnerable. Above all, Israel is committed to connecting those in positions of power with the communities that need their advocacy most.
Amanda Pearson
Treasurer
Amanda has served the San Luis Valley since graduating from law school in 1987. Over the course of time she saw good people with good ideas, struggling to get the outcomes they wanted for the community. In 2010 she entered a Master’s leadership program to find different ways to approach these struggles. Following that course of study, she began a doctoral program in organization change and performance. She has been a part of collaborative efforts around eviction process and broadband. One of the solutions to the “good people struggles”, was to provide the resources to help facilitate and coordinate collaboration, so the folks already putting in full hours into their organizations and communities, didn’t have to try and keep collaborative efforts and communication going. With the help of her current employer, La Puente Home, Amanda founded SLV Community Solutions, and is currently the board treasurer.
Our Staff
DJ Salazar
Executive Director & Outreach Liason
DJ was born in San Luis Valley and is a lifetime resident. During his free time, he enjoys the outdoors and gets out as often as he can to hike, fish, and hunt. Dj also enjoys helping within the community. Previously he was an Embajadore for San Luis Valley Great Outdoors and held ice fishing socials to help get more people outdoors in the wintertime. DJ founded Valley Veterans ReCreation where they get Veterans Recreating outdoors. Valley Veterans ReCreation has been a platform for getting Veterans active in the outdoors and spreads the word about resources in the San Luis valley for veterans. He also has helped with fishing trips and with the archery day for Kids Connection in Monte Vista Where he used his outdoors knowledge to help the youth. DJ now is fortunate to be the Community Liaison/Director for SLV Community Solutions. He is passionate about the San Luis Valley community and excited to help his lifelong community. His vision for SLV Community Solutions is to see the San Luis Valley communities thriving, he wants to help the resources be available to community and help the resources by facilitating collaboration amongst organizations.
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The San Luis Valley is important to DJ as he has ties throughout the entire Valley and sees a lot of community's struggle from the same factors. his goal is to help by being active in the community's, bringing people to the tables and being part of the solutions.
Kevin Hernandez
Outreach and Marketing Coordinator
Kevin is an audio / visual artist and founded The L8GACY Project in 2021 to bring people together on a deeper level through creative expression. Kevin was born in Denver and raised in Aurora Colorado and now lives in the San Luis Valley. He is a singer songwriter and photographer and brings these technical skills to each project in collaboration with community all over Colorado.
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Kevin is also an Outdoor Ambassador (Embajador) with SLV Great Outdoors and organizes outdoor experiences including hikes, bike rides, and other activities in public lands throughout the San Luis Valley. He is also a Technical Assistance Coordinator with CEDS Finance and helps small business owners in obtaining capital and assistance in their business needs.
Marie Harrelson
Data Coordinator
Marie is a proud mom to four amazing boys and a wonderful daughter-in-law. As a family, they cherish their time together—whether it's camping, fishing, or hiking, they are always up for an outdoor adventure. She has a passion for DIY projects (even if her family doesn’t always share her enthusiasm!), and she loves getting creative—she would rather make something by hand than buy it any day.
Fall is especially busy for her as a dedicated football mom. Marie is actively involved in her kids’ schools and sports, and she truly enjoys being part of their world.
Marie has called Alamosa home for the past 27 years, and this community means everything to her. One of the biggest reasons she is so excited to be joining this team is the opportunity to give back. When she was younger and facing challenges, she was fortunate to receive the support of this community. Now, it’s an honor to be in a place where she can return that kindness and make a difference for others.