Natalia Devlin has been serving on the Board of Directors since December 2021.

Natalia Devlin immigrated to the United States from Russia in 2004 and has worked in the corporate, nonprofit and public sectors in Colorado, including adult education, hospitality, staffing, and more. Natalia first came in contact with Spring Institute in 2008 when working in Human Resources at a large hotel in downtown Denver where Spring Institute facilitated workplace English as Second Language (ESL) classes. In more recent years, Natalia worked as an ESL Instructor in Spring Institute’s Adult Education and Career Pathways Program and, later, in a new capacity as Adult Education Instructional Coordinator at Adams 14 Schools, she collaborated with Spring Institute in leadership on adult education advocacy efforts. Currently, Natalia works as a Language and Immigrant Services Coordinator for the Arapahoe Libraries District where she supports local immigrant communities of many linguistic backgrounds through language services programs and outreach. Natalia holds a Bachelors in Linguistics and Masters in Education from Novosibirsk State University in Russia, as well as Masters of Science in Information and Library Science from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Maria Soto has been serving on the Board of Directors since June 2018. 

Maria is an English Language Acquisition Instructor for The Learning Source and previously served as a Lead Instructor for Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning’s adult education program. Maria has an excellent eye for identifying program needs and specializes in creating customized, needs-driven curricula. She created an English as a Second Language education program to assist members of her community become legal residents through the amnesty program and she created the first medical Spanish program at The Children’s Hospital in Denver. Maria also continues to be active as a business consultant in the areas of diversity training, language interpretation and translation.

In October 2017, Maria retired from the State of Colorado. Maria worked as program assistant for the University of Colorado School of Medicine and as program manager of the Colorado Medical Board, the Colorado Pharmacy Board and the Colorado Podiatry Board at the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Her responsibilities included managing administrative staff, case management, budget management and fiscal reporting, and contract management. Maria was Co-Chair of DORA’s Spanish Council.

Maria has a BS in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is currently completing her Master’s in Organizational Leadership from the Colorado State University Global Campus and she has her Adult Basic Education (ABE) Authorization from the State of Colorado.

Maria enjoys theater, traveling, reading, dancing, hiking and spending time with her family and friends.

Victor Chen has been serving on the Board of Directors since March 2020.

Victor is a Finance and Research Analyst in the Local Government Services section at the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. His technical assistance and research work focus on local government issues such as finance, utilities, and taxes. In previous positions, he worked on grant administration and small business financing. In the nonprofit world, Victor was a fellow at the Orbis Institute in Denver where he helped plan community events related to critical dialogue on international issues.

Victor grew up in Colorado as a child of immigrants and graduated from Duke University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics and French Studies. He speaks French and Mandarin Chinese. In his free time, he enjoys playing piano and reading world literature.

Paula Schriefer has been serving on the Board of Directors since October 2014.

Paula Schriefer joined Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning as President & CEO on October 20, 2014. She is responsible for Spring Institute’s overall financial health, strategic direction, and programmatic success to achieve the organization’s mission of empowering individuals and organizations to succeed across languages and cultures.

She came to the Spring Institute from the State Department’s Bureau of International Organization Affairs, where she was a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs. Prior to assuming this position, Ms. Schriefer was vice president for global programs at Freedom House, where she oversaw Freedom House’s global activities on freedom of expression, internet freedom, religious freedom, and advocacy efforts at the United Nations. From 2006-2011, Ms. Schriefer was Director of Advocacy for Freedom House, overseeing all of its outreach and communications activities, including foreign policy advocacy, press relations, and coordination with international organizations.

She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in Russian Area Studies from the University of Denver and completed coursework for an M.A. in Russian and Eastern European Studies at George Washington University. Ms. Schriefer has also served as a member of Denver’s Workforce Development Board since 2015.

Katy Arreola has been serving on the Board of Directors since March 2020.

Katy Arreola, MNM, graduated from Regis University’s Master of Nonprofit Management program with honors of distinction and exemplary leadership from the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). She also has several years of experience within the nonprofit industry and higher education systems.

Katy is currently an Operations Manager at Koloma Inc., a geologic hydrogen startup company based in Denver, where she oversees a wide range of business operations, vendor management, partnership administration, and leadership support matters. Before joining Koloma, she worked as an Executive Assistant at Savio House, leading volunteer and special events, implementing a successful contract management system, and coordinating maintenance, facility, and fleet operations, among other vital duties. Additionally, Katy has served the State of Colorado for ten years as a Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Council youth member. She is a valued community member, advocates for those in need, and will continue serving Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning as a Board member in her second term.

