Nikki created YANAM2M in 2017 after two local moms took their lives and the lives of their children. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science, Master’s Degree in Adult Ed and Development, training in Maternal Mental Health, Registered Psychotherapist status, 24 years of experience in the education realm and experience as a wife and mom of three kids, she is passionate about changing the world, one mom at a time through the Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies support program.

Savannah Becerril is the Program Director for YANA’s Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies. With more than 15 years of experience in business development, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, she is deeply committed to supporting pregnant and postpartum families through culturally responsive, relationship-centered care. Savannah brings a background in Patient Navigation, peer support, and partnership development.  She is passionate about building strong systems of support that help families thrive during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. In her role with Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies, Savannah oversees program strategy, partnerships, and day-to-day operations, ensuring families receive consistent, compassionate, and accessible support. She works closely with hospitals, community partners, and peer supporters to strengthen referral pathways, expand postpartum education, and center the lived experiences of the families served. Through this work, Savannah helps shape a program model that prioritizes trust, equity, and long-term maternal and family well-being.

Mary brings extensive experience in education, community partnerships, and program development. She holds a BA in English Education and an MA in Rhetoric and Composition, grounding her work in a belief that language and communication are powerful tools for building strong, connected communities. Relationship‑building is at the heart of her approach, and she leads with trust, empathy, and curiosity. Before entering the nonprofit sector, Mary spent more than a decade teaching at Colorado State University. As a mom of two, she is personally and professionally committed to the YANA mission and the families it serves. Outside of work, Mary can be found skiing or mountain biking with her family, practicing yoga, dancing, or hunting for the perfect cup of coffee.

Born and raised in Centennial, Colorado, Jasleen is a Hospital Coordinator for YANA, with a passion for advocacy, Jasleen is dedicated to building meaningful connections and ensuring families feel supported, informed, and empowered. A proud single mother of two daughters, including one with special needs, her personal experiences strongly influence her work and drive her dedication to serving others. Outside of work, Jasleen enjoys staying actively involved in her community and supporting local organizations. She believes true impact is made by showing up, lifting others up, and creating spaces where people and families can thrive together.

Shannon Harrell is an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with over 30 years of professional experience in early childhood education and mental health. She brings extensive expertise in trauma-informed care, adult learning, and social-emotional development. Shannon holds three endorsements through the Colorado Association for Infant Mental Health, including Infant and Early Childhood Family Specialist and Reflective Supervisor. Her professional background includes work with nonprofit organizations, corporations, and school-based preschool programs, with a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including preschool teacher and director, kindergarten teacher, early childhood coach, and trainer. She currently serves on two Early Childhood Council boards and is a board member of the nonprofit organization Baby Bear Hugs. Shannon has developed strong skills in reflective listening, parent support and resource connection, program development, counseling, advocacy, and leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special Education, is a certified Newborn Specialist, and has received specialized training in trauma-informed care, all of which support her thoughtful, evidence-based approach to practice. Shannon is deeply committed to Maternal Mental Health and is passionate about supporting the emotional well-being of individuals and families during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and beyond. A native of Colorado, she has been married for 25 years and is the mother of four children, including a set of triplets. Her personal experience navigating the NICU deeply informs her professional work and fuels her desire to give back the support she once received to mothers during their most vulnerable moments. Through her work with YANAM2M, Shannon is honored to be part of the village that surrounds and supports families. Her goal is to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to compassionate, responsive care that fosters healthier outcomes for mothers, children, and communities.

Chandra Thomas has spent 28 years working in education, supporting children and families through some of life’s most important early stages. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on primary education, giving her a strong foundation in early childhood development and family support. Throughout her career, Chandra has been passionate about creating caring, supportive environments where people feel encouraged and empowered. As a wife and mom of two, she brings both professional experience and personal understanding to her work and is deeply committed to supporting new mothers as they navigate the early days of parenthood.

Stephanie is our Program Facilitator at Castle Rock Hospital and is also the owner of Fit4Mom Castle Rock.  Her professional journey began in fields outside of women’s health and wellness, although she always knew there was something more she wanted to pursue, she gained valuable experience in communication, health, and support along the way. After becoming a mom to two beautiful girls, she discovered Fit4Mom and instantly fell in love with its mission to empower mothers through fitness, connection, and community. This passion eventually led her to take on ownership of Fit4Mom Castle Rock, where she now help moms navigate their physical and mental wellness journeys. Through a local mama, she met Nikki and learned about YANA and its inspiring mission. She became a huge supporter of YANA’s efforts, which align so deeply with her own passion for empowering and uplifting women, especially new moms. She is married to her wonderful husband, Erik, and together they’ve built a life centered around family and connection. She is thrilled to be part of an incredible team of women supporting women. Her mission is to ensure every mom feels seen, supported, and encouraged, whether they’re taking their first steps in motherhood or navigating the ongoing challenges of raising a family.

Kara Boyd brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and advocacy experience to the organization. She is also the founder and President/CEO of Project: Distributing Dignity and a founding member of statewide coalitions advocating for menstrual equity. Under her leadership, Project: Distributing Dignity was named one of the “50 Period Heroes in 50 States” by Procter & Gamble and Walmart. Her work reflects a deep commitment to dignity, equity, and accessible resources for those navigating complex life challenges. Kara’s connection to YANAM2M’s mission is personal. After the birth of her second child, she experienced severe postpartum depression and vividly remembers being told by her OB to “get over it.” That moment of dismissal fuels her belief that no mother should ever feel alone or unheard during such a vulnerable time. With strong skills in fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and relationship building, Kara strengthens YANAM2M’s ability to expand peer-led support and create compassionate pathways for mothers and caregivers.