Meet Lisen Kintzele: GPA President, 2014-15
Greg Kintzele, Grade 5, and his brother Matthew, Grade 3, have been students at Graland since they were in kindergarten. That’s how long their mother, Lisen, has been a Graland volunteer.
In 2009, she stepped into her first Graland Parent Association (GPA) leadership position as co-chair of Grandparents and Special Friends Day and since then, she’s served in a variety of roles, including co-chair of the book fair, vice president of community events and president-elect. Why does she do it?
“Graland has been a great school for our boys,” says Lisen. “I want to give back to show my gratitude and being a part of the GPA allows me to help raise funds to support the classroom as well as encourage community amongst the parent population.
“GPA is also responsible for allowing me to meet some great people outside of my boys’ classrooms,” she says. “I feel like our paths may not have crossed if I had not been working on events with them. I have definitely realized long lasting friendships with other Graland parents thanks to GPA.”
As GPA president next year, Lisen hopes to encourage and promote volunteerism at Graland. “I would like everyone to experience the camaraderie I feel when I am working with others,” she says.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Lisen’s family moved to Denver in 1985. She is the youngest of five children and three of her siblings, as well as her parents, still live in Colorado. Before becoming a full-time mom, she worked in the financial industry. After earning her MBA, she moved into the nonprofit sector.
“I love the arts and cultural opportunities Denver has to offer, so I am always finding ways to help nonprofits,” she says. In 2014, she joined the board of Central City Opera Guild, where she also provides support to the organization’s public relations and communications efforts.
When she’s not busy with the GPA or CCO, Lisen loves playing tennis and skiing, both of which she has enjoyed since she was very young. She is also a passionate baker, and her specialties are sweets and desserts.
Lisen takes the reins from Kathy Gillespie, who did an incredible job serving as GPA president this year. They’re big shoes to fill, but Lisen feels she’s up to the task. “I hope new and current families will want to get involved and enjoy the year of fun activities we are planning!” she says.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
