Board of Directors
2026
Karen Dornburg — Past Chair
Term Ends: 12/31/27
Background: Karen is a retired wife and mother of two who has been involved with Partners for more than 35 years. She began as a mentor and later worked as a case manager in the mentoring program. She also volunteered with children waiting to be matched and currently serves as Past President on the Board of Directors during her second term on the board. Karen strongly believes in Partners' mission and its importance to the community. Previously employed by the Regional Center/State of Colorado and Holy Family Catholic School.
Martha Kent — Chairperson
Term Ends: : 12/31/26
Background:
Martha Kent practiced law in Grand Junction for 37 years after moving from Oklahoma following law school. Throughout her career, she served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, family law attorney, and Guardian ad Litem. She has also served on numerous community and professional boards.
Martha has long been passionate about supporting children. She led a local Girl Scout troop, served on the Partners Board during the 1990s, and rejoined the board in 2022. She was matched with a junior partner in 2001 and continues to maintain a close relationship with her today. Martha also spent 15 years representing children in foster care cases.
Her hobbies include skiing, rafting, backpacking, travel, and reading.
Lori Carlston-Thompson — Vice Chair
Term Ends: : 12/31/26
Background:
Lori Carlston-Thompson is a dedicated board member of Partners, serving for more than 10 years and committed to supporting children in need.
After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California, Lori began her career in pharmaceutical sales and advanced into management. She subsequently relocated to Colorado, where she founded and successfully operated an insurance agency for 28 years. She has recently retired from this agency’s leadership position.
Throughout her career and into retirement, Lori has maintained a deep passion for helping children. Her long-term service on the Partners board reflects an ongoing dedication to community impact and organizational excellence.
Erick Field — Finance Chair
Term Ends: : 12/31/27
Background:
Erick Field, CFP®, has worked as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones for more than 25 years, helping individuals and families pursue their financial goals through comprehensive financial planning.
He has been involved with Mesa County Partners for 19 years and has served on the Board of Directors for 12 years. Erick is also an active member and past president of the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club.
Jennifer Springer
Term Ends: : 12/31/267
Background:
Jennifer Springer is Chief Deputy District Attorney for the 21st Judicial District. After graduating from law school in 2008, she returned to her hometown of Grand Junction. She has experience in both private employment law and public sector legal work.
Jennifer is passionate about community involvement and currently serves on both the Partners Board and the Mesa County Pro Bono Projects Board of Directors. She earned her JD from Quinnipiac University School of Law and holds bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and History from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Clarence Medina
Term Ends: : 12/31/27
Background:
Clarence holds a Bachelor of Science in Social and Behavioral Sciences with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. He currently serves as Supervisor for Mesa County Human Services’ Adolescent Unit and has more than 20 years of experience working with youth through the criminal justice system and Human Services.
Martha Kent — Chairperson
Term Ends: : 12/31/26
Background:
Martha Kent practiced law in Grand Junction for 37 years after moving from Oklahoma following law school. Throughout her career, she served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, family law attorney, and Guardian ad Litem. She has also served on numerous community and professional boards.
Martha has long been passionate about supporting children. She led a local Girl Scout troop, served on the Partners Board during the 1990s, and rejoined the board in 2022. She was matched with a junior partner in 2001 and continues to maintain a close relationship with her today. Martha also spent 15 years representing children in foster care cases.
Her hobbies include skiing, rafting, backpacking, travel, and reading.
Martha Kent — Chairperson
Term Ends: : 12/31/26
Background:
Martha Kent practiced law in Grand Junction for 37 years after moving from Oklahoma following law school. Throughout her career, she served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, family law attorney, and Guardian ad Litem. She has also served on numerous community and professional boards.
Martha has long been passionate about supporting children. She led a local Girl Scout troop, served on the Partners Board during the 1990s, and rejoined the board in 2022. She was matched with a junior partner in 2001 and continues to maintain a close relationship with her today. Martha also spent 15 years representing children in foster care cases.
Her hobbies include skiing, rafting, backpacking, travel, and reading.
Martha Kent — Chairperson
Term Ends: : 12/31/26
Background:
Martha Kent practiced law in Grand Junction for 37 years after moving from Oklahoma following law school. Throughout her career, she served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, family law attorney, and Guardian ad Litem. She has also served on numerous community and professional boards.
Martha has long been passionate about supporting children. She led a local Girl Scout troop, served on the Partners Board during the 1990s, and rejoined the board in 2022. She was matched with a junior partner in 2001 and continues to maintain a close relationship with her today. Martha also spent 15 years representing children in foster care cases.
Her hobbies include skiing, rafting, backpacking, travel, and reading.
Martha Kent — Chairperson
Term Ends: : 12/31/26
Background:
Martha Kent practiced law in Grand Junction for 37 years after moving from Oklahoma following law school. Throughout her career, she served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, family law attorney, and Guardian ad Litem. She has also served on numerous community and professional boards.
Martha has long been passionate about supporting children. She led a local Girl Scout troop, served on the Partners Board during the 1990s, and rejoined the board in 2022. She was matched with a junior partner in 2001 and continues to maintain a close relationship with her today. Martha also spent 15 years representing children in foster care cases.
Her hobbies include skiing, rafting, backpacking, travel, and reading.
Martha Kent — Chairperson
Term Ends: : 12/31/26
Background:
Martha Kent practiced law in Grand Junction for 37 years after moving from Oklahoma following law school. Throughout her career, she served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, family law attorney, and Guardian ad Litem. She has also served on numerous community and professional boards.
Martha has long been passionate about supporting children. She led a local Girl Scout troop, served on the Partners Board during the 1990s, and rejoined the board in 2022. She was matched with a junior partner in 2001 and continues to maintain a close relationship with her today. Martha also spent 15 years representing children in foster care cases.
Her hobbies include skiing, rafting, backpacking, travel, and reading.
Martha Kent — Chairperson
Term Ends: : 12/31/26
Background:
Martha Kent practiced law in Grand Junction for 37 years after moving from Oklahoma following law school. Throughout her career, she served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, family law attorney, and Guardian ad Litem. She has also served on numerous community and professional boards.
Martha has long been passionate about supporting children. She led a local Girl Scout troop, served on the Partners Board during the 1990s, and rejoined the board in 2022. She was matched with a junior partner in 2001 and continues to maintain a close relationship with her today. Martha also spent 15 years representing children in foster care cases.
Her hobbies include skiing, rafting, backpacking, travel, and reading.