Gabrielle Cardwell has been serving on the Board of Directors since March 2022. 

Gabrielle is a Senior Account Manager at Rocky Mountain PBS, where she engages both the nonprofit and business communities to increase visibility and revenues. She creates programs and events to showcase company philanthropic interests and increase community awareness of RMPBS’ mission and programs. Previously, she served as a business development liaison for InnovAge and has served in executive positions with a number of Denver-based broadcast companies, including KYGO, KJCD, KCUV, and KVOD. She holds a BA from Colorado State University and a BS in Public Relations and Voice Performance from CSU and Colorado Women’s College.

Mathieu Seton has been serving on the Spring Institute Board of Directors since February 2023. 

Mathieu moved to the United States from the West African nation of Benin in 2011. He has been a French language teacher for eighteen years and has worked for the last five years with the Denver Public School system. He also works as an interpreter and translator, including with The Interpreter Network by Spring Institute. 

Mathieu has served as a member of Spring Institute’s Policy Advisory Committee since it was created in November 2021 and is an alumnus of a program called Parents to Advocates, which provided training and coaching to immigrant community members interested in being more engaged in the policy decisions that impact them at all levels–from their local school district up to the state legislature. As a high school teacher, Mathieu has been especially struck by the fact that 131,000 Colorado children have a head of household who hasn’t completed high school and he has been engaged with Spring Institute’s efforts to increase state funding for adult education programs in Colorado. 

Mathieu is the father of three children and lives in Denver. When he is not teaching, he likes to share the importance of having life insurance with living benefits with his friends and community members, watch movies, and play soccer, foosball, and billiards with his family and friends.

Nick has been serving on the Board of Directors since December 2024.

Nick spends his weekdays as a Production Supervisor for Chevron and his weekends helping calibrate satellites as a Co-Founder of Vicarious Calibration Technologies. Nick has led design, construction, and innovation teams. He focuses on new technology deployment to increase operational efficiency and deliver step-change improvements. He was part of the team that delivered a tankless facility design that resulted in significant emissions reductions, and his work improving satellite calibration increases the data quality available for earth science initiatives. Nick has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, an MBA from the University of Denver, and an MS in Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Nick enjoys camping, hiking, biking, and spending time outdoors with his family and friends.

Donya has been serving on the Board of Directors since March 2025.

Donya has built a distinguished 13-year career in the banking industry, starting at the age of 18. Currently serving as the Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager for Huntington Bank. She is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved communities and fostering financial empowerment. Donya’s leadership expertise extends to workforce development, mentoring, and community engagement, making her a valuable resource for both her team and the clients she serves. As a first-generation refugee from Iran, Donya brings a unique perspective to her professional and volunteer work, rooted in her own experiences of resilience and adaptation. She actively volunteers with organizations like BankWorks and Mi Casa, helping individuals prepare for meaningful careers and achieve economic independence. Outside of her professional endeavors, Donya enjoys exploring diverse cuisines, staying active, and connecting with her Persian heritage. Her personal interests reflect her commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and building bridges across communities. Donya is excited to contribute her expertise, leadership, and passion to the Spring Institute, advancing its mission to empower immigrant and refugee communities through education, inclusion, and opportunity.

Elizabeth has been serving on the Board of Directors since March 2025.

Elizabeth is an economist and served as the State Demographer of Colorado from 2004-2024. In this role, she combined her passion for data analysis and demographics to understand and forecast the state’s population trends. With a B.A. in Business from the University of San Diego and a Master Degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics from Colorado State University, Elizabeth provided essential insights to aid policymakers, businesses, and communities in strategic planning. Leading a skilled team, she oversaw the collection, analysis, and dissemination of vital population and economic data, focusing on key demographic factors such as population growth, migration, and aging. These insights supported informed decisions in workforce, education, planning, and economic development. Elizabeth is also an experienced public speaker, delivering presentations on demographic trends across Colorado and nationally to help communities translate data into actionable knowledge. Before becoming State Demographer, Elizabeth managed the County Information Service at Colorado State University for 10 years, where she created a comprehensive database of social and economic variables for Colorado counties. Her career began as a business development specialist with the Small Business Administration, following a transformative three-year Peace Corps experience assisting women in starting and growing small businesses. This work ignited her commitment to business and economic development, which continues to guide her efforts to serve Colorado with dedication and expertise.

Gergana has been serving on Spring Institute’s Board of Directors since March of 2026.

