About Chestor House

Our History

In 1982, a group of parents of children with autism, along with the Colorado Chapter of the Autism Society of America, established Chestor House, Inc. as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our organization began as a single group home housing eight people with disabilities and was the first in Colorado to adopt a philosophy of non-aversive therapeutic methods.

Believing that individualized services are best provided in a smaller setting, we pioneered a shift from larger group homes to host-homes. Many of our first clients came from state institutions, lacking the basic skills to care for themselves. We have watched many of these individuals progress beyond all expectations, and this success has enabled our growth. Today Chestor House provides services to approximately thirty people.

Chestor House is a not for profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization that provides support services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in managed residential settings. We have a history of over 20 years of service to Boulder County and the surrounding area. The Professional Staff of Chestor House is comprised of experienced professionals with deep commitment to the individuals they serve. The Board of Directors are volunteers from the community giving their time in support of the organizations goals.

Contact Information

Chestor House
1831 Boston Ave. Suite 100
Longmont, CO 80501

Phone:	(303) 926-8840
Fax:	(303) 926-8838
email:	info@chestorhouse.org

Lakewood Office (NEW)
355 S. Teller St. Ste. 200
Lakewood, CO 80226

Phone:	(303) 231-1010
Phone:	(303) 231-1011

Privacy Information

Thank You!

Our successful growth was made possible through the generosity of our friends in the community. However, there are many more people in need of our specialized services and we hope we will have the opportunity to help them.

If you would like to make a donation: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/ChestorHouse/OnlineGiving.html

Professional Staff

Chief Executive Director: Deborah Spencer
Deborah LCSW came to Chestor House Inc. with many years of experience in the field of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Utah and her Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University.

Assistant Executive Director: Radha Pillai
Radha joined Chestor House Inc. in May 2002 as a program manager. Radha qualified as an R.N. in Psychiatry in England in 1974. He has since worked as a nurse in charge of the severely mentally ill, as a residential social worker with the elderly, as a development worker helping resettle the mentally ill population from Institutions into the community, as a Case Manager for the long term mentally ill, and an Operations Manager in the Midlands, for a National Special needs Housing Association providing housing and support to people with mental health and DD issues. He brings a wealth of experience in human services and believes strongly in equal rights for all individuals and opportunities for all to reach their full potential.

Program Manager: Jenn Wiens
Originally from Colorado Springs, CO Jenn graduated from University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Community Health and Nutrition. Jenn worked with the developmentally disabled population at REM Colorado, Inc. as a Life Skills Therapist for adolescent males. At REM she became interested in social work and directly working with autistic adults. Jenn joined Chestor House in 2007 and currently resides in Longmont, CO.

Program Manager: Tara Reid
Tara joined Chestor House in 2007. She graduated from University of Boulder with a degree in English Literature. Tara worked for the Longmont Public Library for six years prior to joining Chestor House. Originally hired as a Program Assistant, Tara was moved to a Program Manager in 2009. Her own struggle with Dyslexia has given her an insight into the struggles many people face with their own disabilities. Since joining Chestor House, Tara has made it a goal to help consumers succeed in all aspects of their lives. In addition, she currently mentors a young woman who has disabilities. Tara currently lives in Longmont, CO with her husband.

Nursing Coordinator: Christine Bindi
Christine is a multi-faceted nurse. Originally from Baltimore, MD, Christine received her nursing degree from Salisbury State University. She relocated to Colorado after several years of traveling the country on per diem nursing assignments. Christine’s background in nursing ranges from infant to geriatric care. She has worked in a variety of settings from hospital to home. A special interest in the developmentally disabled population began after Christine had a special needs son of her own. Her professional and personal experiences have helped Christine be able to bring such a special touch to the nursing department at Chestor House. Christine currently lives in Boulder County with her husband and two children.

Board of Directors

Geri Chestor
GERI CHESTOR and her family have been strong advocates for people with Developmental Disabilities. Her son is a participant in the Chestor House program. Geri has a long history of involvement with legislation, education and program development on a local and national level. In the 1970's & 80'S Geri became involved in the original formation of *4 organizations that were instrumental in changing laws and opening doors of opportunity for children and adults with disabilities.

*1970 - Colorado Chapter of the Autism Society of America; Opened the first public school program for children with autism; *1972 The Council of Organizations for Children with Disablities joined 14 advocacy groups together to revise the Colorado educational laws to include Children with disabilities and also expand the Architectural Barriers law to include all publicly used buildings, curb cuts, designated parking spaces, etc. In 1976 Colorado's Protection and Advocacy program was originated and today, *The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People stands out as the most effective and highly respected agency supporting the laws and defending the rights of the people they serve. *1982 – The first CHESTOR HOUSE supported living residence was opened by the Autism Society and named in honor of the Chestor family. Geri and her family have been involved with the Chestor House program since it began and she serves periodically on the Board of Directors.

Previous Board Service Includes: Autism Society of Colorado; Autism Society of America-Regional Chairman for 5 states; Colorado Council of Organizations; Advisory Board to Colorado State Dept. of Education; The Legal Center Board; Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Center Board.

Loren Kennedy
Loren is a new Chestor House Board member, joining in 2009. He contributes his work experience and education in economics and finance. He worked in the financial securities industry, worked in corporate finance, and is now a partner in the Longmont based business valuation firm, Valuation Strategies, Ltd. He has a Bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Colorado

Gerry R. Phillips
Gerry helped found Chestor House in 1982, has been a valuable member of the board since 1983 and is a past President, Secretary and Treasurer of the organization. He has also actively participated and been members of other organization including: The Board of Directors for the Colorado Chapter of Autism Society of America, President of the Board of Directors of the NBI Foundation, and President of the Denver Chapter of Tax Executives Institute. Gerry recently retired after a career in corporate taxation and finance. He is a graduate from the University of Colorado with Bachelor of Science - Business and MBA degrees. Gerry is the parent of an autistic son.

David Sanderson
David S. Sanderson, Esq., is a 1988 Fordham Law School graduate (New York City). He was first admitted to the bar in 1989 in New York, where he practiced general litigation with a New York law firm until relocating to and starting the firm in Boulder in 1991. He is also admitted in Wyoming, various federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Dave has been a member of the National, Colorado and Boulder Criminal Defense Bars. He resides in Boulder and litigates business disputes, civil rights, criminal cases, and injury cases statewide out of his offices in Boulder, Colorado.

Nancy Welch
Nancy L. Welch is a Real Estate Agent and Interior Designer who specializes in designing for people with autism. She specializes in lighting and color and takes each client and designs their space for that individual and their specific needs. She has served on the Chestor House board of Directors for 2 years and would love to participate more in the marketing piece of helping Chestor House to grow its business.

Nancy’s passion grew from a family need. She has 2 nephews who have been diagnosed as ‘on the spectrum’, one severe and one has been labeled as ‘on that spectrum’. They live in Chicago and her brother’s family is involved with the Giant Steps Organization. Nancy contributes to the foundation yearly with visits to the school and charity event and donates her Grand Lake cabin as a ‘respite location’ for families to go to.

Cathy Zink
Cathy Zink has been a board member since 2005. Cathy is the Senior Director of Financial IT systems for DaVita, a healthcare leader providing dialysis to patients through out the United States. Cathy is experienced in moving teams from where they are to where they need to be. She enjoys Colorado outdoor activities, cooking and entertaining. Cathy and her family moved to Colorado in 1983 from Chicago, IL. Cathy completed the Center for Creative Leadership training program, received her undergraduate degree in Accounting and Computer Systems and an MBA with an emphasis in Finance.