Hummingbird Corps

The Hummingbird Corps are friends of The Never Alone Foundation who have demonstrated a commitment to the foundation that is deemed so above and beyond that the Board of Directors and Co-Directors feel they should be recognized and invited to fill the very special role of ambassador to their greater community.

Hummingbirds will fill be available to speak to groups and organizations about the foundation and international adoption, they will act as a source of information for the foundation and international adoption and they form the core of our volunteer bank by helping the foundation successfully carry out events in our community throughout the year.

To contact the Hummingbirds or to request a Hummingbird to come speak to your group or organization, please email hummingbirds@laurelsmessage.org.

KYLA CARLSON

After touring the Midwest with medical school in Missouri and internship/residency in Michigan, I was happy to return to the wide, open spaces of Montana, where I am an Ob/Gyn physician in Billings. My husband Bruce and I were married on 10/10/10 and we enjoy all things outdoors including camping, fishing, hiking, and skiing. We just purchased our first house together and are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the first addition to our family… a silver lab puppy who will be named Amos. My involvement in the Never Alone Foundation stems from my sister Laurel and my nieces Hannah, Zoe, and Lucy. It is an honor to participate in this cause, as it is one my sister would have loved and championed. My heart and soul can find peace in doing my part to support this foundation; inspired in memory of those I dearly loved and miss every day.

KATIE CARMIN

Julie Connan

Julie Connon is the mother of two beautiful and rambunctious children adopted from China. She also works full time at a local non-profit organization. Through China adoption Julie has developed a love for China, the culture, and its people. Adoption has also softened her heart for children who need parents, medical care, and or post adoption support. Through the Never Alone Foundation she hopes to put her passion for orphans and skills to good use helping support children and families.

JANET CONSTANTINIDES

Janet Constantinides is a retired professor of English as a second language. She has always been fascinated by other cultures and languages. She and her husband of 50 years, Chris, who was born and raised in Cyprus, have a bilingual household and live part of each year Cyprus. So it was only natural that we would welcome Hannah, Zoe, and Lucy with open arms. We saw what good parenting could accomplish as Laurel and Alex raised their girls, all of whom were fragile when they came to them. The Never Alone Foundation can assist other adoptive families to achieve the same results. For that reason, I am proud to be a member of the Hummingbirds!

Cori Cutler

My name is Cori Cutler. I am married and have two girls ages 4 and 10. I have been a Real Estate agent for 7 years. My oldest daughter and I are competitive inline speed skaters. I met Laurel at Taylor Elementary School where Chloe and Hannah started kindergarten together. I am very active in the community and volunteer regularly at The Marion House and The Ronald McDonald House and I look forward to being a part of The Never Alone Foundation.

ANDREA FLEISCHMANN

J.R. GORDON

J.R. Gordon is a Colorado native who grew up in Estes Park, currently he lives in Lyons, Colorado. Prior to entering the health care field J.R. worked as a cook before becoming a physical therapist assistant. Currently he works in a skilled nursing facility in Longmont.

Outside of work he has a passion for motorcycling, weight training and Martial Arts. “Through Alex’s work as a ringside physician at Martial Arts events is where I came to know the Constantinides family” he stated. “I’m beyond thrilled and honored to get to be a part of The Never Alone Foundation. I have seen their work first hand and they are literally changing lives for the better. It will be a pleasure to help spread awareness of the foundation’s work and to help raise funds for those in need”.

KATE KRAUSE

For nearly all of her life, Kate Krause has been working to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and youth. Throughout her childhood, her family fostered children from developing nations traveling to the US for life-saving surgeries, and she saw first-hand the healing a loving family can provide. Kate maintains that passion for children today, inspired by Laurel’s tireless advocacy for international adoptions, as well as the Constantinides girls themselves — Hannah, Zoe and Lucy — with whom Kate was especially close. Kate is a strong champion for the Never Alone Foundation, and specifically wants to connect adoptive families with the critical resources and community they need. Kate lives and works in Colorado Springs, CO, with her husband Shawn and son Quinn.

KATHY GAMS OBERREIT

I’m a homemaker and I reside on San Juan Island in Washington state. I met my husband when I moved from upstate New York to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 1985. We’ve been happily married for over 22 years. We have four lovely daughters. Marliese Kathryn is 21. Savannah Grace is 19. Rose Leigh is 14. Hope Fu Wen is 9. Marliese, Savannah and Rose are biological. We adopted Hope from the country of China. They were all born in our hearts.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have known Laurel Constantinides. To have called her my treasured friend and to have witnessed her love for family, friends and community put to action. I am humbled and honored to be chosen to be an ambassador for The Hummingbird Corps. Helping spread Laurel’s message through the Never Alone Foundation will be my privilege.

KARA REED

Kara lives in Tonganoxie, KS where she is a stay at home mom (to an 11 year old daughter and 5 year old son), part time college biology instructor, city councilwoman and community volunteer. Kara was privileged enough to be part of many of Laurel’s college adventures and she is honored and excited to be a part of the Never Alone family. She looks forward to spreading the word about the Foundation and hopes to help spread the love and legacy of Laurel and her girls.

COMFORT ROGERS

I am a Mommy to three gems, wife of fourteen years, business owner, artist, musician and lover of life.  Originally from Wyoming, I have lived in Colorado Springs for fourteen years.  I met Dr. Alex, Laurel and their beauties through a mutual friend many years ago.   I was immediately drawn to Laurel’s love and passion for adoption as we adopted our son, Caleb, from China seven years ago.  We loved sharing our adoption experiences, struggles and joys with one another.  I am so thrilled to be a member of this foundation that honors Laurel and the girls and her heart for adoption.

LARA VAN BEEK