Staff.Background image is of four people in Groundwork Denver tee shirts working on the downspout of a home to install ia rain barrel.

Our Team

headshot of derek smiling into the camera

derek mccoy (he/him/they/us)
executive director
derek@GroundworkColorado.Org

derek has served the majority of his career working with youth, beginning with Mapleton Public Schools in Thornton, Colorado, where he also grew up going to K-12, and then over 12 years with a Denver nonprofit called Project PAVE, focusing on social/emotional learning. He believes that social/emotional justice and environmental justice are two sides of the same coin, and lives a lifestyle, along with his family, that is intent upon continual advancement of healing and sustainability practices. He is a lay plant-based vegan chef, enjoys indoor and outdoor gardening, somatic body practices (sports/dance/martial arts/yoga), and being in nature with loved ones.

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Pat Barron-Baca (she/her/hers)
Energy Efficiency Services Coordinator
Pat@GroundworkColorado.Org

Pat is no stranger to extending a helping hand to members of the community in need of assistance. She recently retired after 36 years with the State of Colorado as a staff and administrative assistant. Pat primarily worked with the Office of the State Public Defender, which provides legal representation to the criminally accused who are unable to afford private legal representation. After a short-lived stint as a retiree, she realized that she had many productive years ahead of her and decided to go back into the workforce. She was faced with the choice of continuing in the field of providing legal services in the private sector or moving into the nonprofit sector, providing services in furtherance of the mission of Groundwork Denver. The choice was easy and thus, she became a member of the Groundwork Denver team to help our clients connect with all of the energy efficiency assistance and resources available to them.

Shonnie smiling into the camera

Shonnie Fisher (she/her/hers)
Grit & Urban Resilience Training Manager
Shonnie@GroundworkColorado.Org

After graduating from the University of Northern Colorado, Shonnie trailblazed her way through the intricacies of career building. As a Teen Specialist at Vickers Boys and Girls Club she found her passion for youth development. Equipped with five years of experience as a workforce development professional, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to pursue rewarding careers that align with their strengths and interests. With a proactive and innovative approach, she strives to make a positive impact in the community and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. When she has a bit of down time, Shonnie is most likely perusing the LinkedIn pages of Groundwork Denver candidates that have found her LinkedIn profile.

Rachel smiles into the camera. She's hiking with trekking poles and there is a beautiful mountain scene in the background.

Rachel Fishman (she/her/hers)
Youth Programs Manager
Rachel@GroundworkColorado.Org

Rachel moved to Denver after graduating from Northwestern University, where she discovered a passion for food sustainability and working with youth. She has worked in youth education at several nonprofits, most recently including The GrowHaus and Slow Food Denver. She is excited to be joining a team that is centering community, working towards environmental justice, and building pathways for youth leadership. Outside of work, Rachel can usually be found hiking, reading, or trying to find the best ice cream in the city.

Headshot of Molly McPhee smiling into the camera.

Molly McPhee (she/her/hers)
Senior Director of Youth Programs
Molly@GroundworkColorado.Org

Molly is originally from New Hampshire but discovered her love of Colorado while working at a summer camp in the mountains near the Indian Peaks Wilderness. She decided to relocate to Denver upon receiving her master's degree in Community Development and Planning from Clark University. She spent many years working in the Health & Outdoor Education department at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver before working as a program manager in the edtech industry. She is thrilled to reconnect with the Denver community and join a team that is committed to centering youth and community in its actions. When she is not working, you can find Molly running, hiking with her dog, and puttering around her tiny garden.

Photo of Aracely smiling

Aracely Navarro (she/her/hers)
Senior Director of Community Health Programs
Aracely@GroundworkColorado.Org

Aracely Navarro is a first-generation Chicana and daughter of Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants. Aracely believes deeply that there is great healing and decolonization needed for the land and the people. For this reason, Aracely's work centers environmental justice, reproductive justice and the healing of her community, the Mother Earth, all the generations. Aracely holds a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health from Emory University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from Colorado College. Aracely loves learning about herbal medicine, birth work and regenerative agricultural practices. Her heart is truly in this work to heal the community and protect Mother Earth and all of her children.

Aracely will always welcome you with an open heart and a ready ear!

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Lorenzo Sanchez (he/him/his)
Energy Program Director
Lorenzo@GroundworkColorado.Org

Lorenzo is the son of immigrant parents from Mexico and grew up in the Denver Metro area. He attended the University of Denver where he studied Spanish and Sociology on a Daniels Fund Scholarship.  After receiving his Bachelor’s from DU, Lorenzo worked for six years as a middle and high school math teacher in low-income communities including West Denver, Montbello, and rural Eastern Oregon.  Lorenzo absolutely loved teaching, however, as a teacher, he noticed a dire need for healing and wellness in low-income communities of color. Lorenzo decided to leave education and began working on a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine at the Colorado School for Traditional Chinese Medicine, where he studied acupuncture, fire cups, moxibustion, and herbal remedies. His passions include health, wellness, meditation, traveling, jewelry, and martial arts. He first walked into a community boxing gym seventeen years ago and has since also trained in Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and Kung Fu. He has always loved connecting with nature and is excited to be a part of the Groundwork Denver team!
Picture of Jessica Swindon, Director of Water Program

Jessica Swindon (she/her/they/them)
Water Program Director
Jessica@GroundworkColorado.Org

Jessica is originally from upstate New York and grew up next to Onondaga Lake, one of the most polluted lakes in the country, which evoked her deep commitment to environmental justice. She has spent most of her career as an environmental scientist specializing in plant and soil science. She received her master's degree from the Yale School of the Environment where her thesis work brought her to Colorado. Jessica is committed to serving her community and is an active volunteer in several organizations related to environmental and social justice in Colorado and New York. When she is not focusing on her environmental work, Jessica enjoys gardening, attending live music, and spending time with her dog, Ruby.

Photo of Alex smiling into the camera. He's wearing a cowboy hat and in the background is a pyramid.

Alex Xavier Tiscareño (El, He, We, Us)
Sheridan Inspire Initiative Director
Alex@GroundworkColorado.Org

Alex is a first-generation Latino American, transmasculine, Two-Spirit being whose unique perspective enriches his role as the coordinator of the Sheridan Inspire Coalition through Groundwork Denver. Growing up in Mexico, Alex developed a deep love for nature and people early on. He attended school in Sheridan, Colorado, where his experiences shaped his commitment to connecting BIPOC and diverse communities to the outdoors, fostering stronger relationships with intuition and nature.

With a bachelor's degree in Psychology and certifications as a licensed massage therapist and life coach, Alex brings a holistic approach to his work. His ability to connect deeply with individuals helps them navigate life with greater ease and purpose. Under Alex’s leadership, Sheridan Inspire bridges gaps between people and resources, creating opportunities for under-resourced and underrepresented communities to engage with nature.

Alex’s personal passions include meditating outdoors, grounding himself in nature, and drawing inspiration from books like "The Mastery of Love," "The Alchemist," and "The Four Agreements." These influences shape his philosophical outlook and drive.

Honored to lead a dedicated team, Alex champions a message of love for nature and inclusivity. His unwavering commitment to community building and environmental stewardship reflects his vision for a better world for all, making him a charismatic and impactful leader.