Menu
Left to right, Gina Carbone, Rachel O’Bryan, Henny Lasley, Diane Carlson, Doug Robinson, Julie Dreifaldt
Doug Robinson
Co-founder and Chairman of Advisory Council
Doug is chairman of the Advisory Council of Once Chance to Grow Up. He is actively involved in the community, starting three nonprofits. Doug was a gubernatorial candidate in 2018 evidencing his deep commitment to Colorado. Professionally, Doug spent 27 years as an investment banker, specifically in the technology sector. He is currently managing partner of Dry Fly Capital and adjunct professor of finance at the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder.
Henny Lasley
Co-founder and Executive Director
Henny has been on the ground floor of this work since we formed. The State Marijuana Enforcement Division has appointed Henny to serve on several stakeholder groups focused on the implementation of HB21-1317 including the first in the nation-mandated tangible education resource. Additionally, Henny has participated in workgroups involving labeling and warning statements of marijuana products, social consumption, and marijuana delivery. Henny is responsible for the strategic operation of the organization, including fundraising, budgeting, and management of the team and consultants. She speaks locally, nationally, and internationally training health professionals, policymakers, and parents by sharing Colorado’s lessons learned about today’s THC and its impacts on kids. Henny has a B.B.A. and B.A. in history from Southern Methodist University.
Diane Carlson
Co-founder and National Policy Director and Strategic Partnerships
Diane has participated in all aspects of the education, policy, and regulatory-making process from day one of marijuana legalization in Colorado. Appointed by the governor, Diane has served on Colorado’s Statewide Marijuana Education Committee for the past eight years. She has served in leadership positions in organizations focused on K-12 education and youth wellness, leadership, and civic engagement. Diane has a Master in Public Policy from the Kennedy School at Harvard and a B.A. in History/Economics from the University of Maryland.
Rachel O'Bryan
Co-founder and Strategic Projects Director
Rachel, an attorney, has been involved in Colorado’s historic adult use marijuana legislative and regulatory process since 2013. She was appointed by the governor to serve on a subcommittee of the Amendment 64 Implementation Task Force, providing a voice for citizens and youth. She has also served on several state Marijuana Enforcement Division regulatory committees. Rachel monitors data trends to recommend media attention and policy/regulatory recommendations. Rachel has authored numerous white papers on the subject of youth use. Rachel also coordinates with DU and CU SPH graduate school capstone projects. She has a B.A. from Brown University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.
Julie Dreifaldt
National Director of Community & Outreach Engagement
Julie Dreifaldt is a subject matter expert and sought-after speaker for One Chance to Grow Up. She speaks nationally to policymakers, regulators, community leaders, parents, trusted adults, youth-serving coalition partners, and school organizations about today’s legal THC and hemp, the impacts on kids and how communities can generate actionable narratives to create change. Since 2018, Julie has tirelessly advocated for kids and continues to equip parents and trusted adults with tools to talk about today’s THC. Julie has a BA in History and English from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Jennifer Yates
Grants and Organizational Coordinator
Jennifer has been involved in local regulatory policy to advocate for strict nicotine and marijuana protections since 2014. Jennifer brings 25+ years of business and management expertise and oversees budgeting, contract management, and grant writing. She testifies frequently, participates in MED workgroups, and is part of the One Chance speakers bureau. She has passionately worked to educate and inform on the importance of protections for kids and was one of the earliest supporters of statewide youth protections when adult-use marijuana/THC became legal in Colorado.
Alton Dillard
Communications Consultant
Alton P. Dillard II is a semi-retired government spokesperson and a communications consultant with more than 30 years of media relations experience. He has prior experience as a talk show host, anchor, reporter, and sportscaster. He also served as PressSecretary and Senior Aide to former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (CO) and in December of 2022 Dillard wrapped up a 17-year stint as Communications Manager and Public Information Officer for the Office of the Denver County Clerk and Recorder in Colorado.
Allison Dodge
Donor Relations
Allison Dodge brings a wealth of knowledge to One Chance in outreach to new and existing individuals and foundations to build One Chance’s funding streams. Allison was the chair of our community fundraising event in 2016 and we were excited when she was willing to join our team! A long-time Denver resident, Allison has been extremely active in the nonprofit sector including currently serving as the President of the Denver Ballet Guild, and chaired fundraising events for the Highline Canal Conservancy. Allison was active in her children’s schools by chairing many fundraising events with creative style. Allison’s skill set includes amazing people skills and promoting the importance of our work at One Chance To Grow Up.
Jesse Hulling
Digital Communications Coordinator
Jesse is passionate about communications and leveraging digital tools to advocate for Colorado kids. With years of experience in various non-profits, Jesse has honed his skills in operations, communications, and advocacy, particularly within the Colorado food systems. He earned a Google Digital Marketing Certificate in 2022, enhancing his ability to drive impactful digital campaigns. Originally from California, Jesse has proudly called Colorado home for the past seven years. Outside of work, Jesse enjoys spending time with his family, playing Pickleball, and exploring the beautiful state of Colorado.
Ge'Swan Swanson
Community Engagement Coordinator
Ge’Swan was introduced to the organization during his time with the Colorado Student Leaders Institute (COSLI) as a high school student. Ge’Swan continuously promotes One Chance’s mission to protect the children of tomorrow by helping with projects, testifying on youth protection bills, and engaging new community members. Ge’Swan was a former intern and a current member of the advisory board and manages intermittent projects. Ge’Swan has a BS in Biology and a minor in Political Science from the University of Colorado Denver.
Gina Carbone
Co-founder One Chance to Grow Up
Gina has represented One Chance to Grow Up on The Today Show, PBS, C-SPAN, Fox News, NPR and BBC, as well as interviews with Time Magazine, The New York Times, USA Today, and many other national and international media outlets. A third-generation Coloradan, she spent more than a decade working in public affairs in Washington, D.C., and New York City. She has a B.A. in Political Science from Fairfield University and an M.A. in International Affairs from American University in Washington, DC.
One Chance to Grow Up protects kids from THC through transparency, education, empowerment, and policy. We don’t take sides on the politics of legalization but instead serve as a reliable resource for parents, media, policymakers, and all who care about kids.
Started by concerned parents we’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by charitable contributions. One Chance to Grow Up is a project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center. EIN: 84-1493585