Lincoln Folkers
PRESIDENT
Lincoln is a native of Western Colorado. He is married to his wife of 25 years, has 4 children and 3 grandchildren. He spent a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic, volunteered as a senior manager aboard the Mercy Ships Vessel M/V Africa Mercy, and is a serial entrepreneur. He volunteers as a coach for Challenger Baseball and was instrumental in bringing the Flying Hero Club to Grand Junction in August of 2022.
Lincoln describes Adaptive Heroes as a “passion project”. His vision to bring services to those who need it most drives him to bring this vision to reality. His passion and unwavering commitment combined with his business know-how will certainly guide Adaptive Heroes to a successful, long-term solution for therapy services!
Georgia Hoaglund
SECRETARY
Georgia Hoaglund has built a career in community healthcare. Her experience brings exceptional insight into the potential needs of a non-profit who is focused on providing specialized services to an underserved population. Georgia was the Executive Director of a non-profit in Fayetteville, North Carolina named Cumberland HealthNET. She developed a program providing Primary Care and resources to over 1,500 uninsured patients with chronic diseases. This program is still running and providing care under the program she developed.
Georgia moved to Western Colorado in April 2015 when she accepted the role of Executive Director for the Western Colorado Area Health Education Center (WCAHEC). During her time at the WCAHEC, Georgia has created a legacy of excellence and innovation. Her imaginative, professional approach allows her to grow and develop the WCAHEC into a model other Area Heath Education Centers strive to be. She is strategic in her thinking and understands the relationship between organizational success and community service.
She serves in several capacities beyond her WCAHEC role and is an Advisory Board member for the Colorado Mesa University PA program, a Board member for Adaptive Heroes and was named the University of Colorado Advocate of the year.
Keith Larson
Member
Keith Larson has spent a lifetime investing in those with disabilities. He was first introduced to working with the differently abled at the Wesleyan University in Nebraska where he enrolled in The Administration of Crippled Childrens Camp course. This camp was a summer day camp for children with disabilities. Junior High and High School students were paired with these children to engage in fun activities for 6 hours each day.
7 years later Keith was given the opportunity to work with The ARC of Mesa County (Arc/MC) now The Arc Mesa County, Inc. His first job was to develop a Respite Care Program on the Western Slope of Colorado from Gunnison to Glenwood Springs. Two years later, he was named the Executive Director of Arc/MC and retired from that position after 38 years. Although he retired from official duties, Keith remains active in the community. He continues his advocacy for people with IDD as an At Large member of The Arc of Colorado Board of Directors where he serves on the Governance and Finance Committees. He also serves as a legally appointed Guardian for two individuals with IDD on the Western Slope of Colorado. Keith graciously agreed to join the board of Adaptive Heroes where he provides experienced guidance, strategic thinking, and a keen understanding of the needs of the IDD community.
Jeramy Casteel
VICE PRESIDENT
Jeramy has been a resident of Western Colorado since 2002. He is the parent of a child with Down Syndrome. Jeramy’s personal experience with his son’s success and failure in therapy has been the impetus he uses to create the program Adaptive Heroes will deploy. Jeramy’s son is now 18. The success Jeramy’s son enjoys is attributed to Jeramy’s purposeful and consistent advocacy on his behalf. Jeramy believes every child, regardless of ability, should be afforded the same opportunity.
Jeramy actively participates in advocacy throughout Colorado. He is a founder and co-chair of Special Needs Advisory Council (SNAC) with School District 51, a board member for the ARC of Colorado, Arc of Mesa and is co-founder and Vice-President of the board for Adaptive Heroes.
Les McPherson
TREASURER
Les McPherson graduated from Colorado Mesa University (Mesa State College) with an accounting degree in 1986. He is the owner and founder of McPherson Consulting and Professional Accounting LLC where he helps small businesses build their vision so they can grow into large businesses.
He enjoys being able to start on the ground floor with a company to help them establish a trajectory and a plan of action, so they are set up to succeed in the long term. For over 20 years, Les has helped numerous companies and non-profits grow into thriving organizations.
McPherson also enjoys giving back to the community. He is a board member for Adaptive Heroes and another local nonprofit. Les was an active member of the Las Colonias Development committee where he got to be part of bringing an underutilized riverfront area to life.
His commitment to excellence and expert guidance in financial principles will set Adaptive Heroes on an upward trajectory that is growth minded and sustainable for future generations.
Hannah Howe
Member
Hannah has a lifetime of experience with IDD and knows first-hand what the needs of the IDD community are. She is a 24-year-old self-advocate with Down Syndrome who graciously accepted the invitation to join the board of Adaptive Heroes and help guide us in planning and decision making with regards to the services we bring. She is self-assured and brings relevant first-hand knowledge to our board.
Hannah enjoys hanging out with her friends, going to Able Light, participating in Special Olympics and working out with her friends at Steppin-it-Up.
Will Jones
Member
Will is passionate about children and education. Will has coached football at the high school level for over 11 years and mentors all the children he encounters. For over the past eight years Will has been a board member and one of the main volunteers of the Mesa County Youth Football League with children ages six through fourteen. During his time, he has helped over 600 youth a year with this volunteer position as coach, mentor, board member and facilitator of the organization. He currently serves as the elected Vice President of the Mesa County D-51 board. Will also has five years’ experience as a residential supervisor in a group center for troubled teens. His hobbies and free time revolve around the youth in Mesa County. His nine-year-old daughter has a great mentor who has been impacting children in the Grand Valley for over 16 years.