BHASO Council Members

Andi Tilmann, MA (they/he/she), is the Founder and Director of the nonprofit Loving Beyond Understanding (LBU). Since earning an MA in psychology and conflict facilitation in 2016, they have focused on compassionate anti-oppression work and the psychology of identity and socialization. Andi co-developed a Gender Diverse Cultural Awareness training series for health providers that reached over 880 registrants. As a trans-nonbinary, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ person, Andi directs LBU’s mission to offer safe spaces, counseling, and resource navigation for LGBTQ+ youth and adults in Grand Junction and surrounding rural communities. They have firsthand experience with barriers faced by LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals in accessing necessary support. Andi is excited by LBU’s founding of a Collaborative Clinic to offer wrap-around medical and behavioral health services safely accessible to vulnerable populations.

Diana De La Fuente is the Founder of Centro Colombo Americano, an English language training center. She is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and is pursuing Family Recovery Specialist credentials, focusing on behavioral health and criminal justice reform. As part of Colorado Mad Moms, Diana advocates for those with severe mental illness and brain injuries. Drawing from personal experience navigating the justice and healthcare systems, she influences change with her expertise. Driven by empathy and human rights, Diana supports survivors of domestic violence, refugees, and individuals affected by trauma and addiction. She connects people, cultures, and systems through her work. She currently contributes to the R1 BHASO Regional Council, seeking systemic change based on her lived experience.

Vivian Simon is a seasoned social worker with over 30 years of experience working for departments of human services and single-entry point systems in Colorado. Her experience includes roles as a case manager, adult protection worker, and agency supervisor. She has worked with individuals facing disabilities, health issues, substance use, and mental health concerns. Drawing from professional and family experiences, Vivian is keenly aware of the challenges individuals face in accessing mental health and substance use services, crisis services, and follow-up care in southern Colorado. She is excited to participate in the R1 BHASO Regional Council, where she looks forward to contributing to systemic positive changes and identifying challenges and barriers across the region.

Felix Lopez has served as the current District 1 County Commissioner of Las Animas County and the current Chairman of the Las Animas County Board of Commissioners since 2018. He has served as President of Colorado Counties Incorporated and represents Colorado on the National Association of Counties Executive Board. In addition, Felix serves on the Immigration Reform Task Force Leadership team, is a board member for the 3rd judicial Partners for Drug Free Communities, the Area Agency on Aging for Region 14, and the Southeast Colorado Region 19 Opioid Board. As a representative on the R1 BHASO Regional Council, Felix commits to ensuring services are available for rural and frontier counties, with a deep understanding of the mental health barriers individuals encounter.

Wendy Pyott brings 24 years of experience in Special Education and actively supports students’ mental and behavioral health. As Special Services Director for Delta County School District 50J, she oversees Special Education, Section 504, Gifted Education, and Counseling, while also serving as Child Welfare Education Liaison and McKinney-Vento Liaison. She lives in Delta, Colorado, with her husband and two cats. Serving as the K-12 School representative, Wendy is eager to serve on the R1 BHASO Regional Council, sharing that “our schools are the cornerstone of our communities, where the school voice needs to be heard.”

Hans Lutgring, Regional Outreach Director at Health Solutions West, oversees outreach and community partnerships in Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Indiana University and has held roles in long-term care, hospice, home health, and mental health since 2001. With over 18 years of leadership in behavioral health, he focuses on increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening local care networks. Hans values collaboration, team development, and service. As a single father, Hans moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2007 with his daughter, Chloe. Outside work, he enjoys mountain biking and skiing. In participating on the R1 BHASO Regional Council, he is eager to include his voice in shaping behavioral health care for our communities.

Cristina “Lizeth” Flores Campos (she/her/ella) dedicates her work to supporting Spanish-speaking, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities. With years of healthcare experience as a receptionist, supervisor, case investigator, and swabber during COVID-19, she now serves as Peer Support Coordinator at Loving Beyond Understanding, focusing on training and outreach while pursuing peer support specialist certification. As a mother of three, Lizeth offers both personal and professional insight into behavioral and medical systems, committed to driving positive change in the community. In joining the R1 BHASO Regional Council, she wants to bridge the gap in mental health with underserved communities, such as migrants and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Michael Aragon, originally from Pueblo with family ties to Las Animas County, holds degrees in English and Leadership and is ABD for a PhD. He began his career supporting at-risk youth and later taught Special Education and English. In 2008, he co-founded Metro Studio Salon and facilitated job creation with the Trinidad-Las Animas County Economic Development firm. Michael returned to education in 2011, expanding access across southeastern Colorado. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Las Animas County Department of Human Services. While on the R1 BHASO Regional Council, Michael stresses the importance of a realistic, rural perspective on mental health resources. He commits to de-stigmatizing mental health so community members can be better served.

Toni Fernandez brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge to the R1 BHASO Regional Council, stemming from her long-term recovery journey from substance misuse and mental health issues. Her perspective is uniquely informed by growing up in a rural, low-income background, which has given her a deep understanding of the systemic and geographical barriers to accessing care. She is a passionate advocate for the expansion of peer support and recovery-based services, believing strongly in opportunities that empower both individuals and communities to heal and achieve sustainable growth. In her role on the Council, she commits to ensuring that the voices of those in recovery and underserved communities are heard. Toni often reflects on her journey with the inspiring sentiment: “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”