Gergana’s professional background includes career coaching and advising, program management in the higher ed and the nonprofit sector, and international exchanges and public diplomacy. She’s currently an Assistant Director in the Office of Career and Professional Development at the Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at the University of Denver (DU), where she oversees partnerships with external employers and helps graduate students navigate their professional development journeys. Previously, Gergana managed the Sié Chéou-Kang Center for International Security and Diplomacy at DU, served as a Fulbright Fellow (English Teaching Assistant) in Bulgaria, and was a Senior Program Manager at WorldDenver. She attended the University of Denver on a Boettcher Scholarship and she holds both a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree from the Korbel School. Gergana has proudly called Colorado home for the last 26 years since her family immigrated here from Bulgaria. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Denver, Aurora, and the Colorado mountains.

Dr. Novotny has been serving on Spring Institute’s Board of Directors since March of 2026.

Sonia Novotny, MD, FACOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist at Kaiser Permanente, practicing at the Aurora Centrepoint Medical Office and Sky Ridge Hospital. Helping women navigate the many stages of life, from puberty to fertility, pregnancy, and menopause, is what drew her to her field. She loves working with a diverse patient population and educating women about the many options for staying healthy and thriving! She has served as Associate Medical Director for the OB/GYN Department as well as Office Chief at the Aurora Centrepoint and Arapahoe Offices. She is in her 14th year of practice at Kaiser Permanente.

Dr. Novotny completed her undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University. She holds a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Colorado and completed her Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Joseph Hospital. She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has served on the Admissions Committee for both Rice University and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is currently an Adjunct Faculty Member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and volunteers as a Preceptor for the Longitudinal Integrated Curriculum.

Elizabeth has been serving on Spring Institute’s Board of Directors since March of 2026.

Elizabeth is an immigration professional and community advocate based in Parker, Colorado. She currently serves as the Office Manager at Uribe Reyes Law, where she oversees daily operations and supports clients navigating complex immigration processes. Originally from Mexico, Elizabeth is a first-generation immigrant whose personal experience has shaped her deep commitment to empowering immigrant communities and fostering inclusion. In addition to her legal work, Elizabeth is the Co-Founder and Director of Legal and Binational Affairs for Dual Horizons Group, an organization dedicated to building educational, business, and cultural connections between Chihuahua and Colorado. Through this work, she helps strengthen cross-border collaboration and intercultural understanding.

Outside of her professional life, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her kids, exploring Colorado’s mountains, working on creative home projects, and attending sporting events. She is passionate about compassion, community involvement, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and connected.

Jothi has been serving on Spring Institute’s Board of Directors since March of 2026.

Jothi is a dedicated health care attorney and community advocate with a longstanding commitment to equity, language access, and culturally responsive services. She currently serves as Associate General Counsel at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where she advises on privacy, research ethics, data governance, and regulatory compliance, specifically work that places her at the intersection of families, communication, and complex systems. In this role, she regularly supports multilingual and immigrant families, reinforcing her belief that clear communication and culturally informed care are essential to community well-being and making healthcare accessible to all.

Jothi’s global perspective was shaped during her time in Doha as Associate General Counsel at Sidra Medical and Research Center, helping build a pediatric academic medical center serving families from more than 50 countries. Her earlier work at UCHealth further grounded her understanding of community health and system-wide access. She serves on the Board of Directors and Governance Committee of AllHealth Network and is Chair of the Littleton Licensing Commission. She is also deeply committed to Frayed Knots, a grassroots group providing small comforts to the unhoused, those in substance abuse recovery, and new refugees in Denver. Jothi is the proud mother of three children and performs with the Airheads of Colorado, bringing joy and energy to Nuggets games and community events.

Margaret first joined Spring Institute’s Board of Directors in 2015. As required by Spring Institute’s Bylaws, she stepped off the Board after three consecutive terms in December 2024 and re-joined in March 2026.

Margaret Kirkpatrick retired from her role as the State Director of Adult Education for the Colorado Department of Education in 2015. Prior to that, she served as Program Director of the University of California Berkeley Extension’s adult education and vocational educational credential program and directed the California Staff Development Institute serving adult educators. Ms. Kirkpatrick is the Director for NEDP, the National External Diploma Program and a CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System) National Trainer for their national assessment system. She also was vice president of the California Council for Adult Education (2006-09) as well as president-elect in 2010, and she served as principal writer of the 2000 adult education state plan for the California Department of Education. Ms. Kirkpatrick received the 2006 Award of Merit from the California Council for Adult Education and the 2010 Life Achievement Award from the California Adult Education Association of Administrators. In addition, she served as principal for Berkeley Adult School from 1996-2010.