Board Of Directors

Allison Biever, AuD., Secretary –

Worked in the field of cochlear implants since 1992 and sees both pediatric and adult cochlear implant candidates and recipients. Participates in cochlear implant research studies and has published numerous articles. Teaches for the Institute for Cochlear Implant Training and the University of Colorado. Served as President and currently serves as secretary for the LISTEN Foundation. Enjoys hiking, running, and traveling with friends and family. Term expires 9/2025

Marti Bleidt –

Marti is a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing in Denver Public Schools and provides early intervention for families of young children with hearing loss. She is also the current president of the Colorado Chapter of AG Bell. Marti is a mother of four; two of her daughters have hearing loss, one has bilateral hearing aids, and the other has bilateral cochlear implants. Most importantly, a grandmother of four! Term expires 12/2025

Grant Bugner, CFP President –

Certified Financial Planner at Peak Asset Management, LLC. Baylor University graduate and collegiate track athlete. Grant was born with profound hearing loss, diagnosed and fitted with a hearing aid at age 6, before being implanted with a bone anchored hearing aid in 2012. Grant is passionate about advocating for the best possible hearing outcome for children in the deaf and hard of hearing community. In his free time, he enjoys biking, skiing, rock climbing and the occasional fly fishing excursion with his partner Kristin and her two boys. Term expires 12/2026

Naomi Cohen –

Retired Physician Associate, daughter of Doreen Pollack whose pioneering work led to the founding of the Listen Foundation. Lifelong volunteer and long standing member of the Listen Board. Wife, mother and grandmother whose hobbies include hiking, skiing, reading, traveling, photography and spending time with family and friends. Term expires 12/2026

Jill Jacobs, Esq., –

Jill was introduced to listening and spoken language therapy in 2006 when her youngest son, Max, was born with moderate to severe hearing loss. Max received LSL therapy when he was a baby and toddler. Today, Max is a straight-A honor student with perfect speech. Jill was so impressed with LSL therapy that she joined the Listen Foundation board of directors. Jill practices real estate law at Hatch Ray Olsen Conant in Denver. In her free time, Jill loves to explore Colorado’s trails, hang out with her husband and their three young adult sons, and plan adventure travel. Term expires 12/2024

Brittany Loeser –

Brittany is a Family Medicine Physician Assistant in Colorado Springs. She and her husband Josiah have three beautiful children with bilateral cochlear implants. After benefiting from the Listen Foundation services since 2017, Brittany is passionate about supporting fellow hearing impaired families. Term expires 12/2025

Doug Pollack, Treasurer –

A Colorado native, Doug Pollack is the son of Doreen Pollack and grew up hearing about the Listen Foundation. Doug became involved with the Listen Board in 2012. He worked for the State of Colorado for many years but for the last eight years has been self employed involved in accounting work. Doug enjoys hiking and skiing with his wife Debbie and daughter Maylin and has always been a Broncos fan. Term expires 12/2025

Alycia Steiner, CISA, CIPP, CIPM, FIP –

Alycia is a Cyber leader that specializes in AI, Data Governance, Privacy, Security and Data Protection services for organizations looking to build and/or strengthen their practices and programs primarily with Global Fortune 500 corporations in the technology, fintech and financial services industry. Outside of professional services Alycia serves on the board of 2 not for profits, is an active member of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, helps to train hearing service dogs, is an avid pickleball player and spends her free time doing various activities in the mountains! Term expires 12/2025

Advisory Board

Michelle Sandt-Wade, CFP –

Wealth Manager, Transitions Wealth Management. Active volunteer including PTO President, Fundraising Chair, teen mentor, community civic association.

David Kelsall, M.D. –

Dr. Kelsall practices Otolaryngology and is the Medical Director at Rocky Mountain Ear Center in Englewood, CO. Graduate of Stanford University and CU Medical School, specializes in cochlear implantation and research. Founder of Cochlear Kids Camp in 2001.

Spencer Kontnik, Esq. –

Lawyer with Kontnik & Cohen, LLC, member of Colorado Defense Lawyers Assoc., member of Denver Active 20-30 Children’s Foundation, Founder of Smile & Nod Project. Deaf adult.

Rhonda Sheya –

President of Creative Marketing Solutions with vast experience spanning over 30 years in management, marketing and communications. Also has extensive expertise working with non-profits on marketing, PR and fundraising.

There have been many times when she has announced how thankful she is that she can hear and speak. She truly appreciates the gift.

–Becky, Mother of a Listen Graduate

Help Make a Difference!

Help us fulfill our mission of getting more Colorado children listening and talking. Your contribution is used primarily to fund Listening and Spoken Language Therapy from our amazing network of therapists, helping children desperatly in need across the state.