Kathy

Kathy Gingery, Executive Director

Email: Kathy@ShiningStarsFoundation.org

Kathy has worked with children’s programs and summer camps for over 30 years. Initially teaching outdoor recreation skills and horsemanship to young campers, her interest turned to children with cancer in 1978 after volunteering with the National Sports Center for the Disabled. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, she has also been a self-employed business owner for over 30 years specializing in real estate. Kathy once received the “Celebration of Human Spirit” award, started the first Cub Scouts group in the Fraser Valley, was an active 4-H leader for 12 years, has served on several Chamber of Commerce Committees, and was the recipient of the 2011 Colorado Rockies Leadership Award. She founded Shining Stars in 2001 and has since been the energy and leadership behind the development of the Foundation. In her free time, you can find Kathy out riding her horses or cross country skiing. She dreams of one day being a competitive endurance rider!

Heather

Heather Bratton, Administrative Assistant

Email: Heather@ShiningStarsFoundation.org

Heather is originally from Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Journalism, emphasis on Strategic Communications. Shortly after, she packed her bags and moved to Denver to work with the AmericCorps VISTA Program at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Heather has spent most of her life volunteering and working with nonprofits and brings lots of energy and ideas to the Foundation. She enjoys racing office chairs, once dreamed of being an Olympic gymnast, and has been a dancer since she was five, look out for her at our disco party!

Megan

Megan Bryant, Director of Development

Email: Megan@ShiningStarsFoundation.org

Megan is a graduate of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA where she specialized in international development and studied nonprofit organizations all around the world. She has worked at a Salvation Army Camp and completed 18 months with the AmeriCorps VISTA Program promoting the growth and development of Chicago based nonprofits. In 2010, Megan began working with Shining Stars. She loves trail running, skiing, snowball fights, and has a slightly secret juggling talent!

Cookie

Cookie Ready, Director of Outreach Programs

Email: Cookie@ShiningStarsFoundation.org

Prior to joining Shining Stars, Cookie taught grades Kindergarten through third for 35 years. Over the years, she has worn many hates such as English Language Learners Coordinator, Special Events Coordinator, Curriculum Developer, Teacher Ambassador to Russia & Japan, and Guest Instructor for the University of Colorado at Denver. She received her degree in English/Secondary Education from Colorado State University and is a multiple year honoree for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Cookie loves working with children of all ages and visiting with all the amazing families we serve. She can be found busting a move at our event dance parties and loves socks, golfing, laughing, and star earrings!