Meet the Project 1.27 Team

MEET THE TEAM

JENNY BENDER
President

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of this job is working alongside the most talented, passionate, and mission-driven team. I’m inspired every day by the heart and creativity our staff bring to serving families and children across Colorado. There’s something special about being part of a team that doesn’t just talk about change, but lives it, together.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
I was drawn to Project 1.27 because our mission reflects both my professional calling and personal story. After more than two decades in nonprofit leadership, and as a foster and adoptive mom, I was inspired by a faith-based community stepping up to care for kids and families impacted by the child welfare system. The work of equipping and supporting families through training, mentorship, and wraparound care felt like home to me.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song and why?
“Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison is my favorite song and feels like the story of my life, a reminder that the journey matters as much as the destination. It’s about coming home to yourself, trusting the wind to carry you, and finding peace even when you can’t see the shoreline. It captures that sacred in-between space, the place between what was and what’s next, where faith, courage, and surrender meet. It’s soulful, a little mysterious, and full of grace.

Favorite childhood TV show and why? My all-time favorite show growing up, and still today, is Little House on the Prairie. I’ve always been a little obsessed with the turn of the century and the American frontier. There’s something about that time, the simplicity, the resilience, the sense of community, that draws me in. The Ingalls family modeled hard work, faith, and togetherness in the face of challenge, and I think that’s shaped how I see leadership and life today.

MARILYN ROBINSON
Director of Family Connections

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
I'm the Family Care Team Director. I enjoy meeting our new families and providing training and support to them. It's important for families to understand child welfare, and with my experience I'm able to share in a way that is clear and understandable rather than cause a fear reaction. I also enjoy working with a team of dedicated professionals and foster and adoptive parents who bring with them exceptional skills as we join together supporting children and families.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
My experience includes 30 years working in child welfare as a social worker and a supervisor, as well as serving families of children with special needs. I've personally navigated the challenges of adopting from foster care and being a single mom.  My journey to Project 1.27 was due to meeting incredible friends throughout my professional career and successfully navigating the child welfare world. I was able to incorporate my skills and knowledge into my role at Project 1.27.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
I would choose "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly and Maze. Being the youngest of 6 children, this song brings back memories of my siblings and I having house parties as teenagers and everyone dancing and laughing. It's such a happy song and when it's played everyone sings along and dances. I love the memory of being carefree and enjoying that moment in time.

Favorite childhood TV show?

BOBBI KLINE
Grants Manager

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Grants Manager for Project 1.27. It is an honor to work for a Christian organization that serves children and families in foster care. The grant writing process is always changing, and I am continually learning how to fine-tune each grant. Receiving a “Yes” from funders is the fun part of the job!

What brought you to Project 1.27?
A close friend of mine introduced me to Project 1.27. I liked the mission and vision and the organization’s commitment to foster families. Several of my family members and friends have adopted and/or fostered children, so I understand the support needed for foster/adoptive families. Prior to joining Project 1.27, I worked as an adoptive family caseworker/birth family counselor for an adoption agency, and before that, I managed a nonprofit parenting organization. I hold an M.A. in Human Services Counseling: Marriage and Family.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song and why?
My walk-up song is “Hope in Front of Me” by Danny Gokey. This song reminds me that God is holding us and there is hope in the hard storms of life.

Favorite childhood TV show and why?
My favorite childhood TV show is the Carole Burnett Show (I just aged myself). I remember the laughter around the living room as my family watched. My fondest memory is listening to my mom’s infectious giggles.

HOPE FORTI
Neighbor Program Founder & Director

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Founder & Director of our Neighbor Program. I most love
introducing people who have something to offer each other, but would
never cross paths without our matching program. Isolated families and
our Neighbor volunteers offer each other friendship to outlast any
program or stressful life season. It's like matchmaking, but for
families!

What brought you to Project 1.27?
I started the Neighbor Program from my kitchen table in 2017. As a
foster mom wanting to help both foster and bio families stick
together, I knew that a nourishing meal and no-matter-what friendship
makes the hardest days survivable. After matching 350 families with a
volunteer Neighbor, we joined Project 1.27 in 2023. I love Project
1.27's agility and creativity to respond to unique
family needs, while maintaining professionalism to influence the
system. We are a team making connections and innovations for the
well-being of children.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
"It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" reminds me I don't have to
look far to find joy. Relationships are the most important part of
life, and a beautiful neighborhood garden stroll is my favorite way to
start the day.

