Meet The Team

 Oscar has had a great deal of experience with mental illness, more than he wished. Since becoming a peer support specialist in high school, Oscar has followed a path of advocacy  for soldiers, veterans, students, and at-risk youth struggling with mental health issues that eventually evolved into joining the board of directors of Robbie's House and serving as Vice President. In 2024, Oscar became the Executive Director of Robbie's House

Julie, a long time Laramie resident serves as the Associate Director at Robbie’s House as well as running the kitchen staff. Her experience in food service as a cook and a server, lends itself to creating a fun atmosphere experimenting with new recipes and learning how to best optimize the use of our limited kitchen. Julie is honest with the members about her own struggles with addictions and mental health and has made it a mission to add her experience and empathy to aiding others in recovery. Robbie’s House came to Julie in a time of need in her own life. Through RH she has been able to get her footing back and would like to share the joy of that with others!

 Angel is a prolific musician and music teacher, and a Laramie native with a strong desire to give back to her community.  Angel is actively involved in the local music scene as a solo performer, band member, vocal and instrument instructor and a partner with Thomas Sachel in a local duo called “Carriages.”  She is currently employed by Feeding Laramie Valley.  Her connection with Robbie’s House stems from her friendship with Robbie and his mother and her desire to help others experiencing mental illness.

Loretta is a former LHS art teacher who served under the mentorship of Laramie's beloved Tim Collins.  She has extensive training and a great love for ceramics, yet is also able to teach water colors and other forms of art. Her positive attitude and appreciation for the many facets of creative expression through art inspire our members to experiment with a variety of art in search of a medium they enjoy and gives them the opportunity for their own personal expression. 

Ginger is the owner-operator of Nature’s Child, a local daycare.  She has been involved in the mental health community since 2018.  Ginger also serves on the Laramie Cares Board, a local suicide prevention organization.  She is certified to teach both QPR and Mental Health First Aid.  Ginger is one of the original members of the Robbie’s House start-up board, which began in January of 2021. 

Mercedes is a Laramie native, is an IT specialist with a degree in Organizational Management.  She began as an intern at Robbie’s House in spring of 2023 and joined the board in August of 2023.  Mercedes has personal experience advocating for family members with mental illness. Her community connections along with her computer expertise and experience designing websites and creating marketing materials make her a valuable asset to the board of directors.

As a physician with a 30-year commitment to community health, Sharon believes the work that the team at Robbie's House provides for our Laramie community is VALUABLE.  "We all need a place to feel safe and to belong."  RH is also a model for health care providers to learn how to provide a Whole Health way of delivering mental health care.  She has great appreciation and respect for EVERYTHING that the RH leadership and members do to create a small example of what "heaven on earth" can look like with dedicated intention and teamwork. 

Mike is the former UW Chief of Police, who brings his strong desire to advocate for individuals experiencing mental health struggles to our board.  Mike was the only police chief that mandated all of his officers to attend CIT training (Crisis Intervention Team training for police officers and first responders).  Mike’s law enforcement experience provides the board with that police officer perspective when it is needed.

Sydney is our youngest board member and our Robbie’s House member representative on the board.  Her personal experience with Robbie’s House and the benefits she received from her involvement provide an ongoing perspective of how we can best provide support to our members.  Sydney’s social media background adds to our ability to maintain our media presence with our members and supporters.

Susan is a retired Laramie native and former employee of the ARK Regional Services.  Her experience as a case manager for the ARK, a local organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities makes her well suited to interact and encourage Robbie’s House members.  She served on the Friends of the Rec Center board with Shirley Lilley, our executive director’s grandmother and an extraordinary fundraiser. She claims to have learned all she knows about fund-raising and the importance of community involvement from Shirley and Emily Wedel.  Susan also has familial experience with mental health and addiction and has a strong desire to ensure the success of Robbie’s House and all it has to offer the Laramie community. 

Rudy is the beloved clubhouse dog at Robbie's House. With his friendly demeanor and gentle nature, Rudy has become a source of comfort and joy for everyone who walks through the doors. Whether he's curling up with a visitor or offering a wag of his tail, Rudy has a special way of soothing hearts and lifting spirits, bringing warmth and love to those who need it most. He's truly a good boy and an essential part of the Robbie's House family, offering unconditional support with every wag and cuddle.