PROJECT BOARD & Staff
Karen Peregoy, Interim President
Karen worked in the criminal justice system for 42 years before retiring in 2015. She has seen what a difference it can make in someone’s life to realize that there are alternatives to violence and has experienced it in her own life. She is very committed to passing that knowledge on to anyone open to hearing it. On a more personal note, she loves reading (science fiction/fantasy and mysteries), pickleball, the outdoors and scuba diving. She has been on a quest for personal insight and improvement for the past 25 years.
Sandy Lane, Interim Treasurer
Sandy served as Associate Professor and Drawing Coordinator at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she taught from 1999-2021. She received her BFA and MFA from the University of Colorado at Boulder. While at MSU Denver, Lane served as a founding member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, finding it rewarding, enlightening, and humbling. Upon semi-retirement, she actively sought volunteer opportunities that would further her interest in serving the community with a mission honoring the values inherent in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Lane was introduced to AVP and its mission and was excited to join its volunteer team and become a board member and support a positive approach to communication while learning to avoid the path to violence.
Jackie Pecquex, Interim Secretary
Jackie was introduced to AVP through a friend, and subsequently participated in both Beginner and Advanced workshops, as well as facilitator training. She is passionate about the program and how it can improve the emotional intelligence of participants and facilitators alike. She enjoys participating in AVP workshops to connect on a deeper level with people of varied backgrounds. She works in marketing for a personal finance and investing company. Along with reducing violence in communities, she is passionate about LGBTQ+ issues, and improving financial literacy for all.
Zac Seeber, Board Member
Zac has a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and a Master’s in Finance. After working with the Assistance League of Colorado Springs during his undergraduate studies, he found his enthusiasm for giving back to the community in meaningful ways. He’s passionate about the concrete results of AVP programs and hopes to use his professional experience to continue that important work in reducing recidivism and promoting violence prevention. Zac joined the AVP Colorado board in 2022.
Ella Young, Board Member
Ella’s graduate work in criminology and forensic psychology introduced her to the importance of reformative programs during incarceration. Ella is passionate about research and evidence based solutions. She is excited to serve on AVP’s board.
Melanie Foreman, Board Member
Melanie combines her career as a leader in the technology industry, education in Finance from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and long-standing commitment to women's rights as she strives to contribute to conflict resolution and fostering peace. Her approach centers on promoting positive change through nonviolent communication, and an appreciation for the power of empathy. Melanie is hopeful that her professional background aligns with AVP's mission, emphasizing the transformative potential of restorative justice in reducing recidivism and cultivating positive, lasting change.
Herb Reynolds, Board Member
Herb is retired from a 35-year career within the juvenile justice system. For over 20 years he worked as a probation officer for the Family Division of 17th Circuit Court in Kent County, Michigan. Also, after moving to Colorado he has worked as a case manager and supervisor for Ridgeview Academy, a residential treatment facility for delinquent boys. He believes that AVP has proven to be an effective program that encourages personal growth, helps improve communication and conflict resolution skills. AVP’s contribution to Restorative Justice practices is significant. He is hopeful that he can make a positive contribution to the vital work being performed by volunteers and participants to promote community healing. In the past he has volunteered with organizations such as the Institute for Healing Racism, Grand Rapids and Habitat for Humanity. Also, he continues to serve in various capacities within his Faith Community. He enjoys having fun with his loving family and various outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling and skiing.
Amita Manandhar, Board Member
Amita has worked in nonprofit and higher education space throughout her career. Her work has always been focused on creative work, education, and social justice. Amita believes in the power of education and creativity, so she’s passionate about being involved in spaces where she can help build an equitable world for everyone.
Máire Callan, Volunteer Coordinator
Máire is delighted to be part of the growth of AVP Colorado and brings a wealth of skills and experience to the position of Volunteer Coordinator. For more than 15 years, Máire worked in dental practice management, where she acted as liaison between doctors and staff. This entailed cultivating patient rapport, promoting staff teamwork and morale, implementing new collection and management policies, and training staff to solve problems creatively and work together toward a common goal. She also organized multiple appointment schedules, managed numerous research projects, and facilitated all personal and professional correspondence. Máire graduated with Distinction from the Iliff School of Theology, where she embarked on a career change that specialized in Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling and Chaplaincy. As a trained AVP Facilitator, she has completed AVP workshops at the Colorado Correctional Center, Denver Women’s Correctional Facility and Cheyenne Mountain Re-Entry Center.