Lara Allen
Owner
Lara Allen founded Nonprofit Navigators (AKA Allen Consultants Inc) in 2008 with one client and herself as the sole employee to now having multiple employees serving more than 30 clients in several states each year. Personally, she served in 2022-23 as the first Executive Director (and former board member) for The Ladder, helping the organization in its infancy and then successfully handing it off to others to manage and grow. In the past, she worked as live-in staff in transitional homes, development coordinator for a multi-faceted agency in urban Denver, and grant writer/consultant for numerous nonprofits. She holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from Cedarville University. Her optimism is contagious, and her attention to detail ensures deadlines are met, foundation guidelines are followed, and clients are served with professionalism and care.
Eloise Casdorph
strategist
With a wealth of experience spanning nearly 20 years in government and social services, Eloise Casdorph started at Nonprofit Navigators in 2018 and brings a dynamic perspective to the realm of nonprofit development. Eloise has dedicated her career to various nonprofit causes, such as youth organizations, mental health counseling, domestic violence services, and disaster relief agencies. Eloise's unique blend of analytical thinking and creativity positions her as a skilled nonprofit consultant. Her strength lies in effective interpersonal communication, coupled with a talent for excellently narrating the impactful stories of nonprofit agencies. Eloise has served on several boards and holds a BS in Human Services with a concentration on Domestic Violence Counseling from Metropolitan State University of Denver. In her role as Nonprofit Strategist, she specializes in board development, program development, and grant writing, contributing significantly to the strategic growth and effectiveness of the organizations she serves.
Karlos Commings
strategist
Karlos Commings is an experienced leader in nonprofit management, mental health, developmental services, and education, with a BS and an MS in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University (Alabama). Karlos has served as Executive Director and Program Administration for many Birmingham nonprofit organizations serving individuals with autism, mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and other communities in need. In addition to his leadership in mental health services, Karlos taught ESL and pre-GED classes at Lawson State Community College, helping non-native speakers develop critical language and academic skills. He also served as a Substance Abuse Counselor at the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, where he provided counseling and case management for adolescents. With a strong background in program management and a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations, Karlos has consistently demonstrated his dedication to effective service delivery and team leadership. He has expertise in nonprofit leadership and governance, board development, strategic planning, grant writing, and individual giving.
Megan Ream Ferry
strategist
Megan Ream Ferry began working with Nonprofit Navigators in 2019 and brings 20+ years of fundraising experience to her role, serving as a Development Coordinator, an Acting Executive Director, a grant writer, and a consultant. She has worked, often as the sole development staff person, in higher education, membership associations, environmental organizations, and nonprofits that serve individuals with disabilities. She is also a Past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Colorado Chapter and served as Secretary for the Mountain Phoenix Community School Governing Council from 2022-2024. Megan holds an MA in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and a BA in History and Political Science from Arizona State University. She is also a proud alumna of the Institute for Leaders in Development at the University of Denver.
nora gibson
grant writer
Nora is a Social Worker with on-the-ground experience in nonprofits from case management to program development. She holds an MSW from Boston College, as well as an advanced skill set in grant administration and strategic planning. She has worked primarily around the fields of gender-based violence, homelessness, and addiction. She also offers in-depth knowledge of trauma-informed frameworks and coordinated community response models. Nora has a passion for collaborating with mission-driven organizations and uplifting their work to ensure the greatest possible impact. She has always loved the healing power of telling your own story, and is excited to help your organization build compelling narratives to achieve your vision.
Jodi Korthuis
operations manager
Jodi Korthuis brings over 23 years of diverse fundraising and management experience across nonprofit sectors, including workplace giving, residential treatment centers, and hospice care. A former board president of the Cat Care Society, Jodi is known for her exceptional written and verbal communication skills, along with her meticulous attention to detail. Her expertise ensures that all funding requirements are seamlessly met and executed within set parameters. Jodi holds both a BA in English and a MA in Teaching from Metropolitan State University of Denver, further enhancing her ability to lead and support nonprofit initiatives with precision and impact.
abbie lyles
grant writer
A passionate environmentalist and educator turned writer, Abbie has over a decade of experience working for and with nonprofit organizations, including nature centers, youth-centered programs, and community organizations. She holds a BA in Environmental Science from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley and a BS in Art and Environment from Unity College; each have honed her analytical and creative skills. Her varied background and on-the-ground experience with non-profits inform her grant writing and she excels at finding creative intersections. Abbie’s heart for community equity and sustainability drives her to harness these skills to help non-profits fulfill their missions and best serve their communities
morrisa tuck
grant writer
Morrisa Tuck is passionate about telling the stories of nonprofits and connecting organizations with the resources enabling them to fulfill their mission. Morrisa holds a BA in Mass Communication and an MS in Public Administration from Auburn University Montgomery (AUM), and nonprofit leadership certifications through AUM and the Nonprofit Alliance. Morrisa has served in development support roles with extensive experience in annual fund and board development, special event planning, and volunteer management. Committed to strengthening nonprofits and communities, Morrisa also has over 12 years of grant writing experience for local governments, faith-based and community non-profits, and the healthcare sector, and is ready to serve the unique and varied needs of Nonprofit Navigators’ Clients.
madeline weed
grant writer
After 30 years in mental health and substance abuse services as a children’s therapist, manager, and executive, Madeline Weed is beginning a second career as a grant writer with Nonprofit Navigators with a desire to help nonprofit organizations move forward with their missions. Madeline holds a Bachelor of Science from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Butler University in Indianapolis. During those therapy years, Madeline not only wrote foundation and government grant proposals and reports for her own organizations, she researched and wrote copy for policy changes, white papers, and blog posts. Madeline enjoys the organizational part of grant writing, and the writing part, too. She stands ready to help nonprofits with whatever they need to be successful.