JARROD IRWIN: Pastor
Jarrod is the Senior Pastor of The Rising Church, dedicated to leading the congregation in loving God wholeheartedly and loving their neighbors. Hired in 2024, he focuses on proclaiming the gospel, teaching the Bible, providing pastoral care, and equipping the church to make disciples of Jesus. Before joining The Rising, he served at Open Door Fellowship for 10 years in leadership roles and is the President of TELOS School of Discipleship, a ministry aiding those in addiction, homelessness, and poverty. Jarrod holds degrees in philosophy, psychology, and Christian Studies. He is married to Amy and blessed with four children.
KAREN COWLING: Mission Arvada Executive Director
Karen Cowling, Mission Arvada’s executive director, brings over 30 years of Special Education experience and a passion for serving others. Since 2017, she has overseen shelter operations, supervising staff, counseling clients, and connecting them to critical resources like healthcare, legal services, and mental health support. A former foster parent with her husband, Keith, Karen is a founder of the Arvada Overnight Weather Shelter, aiding people experiencing homelessness during winter. Recognized with the 2018 Image Award, Karen’s compassionate leadership extends to volunteer training, advocacy, and ensuring vital services for those in need, reflecting her dedication to making a meaningful difference.
KEITH COWLING: Finance Director
Keith Cowling, Finance Director for The Rising Church, oversees financial reporting and accounting for the church and Mission Arvada. After a 37-year career at the Credit Union of Denver, including 22 years as CEO, Keith retired in 2022 and brought his extensive leadership and financial expertise to this role. Holding an MBA in Finance and a BA in Journalism/Advertising, he blends financial acumen with a diverse skill set. Passionate about community service, Keith volunteers at Mission Arvada alongside his wife, Karen, the organization’s executive director. Together, they are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
LORI PERRY-CRUMRINE: Assistant Director & Team Lead
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Lori Perry-Crumrine, Assistant Director and Day Shelter Team Leader at Mission Arvada, is a retired educator with over 30 years of experience. She spent 15 years as a Special Education teacher in Denver Public Schools and 18 years as an assistant principal in Jeffco Public Schools. Lori holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado and completed her master’s and doctoral work at the University of Denver. Volunteering since 2019, Lori is passionate about supporting individuals often overlooked, continuing her lifelong dedication to helping those in need. She attends Faith Church in Arvada.
BERZETTE GREEN: Case Manager & Housing Specialist
Berzette Green, Case Manager at Mission Arvada, began volunteering in 2020 and now supports newly housed clients through a city human services grant. Originally from California, she studied Business Management and Administration at Kaplan University and has extensive experience in developmental disabilities and mental health services. Berzette served as an Administrator for Adult Day Behavioral Centers and Group Homes before working for Pacific Clinics as a Housing Supervisor. Her work focuses on helping individuals with mental health challenges or chronic homelessness achieve stability and integration. She is passionate about improving quality of life and fostering community productivity for those in need.
CHRISTINE THURSTON: Case Manager, Winter Shelter Coordinator
Christine Thurston is a Case Manager and Coordinator of Mission Arvada's new Arvada Overnight Weather Shelter. Volunteering at The Rising Church since 2015, Christine has actively supported Mission Arvada's efforts to aid the homeless community. With a background in hospitality, insurance, and personal assistance, she brings strong organizational skills and a customer-focused approach to her work.
Christine holds an AA in Liberal Arts and has a deep passion for serving God and helping others navigate challenges. Having experienced homelessness herself, she offers empathetic support to clients while facilitating access to vital services, coordinating resources, and managing grant documentation.
VERA ANANDA: Volunteer Coordinator, Data Administrator
Vera Ananda joined Mission Arvada as a volunteer in November 2021, starting as a front desk receptionist. In 2022, she began co-writing grant applications for the day shelter and food pantry while assisting with client enrollment for housing services and case management. Most recently, she has served as volunteer coordinator, data administrator, and communications specialist. She co-created and implemented the emergency Arvada Overnight Weather Shelter program, mobilizing local faith-based organizations to provide a safe, warm place to sleep on the coldest winter nights. Vera holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics from CU Boulder and has worked as a middle school science teacher and a family childcare provider. Passionate about making a difference, Vera is dedicated to helping clients overcome challenges to achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and secure housing, reflecting her commitment to empowering others and fostering lasting change.
