Meet the Team

  • Richard Eversley

    CHAIR

  • Vashti Thomas-Wachterman

    VICE CHAIR

  • Lana Thomas-Wachterman

    TREASURER

  • Alece Montez

    SECRETARY

  • Judy Fisher

  • Open position

  • Open Position

  • Marketing Subcommittee

    Richard's journey through a career in multimedia engineering, media production, business development, marketing, and community engagement speaks volumes about his commitment to community, community voice, and lifelong learning. His years of focus on outreach and community engagement reflect a deep appreciation for meaningful connections and local initiatives that promote sustainability and resilience.

    Beyond his involvement in education and engineering, Richard's passion for people sharing stories, giving voice, and nurturing connections have a profound impact on his “why”, his purpose in life. Through his efforts, he strives to strengthen the bonds that tie us together, fostering a sense of belonging and collective purpose.

    Richard's diverse background and unwavering commitment to community engagement make him an invaluable asset to our organization. His leadership and passion inspire us to work together toward a brighter, more connected future for all.

  • Vice Chair

    Vashti's upbringing in the Huerfano Valley was shaped by the communal spirit of the Red Rockers, with her parents being early members of the community, arriving around 1975. From this unique background, Vashti has emerged as a dedicated educator, advocate, and small business owner, driven by a profound commitment to empowering others.

    Her passion for experiential learning, outdoor recreation, and promoting health equity is evident in everything she does. As a small business owner, Vashti channels her energy into creating opportunities for growth and exploration, among children of all ages. Her leadership within our organization is characterized by vision, compassion, and a deep love for community.

    Vashti firmly believes in the transformative power of health equity, education, and outdoor experiences. These guiding principles inform our mission to cultivate a more vibrant and inclusive community for all. With Vashti at the helm, we are inspired to continue our journey toward a brighter and more equitable future for everyone in our valley.

  • Treasurer

    Lana's journey to the Huerfano Valley began in 1977 when she made the pivotal decision to transplant herself to this vibrant community. From the moment she arrived, Lana's passion for service and financial stewardship became evident.

    As a board member and integral part of a few community nonprofits, Lana played a vital role in shaping our community’s nonprofit sector. Her leadership and dedication laid the groundwork for the impactful work that continues to this day.

    Throughout her career as a nonprofit leader, Lana demonstrated an unwavering commitment to financial integrity and transparency. Her meticulous attention to detail and creative approach to problem-solving ensured that every dollar was used effectively to benefit the community.

    In retirement, Lana's love for cooking shows and crime dramas may provide moments of relaxation, but her dedication to financial stewardship remains steadfast. Her continued involvement ensures that our organization can make a lasting and meaningful impact in the Huerfano Valley community.

  • Judy has a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in School Counseling, and is recently retired from La Veta High School. She has been a part of the La Veta community since 1983, and moved to La Veta full time in 2011 after retiring from the Denver Public Schools and the Denver School for Science and Technology.

    Prior to her career in education, she owned a successful business distributing national and international newspapers, including The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.  She served as Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President on the board of the American Association of Independent News Distributors from 1992-1999, when, after 27 years, she sold the business.  Judy is a founding member of Citizens for Huerfano County and serves on the CHC board as Secretary/Treasurer. She has a strong interest in the history and ecology of Southern Colorado, and has hiked and walked extensively in the area. She is also a gardener, home cook, and avid reader, and participates in a variety of community volunteer activities. Serving on the La Veta Trails board provides an opportunity to develop all of her interests, most especially building opportunities for community youth to become involved in physical and environmental activities in our community.

Dream it

Build it

Grow it

Dream it • Build it • Grow it •