About Us
Project Diakonia walks alongside underserved youth in the Pikes Peak Region, ages 16–24, helping them move from instability to purpose through hands-on construction training, mentorship, and real-world experience. We build more than job skills; we develop confidence, character, and a clear path toward long-term stability. By investing in young people, we strengthen families, transform communities, and create lasting impact.
Vision
A Colorado where every young adult has a pathway to success, regardless of their needs, barriers or background.
Mission
To empower underserved youth through vocational training and education, paving the way for them to transform their lives.
Meet Our Team
Cliff Hunter
Executive Director
Cliff is committed to applying his experience in business administration and workforce development to addressing gaps in care for young adults exiting foster care and youth corrections.
“We have to address the whole person. None of us can meet all of the health, housing, and employment needs a young person faces as they transition into adulthood, but together we can.”
Isaac Rightnowar
Programs Director
Isaac is a dedicated, experienced leader who loves to share his knowledge with anyone willing to learn. He instills purpose, direction, and motivation in the young adults he serves while providing them with the tools necessary to succeed. After 22 years in the Military, Isaac has the experience and skills to counsel, coach, and mentor our future workforce.
“I love watching young people enter the classroom and go from a lack of direction and purpose to holding their head high and knowing who they want to become and what they want to accomplish in life.”
Natalie Forth
Business Manager
Few things compare to discovering a true sense of purpose in our work. After 23 years in the technology industry, Natalie is eagerly embarking on a new chapter with Diakonia as their Office Manager. Community empowerment has always been close to her heart and Natalie is excited to bring her wealth of experience garnered from years of dedicated volunteerism and professional know-how to help make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Mat Lujan
Development Director
Mat loves connecting young people with resources and training to transform their next steps. He has worked with and advocated for youth over the last 15 years both in the non-profit and business world. He enjoys connecting others to the story of Diakonia and create pathways for them to take part in a student’s journey of success.
Jeremy Nicolls
Career Navigator
Jeremy takes pride in making a true difference in the world. From traveling the world and experiencing different cultures, Jeremy learned to relate to everyone in different ways, and can understand even the most complex circumstances. Having an opportunity to help guide the younger generation, and show them that they do have value, gives Jeremy purpose every day.
“In the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths.”
Kaylee Rye
Career Navigator
Kaylee has a heart for people in hard places. With a background in psychology and counseling, she shows up with a blend of soulfulness and empathy- ready to listen, guide, and champion young adults as they find their footing. After five years as a flight attendant and a season living in France, she’s now pursuing her Master’s in Counseling and bringing her life experience, curiosity, and care to the work of career navigation.
“At the end of the day, we’re all just strangers walking each other home. If I can make someone’s next step feel a little less heavy, then it’s been a good day.”
Renee Luster
Enrollment Coordinator
Renee has a heart for helping young people step into their purpose. After years serving at Springs Rescue Mission, she joined Project Diakonia to continue walking alongside others on their journey of growth and transformation.
As Enrollment Coordinator, Renee is often the first friendly face our students meet. Someone who listens, encourages, and believes in their potential. Her passion is to help each student see that new beginnings are possible and that their story matters.
Board of Directors
Leadership Philosophy
We are compelled to action by our faith and belief that every person has value in the eyes of God and that every young adult deserves permanency, advocacy, and an opportunity to succeed.
Chuck Mingonet
Chairman
Chuck has been mentoring at-risk young adults in foster care for over a decade. Coupled with over 26 years of service as an officer in the U.S. Navy, Chuck is a compassionate, committed, and capable leader.
“Sometimes, all a young person needs is someone there to cheer them on. It’s amazing what God can accomplish in a person’s life when they know there are people that believe in them.”
Steve Hayes
Treasurer
Steve’s experience as the parent of an
adopted child, coupled with 36 years of leadership in the business sector, Steve now brings this unique combination of experience to Project Diakonia as Treasurer in its mission to address gaps in care for youth aging out of government systems.
“As an adoptive parent, I am intimately aware of the challenges foster youth face. I believe in what Diakonia is doing to offer a sense of purpose and permanency to young adults who may have missed out on that.”
Gil Bierman
Secretary
Gil brings over three decades of experience in public education, expertise in school leadership, curriculum development, and teacher mentorship. Gil’s experience, paired with a lifelong dedication to youth development, make him a valued advisor and supporter of Project Diakonia’s mission and the youth it serves.
Nikki Carter
Member
Nikki has worked in Career and
Technical Education (CTE) for over 16
years. Nikki has served as a Business
Teacher, Work Based Learning
Coordinator and is currently the CTE
Director for Widefield School District 3. Nikki has a strong desire to apply her experience serving traditional high
school students to serving at-risk and
disadvantaged youth.
Tyler Peoples
Member
Since joining Springs Rescue Mission
(SRM) in 2014, Tyler has held multiple
leadership roles focused on program
development, vocational training, and
social enterprise, integrating job training into shelter operations and creating pathways to meaningful employment for clients exiting homelessness and poverty.