Joe Keller: Day Shelter Assistant | Team Lead
Joe Keller serves as the Day Shelter Assistant and Team Lead at Mission Arvada, where he brings empathy, strength, and leadership to daily operations. A recovering addict, Joe uses his lived experience to build trust and de-escalate conflict. Originally hired as a janitor, his dedication quickly elevated him into a key leadership role. Deeply rooted in his Christian faith, Joe sees his work as a calling. Whether coordinating volunteers or offering a listening ear, he is a steady, compassionate presence—committed to helping others find stability, hope, and a fresh start.
JACI LIPPERT: Team Leader
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Jaci Lippert’s journey to serving the unhoused community began with her church hosting the Severe Weather Shelter Network before the pandemic. She found the simple act of sharing a meal to be life-saving for guests and transformative for those building community together. After Covid restrictions were lifted, Jaci began volunteering at Mission Arvada, recognizing it as the perfect opportunity to continue this mission. With a background in sales, procurement, training, and customer care management, she brings valuable skills to her role. Jaci is excited to see how God will work in this next season as she continues to serve and make an impact.
DONNA SCHAFLER: Team Lead
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Originally from Los Angeles, California, Donna has been a dedicated volunteer at Mission Arvada since 2021. Over the years, she has served in a variety of impactful roles including providing haircuts, coordinating the food pantry, assisting with administrative tasks, and most recently, stepping into a leadership role as a team leader.
A proud Arvada resident for the past 12 years, Donna was inspired to begin volunteering through her own lived experiences. Now 19 years sober, she brings empathy, strength, and a deep understanding to her work—qualities that also drive her roles as a peer support specialist at the Jefferson Center for Mental Health and as the full-time caregiver to a disabled family member.
Donna’s commitment to service is rooted in her desire to make a meaningful difference in her community, and her journey is a powerful example of resilience and compassion in action.
SUSAN DOAK: Grant Writing Team Lead
Susan Doak joined Mission Arvada as a volunteer in April 2020, inspired to help address the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the unsheltered community in Arvada. With 15 years of experience in the financial industry and two decades as a librarian, Susan brings a unique blend of skills to her role leading Mission Arvada's volunteer grant-writing team. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Colorado State University and a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute, Susan is deeply honored to support Mission Arvada's dedicated staff and volunteers in their compassionate service to individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.
TRACY EBERSOLE: Kitchen Coordinator
Trudy Ebersole, Mission Arvada’s Kitchen Coordinator, found her calling in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. A retired Special Education teacher, Trudy began as a volunteer distributing sack lunches and soon stepped into a leadership role. Today, she oversees a dedicated team of 25+ volunteers, preparing and serving two hot meals daily to over 60 clients. Known for her compassion and attention to detail, Trudy not only ensures smooth kitchen operations but also fosters meaningful connections with clients, creating a space where everyone feels valued. For Trudy, Mission Arvada is more than a shelter—it’s a community of dignity and care.
JILL NICKERSON: Food Pantry Manager
Jill Nickerson has managed Mission Arvada’s Food Pantry since 2020, ensuring the pantry remains well-stocked and organized. She collaborates with agencies and donors to secure essential food supplies, managing both planned purchases and spontaneous donations. Jill’s involvement began during the pandemic, responding to a volunteer call by serving meals at The Rising Church before taking on the food pantry manager role.
With over 30 years as a paralegal in civil litigation and a BA in criminal justice and political science, Jill brings professional expertise to her role. Outside Mission Arvada, she volunteers with Reading Partners and enjoys time with her rescued Flat-Coat Retriever, M.
SEAN CALDERON: Software Engineer
Sean Calderon, a seasoned software engineer, has been instrumental in enhancing Mission Arvada’s data management since 2019. Inspired by the organization’s compassion for the homeless, Sean identified inefficiencies in manual client check-ins and volunteered to develop a digital tracking system. Collaborating with Mission Arvada leadership, he designed and implemented the software within six months, streamlining Day Shelter operations. Sean continues to refine the system, adding new features to optimize processes and support the ministry’s growth. His technical expertise and dedication to Mission Arvada exemplify his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community.