Board

Jessica “Jess” Wayt

President

Jessica “Jess” Wayt has served on the Board for over a decade in various leadership roles, including Secretary, Vice President, and most recently, two years as Board President. She currently contributes her expertise on both the Governance and Fashion Show Committees. Previously, Jess represented the chapter on the Arc of Colorado State Board. Beyond her leadership at The Arc, she is a proud parent of three, including a 20-year-old college daughter with cerebral palsy who is a passionate self-advocate. In her spare time, Jess enjoys writing. She recently became a published author, contributing a chapter to a bestselling parenting book.

Jeramy Casteel

Vice President

Jeramy Casteel has served on the Board for most of the past decade, including the last two years as Vice President. He represents our chapter on the Arc of CO State Board, serving both the Governance Committee of the State and local Boards. He has volunteered as a coach with Challenger Baseball for over 15 years and has coached with Special Olympics. He also serves as Vice President for Adaptive Heroes. As the father of a young adult son with Down syndrome, he brings a valuable personal perspective to the board and the community.

Victoria “Tori” Smith

Secretary

Victoria “Tori” Smith is a passionate self-advocate who works to influence disability policy at all levels. She has served on the Board for four years, including two years as Secretary. She is currently serving on the board’s Empowered Elegance Fashion Show Committee. Her long-standing involvement with Special Olympics includes earning a gold medal and being inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame as “Woman Athlete of the Year,” and serving as a swimming coach for fellow athletes.

Michael “Mike” Ruspil

Treasurer

Michael “Mike” Ruspil has served on the Board for the past eight years, including the last year as Treasurer. A retired Adapted Physical Education Specialist and K–12 Physical Education Teacher, Mike dedicated 30 years to education—15 of those within School District 51. For nearly five decades, he has championed inclusive athletics. His journey with Special Olympics began in 1976 as a volunteer coach in California, and his lifelong commitment led to his induction into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. In Mesa County, Mike is widely recognized as the face of the Special Olympics in Mesa County.

Kathryn “Kate” Ballard

Director

Kathryn “Kate” Ballard brings over 20 years of professional and personal experience supporting individuals with disabilities. As a dedicated parent advocate for her two children with special needs, she has actively engaged in educational settings and maintains leadership including roles with various disability-focused organizations: currently serving with the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association and has been a Board Director for The Arc of Mesa County the past year and a committed member of the board’s Empowered Elegance Fashion Show Committee.

Mitchell “Mitch” Gronenthal

Director

Mitchell “Mitch” Gronenthal has served on the Board for the past seven years. He leads one of the organization’s flagship initiatives as Chair of the Empowered Elegance Fashion Show Committee. His commitment and leadership have elevated the event into a vibrant celebration of inclusion, awareness, and community pride. The Fashion Show, held at the end of summer, promises to be an occasion you won’t want to miss. Outside of his volunteer work with the board and his full-time job, Mitch runs a side business creating custom apparel and promotional items.

Keith Larson

Director

Keith Larson has spent a lifetime championing individuals with IDD. His journey began in Nebraska, where he participated in a summer camp program supporting children with IDD. He later joined The Arc of Mesa to launch a Respite Care Program. He went on to serve as Executive Director of The Arc Mesa County for 38 years. Though officially retired, Keith continues his advocacy, serving on both The Arc of Colorado and The Arc Mesa Boards, where he sits on the Governance Committee. He also acts as a court-appointed guardian for two individuals with IDD and provides insight as a board member of Adaptive Heroes.