Meet The Team
Passionate individuals working towards the same mission.
Jessica Bachus
Founder and Executive Director
I started this organization in memory of my second child and daughter, Kenzi.
We lost Kenzi a few short months from her debut into the world — on January 23, 2007.
What remained of 2007 was understandably difficult for me and my family. Losing a child is losing a piece of yourself, and countless unfulfilled dreams and plans come along with it. As the holidays came back around again, I was reminded of the daughter I lost and the gifts I would never be able to give her. Most of all, I wished I could have given Kenzi her first Christmas doll.
I suddenly realized Kenzi’s memory deserved boundless love and gratitude. She may not physically be here now, but her existence — although unreasonably short-lived — made such an everlasting impact that we choose to do good in her name because we can only imagine how much better the world would be if she got to live in it.
No one could have ever expected incredible good to grow out of our family’s great loss, but that, in itself, proves her influence.
We established Dolls for Daughters® in December of 2007 in her memory, which has evolved into what is now known as Kenzi’s Causes.
What was built off a personal tragedy has evolved into a fulfilling, purpose-driven mission. Prior to 2007, I always strived to give back and show compassion for others. I learned a lot about doing well from my mother and applied those lessons throughout my life as an English teacher, cheerleading coach, and mother myself.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and taught (Grades 9-12th) for three years. I also hold my masters degree in Information Learning Technology and earned a Nonprofit Management and Leadership Certification.
As Executive Director, I hold myself responsible for the overall success of this organization. Although it’s my professional responsibility, I’ve made it my personal mission to expand all our programs by connecting with donors and sponsors regularly, facilitating and attending all events and program locations, and being an available resource to the families and children in our Kenzi’s Kidz Program.
We are changing the lives of low-income families in the Colorado area because it matters. It’s just that simple. I do this work to change their lives, honor Kenzi, and make a positive change in the community. Without our cause, thousands of families and children would face their own version of tragedy — and if there’s anything I set out to do — it’s to prevent anyone from suffering any form of loss.
Julie Palmer
Events and Program Director
A natural heart for giving back and a mutual passion for supporting the work of mission-led organizations, Julie Palmer is a huge contributor to the overall operation of Kenzi’s Causes. As the Events and Program Director, Julie oversees and coordinates all events for the families in our Kenzi’s Kidz Program, as well as handles financial reporting, fundraising, volunteer functions, and runs the Longmont Toy Shop.
This has been her line of work for over 15 years, serving other well-known nonprofit organizations in the Colorado area prior to Kenzi’s Causes. Her dedication and work ethic are deeply influenced by her own childhood experiences and a deep desire to give back. Other charities Julie has played a role in operating include Denver CASA, The Ronald McDonald House, Hope Kids, and The Denver Rescue Mission — all of which are nonprofits centered around helping families, specifically children, in need.
Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and thoroughly believes in the mission of Kenzi’s Causes. We often underestimate the importance of a child receiving something new and something to call their own. Giving every child the opportunity to have a new backpack at the start of a new school year and a new toy during the holidays to bring them cheer can make a world of difference for families. Julie is honored to be a part of this work — not only because of the mission, but also because of the respect and admiration she has gained from watching Jessica turn something tragic into something beautiful and life-fulfilling.
Vivek Shah
Intern
In 7th grade, I joined Kenzi’s Causes as a member of our Youth Advisory Board– a program which gives students the opportunity to have a direct and meaningful impact on their community from a young age. Since Kenzi’s Causes is an organization that is primarily focused on serving children across Colorado, the Youth Advisory Board can often provide insights that an otherwise adult-led operational team might overlook. I had the privilege of serving as the Board’s chair for all four years of High School, where we put together various fundraising events and helped kickstart the Kenzi’s Kids annual birthday bash! I’m beyond thrilled to work as an intern this summer under Jessica and Julie’s efficient, empathetic, and hard-working leadership; they continuously inspire me to do good and to do it better, and I cannot wait for all that they teach me.
I am currently pursuing a BA in Ethics, Politics, and Economics at Yale University. At school, I’m an avid member of our Mock Trial Association, where I travel across the country with my best friends in the world and pretend to be a lawyer in a competitive setting (the strangest but coolest thing in the world, I know). I am also in an improv group called The Purple Crayon of Yale, which is filled with the most hilarious people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing!
My professional experience comes in all shapes and forms! I’ve worked three separate food-industry gigs (to varying degrees of success), including as a server at a Mediterranean restaurant, as a cashier at the Lowry Beer Garden, and as a late-night employee at my school’s student-café. I have also interned at a variety of policy-making institutions; when I’m not working with Kenzi’s Causes this summer, I’ll be answering calls for a Congressman!
Reese Spykerman
Graphics Designer
I’m Reese, a designer with 12 years of experience who values usability and clear communication. My focuses include website design, interface design (web and device applications), print and ebook layouts, ancillary graphics, and logos.
Much of my work is typographically focused. The use of hierarchy, balance and contrast dictate design choices. Textures and patterns often define my visual style, but I am comfortable in a variety of style directions. The foundations of good design principles are more important than how the design is “decorated.”
My educational background is in magazine journalism, and I bring editorial experience into design strategy.
My ideal client has an astute understanding of their own business and its needs. Clients who understand their goals, their business growth trajectory and the current issues they face within their business are a good fit for my working style. I prefer to communicate in a straightforward manner and make the project scope, schedule, and mutual responsibilities detailed and clear.
Laura Bean
Website Designer
Hi! I’m Laura Bean, I am an online marketing strategist and website designer, dedicated to helping Women Entrepreneurs who have a service based-businesses achieve their goals with bold marketing strategies that will help them stand out in front of their competition.
At Be Digital Marketing Co. We work as your strategic partner, not just another vendor, so you get a complete solution for your online presence—from website design and content creation to social media management and email marketing.
With the ever-changing digital marketing landscape we stay on top of the changes so that our clients can focus on what they do best and trust that I will come to them with new ideas and strategies that will help their businesses grow and stay fresh.
We pursue relationships based on transparency, persistence, mutual trust, and integrity with our employees, customers and other business partners.
Jennifer Rettig
Photographer and Videographer
The owner of RETTIG+ CO, Jen, is totally left-handed/right-brained & it shows…she’s the kid all the students wanted to copy off of in art class. She’s always creating, painting, shooting, producing and feeling lucky to have landed on her home planet. While finishing her senior year at The University of Texas she started working for CBSNews and discovered she could make a living doing all the visual things she loved. CBS relocated Jen to Denver where her career continues to thrive in production outside of broadcast news.
From writing to directing and all in-between, Jen has worked with large corporations, directed local icons, produced local and regional commercial content. Those around her enjoy her easy going, friendly style on set that helps inspire great work in her team. That’s Jen’s strength. She loosens up talent, helps the crew find the best shot, nurtures collaboration, explores options and, ultimately delivers content clients rave about. Working with Jen means RETTIG+CO’s clients will enjoy a dynamic rapport that leads to the best possible outcome.
