Our Team
Elisa Santos
Executive Director for 3 months
Assisted Living Operator License, CNA
Gerontology, CST (Cognitive Stimulation Therapy)
In 2015, Elisa began her career in Senior Living as both the Director of Sales & Marketing and Acting Administrator for a Senior Community in Colorado Springs for several years. She served on the Pikes Peak Commission on Aging for 3 years, 1.5 years as the Chair. She currently serves on the Teller County Mental Health Alliance. Elisa’s passion is to advocate for the senior population and to establish collaborative partnerships to help serve seniors in Teller County.
Joni Edmisten
Assistant Director for 5 years
Certified Nurse Aide & QMAP certification, Extensive Teepa Snow Training
Joni, Assistant Director, is a native of Colorado Springs and resides there with her husband of 20+ years, as well as her 21-year-old daughter who currently attends Pikes Peak Community College. She also has three brothers: two older brothers in Idaho and a younger brother in Louisiana. Joni enjoys traveling to visit her family and expresses her love for animals, the outdoors and reality TV. When asked what brought her to DayBreak, she responded, “I love helping people and making a difference in their lives.”
Heidi Howard
Administrative Assistant/CNA for 2 years
Volunteer for 4 years
B.S. Physical Education & Health, M. Ed Exercise & Health Promotion, Certified Nurse Aide & QMAP certification
Heidi, Administrative Assistant and CNA, lives in Woodland Park with her husband and 2 boys. Heidi has also spent the last 5 years cleaning DayBreak on a weekly basis and has also volunteered with various activities and field trips since we opened in 2016. Before coming to DayBreak, she spent most of her career as a Health and Physical Education teacher and Wellness Coordinator in the Pueblo and Woodland Park school districts. Heidi believes in DayBreak’s mission whole-heartedly and loves serving in this capacity.
Amanda Brady
Music and Art Director, Activities Assistant for 5.5 years
B.S. Speech Language Pathology, Music Therapy and Sound Healing Certification, Chair Tai Chi Certification
Since February of 2017, Amanda has brought new and innovative programming to our monthly activity calendar. She is motivated, creative and has a calmness about her that is always well received by our participants, their families, and our volunteers. Amanda facilitates our morning stretch and strengthening exercises. She leads DayBreak Ringers, our on-site handbell choir. As “Ukulele Lady” she hosts a group sing-along program, combining decades of clients’ favorite songs and discussion topics that allow clients to connect with one another and their memories and emotions. In addition, Amanda also oversees our Java Music Club® and Memories in the Making Art® programs. “Music, art, and relaxed conversations are beautiful keys to unlocking memories and emotions. It is my goal, and privilege, to provide welcoming conditions for our clients to gather together, share life experiences, and feel supported and loved.”
Deb Landkammer
Activities Assistant for 2 years
LPN, CNA, QMAP
Deb, a Licensed Practical Nurse, has worked in memory care and long-term care facilities for most of her 40-year career. Originally from Minnesota, she brings a true sense of compassion, gratitude and joy to those around her. The participants and staff truly love her positive attitude and infectious laughter. An individual of many talents, she assists our program with all of its activities, scheduled outings and events.
Board of Directors
Connie Sims
Realtor, Keller Williams Client’s Choice Realty
In addition to DayBreak’s Board of Directors, Connie presently serves on the Symphony Guild Board and is president of the Ute Pass Kiwanis. She has formerly served on the Rampart Library Foundation Board, Woodland Park Main Street Organizational Committee, was the Ute Pass Kiwanis president elect and board member.
Dan Williams
Commissioner, Teller County
Samantha Kelley
CPA: Managing Partner Kelley & Chulick, CPAs
Samantha has lived in Woodland Park since 2006 and really enjoys contributing to the small town she loves so much. She is the managing partner of Kelley & Chulick CPAs which gives her the opportunity to help many residents of Teller County and beyond understand and take control of their financial lives. Her non-profit work includes serving on the board of the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce, volunteering with Faithful Hearts Equine Learning center as well as serving on the board, volunteering with Cub Scouts Pack 20, and serving as their treasurer and volunteering at her daughter’s school, Merit Academy, as often as possible. She has two young vibrant kids and an amazing husband who helps her keep all the balls in the air. Samantha has a real passion for helping non-profits succeed financially and keep on top of tax compliance.
Bernie Vayle
Realtor, Coldwell Banker 1st Choice Realty
A longtime resident of Woodland Park, Bernie has seen many changes in Teller County over the last fifty years. After helping to care for her mother-in-law who had Alzheimer’s and watching a very close friend care for her mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s, Bernie is very passionate about DayBreak and its vision. Being a care giver can be a very lonely and exhausting time in a person’s life and she can only imagine the person with the disease is equally lonely and sometimes disillusioned.
DayBreak’s program is a wonderful opportunity for families and it is a long over-due service that Teller County now provides. She excited to learn more and contribute in any way that would be an asset to this organization. She is thankful for the opportunity to serve on this board!
Mike Samp
Retired Executive, Catepillar
Mike grew up in central Illinois and is retired from a great 35-year international career with Caterpillar, Inc. that moved his family around the world. He then worked 5 years as a business partner with Accenture, doing international business consulting. In 2013, Mike and his wife moved to Divide, Colorado was their 11th move together. Then in 202, they moved to Woodland Park. They have two married sons and three grandchildren. His non-profit experience includes being a volunteer pilot for LifeLine Pilots, Angel Flight Central and Angel Flight West. He has served on the board of LifeLine Pilots and as Colorado Wing Leader for Angel Flight West. In addition, Mike has served as an elder in three churches, most recently as chairman of the elder team at Woodland Park Community Church. He has a passion for servant leadership and is a certified facilitator for Lead Like Jesus. His wife, Lori, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2007 and he is currently her primary caregiver. He first learned about Daybreak from a friend whose wife was a Daybreak client. Based on his caregiver role and through his friend’s experience, he has real heart for the mission of Daybreak and is excited about the opportunity to join the Board of Directors.
It's A New Day!
Won’t you be a part of our expansion by donating today? Any amount will help us in our next step to expand our program to serve even more families in need of caregiving respite and loving support.
