We recognize & assist
Here at Life-Line Colorado, we assist our local at-risk population in finding love, acceptance and safety. We focus on youth and adults alike, offering support and resources they may not have, to help them discover opportunities they may not have been given. Our mission is to spread love, security and safety throughout Denver, CO, and to see it ripple through our local communities.
Leadership Team
Leo Alirez Ph.D., CACIII
Founder/CEO
Leo Alirez, a Certified Addictions Specialist (C.A.S.), brings 22 years of dedication to community violence intervention and prevention, with a focus on in-reach and re-entry initiatives, mental health, and substance abuse support. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Addictions with a minor in High-Risk Youth from Metropolitan State College of Denver and a PhD from the University of Urban Studies and Adult College. His extensive experience informs strategic program development, clinical practice, and youth-focused empowerment efforts designed to reduce risk factors and foster resilience.
As the Founder and Executive Director of Life-Line Colorado, Leo operates the Youth Empowerment Center, a safe-zone that offers coping and healing opportunities for youth and adults. The center supports job readiness and obtainment, high school diploma pathways through HOPE @ Life-Line Academy Denver and HOPE @ Life-Line Academy Aurora, and a diverse range of enrichment programs including boxing, folkloric dance, and organized sports. For more information about Life-Line Colorado and its outreach efforts, they invite you to reach out today.
Hector Sanchez
Deputy Director, CPP
Hector Sanchez serves as the Deputy Director at Life-Line Colorado. He initially joined the organization as a board member, where it quickly became clear that he wanted to take on a more active role in supporting Life-Line’s mission.
In his current role, Hector oversees program development, grant management, and staff supervision. One of the most meaningful aspects of his work is building strong relationships with team members and providing ongoing professional support.
Hector grew up in the Swansea neighborhood and experienced significant loss early in life, including the passing of his younger brother and several friends due to street violence. He also witnessed his older brother spend much of his adult life incarcerated before ultimately passing away from illness. His journey with Life-Line Colorado has been deeply impactful, helping him process and heal from childhood trauma. These lived experiences fuel his commitment to preventing similar hardships for other families.
During his time at Life-Line, Hector has witnessed countless success stories among both youth and adult participants. He recognizes that the dedication of staff plays a critical role in both individual transformation and broader community impact. Hector is proud to be part of an organization that operates like a family and is committed to creating lasting, positive change.
Breanna Florian
Director of Finance & Strategy
Breanna Florian brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit finance, grant strategy, and organizational leadership to Life-Line Colorado. She has served as Finance Director for multiple nonprofit organizations and supports teams through grant writing and management, financial reporting, audits, payroll administration, system implementation, and strategic financial planning.
Breanna chose this work to be a voice for the overlooked. She intentionally holds space for individuals and organizations that are often dismissed, helping untangle confusion and translating complex financial and operational systems into clear, digestible fiscal practices and actionable strategic plans. She has also served in leadership roles on multiple nonprofit boards, empowers staff and partners to engage confidently in best practices.
Breanna approaches her work with care, clarity, and accountability ensuring organizations have the structure, tools, and guidance needed to operate responsibly, grow sustainably, and better serve their communities.
Josh Sisneros
Director of Education Services
Josh serves as the Director of Education Services at Life-Line Colorado, where he leads the organization’s HOPE Online drop-in centers, also known as Life-Line Academy sites. He is a dedicated advocate for Colorado’s youth and is deeply committed to supporting students who have been overlooked or underserved by traditional education systems.
Josh’s approach is rooted in connection, consistency, and compassion. He believes in walking alongside students through both challenges and successes, providing a stable and supportive environment for those transitioning away from gang involvement, street life, or barriers experienced in traditional school settings. His goal is to ensure that every student who enters the program feels supported, empowered, and equipped to successfully graduate.
Josh understands that meaningful community impact requires collaboration. He works closely with a team of mentors and peer recovery coaches who support the day-to-day operations of Life-Line Academy’s drop-in centers. These team members play a critical role in the program by providing academic guidance, supporting students’ mental health and substance misuse needs, and ensuring that no student falls behind.
Through his leadership at Life-Line Colorado, Josh continues to be a driving force for positive change. He is passionate about creating opportunities for youth to succeed and is committed to helping each student realize their potential and rewrite their story.
Adrien Williams
Director of Violence Intervention
Adrien Williams is a Denver, Colorado native, born and raised, whose life and work are deeply rooted in service to his community. He is a devoted husband and proud father of five children, and he values the time he spends with his family as a grounding force and source of purpose.