Favorite childhood TV show?
I loved Mister Rogers because he helped me feel calm. He showed me how
to teach children about the challenges of life without scaring them. I
still feel cozy watching his shows with my kids. I grew up in a rural area and always wished for a life where a neighbor would pop by for a chat. Now, I have wonderful next door neighbors and bonus siblings for my kids!
My daughter's favorite is the opera about Priscilla Cow who wants to be a potato
bug. She has it memorized!

LISA McGINNETT
Western Slope Director

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
As the Western Slope Director, I connect with local churches to help build a foundation for collaboration between the Christian community and the child welfare system. Additionally, I provide state-approved training for families that desire to become licensed foster families. Once a family is licensed, I maintain a relationship of support as they go through their journey of fostering children. I get the most pleasure from engaging with families and encouraging or providing physical needs that may arise as they begin to open their homes to kids from hard places.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
Prior to joining the Project 1.27 team, I was a medical assistant in a local surgical clinic. While my husband and I have fostered children for more than 20 years, we have always had careers that were service-oriented. Working with this amazing organization allows me to inspire folks to step into this sacred space for children.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
"This Girl Is on Fire" by Alicia Keys. A coworker chose this song for me. I appreciate that she sees something in me, therefore, I will keep this song as an inspiration to live up to.

Favorite childhood TV show?
Mork and Mindy. I think I loved this show because of the silly humor. The work we do with kids from hard places is so hard, that I find I need more silly in my life.

ALEX KUYKENDALL
Director of Community Engagement

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Director of the 1.27 National Network and Community Engagement. I lead a loose network of leaders working for bridge ministries around the country that connect their local churches to their local child welfare needs. I also help Project 1.27 build new relationships here in Colorado. Whether it's new friends to the organization, or new opportunities to connect our Colorado churches to vulnerable kids and their families, it's seeing where doors might be opening that we can walk through together. My favorite part of my job is the people. I am inspired by the sacrificial service of those I work with. Whether it's leaders in other states doing their good work, families here in Colorado committed to thriving kids, or financial donors who want to do their part to make the work happen, I get to see the intersection of God's mission to care for our neighbors with the people making it happen. It is a gift to me every day!

What brought you to Project 1.27?
I believe the Church is called to serve our most vulnerable neighbors. Project 1.27 equips churches to do that very thing! Early on in my career I worked in community engagement for ministries and government agencies. This work allowed me to translate policy decisions to the people impacted. Then I was on staff with MOPS International creating resources for leaders and churches to support moms and their children. Most recently I've spent my time writing books, speaking to faith-based groups, and starting a network of Christian women leaders called The Open Door Sisterhood. I see my work as the intersection of communications, leadership development, and loving our neighbors within the context of Christian faith. Being part of Project 1.27 and the 1.27 National Network is a natural extension of these combined passions.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song and why?
I'd choose "Glorious" by Macklemore. I love the energy and the themes of redemption and living fully. It's a tribute to life as a gift.

Favorite childhood TV show and why?
My favorite TV show was 8 is Enough. As an only child I loved watching the family dynamics of a big family and imagined what it would be like to have so many siblings.

JENNY WATSON
Director of Communication
and Development

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
As the Director of Communication and Development, my favorite part of my job is finding creative ways to recruit, support, and inspire foster families, as well as designing all of the fun pieces we need for events, social media, and newsletters.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
My husband and I were certified as foster parents in 2013 through Project 1.27. Over the years, we have fostered 8 children, one of whom we adopted. I have worked with multiple non-profits in the Denver area in communications, fundraising, event planning, and web design. I served as the Director of the Justice Run for the last 12 years, raising money for victims of human trafficking. When my family decided to take a break from fostering, I wanted to find another way to serve children and families in foster care which led me to joining the Project 1.27 staff.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
I would choose “I Love This Life” by LOCASH. I’m a country girl living in a small town outside of Denver so the lyrics resonate with me. Plus, it's fun!

Favorite childhood TV show?
I loved Full House, Family Matters, Step By Step and Boy Meets World- all of the TGIF shows! I loved that we could watch them as a family and that they were wholesome, taught good lessons, and funny!

