Staff
PJ D’Amico, Project Director
PJ D’Amico has worked for more than 30 years in social justice, community leadership, and education, with a focus on nonviolence and restorative approaches to conflict. He previously served as the founding Director of RedLine Contemporary Art Center in Denver, where he helped position the organization as a platform for dialogue, community engagement, and social change. PJ has taught courses in social justice and leadership at Regis University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver, and has partnered with community-based organizations in both the U.S. and East Africa on projects centered on dignity and economic justice. Influenced by the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, PJ is drawn to AVP’s experiential approach and its emphasis on self-awareness, communication, and choosing alternatives to violence. He enjoys time outdoors and is the parent of two daughters.
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.
Board of directors
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.
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.
Brandon Bodnar, Board Treasurer
Bio to come.
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.
Dr. Wayne Thomas, Board Member
Dr. Wayne Thomas is an accomplished professional whose career reflects a strong commitment to leadership, education, and service. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Performance and Sport with an emphasis in Athletic Training from Metropolitan State College of Denver, followed by a Master of Arts in Kinesiology with a specialization in Athletic Training from Fresno Pacific University. Continuing his pursuit of academic excellence, he went on to earn a Doctorate in Health Sciences (D.H.Sc.) from A.T. Still University, where his studies focused on Leadership and Organizational Behavior.
Throughout his career, Dr. Thomas has built a successful path in healthcare, serving in a variety of leadership roles and contributing to the development of high-performing teams and patient-centered outcomes. In 2024, he founded Hustle Influence & Motivation Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-level re-entry services for formerly incarcerated individuals who aspire to pursue careers in corporate America or become entrepreneurs. In addition to leading the organization, Dr. Thomas continues to invest in his own professional development, most recently earning a coaching certification to further strengthen his leadership, mentorship, and organizational development capabilities.
While his academic and professional achievements reflect years of dedication and discipline, Dr. Thomas’s lived experience within the criminal justice system remains a powerful driving force behind his work. Having overcome the challenges associated with incarceration, he is deeply committed to helping others impacted by the justice system recognize their potential, rebuild their lives, and pursue meaningful opportunities for long-term success.
Marccus Spearman, Board Member
Bio to come.