Leaders who know the work firsthand
Many of our leaders have been with Ariel for more than a decade, and some started out working directly with the children, families, and Members we serve. Today this team sets direction for our programs, finances, and people across all five of our locations. That long view shapes every decision they make, and so does a clear sense of what each one means for the people on the other end of it.
Rebecca Hobart, LCSWChief Executive Officer
Rebecca Hobart, LCSW
Becky (she/her) has been with Ariel since 1994, serving as the CEO since 2005. She holds a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan and is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Colorado. With over 40 years of experience working with special needs kids and families, she began her career in Michigan as a specialized foster care case manager and then moved on to addictions counseling in an outpatient hospital clinic. Upon moving to Colorado, she worked in family preservation at the mental health center in Grand Junction and later worked with the Healthy Steps program at Western Colorado Pediatrics Associates. Becky was one of Ariel’s first therapists and case managers. In her free time, Becky enjoys being outdoors, hiking, skiing, and swimming.
Shannon Nelson, MBAChief Financial Officer
Shannon Nelson, MBA
Shannon (she/her) began serving as Chief Financial Officer at Ariel in 2025, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Colorado Mesa University and later completed her Master’s of Business degree at Colorado State University. With over 20 years in increasingly complex accounting positions, Shannon has built a career in both public and private practices, demonstrating strong leadership and dedication. In her free time, Shannon enjoys hiking, landscaping, and spending quality time with her family.
Stephenie Stephenson, BAWestern Slope Deputy Director
Stephenie Stephenson, BA
Stephenie (she/her) has been with Ariel since 2004 and has served as our Deputy Director on the Western Slope since 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University). Stephenie became committed to adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) after a volunteer experience at the Special Olympics in the 1990s. She sees the impact this group had on enhancing her life as a gift and has since made it her mission to enhance their lives, too. Stephenie has been instrumental in developing innovative programming at Ariel that meets, and often exceeds, the needs of adults with I/DD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring the great outdoors.
Shirley Lee, MSWRegional Executive Director
Shirley Lee, MSW
Shirley (she/her) has been with Ariel since 2001, serving as the Regional Executive Director on the Front Range. She holds a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Denver and is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Shirley’s career in the human service field spans over 35 years, serving as the Director of Community Learning Center and supervising the Juvenile Justice Program at Colorado West Mental Health Center (now known as Mind Springs Health) in Mesa County prior to joining Ariel. Shirley’s parents, both hearing impaired, inspired her to be the voice of others and to fight for their rights, and her passion for providing quality homes to both children and adults led her to adopt three adolescents from the foster care system. In her free time, she enjoys staying active by gardening, biking, hiking, and exploring new places.
Lisa Whalin, LPCAssociate Clinical Director
Lisa Whalin, LPC
Lisa (she/her) has been with Ariel since 2014, serving as the Associate Clinical Director since 2024. She holds a Master of Arts (MA) in counseling psychology from Adams State University. Lisa is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), is trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and has studied leadership and professional development. Lisa’s skills and experience largely come from working with children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems for 14 years through Mesa County Department of Human Services. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, good books, a rich network of friends and hockey. #GoAvsGo
Joanna Stortz, SHRM-CP, PHRAssociate Director of People Operations
Joanna Stortz, SHRM-CP, PHR
Joanna (she/her) has been with Ariel since 2021, serving as the Associate Director of People Operations since 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) for Human Resource Management and certifications as a SHRM–CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) and a PHR (Professional in Human Resources). Joanna brings robust Human Resource Professional experience to Ariel with her specialized experience in recruitment, policies, wage analysis, employee relations, and safety from previous roles. In her free time, Joanna loves spending time with her family, cheering on the Colorado Avalanche, and anything related to Disney.
Hannah Shilling-Thomas, MSWAssociate Director of Child & Family Support Services (Western Slope)
Hannah Shilling-Thomas, MSW
Hannah (she/her) has been with Ariel since 2008, serving as the Associate Director of Child & Family Support Services for the Western Slope since 2023, and currently oversees the Foster Care Program, Parenting Time Program and Community Support Services Program. She holds a Bachelor of Art (BA) in Business Administration and Organizational Management from Colorado Christian University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Denver. Hannah started at Ariel as a Parenting Time Coach and built a passion for working with birth parents, children, foster families and for cultivating collaboration and relationships. In her free time, Hannah enjoys being with her family, cooking, crafting, advocating for others, and coaching Baseball.
Ashleah Yates, LPCAssociate Director of Residential Services (Western Slope)
Ashleah Yates, LPC
Ashleah (she/her) has been with Ariel since 2013, serving as the Associate Director of Residential Services on the Western Slope since 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History from Colorado Mesa University, a Master of Arts (MA) in Community Mental Health from Adams State University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado. Ashleah’s first role with Ariel was as a therapist where she developed a passion for working with individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). She is a strong supporter of trauma-informed care practices and spearheaded bringing this initiative to Adult Services. In her free time, Ashleah enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.