KYM SCHNITTKER
Community Engagement and
Events Manager

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Metro Relationships and Support Manager. I love getting to know so many volunteers and families and helping families.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
After raising my family and volunteering for non-profits for the last 18 years, I was ready to return to the workforce and chose to work in the non-profit sector focusing on caring for children.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
“Jump" by Van Halen. I'm a child of the 80's and it's a fun song!

Favorite childhood TV show?
Dukes of Hazard. Was there a better how in the 80's?!?

JACKIE HALL
Neighbor Program Matching Manager

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
As a Neighbor Program Matching Manager I am honored to be able to work within the community to help bridge the connections to support kinship, foster, and adoptive families.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
Community support has been my lifelong calling. During my college years, I dedicated myself to studying social justice and gender equality issues, culminating in a Master's in Criminal Justice with a minor in Women's Studies. Together with my husband, we made the life-changing decision to become a foster family, a journey we've been on for over seven years now. Throughout this time, we've provided homes for 14 long-term placements and offered respite care to over 60 children. In 2019, we were blessed to adopt a teenager, an experience that has enriched our lives immeasurably. Having personal experience in kinship care, I hold a special place in my heart for other kinship families.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
Rescue Me by Run Kid Run would be my walk out song. The song is about God's love rescuing us and teaches us to speak in love to others. Even when we fall short, God's light can always shine in our dark places and that we are never alone.

Favorite childhood TV show?
My Favorite childhood TV show was the Magic School Bus, because I could watch TV and still learn something ;)

LISA MARR
Family Connection Manager

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Family Connections Manager for Project 1.27. My favorite part of the job is supporting and training families who are involved with foster care and adoption.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
Joining the Project 1.27 team has blessed me in many ways. Working with this ministry allows me to share my love and faith for Jesus Christ while serving a population I'm truly passionate about. Prior to joining the team I enjoyed a career as a Child Protection Worker as well as a Doctor of Psychology. The study of neuropsychology has given me great insight into the brains and functioning of children involved with foster care and adoption.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
The Song I most resonate with is Rebels by Michael Ketterer.
"Take me where the hurting heart is" and "you can find me with the sinners where you gave your life" (lyrics)

Favorite childhood TV show?
Punky Brewster was my favorite childhood TV show. Punky and her dog were abandoned by her parents, and she became a foster child and was eventually adopted . I love her spunk and tenacity that helps her adapt to her life circumstances!

LILY SCHIMMEL
Office Manager

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job? I am the Office Manager here at Project 1.27 which means I am the go-to girl for all of the program’s behind-the-scenes needs, keeping everything up and running! My favorite part of my job is that I get the honor of being involved in all of the things that happen at Project 1.27.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
My journey to Project 1.27 began when I heard about the work that they were doing from a friend, and I just knew that I had to partner with them in some way. I am the daughter of a man whose entire life was changed by adoption through foster care, so my family is living proof that foster care ministry matters and is so needed for the lives of children - I am beyond grateful to be a part of it daily! I recently graduated from Colorado Christian University with a degree in Global Studies and intercultural ministry, so I am excited to continue working with people and serving in any way I can while here.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song and why?
If I had to choose a walk-up song, I think I would go with “The Prodigal” by Josiah Queen - this song serves as a reminder that everything you do has a purpose and that being set apart from others is a really good thing!

Favorite childhood TV show and why?
My favorite childhood TV show is Full House - I grew up in a house of three daughters, so this show is very relatable more often than not! I also appreciate the humor, the familial values, and the valuable life lessons it teaches for viewers of all ages.

ALYSSA RITTENHOUSE
Western Slope Church and Community Outreach Manager

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
Western Slope Church and Community Outreach Manager - I’m not sure what my favorite part is, but I do love connecting with people and serving the church and the marginalized and the community I live in.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
I’ve been in pastoral ministry my whole adult life particularly in youth ministry, so I do have a heart for kids and families and helping come along and support families in the process of raising kids. I myself have a complicated family background and my life was dramatically changed by adults who felt called to love and support kids stepping in and doing that for me. I just want to bring the kingdom in the spaces I have influence and I tend to be in a lot of spaces with kids and youth and families so I want to do my best to serve them like Jesus would.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
....Ready for it - Taylor Swift
I feel like walk up songs have to be a little dramatic and hype-y and this one is talking about being ready for games to begin and has dramatic drops in the song so it hypes me up!

