OUR MISSION & VISION
OUR MISSION & VISION
MISSION
Our mission is to empower and enrich lives through adaptive recreational activities.
VISION
Our vision is to provide life changing experiences for its participants.
ABOUT US
STARS’ mission is to empower and enrich lives through adaptive recreational activities. STARS was formed in 2007 by a group of parents, ski instructors, and management from Steamboat Ski Corporation to help provide improved winter recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2010, STARS was contracted by Steamboat Ski Corporation to be the exclusive operator of all winter adaptive lessons and programs for the Steamboat Ski area. Since then, STARS has grown to offer year-round programming on and off the mountain.
We believe that adaptive recreation can positively impact the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. STARS’ programs help individuals discover the outdoors and teach skills to overcome health challenges, as well as develop confidence, self-esteem, and independence. We use skiing, cycling, therapeutic horseback riding, kayaking and many other activities to empower people with disabilities.
These activities help to reduce depression and isolation by increasing physical activity, self-sufficiency, and hope in our participants. We believe that through our programs, we strengthen families and communities while encouraging individuals to become productive and responsible citizens.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
WINTER 2022 – 2023

MAC FINLEY
Camps/Groups Coordinator and Instructor
Camps/Groups Coordinator and Instructor

CHRISTY ABBEY
Instructor
Instructor

TYLER BERKA
Instructor
Instructor

JP CHAMNESS
Instructor
Instructor

ERICA DAY
Instructor
Instructor

MEGHAN DOLLIFF
Instructor
Instructor

DAVID KOCZERA
Instructor
Instructor

LOUIS SMITH
Instructor
Instructor

MELISSA POLLACK
Instructor
Instructor

BREONNA POLLACK
Instructor
Instructor
MEET THE HERD

ZEN

PONGO

PONY

SUNDAY

VERA

JOEY

WILL
HOW CAN YOU BE A PART OF STARS?
HOW CAN YOU BE A PART OF STARS?
There are always available opportunities to get involved with Steamboat STARS. From internships to mentoring to volunteering for events, come find your place where you can join in on enriching and empowering lives! Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JEFF MESSINGER – PRESIDENT
Retired Sales Director – Pfizer Inc.
Resides in Routt County
GAIL JENSEN – PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Owner and Board Member – Great Plains Communication
Resides in Routt County
SCOTT ABELL – TREASURER
Vice President, Bedrock Investments Group
Retired Managing Director, Capital Markets
Cushman and Wakefield
Resides in Routt County and Rancho Santa Fe, California
CHARLENE ROSENBLATT – SECRETARY
Real Estate Agent – Coldwell Banker
Resides in Boulder and Routt County
STEVE TOBER
Former M & A Attorney, Previous Managing Director of Investment Banking Corporate and Business Services
Currently CEO of Perspectus, Inc.
Parent of a child with a disability
Resides in Denver and Routt County
JILL BOYD
Physical Therapist – PT2GO, previously with Northwest Colorado Health, Yampa Valley Medical Center and Craig Memorial Hospital
Resides in Routt County
SUNNY OWENS
Dentist – Sunshine Dentistry
Parent of a child with a disability
Resides in Routt County
KAY RAWLINGS
Community Volunteer/Advocate for Inclusion
Parent of a young adult with special needs
Resides in Seattle and Routt County
TRISH SULLIVAN
Vice President of Human Resources of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp.
Resides in Routt County
NELSON WINGARD
Director, Steamboat Ski Resort SnowSports School
The STARS Board are now meeting quarterly.