Our Staff

​Carmen Hubbs has been the Executive Director of Rise Above Violence since 1998. After receiving her degree in Psychology and Family Studies, she worked with at-risk youth. Time and time again, these troubled teens were victims of abuse. Violence was a theme in their lives. This ignited Carmen's passion for ending family and interpersonal violence. Carmen's other passions - family and FUN!

Christine Soria, in from the Peace Corp, joined Rise with expansive experience and expertise in the fields of domestic and sexual violence, with an emphasis on human trafficking. While a new transplant to Colorado, Pagosa has had her heart since she visited with her family for many years enjoying our majestic mountains. She knew she needed to be back in Colorado and when not managing all our client services, you will find her enjoying the great outdoors and all the adventures Pagosa has to offer.

​Nancy Fryer serves Rise as a Court Advocate, and when not in court, Nancy actively works on state legislation to improve our court systems and laws in favor of victims rights and needs. Nancy enjoys the small town atmosphere in Pagosa and has lived here for over two decades. Nancy supports victims through the difficult and confusing court processes. Oh, and she LOVES cats!

Cheryl Bowdridge, our Youth Advocacy & Education Coordinator, strives to prevent violence through her interactive workshops, support groups, and community education projects. She can be seen working with area youth, running with a group of girls, acting on stage, or talking with YOU on how we all can create communities of change that encompasses peace and safety. When not presenting, you'll see her cheering on our Pagosa Pirates! ​

Ashley Wilson, MPH. The only one in our staff who loves numbers, works to manage all the statistical and grant data needed so we can get our money to do all our great work. You'll also see her coordinating our many fundraising events throughout the year, and working hard to make sure Rise deserves the 2015 Nonprofit of the Year title. Ashley grew up in Pagosa and is excited to be back raising her two girls here. She graduated in 2016 with her masters in Public Health from the University of California Berkley. 

Maria Hernadez

Lisa Sifrit is our Legal and Housing Advocate and when she is not working to secure stable housing for survivors or going to bat for survivors in civil court, she is working to obtain her masters in social work while raising her three children.  Lisa is passionate about working with survivors and their children to understand the impact domestic violence has on individuals and their family systems.  She is a Colorado native who values the healing benefits that the sunshine, wildflowers, and fresh mountain air have to offer here! 

​Jacey Christensen ​is our Volunteer Coordinator. She works hard to recruit and train volunteers to be the best they can be to help assist our clients. Jacey was born and raised in Mancos, Colorado and after graduating from Colorado State University in 2016 was excited to move back into the Four Corners area. She enjoys camping with her two dogs, going to the lake, and spending time with her family. 

​John Finefrock is our Youth Advocate.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Prescott College in 2011 and has been an elementary, middle school and high school teacher in both traditional and Expeditionary Learning settings. In 2018 he and his dog Pablo completed the entirety of the 486-mile Colorado Trail.