Nikki Blackburn, President

Nikki was asked to join the CEC board 10 years ago and has proudly served in the capacity of President for three years. She and her husband successfully operated Callahan-Edfast Mortuary for many years, before deciding to retire in 2011. Nikki loves what the CEC does in offering counseling to any and all, regardless of one's ability to pay. Her time on the CEC Board has taught her how to give meaningful time outside of work and family, and she has learned from the generosity of CEC's dedicated counselors. Nikki is also a dedicated wife and mother, and an active member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. She also loves walking, hiking, needlework and cooking.   

Teresa Bou-Matar, Vice President

Teresa brings with her over 20 years of experience as a school counselor in the Grand Valley. She had the fortune of meeting Sisters Pat and Faye in the 80s when she and her husband, then the parents of two preschool boys, took a parenting class from the duo. Along with other school counselors, Teresa has collaborated with and learned from the Sisters throughout the years. She is extremely honored to now sit on the CEC’s Board of Directors and is ready to do what it takes to support and enhance the vital services provided by CEC’s counselors each and every day.

Christy Pfost, Secretary/Treasurer

Christy, a registered nurse, joined CEC’s Board  with a deep interest in helping the organization promote its counseling services throughout the community. In this time, she has become aware of the true need for and importance of the counseling services available at CEC, and she is continually impressed by the excellent work and dedication of CEC’s counselors. In her time away from the Board and nursing, Christy--a Colorado native--treasures time outside in our Grand Valley playground. She is passionate about hiking, skiing, biking and canyoneering, as well as spending quality time with good friends, over a nice meal and a glass of wine.

 Shannon Allen

Shannon is a consultant dietitian and has served on CEC's Board for 12 years. After meeting Sister Faye, one of CEC's founding counselors, Shannon began to learn more and more about the organization. And the more she learned about and became involved with CEC, the more she wanted to do her part to keep it going. Shannon enjoys spending time with family, especially her grandson! She loves antiques and Celtic and tap dancing.

 Erica Eng

​​Erica is the Director of Organizational Development at Community Hospital and served on CEC's Board for three years. She became motivated to join the Board after hearing stories of client successes at CEC. She believes in affordable mental healthcare for everyone in Mesa County, a belief also held dear by the counselors and staff at CEC. 

Dave Buchanan

Dave is a veteran journalist, world traveler, and avid outdoorsman who has written about the outdoors--fishing, biking, hunting, rock climbing, skiing, etc--for Grand Junction's Daily Sentinel for many years. He has served on the CEC Board of Directors for two years. ​

Bryan Newman

Bryan is the Chaplain and Manager of Spiritual and Palliative Care for St. Mary's Medical Center.  As a lead in the Spiritual Care department, he directed day-to-day operations, taking on more responsibility and eventually becoming a manager. In 2004 he became a Board Certified Chaplain. For Bryan and the other St. Mary's chaplains, their calling means being involved with physicians and other health care providers as they make their daily hospital rounds. The chaplains also respond to ER traumas, code blues, deaths and other crisis events.

Jesse Scott

Jesse brings with him his experience and passion as a Student Mentor at Colorado Mesa University. With a background in wilderness therapy, community counseling, human services and youth corrections, he's excited to be part of the CEC Board in its efforts to foster more community support and increase access to mental health care. Jesse also dedicates his time to youth advocacy and coaching youth skiing for the Powderhorn Racing Club. 

Tim Hudner