Board of Directors
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Meet Our Board Members
The Circle of Friends Board of Directors is a volunteer governing body that provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the organization. Board members steward the mission, ensure strong governance and financial accountability, and partner with staff to support long-term sustainability and growth. Together, they bring diverse professional expertise and lived experience, united by a shared commitment to belonging, inclusion, and the belief that every person has value.
Courtney Leonard (Chair | Joined April 2025)
Courtney Leonard brings strategic leadership, organizational insight, and a deep commitment to community-centered work to the Circle of Friends Board of Directors. She is known for building strong teams, strengthening systems, and guiding organizations through periods of growth and transition.
Courtney’s professional background spans operations, leadership development, and mission-driven strategy, with experience supporting organizations as they scale impact while staying grounded in values. Her work emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and thoughtful decision making.
As Board Chair, Courtney is passionate about strong governance and ensuring Circle of Friends remains responsive, sustainable, and firmly rooted in its belief that every person has value.
Sarah Duke (Vice Chair | Joined October 2022)
Jena Dawes (Treasurer | Joined November 2019)
Jena Dawes is someone everyone should know in their town. Jena brings a humble confidence to each role and has supported Circle of Friends from the very beginning.
Another of Jena’s strengths is her ability to understand budgets, contracts, and nonprofit work while maintaining compassion and integrity. She brings clarity and balance when navigating financial and organizational decisions.
Outside of her professional life, Jena enjoys hiking, yoga, road trips, and exploring new places. She is passionate about building inclusive systems that truly serve families.
Chelsea Duke (Secretary | Joined March 2020)
Chelsea Duke brings a strong background in public service, environmental stewardship, and community advocacy to the Circle of Friends Board of Directors. Originally from Eugene, Oregon, she has built a career centered on protecting shared resources and supporting the communities connected to them.
Chelsea currently serves as a Wildlife Lands Coordinator with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, where she manages public lands and works at the intersection of conservation, policy, and public access. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Fish and Wildlife Science from Oregon State University and a Juris Masters from the University of Utah.
Chelsea’s commitment to inclusive education and disability advocacy is shaped by personal experience and early volunteer work supporting children and families. She lives in Utah with her family and enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and exploring new places together.
Luke Lonstron (Joined November 2019)
Luke Lonstron comes to the Board as an experienced friend and leader. His background includes project management, team leadership, and nonprofit involvement.
Luke is known for his steady presence, problem-solving skills, and commitment to inclusive communities. He believes deeply in Circle of Friends’ mission and values long-term impact over short-term solutions.
He enjoys spending time outdoors, building relationships, and supporting mission-driven work.
Pat Crawley (Joined January 2020)
Patrick Crawley brings legal expertise and a strong commitment to community service to the Circle of Friends Board of Directors. His professional work is grounded in helping individuals and families plan for the future with clarity, dignity, and care.
Patrick is an attorney with a practice focused on estate planning and related legal services, where he works closely with clients to navigate complex decisions and protect what matters most to them. His approach emphasizes trust, accessibility, and long-term stability for families.
Patrick’s interest in serving on the Circle of Friends board reflects his belief in inclusive communities and the importance of strong systems that support children, families, and long-term organizational sustainability.
Michelle Saunders (Joined March 2021)
Michelle Saunders brings extensive experience in healthcare quality, operations, and organizational leadership to the Circle of Friends Board of Directors. Her work is rooted in improving systems, strengthening outcomes, and ensuring people receive care and support with dignity.
Michelle holds an MBA and is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. She has spent her career leading quality improvement initiatives, regulatory compliance efforts, and performance management across healthcare settings, with a focus on accountability, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement.
Michelle’s interest in board service reflects her commitment to strong governance and mission-driven organizations that serve children, families, and historically underserved communities.
