Our Team

We're Proof That Recovery Is Possible

Every one of our staff members has either successfully been through the recovery process or had the consequences of addiction affect their life in some way. So when we say we get it, we really do. It’s these shared experiences that help us connect with our men and create a strong community of acceptance, understanding, and trust that leads to long-term sobriety.

Meghan Shay

Chief Executive Officer

mshay@steprecovery.org

Meghan Shay joined Step in 2019 and serves as CEO of Step Springs and Step Denver. Prior to Step, Meghan was in leadership roles with a large behavioral healthcare organization that provided the full continuum of services, as well as a police department where she developed a first-of-its-kind Amnesty with Treatment Program for those seeking recovery. Meghan’s current role is a continuation of 21 years of dedication – both professionally and through board service – to addiction recovery, mental health, and reentry programming for people exiting prison. She currently serves on the board of Advance Pathways (operator of the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus). Meghan is grateful for the men of Step who have the strength and courage to recover.

Andre Podpolucha

Chief Operating Officer

apodpolucha@stepsprings.org

Andre Podpolucha joined Step as a resident in September of 2022. While in the program, Andre was hired as the Overnight Facilities Coordinator, then was swiftly promoted to the Facilities and Program Support Manager. In May of 2024, Andre assumed the role of Director of Operations and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2026. Andre has over 10 years of experience in security, facility and operations, and has functioned as a manager and director on a global scale for fortune 500 companies. He is devoted to working with the team to ensure that Step provides a safe, secure and clean environment for the residents, so that they can focus on their recovery.

Brandon Cote

Director of Programs

bcote@stepsprings.org

Brandon joined Step as the Director of Programs for the Colorado Springs location in June of 2025. He began his journey in recovery in July of 2018 and has since built a career in the field, starting as a recovery technician and later becoming a team lead, supervisor, and house manager in sober living homes across Massachusetts. With a deep understanding of the 12 Steps and a passion for helping others, Brandon brings a wealth of experience to his role. He is committed to supporting men in finding a path out of addiction and is excited to bring Step’s core principles and way of living to the Colorado Springs community.

Jaime McMullen Garcia

Mission Advancement Officer

jgarcia@stepsprings.org

As the first employee of Step Springs, Jaime joined in 2024 to support advancing the mission in Step’s second location, Colorado Springs. A native to Colorado Springs with 20 years of fundraising experience, she has supported veterans, seniors, and families facing food insecurity. Jaime has also served as a philanthropy advisor for numerous nonprofits and philanthropists regionally and nationally. Her decades with the University of Colorado culminated in Jaime overseeing the successful execution of the UCCS Ent Center for the Arts capital campaign. She is an adjunct professor at Pikes Peak State College and Purdue University Global. Jaime’s personal connection to Step’s mission fills her with deep gratitude for those who are willing to embrace a community of recovery and do the work to regain their lives.

Stephanie Landree

Director of Administration

slandree@stepdenver.org

Stephanie Landree became Step’s Director of Vehicle Donations in February of 2018, served as the Assistant Executive Director for 5 years, and has been the Director of Administration since May of 2024. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for 17 years, as well as in senior management for large retail operations for 20 years. Stephanie has extensive business development and operations experience, previously raising revenue via vehicle donations and gala events for one of Colorado’s largest nonprofits.

Vincent Gutierrez

Director of Vehicle Donations

Vgutierrez@steprecovery.org

Vincent Gutierrez is a graduate of Step 13 (now Step Denver) and has served the organization in multiple roles over the course of 16 years including Intake Coordinator and Executive Assistant to former Executive Director Bob Coté. Vincent is currently the Director of Vehicle Donations.

Mark Ayres

Admissions Coordinator

admin@stepsprings.org

2019 Step Alumnus

Zachary Keane

Career Counseling Manager

zkeane@stepsprings.org

2024 Step Alumnus

Michael Mitchell

Program Outreach Coordinator

mmitchell@stepsprings.org

Sean Newell

Recovery Support Manager

snewell@stepsprings.org

2024 Step Alumnus

Ric Reither

Recovery Support Manager

rreither@stepsprings.org

2020 Step Alumnus

Jason Schooley, CPFS

Recovery Support Manager

jschooley@stepsprings.org

2019 Step Alumnus

Antoine Carter

Facility Operations Supervisor

Jason Vigil

Weekday Facility Coordinator

Donte Noble

Overnight Facility Coordinator

Anthony Whiteman

Overnight Facility Coordinator

Christopher Phillips

Weekend Facility Coordinator

Kenneth Phillips

Weekend Facility Coordinator

Luke Niforatos

Board Chair

Smart Approaches to Marijuana - Executive Vice President

Aleah Horstman, PhD

Secretary

HEALTHONE — CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Ted Ramsey

Treasurer

Attorney — Self Employed

Beau Kelly

Board Member

NUNN CONSTRUCTION - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Ryan Sahd

Board Member

Union Bank & Trust - Colorado Regional President

Mark Soane

Board Member

Appian Ventures — Managing Dir./Founding Member

Matthew Tepoorten

Board Member

CHARLES SCHWAB — VICE PRESIDENT — FINANCIAL CONSULTANT