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 the executive leadership 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, LCSW
Becky (she/her) has been with Ariel since 1994, serving as the CEO since 2005. She holds a Master 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, MBA
Stephenie Stephenson, BA
Shirley Lee, MSW
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 Behavioral 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, 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, 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, Family Time Program and Community Support Services Program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (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.
