Who We Are! – Denver Writes

Kevin Peterson, Program Director

Kevin started with Denver Writes in 2014, first as a volunteer, then instructor, and then Program Director. He found out about Denver Writes the same way most people do, while on vacation in California, then worked his way backwards into the organization. Working in just about every creative field from a child extra in A Miracle on 34th Street to multiple years working at Casa Bonita, he managed to hone his writing skills and is somehow also able to be an illustrator, animator, poet, comic creator, and playwright. Over the years he’s had poems and writing published in literary journals, plays performed with theatre organizations in Colorado and New Mexico, and has had artwork appear a couple of television shows that are no longer on the air and you’ve probably never heard of them. And after all of that, being a part of Denver Writes is absolutely the most creatively rewarding experience of his life. He spends his time with his two cats, Mittens and Mister Widdles.

A, Intern

Arden isn’t real.

Rylan, Intern (Owner and smartest person “king of all children”)

Rylan really likes helping the homeless, babysitting orphan baby monkeys, donating parts of her millions of dollars to various charities that support those in need of dentures, and creating toupees for people who are bald (to name a few). Obviously she is a very kind member of the community (the king of the community actually) and takes time out of her busy schedule to land one of her many private jets to wherever Denver Writes is. She loves writing (specifically checks because she is LOADED (cah ching cat ching)) and loves helping other people write. Imagine. Wow I wish I could meet her.

On a more realistic note, Rylan has been volunteering and attending Denver Writes clubs and after school groups for about a year. She is really enthusiastic about writing all sorts of things, (like writing writing and writing writings and other writing sorta things) so Denver Writes is something she really enjoys doing. She does pottery and other ceramic related things in her free time (not including smashing plates or sculpting sculptures of strange things like orphan baby monkeys). She loves her family and younger brother- and fruit roll ups.

Charlie, Summer Intern

Jen Walden, Board Treasurer

Jen’s passion for writing took off at age 7 when her story about a ski adventure was published and submitted in a young authors competition. Fast forward many years, a BS in Communication and Psychology, an MS in Criminology, a stint in Corporate America, three years as a flight attendant collecting priceless experiences, and a first novel, and she finally lands at Denver Writes!

With her heart being drawn to opportunities with youth, Jen is now focusing on education through work in high schools, teaching 4^th graders about Colorado at the History Colorado Center, and her dedication to the creative young writers who flourish because of Denver Writes. Jen loves being able to give back to this writing community knowing the sense of accomplishment each kid experiences is nothing short of amazing!

Jenny Hekkers, Board Secretary

Jenny Hekkers is a teacher, a mother to two middle schoolers (!!!), a music lover, a supporter of ethical fashion, and an excited reader. She especially loves memoirs and hopes to write her own one day. For the last 7 years, she’s been a reading intervention teacher at Park Hill Elementary, and before that, a 4th and 5th grade classroom teacher. She also works a few shifts at Dona Forta, an ethical women’s clothing boutique in the Berkeley neighborhood. She believes strongly that young people have a lot to say and should be supported to speak their truth, and she strongly supports the mission of Denver Writes. While not teaching, reading memoirs, or working at Dona Forta, you’ll find her trying to convince her kids to go on a hike, or dreaming of travelling the world, or learning to play the guitar.

Jason Kellermeyer, Board Dirctor

Jason is a founding board member of what is now Denver Writes. He has a hard time writing meaningful, factual information about himself. But , he will unabashedly drone on about his adventures if you meet him in person.