Adrien currently serves as the Director of Violence Interruption, where he brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his leadership. Having grown up facing many of the same barriers as the youth he now serves, he is uniquely positioned to connect, mentor, and advocate for young people impacted by violence and systemic inequities. He is passionate about equipping youth with the skills, guidance, and support needed not just to survive, but to live with intention and achieve lasting success. Adrien is driven by the belief that every young person deserves a real chance and that sometimes, giving a child an opportunity can change the trajectory of a life. Outside of his work, Adrien enjoys spending quality time with his children and proudly supports his hometown team, the Denver Broncos.
Tanisha Alirez, CPP
Executive Administrative Assistant
Tanisha Alirez serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant and has been an integral part of the organization since 2018. She began her journey supporting the launch of the company, contributing to the advancement of its vision and mission to serve underserved communities.
What started as direct support to the Executive Director has evolved into a comprehensive role that supports the entire team in achieving success across all areas. In her current position, Tanisha provides administrative support to directors, manages vendors and licensing, assists with grant coordination, supports organizational events, and oversees board meeting logistics. Her work helps ensure smooth operations and contributes to the organization’s overall effectiveness and impact.
Kim Hooton
Accounting Manager
Accounting Manager with 10+ years of experience managing financial operations, including oversight of grant budgets and spending, cash flow management, and payroll processing. Known for accuracy, compliance, and supporting sound financial decision-making.
All Other Staff
Bruce Mingo, CPP
Director of Re-Entry Initiative
Bruce Mingo brings powerful lived experience to his work, having been formerly incarcerated for 25 years. He was sentenced to life in prison and served from April 1998 until his release in June 2023. In December 2018, Bruce was granted clemency through a sentence commutation.
During his time in prison, Bruce took full advantage of every opportunity available to him while also making a personal commitment to growth and transformation. His journey began with surrendering his life to his Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST. From that point forward, his focus became living a life that brings honor and glory to His name, while also inspiring others rather than turning them away.
Bruce continued his transformation by pursuing seminary-level ministry training to deepen his knowledge and understanding of his faith. He also completed various classes and programs that supported his rehabilitation and personal development.
Bruce often shares that he did not choose this work, but rather that the work chose him. Guided by the belief that “many are called, but few are chosen,” he approaches each day with purpose and gratitude. He is deeply committed to supporting individuals in achieving their goals, dreams, and aspirations, while also working to reduce recidivism in the communities he serves.
Since his release, Bruce has joined Life-Line Colorado, where he began as a Case Manager and now serves as the Director of the Re-Entry Initiative. He is especially passionate about giving back and supporting individuals who are still incarcerated, offering hope, guidance, and a pathway forward.
Claudia Gomez
Academic Mentor, CPP
Claudia Gomez works with the HOPE Online side of Life Line and is an educator with over ten years of experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Teaching is more than a job for her it is both a passion and a purpose. She is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with her students and creating a space where they feel supported respected and capable of success.
Throughout her career Claudia has developed a strong passion for working with youth and helping them discover their strengths. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is watching students grow not only academically but also socially and emotionally. She finds purpose in seeing students gain confidence set goals and begin to believe in themselves.
Mentoring is a central part of Claudia’s approach as an educator. She believes that guidance encouragement and consistency can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life. She strives to be a positive role model and a trusted support for her students. After more than a decade in education Claudia remains dedicated to uplifting students celebrating their progress and helping them reach their full potential.
Janaya Alirez
Academic Mentor, CPP
Janaya Alirez has been dedicated to advocating for youth since the age of 14. She is committed to empowering young people through mentorship, prevention, and positive community engagement. She has supported programs such as Pathfinders, Urban Impact, and HOPE Online by helping youth build life skills, set goals, and make better choices for their futures. With a strong passion for supporting youth in their education, career development, and social-emotional growth, she works closely with students, families, and community partners to create a safe and supportive environment where youth can thrive. Janaya believes that every young person deserves encouragement, opportunity, and someone who believes in their potential, and she strives to be that source of support and safety every day.
Justine Williams, CPP
Care Manager
Justine Williams is a proud mother of five and a devoted wife, born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She is a dedicated Care Manager with Life Line’s Reentry Initiative WAGEES Program, where she works on the front lines of reentry, supporting individuals as they rebuild their lives after incarceration. With a deep passion for second chances, Justine is committed to helping people regain stability, restore dignity, and create pathways toward long-term success. Grounded in compassion and driven by purpose, she is devoted to strengthening her community by meeting people where they are and helping them move forward with hope and confidence.
