MEET OUR STAFF
Administration
Brian Beaulieu
Executive Director
Email: director@bgcchaffee.org
"I’m in the business of making kids happy. I believe more kids smile at a Boys & Girls Club than any other place in the world. I’ve been involved with the BGC for more than 30 years, from Boston to Austin and Salida to Buena Vista. I love to watch the staff and volunteers work their magic at the BGC each day and have seen the Club inspire thousands of kids in so many ways.
Away from the Club, you’ll find me smiling while reading a book by Adam Johnson or listening to my favorite band, Calexico."
Austin Taylor
Finance Administrator
Email: austin@bgcchaffee.org
Austin Taylor is an alumnus of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley in Alamosa and understands what the Club means to kids. He holds an accounting degree from Adams State University and worked for an accounting firm in Alamosa before joining our staff in 2021. He holds a graduate degree in taxation at the University of Denver.
Austin also has a superpower—he’s a Dungeons & Dragons wiz!
Buena Vista Club Staff
Jennifer Wood
Branch Director
Email: jennifer@bgcchaffee.org
"I started my journey at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County back in 2006 and have seen it grow and expand every year. Our Club encourages youth to become productive, positive members of the community.
I love the program because it allows us to help and inspire kids from a variety of backgrounds. In the near future, I hope to expand our Junior Staff Program to involve more sixth to twelfth graders in the program."
Brandon Wells
Senior Program Director
Brandon has been an awesome addition to our staff, bringing much energy and passion to his job.
Sue Lathrop
Front Desk
"The Boys & Girls Clubs expose kids to opportunities they might otherwise never experience. I’m glad to be with the Club because it has set up a safe place for kids to be themselves. It’s as much fun as living on a boat for 12 years with a husband, three kids, one dog, two cats and a fish, which means I love it here!
I spend a great deal of time expressing my creativity through fiber arts. It's been so fulfilling to teach kids knitting and weaving on our generously donated looms. Their creations are amazing!"
Salida Club Staff
Kiki Lathrop
Branch Director
Email: kiki@bgcchaffee.org
"I worked at the Club in Buena Vista for several years before becoming branch director in Salida. My predecessor, Tessie Ortega, did a fantastic job, and I am excited about being at the Salida Club now! Working at the BGC appeals to me because I like working for nonprofits and wanted to be in the education field.
At the Club, I get to teach kids in an informal environment. More than that, the Boys & Girls Clubs help build society by providing opportunities that would not otherwise be presented. I grew up on a sailboat from ages 6-17 (mostly around the Bahamas and Florida – it was great!), have lived in the U.K., Japan and Australia, and hold a master's degree in museum studies."
Gianna Fritz
Youth Development Professional
Gianna spends most of her time in the art room doing crafts with the kids at the Club. She spent a lot of her time in the art room when she attended the Club in 2013! She graduated from Salida High School in 2020, and is currently working towards an Early Childhood Education Degree at CMC. Some of her favorite hobbies include skiing, mountain biking, making crafts, and floating in the river.