A little bit
Mission
To empower under-served communities to thrive, by providing healthy food via sustainable, organic, urban agricultural activities.
Jovial Concepts
Jovial Concepts is a non-profit organization created in 2009 as a resource for community and stewardship. Since its inception, Jovial Concepts has worked with local communities in Colorado to raise awareness towards issues of social, economic, and environmental conflict, created forums for their peaceful resolve, and collaborated with like-minded organizations to further the effectiveness of current sustainability actions.
Jovial Concepts believes that the world is not sustainable until we figure out how to manage resources in a renewable manner, cease violence which threatens people’s livelihoods, and ensure access to an equal education, clean water, and shelter for all.
Vision
To promote community and stewardship by providing children and the general public with education and resources. We support our local community by increasing access to food, nutrition education, seed-to-table programs, mentoring, and annual events. We support our local stewards by reducing organic waste, preserving fresh foods, and teaching organic gardening and the importance of compost.
Our Heart’s Work
We know everyone has the ability to make a difference and is making a difference everyday, whether they realize it or not. Jovial Concepts aims to inspire the community around us to be mindful of their footprint. By providing education and resources, we hope that our community will take ownership of its sustainable future.
Jovial Concepts
Manifesting a jovial future by creating a culture built on sustinability and stewardship.
Helping at-risk Individuals discover their potential and the positive impact they can have on their community.
Promoting both global and local unification and sustainabile communities.
Bringing together non-profits to increase effectiveness and outreach
Inviting all the people on earth to participate EVERYDAY in a more peaceful way of communicating, acting, and thinking.
Our Current Initiatives
“In the 21st century, I think the heroes will be the people who will improve the quality of life, fight poverty, and introduce more sustainability.”
Bertrand Picard
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
Kristina Welch
Founder/ Executive Director
Kristina is the founder, event coordinator, and head organizer of Jovial Concepts.
After completing a four year degree in Philosophy and joining the working world, Kristina quickly realized that her aspirations are fixed in a life devoted to community service, education, and sharing in the joy of others.
Yvonne Welch
Treasurer
Yvonne is in charge of the book keeping and funds management for Jovial Concepts.
Yvonne was educated as a Nurse in the US Women’s Army Corp, but she excels as an accountant, book keeper, and board member. She currently owns/operates a successful watercraft and condo rental company.
Jeff Lawhead
Board Member
Jeff Lawhead has a background in city and regional planning. He has interest in cooperative workforce development and co-living communities. Currently, he is a member of the Aria Cohousing Community and the Colorado Solidarity Fund, which invests in cooperative businesses.
MJ
I/DD Garden Leader
Michael Jordan is one of the IDD Garden Leaders and has been serving in this community for a few years working as a volunteer for most of that time. He is a father of 3 amazing adults and coaches youth sports for the last 15yrs serving as a mentor to many young adults. His gardening experience has grown (pun intended) over the years working with Jovial and he will continue to help support the program with enthusiastic belief in the potential future of our land on Earth.
Emily Lauher
Board Member
Emily J. Lauher is a bilingual speech-language therapist in Jeffco public schools. She joined Jovial as a volunteer in 2021 after seeing friends struggle to find fresh food at local food banks. She became a Jovial Board of Directors member in 2023. Emily coordinates the Edgewater Elementary Greenhouse and Learning Garden, guiding extracurricular clubs and supporting teachers who incorporate the gardens into lessons. Garden club kids share produce with classmates and their families. Emily also incorporates the garden into therapy sessions, as it encourages children to open up and express themselves.
Andre
Board Member
Andre Leonard is a current board member, volunteer, and member of the Morrison community. Andre brings his expertise in digital marketing and passion for local, organic foods to his work with Jovial Concepts. "My favorite way that Jovial engages with the local community is the annual Weaver Creek Fall Festival fundraiser event that brings everyone together to learn about sustainable gardening and have a ton of fun.
Sherman
Board Member
Jovial ConceptsKey Support
Kristina Welch
Founder/ Executive Director
Kristina is the founder, event coordinator, and head organizer of Jovial Concepts.
After completing a four year degree in Philosophy and joining the working world, Kristina quickly realized that her aspirations are fixed in a life devoted to community service, education, and sharing in the joy of others.
John
Garden Manager
John Stolzle is a garden manager and helps coordinate garden activities for Jovial. John received a masters degree in sustainable agriculture from federal university in Brazil and enjoys educating gardeners about stewardship and sustainable garden practices. "What I love most is that we‘re really about bringing gardening to the people, and this is at the heart of Jovial’s mission
Paige
Garden Managers and School Liaison
Paige Burns is one of the Garden Managers and School Liaison at Jovial. She has always had a passion for nature, with a particular interest in plants which is why she and Jovial were simply meant-to-be. Paige started with Jovial as a volunteer in 2014, which led her to her current role as Garden Manager and School Liaison. Paige strongly believes in Jovial’s mission and has a strong passion for working with kids. Paige is originally from Oklahoma, where her family still resides. She currently lives in the mountains with her husband, 4 dogs and a cat. She loves Colorado, hiking, yoga, and dancing her butt off at concerts. A master of networking, lover of plants and queen of all everything.
Carolina
A native of Mexico City, Carolina‘s love for cooking started in her grandmother’s kitchen. After moving to the States, Carolina quickly assimilated into the restaurant industry, carving her own path delighting her clients with traditional dishes and flavors that make the palate sing.
