Board of Directors

Amanda Velten

Amanda has been an active volunteer for Threads of Hope from the beginning. She brings a lot of passion, patience, and grace to make a huge impact as a board member. When not volunteering, you will find Amanda being a mom of a teenage girl, working at Blue Cross Blue Shield, or relaxing with her two fur babies. 

Jose Saldana




Stacey Ferguson

Stacey, a proud Cheyenne leader, is nurturing youth and building unity. Stacey is a BUSY sports momma! Stacey and her family play an active role in fostering children in Laramie County. 

Lottie Orcutt

 Lottie plays an active role in several baskets in Cheyenne, and we are so excited she is joining Threads of Hope!

"Hello, I have six children, and we have been in Cheyenne for the past eleven years. I spend most of my time volunteering at my kids' schools, church, and homeschooling! My Mother was a foster child, and I’ve always been pass

 Lottie plays an active role in several baskets in Cheyenne, and we are so excited she is joining Threads of Hope!

"Hello, I have six children, and we have been in Cheyenne for the past eleven years. I spend most of my time volunteering at my kids' schools, church, and homeschooling! My Mother was a foster child, and I’ve always been passionate about the foster community. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Threads of Hope team." - Lottie .

Kimberly Cunningham

Kimberly proudly calls Cheyenne home for 32 years. It has been a wonderful community in which to raise my two amazing children—my daughter and my son—and to build lasting relationships with family and friends.

I bring 22 years of banking experience to the board, having held several positions throughout my career. Currently, I serve as the

Kimberly proudly calls Cheyenne home for 32 years. It has been a wonderful community in which to raise my two amazing children—my daughter and my son—and to build lasting relationships with family and friends.

I bring 22 years of banking experience to the board, having held several positions throughout my career. Currently, I serve as the Operations Trainer and Development Officer, AVP, at FirsTier Bank's downtown location. My role takes me across all 12 of our branch locations, and helping others grow in their careers is truly one of my greatest passions.

When I first started following Threads of Hope and learning about its mission, I immediately knew it was an organization I wanted to stand behind. I deeply admire people who dedicate themselves to making their communities better.

In my role as Treasurer, I am committed to complete transparency, honesty, and protecting the organization’s finances so we can best serve the foster community in Cheyenne.

Outside of work, I love crafting, listening to music, laughing, and sharing good times with the people I care about.

I look forward to working with all of you to help our local foster families feel cared for and supported. Thank you! 

Maria Lihammar

Maria joins us with years of volunteer experience in the community.  She’s been a mentor and a board member at Youth Alternatives, a foster parent, and worked at the Laramie County library with youth special events and in their book sale room.  She was a troop leader for Boy Scouts of America, and a supporter and team captain for the Amer

Maria joins us with years of volunteer experience in the community.  She’s been a mentor and a board member at Youth Alternatives, a foster parent, and worked at the Laramie County library with youth special events and in their book sale room.  She was a troop leader for Boy Scouts of America, and a supporter and team captain for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.    

Her career began at the telephone company, in Customer Service, and being a manager in their executive office.  Most recently she was employed with Laramie County School  District 1, in the office, and as an elementary librarian.  She raised a successful son who now teaches high school English, and one of her favorite sayings is ‘A Hundred Years From Now’ …it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove … but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a CHILD. 

Nichole Odom

A Montana native, Nichole Odom moved to Cheyenne 12 years ago to work in the oil fields and has proudly called Wyoming home ever since. As a professional truck driver, she enjoys moving big things, tackling logistical challenges, and getting things done.

Nichole has a passion for helping others and a natural ability to meet people where th

A Montana native, Nichole Odom moved to Cheyenne 12 years ago to work in the oil fields and has proudly called Wyoming home ever since. As a professional truck driver, she enjoys moving big things, tackling logistical challenges, and getting things done.

Nichole has a passion for helping others and a natural ability to meet people where they are in life, offering compassion, kindness, and a friendly face when they need it most.

She and her husband enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and working together on community projects. Feeling blessed with a wonderful circle of friends and a supportive community, they believe in sharing those blessings by lending a helping hand wherever they can.

Nichole is excited to be part of Threads of Hope and its mission to support children and families in need. She believes this organization is exactly what the community needs and looks forward to helping it grow, building relationships, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Taylor Ferguson

 Taylor brings experience from the nonprofit and social services world, along with a passion for supporting children and families in her community. Her connection to foster care began through her mom’s passion for the foster care system and has grown through her own experiences and opportunities to support kids in foster care over the yea

 Taylor brings experience from the nonprofit and social services world, along with a passion for supporting children and families in her community. Her connection to foster care began through her mom’s passion for the foster care system and has grown through her own experiences and opportunities to support kids in foster care over the years. Taylor is excited to bring that passion to Threads of Hope and serve as a board member. 

