“I’m simply blown away by the staff at the Boys & Girls Club! They don’t just take care of my kiddo, they love him and treat him with respect and heartfelt attention above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I stand impressed and forever thankful!”
– Club Parent
Vaughn Morris – CEO
Vaughn is a graduate of Fort Lewis College. Vaughn has been part of the Boys & Girls Club movement for over 20 years and was recruited to open the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County in 2007. Vaughn serves as the president of the United Way of Southwest Colorado, a trustee of the Pine River Library, and treasurer of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. Vaughn is a graduate of the Leadership La Plata Program and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Harvard School of Business Leadership program. Vaughn enjoys all aspects of sports from participant to referee to spectator.
Kathrene Frautschy – Director of Development
A graduate of DePaul University Chicago, Kathrene has been a part of Durango’s non-profit community for 20 years. Working with individuals and business leaders with a heart for kids, Kathrene sees development work as the opportunity to assist people in doing what is, “imprinted on their hearts…making a difference in the lives of others.” Kathrene’s newest hobby is knitting, creating warm and cozy items using hand-dyed wool fibers.
Melissa McKnight, Director of Club Services
Detail-oriented, fun-spirited, and dedicated to our community’s kids Melissa has been part of of the Club team for several years, having led the Club@BigPicture High School program. Through her expanded role, Melissa’s work supports the growth of the Club, to serve greater numbers of kids, at locations throughout the community. “The Club’s impact on children/teens teaches them we care about them, and we are truly here for them.” In Melissa’s free time, she enjoys dirt biking, baseball, and other outdoor mountain fun.
Jerad Bussell – Site Director
Jerad is a graduate of Fort Lewis College, with a degree in Anthropology. Jerad leads Club members in a wide array of programs and activities, providing opportunities to investigate hobbies and careers, try new experiences, and simply be kids within a network of supportive peers. Jerad renews his spirit fly fishing, hiking, gardening, baking, and sharing farm-to-table meals with friends. Jerad’s aspiration is to operate a summer “mountain experience camp” for kids.
Audra Snow – The Club@Durangoschools, Site Director
Leading the Club’s school-based Durango 9R School District afterschool program, Audra is an invaluable resource for parents and guardians. Joining the Club team, Audra serves as the liaison between the School District and the Club, ensuring licensing requirements are met, while guiding afterschool activities supporting academic success, the development of good character & citizenship and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Audra loves family time and enjoys all aspects of the Durango lifestyle.
Sam Lewarchick – Director Programs & Outreach
A native of Ohio, Sam originally joined the Club as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Currently Sam is completing his M.S. in School Counseling at Fort Hays State University. Sam believes “the Club is a place where fun meets purpose. Kids need a place where they can find their spark and the Club is the place to do that!” To renew his spirit, Sam enjoys playing disc golf, biking, hiking and climbing with friends and his loyal pal, Zepplin.