As the Chef Owner of Meztli Catering Services, Carolina is no stranger to the kitchen. She loves introducing clients to the flavors of her home town and sharing the unique ingredients that make her food truly special.
Tracy
Executive Assistant
Tracy has been working in the administrative field for over 20 years.
In her free time, she can be found spending time with her puppy and running her own dog training business. She enjoys gardening, spending time in the mountains, camping, hiking, and time with her two kids and friends.
Corey
Corey (M.S. Teaching; Kappa Delta Pi, Golden Key IHS) is an executive coach and leadership developer focusing on adult learning and teacher training materials for deep instruction. He strives to build resilient communities and cohesive teams, fostering cross-cultural awareness, trust, and safety through shared knowledge and experiences. Corey promotes local food systems and economic improvements that reduce reliance on fossil fuel-dependent transportation services, highlighting the preexisting systems predating such technologies.
Neighborhood Garden Leaders
MJ
I/DD Garden Leader
Michael Jordan is one of the IDD Garden Leaders and has been serving in this community for a few years working as a volunteer for most of that time. He is a father of 3 amazing adults and coaches youth sports for the last 15yrs serving as a mentor to many young adults. His gardening experience has grown (pun intended) over the years working with Jovial and he will continue to help support the program with enthusiastic belief in the potential future of our land on Earth.
Katy
I/DD Garden Leaders
Katy is an artist, regenerative gardener, and environmental designer. Her purpose is to cultivate joy and vitality for all Earthly creatures by connecting people to each other and to the land where we live, work, and play. She accomplishes this primarily through her murals of giant botanicals that put people in the perspective of our struggling pollinators and by teaching adults with disabilities at Jovial Gardens and underserved youth at Arts Street how to grow food and medicine to regenerate themselves, their communities, and the planet.
Noah
Neighborhood Garden Leader
Noah Falsetti is a Community Garden Leader for Jovial Concepts. Noah is in his second year with Jovial as a Garden Leader and is looking forward to several more growing seasons and whatever else Jovial has to offer in the future! Noah has a degree in geography and environmental studies and has been gardening his entire life. He also works as a veterinarian assistant at a pet hospital in Denver! Noah is thrilled to be able to use his knowledge and experience to help give back to the Denver community in such an important way.
Ben
Neighborhood Garden Leader
Jovial Concepts
Juliet
Neighborhood Garden Leader
Juliet is an appreciator of local foliage and a huge proponent of making healthy, organic food accessible in all communities. These values brought her to Jovial Concepts in 2022 and since joining the organization, her love and knowledge of gardening has deepened. Through gardening, Juliet learns a lot about herself and the world around her. In the garden, you can usually find her with her bare hands in the soil (she really likes dirt).
Vincent
Neighborhood Garden Leader
Vincent Harrington has a background in environmental biology and currently works as a civil engineer in Denver. Vincent was excited to join Jovial Concepts both to get first hand gardening experience and to give back to the community.
Board of Advisors
Carrie Sonneborn, Ph.D.
Carrie is a fantastic community leader and brings people together to talk about ways to improve all of our lives!
Carrie is currently an engineering mentor at the Colorado School of Mines and is helping Jovial Concepts work with the students to develop sustainable products to help future generations! As a community leader, she always promotes the ideas of peace and ways to create truly sustainable communities.
Daniel Byrd
Financial Consultant
Daniel Byrd is a Financial Consultant with Equitable Advisors in Lakewood, Colorado. In this role, he serves his clients by creating investment portfolios with exposure to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Daniel is an alum of University of Denver where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Real Estate from the Daniels College of Business. Throughout his collegiate career, he demonstrated a commitment to community service and continues to be an advocate for education, health, and financial stability as a professional through his efforts in Catalyst Society of the Mile High United Way.
A proud Colorado native, Daniel is an avid history buff (Huzaah!). He also enjoys swimming, racquetball, golf, and any Colorado sports event.
Deacon Rodda
Permaculture Theorist and Designer
Deacon Rodda is a permaculture theorist and designer who has been working with social change organizations in Denver for the past two decades.
Deacon has spearheaded localization initiatives, permaculture research and education non-profits, and social benefit business ventures. Right now, Deacon is thrilled to be a part of making Jovial Concepts and The Co-op at 1st Avenue’s future fruitful and long.
Bonny McNulty
Mayor Edgewater, 2008-2016
Jovial Concepts
Thomas Slabe
Biologist EPA
Jovial Concepts
Jane Ambrose
Founder One Sky, One World
Jovial ConceptsHonorary Forever Member
Quency Moye
Board Member
Quincy is a 3 time time stroke survivor that has been a Barnum resident for over 20 years. He is an active voice for health equity, empowerment, and sustainability in our community. He is passionate about gardening, organic foods, and holistic health!
Thank you for your service to our board May 2017 - Oct. 19, 2021 Rest in peace, dear friend.
Partners and Collaborations
Annual Reports and Publications
Annual Report 2021
Annual Report 2020
Annual Report 2019
Annual Report 2018
Annual Report 2017
Sustianability Award 2016
Annual Report 2016
Annual Report 2015
Annual Report 2014
2013 Annual Report
Denver News Cover Sept. 2014
Her Life Magazine 2013