Keenan Leal, CPP
Lead Care Manager
Drawing from lived experience, Keenan brings an authentic, empathetic approach with the goal of providing individuals with the ability, knowledge, and skills to be successful in life. This perspective fosters a real, respectful, and genuine connection rooted in understanding.
“Practice what you preach” is Keenan’s north star. Leading by example is the foundation for success.
Keenan is committed to developing meaningful relationships helping young people recognize their potential and make choices that support their future.
Larry Sauzo, CPP
Lead Care Manager
Lawrence (Larry) Robert Suazo III’s life reflects a powerful transformation from adversity to leadership. Growing up in West Denver amid gang activity and personal struggles, he overcame past incarceration to working in secondary prevention at Life-Line Colorado, guiding and inspiring young people while building a legacy for his children.
Sammi Carreon, BS
Care Manager
K. Sammi is a dedicated Care Manager in the mental health field, known for a patient-centered approach and strong commitment to supporting individuals on their path to wellness. With a foundation in psychology and a specialized focus on substance use disorders, Sammi brings both academic knowledge and practical insight to their work.
Sammi earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in Substance Use Disorders from Colorado Christian University in 2025. They are currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical counseling at Colorado Christian University, with a specialization in substance use disorders, further strengthening their expertise in evidence-based care and therapeutic support.
In their role as a Care Manager, Sammi is recognized for their patience, empathy, and ability to build meaningful connections with clients. They are committed to fostering a supportive and structured environment that promotes long-term recovery and overall mental health.
Sandra Sanchez Guzman, CPP, NADA Professional
Program Lead & Quality Control
Sandra Sanchez Guzman is a bilingual, administrative professional as well as a NADA provider. She is dedicated to diversity, strategic planning, organization, leadership, decision making and commitment to excellence, with strong attention to the importance of detail, time and scheduling and their relevance to productivity within a business to increase revenue and customer satisfaction. Sandra has the ability to adapt to unforeseen situations and take quick action, she contributes as a team player with an innate ability to lead and maintain an open-door policy with all of her colleagues to streamline motivation and communication and keep great moral amongst coworkers. In her role as a NADA provider, Sandra’s goal is to bring healing to the under serve communities which Life-Line serves.
Steve Mestas, CPP
Care Manager
Steve Mestas is a dedicated community leader and mentor with more than 30 years of experience working with at-risk youth. As a volunteer boxing coach, he has used the discipline and structure of the sport to help guide young people away from gang involvement and toward positive, drug- and alcohol-free lifestyles. In addition to his coaching, Steve spent 25 years as a boxing promoter, organizing events that highlighted athletic talent while also supporting charitable causes and strengthening community ties.
Steve brings both lived experience and professional expertise in the field of violence interruption, offering a unique and credible perspective in addressing community violence. He has also provided three years of direct service in violence interruption and secondary prevention, working to de-escalate conflict and foster safer, healthier communities. His lifelong commitment reflects a deep passion for mentorship, prevention, and creating meaningful opportunities for youth to thrive.
Steven Williams, CPP
Case Manager
As a passionate and driven case manager, Stevie is dedicated to supporting and mentoring youth in the community he grew up in. Although relatively new to the field, his enthusiasm and commitment to growth makes him an asset to the team. Stevie is focused on helping young individuals navigate challenges, build confidence, and make positive life choices.
Growing up in the same community he now serves gives Stevie a unique perspective, allowing him to connect with youth on a personal level and understand the specific needs of the area. This personal connection fuels their drive to create meaningful change and help youth reach their full potential.
When not working, you can find Stevie enjoying Denver’s sports scene. A huge fan of the Nuggets, Broncos, Rockies, and the Avalanche, always ready to discuss the latest games in baseball, basketball, or football.
With a heart for service and a passion for making a difference, Stevie is excited to continue growing and evolving in his role, always striving to be a positive force in the lives of the youth he mentors.
Tyrone Hill, CPP
Care Manager
Tyrone Hill, grew up in Pomona, California, in Los Angeles County. In 1995, he was facing incarceration after a grave mistake, receiving 18-to-life for a lethal act. During his time behind bars, he dedicated himself to rehabilitation and gaining personal growth. Embracing the second chance that was given, since his release, he has been focusing on healing and helping others who walked the path that he once had. As a committed leader and example, he likes to empower others to believe in transformation and pursue positive change. My message is: Change is possible when you believe in yourself, take responsibility, and stay the course.