PROJECT BOARD & Staff
Karen Peregoy, Board 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.
Mary Katherine (MK) Brooks-Fleming, Board Vice President
“Until I became a parent, I had never taken the time to reflect on my own communication style. My parents, like so many others, used parenting techniques steeped in fear and coercive control. As a result, I’ve spent most of my adult life in therapy, trying to unlearn these bad habits so that I don’t inflict them on my own children. In my role as a community activist, I have often wondered how those without access to mental health support services like therapy would begin to address let alone unlearn any behavior patterns that no longer served them. In a time when compassion and empathy are becoming increasingly scarce and budget crises abound, AVP’s services have never been more timely, more salient, or more desperately needed. I am proud to support an organization that teaches people to express their feelings safely and advocate for themselves productively. I’m proud to help our facilitators support so many people who are willing to make positive changes in justice affected communities, which contain some of the most marginalized individuals in our society.”
Jackie Pecquex, Board 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.
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.
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.
Jack Barsch, Board Member
Jack is currently a Director of Marketing at GFM|CenterTable, an agency with deep roots in Colorado. Through his position, he works consistently with nonprofits to amplify their voice and impact and fell in love with making a difference in his community. He became passionate about restorative justice, personal growth and compassionate community building and was thrilled to find an organization like AVP-CO that makes a meaningful difference in these areas. Outside of these areas, he loves the University of Colorado, snowshoeing and games of all kinds.
Janice Lee, Board Member
Janice got involved with AVP by wanting to turn her passion into action, and stayed because this community made sense. She cares about community, creative work and pushing back against the systems that try to keep us small.
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.