Meet the Team
Larry Boatright
Executive Director
Larry has nearly 25 years experience in a variety of leadership capacities, working with leaders at every level, and as an executive-level leader since 2008. He’s been fortunate to serve in both non-profits and for-profits, managing small and large teams, recruiting and empowering volunteers, public speaking, raising funds for important causes, and leading through transition. In addition, Larry is a certified leadership coach and an organizational development consultant. He’s spent his entire career finding ways to help people and organizations become who they were created to be. Larry has a BA in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, two Master’s degrees, and has graduate coursework in counseling, strategic planning, and leadership. Larry has a strong passion for justice and human dignity issues, equality issues, and is an advocate for human flourishing. He and his family have a passion for investing in the local community and being a part of the fabric of the city. Larry is thrilled to work with a talented team to continue to provide transitional housing for the vulnerable in Colorado Springs, partner with other organizations, and be a local advocate for human flourishing. Larry is a foodie, a musician, a former pastor, and lives in Colorado Springs with his wife of nearly 25 years and their two children, two crazy dogs, and an adorable cat. You can email Larry at larry@ithakahousing.org or call (719) 578-1629.
Janara Bostick
Operations & Housing Director
Janara is our Operations & Housing Director, overseeing all aspects of our day-to-day operations, as well as property management and sustainable housing efforts. She’s also the primary voice of Ithaka for people who call to inquire about our services. Janara has been with Ithaka since February of 2023. Janara has extensive experience as a HR professional, and is also a licensed realtor. Janara says, “I am a military spouse, dog mom, and most important of all, I am an ambassador of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is an African philosophy meaning, ‘I Am Because We Are.’ I am only successful when you are successful. Ubuntu is the humanity and unity we give each other just because we are human. My goal is to approach every person as a chance to spread Ubuntu through my actions and my words. Let’s be successful together!”
If you would like to contact Kawana, you can email her at janara@ithakahousing.org or call (719) 578-1629.
Kawana Gaylor
Case Manager (Individual)
Kawana is the Case Manager for the Shore House. She has been with Ithaka since July 2019. Kawana has worked at Diversus and Springs Rescue Mission with adults experiencing mental illness and substance use, individuals within the judicial system, and homelessness. She studied Psychology at Ashford University and obtained her CAC in 2016. If you would like to contact Kawana, you can email her at kawana@ithakahousing.org or call (719) 578-1629.
Alisa Rizo
Case Manager (Family)
Alisa is the Bilingual Case Manager, with Ithaka since September 2021. She received an undergraduate degree in Spanish with a minor in Biology from Colorado State University – Pueblo. She served in the Peace Corps as a Youth in Development volunteer in the Dominican Republic. After that she worked as an Education Advisor with the Migrant Education Program assisting families that work in agriculture. Her experience and passion for empowering the Latinx community has led her to her current role at Ithaka. As a granddaughter of immigrants, her guiding vision is to use her privilege to amplify marginalized voices to see the fruition of a more equitable society. She is committed to elevating access so that marginalized communities can achieve prosperous and viable lives. She is passionate about fighting against systemic injustice by advocating for historically underprivileged communities and empowering others to break the long lasting cycle of inequality. If you would like to contact Alisa, you can email her at alisa@ithakahousing.org or call (719) 578-1629.
Sarah Stacy
Case Manager (Senior)
Sarah is a Case Manager for Ithaka and has been with the organization since May 2018. After several careers in the public sector, Sarah chose to apply her talents and skills to participate in the solution for homelessness in Colorado Springs. It is the mission of Ithaka that connects her to her work here – believing that everyone deserves a home and working to see the most vulnerable in our community housed. When she worked at Springs Rescue Mission, she developed homeless services based on the idea that the broad solution to homelessness is relationship and connection. She has spoken at national conferences helping other cities to develop relationship-based services and is now applying that knowledge and model to housing services at Ithaka. If you would like to contact Sarah, you can email her at sarah@ithakahousing.org or call (719) 578-1629.
Dan Olson
Maintenance Manager
Dan is our Maintenance Manager and has been with Ithaka since May 2021. A native to Colorado Springs, he has worked in the maintenance industry for over 25 years. Dan believes in Ithaka’s mission and is excited to be part of the Ithaka team. He loves using his experience and knowledge to contribute to Ithaka’s success and is always excited to tackle new challenges. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his family, traveling, and coaching his son’s baseball team. If you would like to contact Dan, you can email him at dan@ithakahousing.org or call (719) 578-1629.
Jean Rodriguez
Community Coordinator
Jean is our Community Coordinator, with Ithaka since June 2022. He has lived in Colorado for close to 10 years. Jean is an Air Force veteran with a background in business management and teaching. Jean is able to support Ithaka’s residents in both English and Spanish. He is an individual that is very passionate about serving those around him and in the community. The two biggest things he is most proud of is being a father and having a positive impact in the community he loves. If you would like to contact Jean, you can email him at jean@ithakahousing.org or call (719) 578-1629.
Ithaka 