Favorite childhood TV show?
Avatar the Last Airbender. I mostly loved it because I watched it with my big brothers and it was their favorite. But I think I loved the friendship, the storyline, and the diversity of emotions and culture and comedy incorporated.

MARK GOMEZ
Front Range Church and Community
Engagement Manager

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job? I am the Front Range Church and Community Engagement Manager. I love visiting churches and getting to see what God is doing around the city.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
We learned about Project 1.27 shortly after we completed our certification through Collaborative Foster Agency. We immediately felt a camaraderie with the staff and worked to become a James 1.27 church. Over the years, we partnered with Project 1.27 to deliver training and support families, and when a position opened up to help other pastors and churches partner to support families and children, I felt I was uniquely qualified to fill in that role. As I've studied Scripture and led our church, I’ve come to the conclusion that caring for the vulnerable is a primary purpose of the gathered, local church and I am excited to help churches and organizations find ways to do that effectively.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
I was a big Switchfoot fan back in the day so maybe “Stars”, a song that serves as a reminder to look up from the chaos and pain of this world. With my teenagers, we listen to a lot of Kendrick Lamar, so also maybe Humble, Alright, or TV Off (MUSTARD!!).

Favorite childhood TV show and why?
When I was really young, I remember getting up early on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons, and G.I. Joe was one of my favorites. My dad and uncle served in the Marines and my grandpa served in WW2 in the Army, so I was naturally drawn to a show about soldiers. As a teacher, I would constantly say, “Now you know. . . and knowing is half the battle.” None of my students understood the reference.

KALIA BARTH
Lake County Neighbor Program
Matching Manager

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
I’m the Matching Manager at Project 1.27. My favorite part of the job is seeing volunteers step up to support foster and kinship families—showing humanity, compassion, and God’s love in action. I believe families are the foundation of our society, and every child is a gift from God. It’s a blessing to help strengthen these
families and witness the love of our community at work.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
I was drawn to Project 1.27 to live out my faith through serving children and families. My experience in Social Services, Child Welfare, and with a nonprofit/community action agency has shown me the importance of strong support systems. This role lets me connect with the community and partner with others making a real difference in the lives of families.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
“Sailing” by Christopher Cross — it has such a relaxing, feel-good vibe that reminds me not to rush through life. It’s a beautiful reminder to breathe, enjoy the moment, and let each day unfold naturally.

Favorite childhood TV show?
The Cosby Show — I loved how it showed a strong, loving family navigating everyday challenges with humor, patience, and care. It highlighted the importance of supportive parents, close sibling relationships, and problem-solving with kindness and respect, all while being funny and heartwarming

ALYSA DUDREY
Youth in Transition Relationship Manager

What is your position and what is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Youth In Transition Relationship Manager and while this program is just getting started, I am so excited to serve the young adults of Colorado who have aged out of the foster care system. This is a real chance for our communities to work together and close gaps that these young people have experienced to no fault of their own. I am expectant for what God will do through the mentors of this program and how this will not only benefit and impact the youth, but the mentors and our staff as well.

What brought you to Project 1.27?
I spent almost three years working at CASA of Boulder County where I managed volunteers assigned to advocate for youth experiencing the foster care system. I also had the opportunity to start and grow the TBRI program at CASA as a practitioner where I taught staff, board members, volunteers, professionals, parents and community members about the impact of trauma and what we can do about it as healthy adults. Prior to working at CASA, I directed the Kids Ministry at a large church where we saw 2,000 kids each weekend, managed by about 500 volunteers. My husband and I have five children together and have been foster parents for five years. We adopted our three sons, and this is where I have really leaned in and learned about what foster care is like and how we can all do something about it. My kids teach me every day what it means to embody peace, gratefulness and patience. They are amazing and inspire the work I get to do at Project 1.27.

What song would you choose as your walk-up song?
My walk up song would be Good Day by Forrest Frank. This is my kids’ absolute favorite song and we blast it in the car on the way to school every single day so that they know, no matter what they have been through, we can remember all of the good and amazing things God is doing in our lives every day.

Favorite childhood TV show and why?
My absolute favorite childhood TV show was The Powerpuff Girls. My little sister and I would watch it all the time and we would assign ourselves or each other to one of the girls at the beginning of an episode and play the character throughout. That show brings back so many fun memories of growing up with my sister.