Our Leadership
Everyone on our team is here because we care deeply for those with mental health conditions. We use our unique talents to advocate for mental health and we spread SunShine because we know there are Brighter Days Ahead for all!
-
KAYLA GILMORE - President & Executive Director
Kayla is a Storywriter and Mental Health Advocate, as well as the President & Executive Director of SunShineBlu. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Media, authored a book on forgiveness and has more than 20 years of experience in Communications & Marketing.
ㅤ
Kayla is also a NOVA credentialed Victim Advocate and has worked for local police departments and DA’s offices. Volunteering for numerous non-profit organizations, Kayla’s passion is to “fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.” After experiencing and watching others struggle with the stigma behind mental health, as well as inadequate mental healthcare, Kayla founded SunShineBlu to support, encourage and advocate for those with mental health conditions.
ㅤ
She lives in Longmont, Colorado, with her husband, two sons and two furry friends. She named SunShineBlu because she loves the hot sun (the light!) and being on the water - beach, lake or pool!
-
VALERIE MILLER - Chief Operating Officer
Valerie is an oil-loving, rock-collecting, yoga-doing, tree-hugging, daughter of a hippie! She was born in Boulder and raised in Longmont before there was even a mall or a Walmart. She is a Speech Language Pathologist by trade and works with students (middle school through age 21) who have severe disabilities.
-
MELISSA HONN - Advocacy Director
Melissa MSN-Ed BSN is a registered nurse with a Master's of Nursing Education. She also has two Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Spanish. She is an instructor at Colorado Mesa University for LPN to BSN students. Her main focus is working as a nurse clinician in a Cardiology Catheterization Department and Interventional Radiology.
ㅤ
Melissa has extensive experience working in rural emergency rooms where mental health is scarce. She advocates treating mental health as a vital and intrinsic part of medicine for patients facing physical trauma and disease. Her varied medical experience integrates mental health as a component for peer, patient and student support.
-
DUNCAN SCHAEFER - Communications Director
Duncan has been working in Marketing and Communications since 2014 largely for the church but also for many small businesses and non-profits. Much of his joy and motivation comes from helping others, especially if it helps relieve someone's day-to-day stresses.
ㅤ
Duncan is happiest when surrounded by the "Great Outdoors". He loves to hike, see new places and try new things. Once a Colorado resident, he says one look at the Rockies can turn a bad day into a good day. He is also a musician and singer.
ㅤ
Duncan currently resides in Bowling Green, Kentucky with his wife, Courtney, two German Shepherds (Zoey & Teddy) and three cats (Audrey, Holly & Henry). No offense to Kentuckians but Duncan dreams of a more "exotic" place to live.
-
LIJA DAY - Grant Writer
Lija is a master at customer service and has worked in the industry for more than 15 years. After a reaction to a medication, she discovered that a Medical Alert Service Dog would bring her comfort and help in her time of need. In 2007 she founded her own non-profit, Colorado Service Dogs. She has a big heart for people with mental health conditions and we’re thankful she’s on our team.
Board of Directors
-
Don Potratz, Treasurer
Don Potratz, owner of Long’s Peak Accounting, has more than 45 years of dedicated expertise in the payroll and accounting industry. Throughout his successful career, Don has navigated director-level roles within renowned national corporations such as Waldenbooks and ADP. Don's professional journey is marked by a profound commitment to excellence and customer service, evidenced by his adeptness in crafting cutting-edge SaaS-based payroll and financial solutions. His proficiency extends to orchestrating the seamless integration of expansive payroll and HR systems on a large scale.
Don's academic foundation is anchored by a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Long Island University, which has served as a springboard for his remarkable achievements. Residing in Longmont, Colorado, Don finds joy in the company of his loving wife and daughter, cherishing the balance between his illustrious career and cherished family life. -
April Bysfield, Secretary
April Bysfield earned both her Master’s and Bachelor's Degrees in Social Work from The University of Kansas, laying the foundation for her extensive career in social services. Throughout her career, she’s held various social work roles, each contributing to her deep understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health and child welfare and positively impacting countless lives through work. Her commitment to excellence has earned her recognition as a trusted advocate in the social work field.
Originally from the vibrant Kansas City area, she relocated to Longmont with her family in 2020. She currently serves as a dedicated school social worker in the St Vrain Valley School District, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering student well-being. She provides essential mental health support, imparts social-emotional skills and facilitates access to vital community resources for students and families.
Beyond her professional commitments, she serves as the Vice President of her child’s local elementary school PTO, further deepening her involvement in nurturing thriving educational environments.