Kristien Galloway

 I’m a mom and a social worker/therapist. Caring for people is what I do (my kids and clients will be happy to tell you). Laramie County became my home in 1990, and I’ve spent much of my adult life finding ways to care for this community. In particular, caring for children is close to my heart. Children are our future – all children – and

 I’m a mom and a social worker/therapist. Caring for people is what I do (my kids and clients will be happy to tell you). Laramie County became my home in 1990, and I’ve spent much of my adult life finding ways to care for this community. In particular, caring for children is close to my heart. Children are our future – all children – and they need our support to reach the success and happiness of which they are capable. Some kids need us to support them a little stronger and love them a little harder, especially during difficult times. Threads of Hope works to bring love, comfort, confidence, and dignity to kids at the times in their lives that they need those most, and to support foster families in providing the same. I am honored and grateful to be part of an organization that strives to fill this need in Laramie County. Foster families and kids deserve to know they have people in their corner. Threads of Hope is in their corner. 

Ashley Kinney

 Ashley is a passionate community leader, advocate, and creator who believes meaningful change happens when people show up and serve.

Deeply connected to the Cheyenne community, Ashley serves on the Board of Rooted in Cheyenne, attends Thankful Thursdays, and brings her creativity and leadership to TROPHY Creative during the day. She is n

 Ashley is a passionate community leader, advocate, and creator who believes meaningful change happens when people show up and serve.

Deeply connected to the Cheyenne community, Ashley serves on the Board of Rooted in Cheyenne, attends Thankful Thursdays, and brings her creativity and leadership to TROPHY Creative during the day. She is now proud to bring that same passion to Threads of Hope as a member of the Board of Directors.

A little note from Ashley herself;
I believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued, supported, loved, and that they belong. I am excited to help strengthen community partnerships, inspire involvement, and create lasting opportunities for the children, youth, and families Threads of Hope serves.
 

Kati Bertolini

 Hi! I’m Kati — a wife, mom, small business owner, and big believer in showing up for kids and families.

I’m the owner of Reprieve Wraparound Services LLC, where I get to work alongside families and help connect them with the people, resources, and support they need. I have a huge heart for kids and love finding creative ways to bring our

 Hi! I’m Kati — a wife, mom, small business owner, and big believer in showing up for kids and families.

I’m the owner of Reprieve Wraparound Services LLC, where I get to work alongside families and help connect them with the people, resources, and support they need. I have a huge heart for kids and love finding creative ways to bring our community together to make a difference.

I’m definitely a “how can we make this happen?” kind of person. I love community events, donation drives, making connections, and turning ideas into something that can genuinely help someone.

When I’m not working or dreaming up my next project, I’m usually spending time with my husband and kids. My family is a huge part of why supporting other families means so much to me.

I’m so excited to join the Threads of Hope board, meet even more amazing people in our community, and help make sure foster, kinship, and adoptive families know they have people in their corner. 

Erin Gilmartin

 I’ve always believed that strong communities are built when people are willing to show up, help one another, and connect people with the resources they need. I was drawn to Threads of Hope because of its mission to support children and families impacted by foster care and to build a community around them. I’ve been involved with my son’s

 I’ve always believed that strong communities are built when people are willing to show up, help one another, and connect people with the resources they need. I was drawn to Threads of Hope because of its mission to support children and families impacted by foster care and to build a community around them. I’ve been involved with my son’s school for the past four years, including two years on the PTO board, and through my work in real estate I’ve spent the past decade building relationships, connecting people, and finding solutions. I’m excited to bring those skills to Threads of Hope, help strengthen community connections, and be part of an organization making a meaningful difference for children and families in our Cheyenne community. 

Erin Gilmartin

 I’ve always believed that strong communities are built when people are willing to show up, help one another, and connect people with the resources they need. I was drawn to Threads of Hope because of its mission to support children and families impacted by foster care and to build a community around them. I’ve been involved with my son’s

 I’ve always believed that strong communities are built when people are willing to show up, help one another, and connect people with the resources they need. I was drawn to Threads of Hope because of its mission to support children and families impacted by foster care and to build a community around them. I’ve been involved with my son’s school for the past four years, including two years on the PTO board, and through my work in real estate I’ve spent the past decade building relationships, connecting people, and finding solutions. I’m excited to bring those skills to Threads of Hope, help strengthen community connections, and be part of an organization making a meaningful difference for children and families in our Cheyenne community.