ABOUT
Advocates’ Values:
Compassion – Empowerment – Collaboration – Boldness – Equity
Founded in 1983, Advocates began providing services for victims of domestic violence. Since then, Advocates launched a 24/7 crisis hotline, established a confidential safehouse for victims fleeing abusive situations, expanded services to victims of sexual assault, and developed a robust social change program to prevent violence before they happen.
The devastating impacts of violence on individuals and the community cannot be overstated. Beyond providing support for victims and survivors as they navigate healing, medical, and legal processes, Advocates also collaborates with schools, businesses, and organizations throughout the community. With greater awareness and developing necessary skills together, we can improve equity and make everyone safer.
Meet Our Team
Advocates of Routt County has assembled an extraordinary team of professionals with a dynamic range of experience. Beyond the immense compassion they bring to this work, their efforts also draw upon their time in government, legal, business, technology, education, juvenile justice, media, service, creative, and other sectors as well.

MARK FITZGERALD
Executive Director
“Nothing endures but change” – Heraclitus
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Karleen Pappert
Confidential Youth Advocate
“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do.” – Brene Brown
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Graduating with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and social work, Karleen has dedicated the last 3 years to serving families and children in the community who are navigating the foster care system, and children who experience autism. While Karleen is new in her role of being a formal advocate, Karleen has been advocating for family and children’s needs with her previous employment experiences to include access to housing, employment, educational resources, mental health services, and medical assistance. Each of these experiences allow Karleen to connect and empathize with those she encounters; she is passionate about partnering with children and families where they’re at in order to walk beside them to navigate each individual’s unique circumstances.

CHELSIE HOLMES
Confidential Services Program Director
“Train yourself toward solidarity and not charity. You are no one’s savior. You are a mutual partner in the pursuit of freedom”
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HANNAH KAUFMANN
Confidential Advocate/ Human Trafficking Specialist
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GRAHAM HACKETT
Social Change Program Director
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller
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A lifelong educator and justice advocate, Graham spent years working with “high-risk” youth and juvenile inmates as part of a regional gang violence initiative in North Carolina, which instilled a deep understanding of social conditions, impacts of trauma, and the roots of toxic behavior. In 2014, he designed and led a touring program Culture of Consent serving colleges across the United States, before becoming Director of Prevention Programs for the rape crisis center for Buncombe County, NC. In his current position with Advocates Graham designs and leads original workshop programs and events for schools, businesses, and the community.

ALLISON DOGLIO
Confidential Administrative Support
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Allison holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Sciences and has worked as a Private Investigator, Project Manager and most recently owned her own home organizing business.
As a survivor of domestic violence, Allison’s goal is to share her story, educate others about the realities of DV and work with survivors on their journey to healing. She’s proud to be part of a team that provides support and advocacy to the critical work of empowering survivors and victims of domestic and sexual violence.
She also loves dancing, music, playing in the water on her kayak, paddleboard or canoe and hiking.
Board of Directors
BETTER TOMORROW BOARD
Alyssa “La La” Cartmill
Board President
Brie Neppl
Board Vice President
Justin Keys
Board Treasurer
Jordan Beall
Cecilia Escobar-Ceballos
Jennifer Przymus
Cameron Felton
ADVOCATES STEERING COMMITTEE
[new committee! stay tuned]
Interested in joining our Steering Committee?
Contact chelsie@advocatesrc.org