mission

Can’d Aid’s people-powered programs provide tools and access for under-resourced communities to lead healthy, active, and creative lives.

vision

We believe in the healing power of human connection. We envision a world fueled by authentic relationships that spark joy and unlock our inherent capacity to create positive change. Together, we are building a movement and model for innovative, responsive and connected community engagement. 

Jeff High Five _Reduced

Mission

Can’d Aid’s people-powered programs provide tools and access for under-resourced communities to lead healthy, active, and creative lives.

vision

We believe in the healing power of human connection. We envision a world fueled by authentic relationships that spark joy and unlock our inherent capacity to create positive change. Together, we are building a movement and model for innovative, responsive and connected community engagement. 

Our Team

Diana Hicks

Founder + Executive Director

Founder + Executive Director

Diana oversees all aspects of the growing nonprofit’s activities, including honing the big picture vision, keeping the Board informed and engaged, securing new partners and working to launch innovative programs. Diana's many years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and her unconventional and entrepreneurial approach are changing the way people think about philanthropy. Hardwired to create a culture of connection, her passion and enthusiasm are contagious and have helped propel Can'd Aid to the next level.

Sara Hannafin

Senior Director of Engagement

Senior Director of Engagement

Sara Hannafin is Can’d Aid’s Senior Director of Engagement. With over 20 years of development and engagement work for national and global nonprofits, Sara has a demonstrated commitment to building authentic relationships to secure diverse and lasting funding streams for the organization. She partnered with Can’d Aid at her previous position in the disaster relief field and was drawn to the mission long before she started working with us.

Alyssa Lile

Director of Communications + Engagement

Director of Communications + Engagement

Alyssa develops and implements communication strategies to ensure that Can’d Aid’s mission is represented through effective, cohesive and consistent messaging across all platforms. She also produces supporter communications including emails, newsletters and impact reports. In collaboration with the Senior Director of Engagement, she executes fundraising initiatives and develops strategies for donor cultivation and stewardship. Alyssa’s dedication to authentic communication and connection prioritizes meaningful relationships with Can’d Aid supporters and team members.

Logan Firehammer

Director of Programs

Director of Programs

Logan oversees the long-term growth of all Can'd Aid's signature programs and develops pilot programs in direct response to community needs. She contributes to strategic planning, leads the program team, and implements monitoring and evaluation efforts. Her background in education and passion for learning fuel her efforts to continually strengthen Can'd Aid's core programs.

Abbi Arneson

Marketing Manager

Marketing Manager

Abbi manages and implements creative and marketing needs for Can'd Aid, as well as coordinating public-facing programming. She oversees the long-term growth of our Music + Arts program and is continually working to streamline Can'd Aid's behind-the-scenes program operations. Her passion for getting creative and empowering the next generation propels her efforts to continually strengthen Can'd Aid's core programs.

Josie Johnston

Program + Community Engagement Manager

Program + Community Engagement Manager

Josie coordinates and manages the program-related aspects of our corporate relationships, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement She assists in strengthening and streamlining programs, processes, and community outreach initiatives. Josie also manages and creates content for all of Can’d Aid’s social media platforms. Coupled with her previous experience in outdoor education and the non-profit sector, Josie’s love of learning and taking on new challenges makes her a perfect fit for Can’d Aid’s fast-paced environment.

Kassi Ackerman

Operations Specialist

Operations Specialist

Kassi is the organizational powerhouse behind Can'd Aid, expertly managing all behind-the-scenes operations and administrative tasks. From ensuring we have supplies for every program to leading volunteer projects with boundless energy, she keeps the wheels turning seamlessly. Known for her ability to make friends wherever she goes, Kassi’s passion for getting kids outdoors and inspiring volunteers to make a difference is truly unparalleled. 

Jeff Lenosky

Treads + Trails Ambassador

Treads + Trails Ambassador

Jeff Lenosky is a three-time National Champion and World Record Holder who has been inspiring kids to get outside and ride bikes with Can'd Aid since 2016. Traveling to schools across the country, Jeff shares his passion for biking through exciting demos filled with tips + tricks, helping young riders build confidence and skill. With a deep love for riding and a commitment to empowering the next generation of riders, Jeff continues to make biking more accessible and fun for all.

Our Team

Diana Hicks

Founder + Executive Director

Founder + Executive Director

Diana oversees all aspects of the growing nonprofit’s activities, including honing the big picture vision, keeping the Board informed and engaged, securing new partners and working to launch innovative programs. Diana's many years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and her unconventional and entrepreneurial approach are changing the way people think about philanthropy. Hardwired to create a culture of connection, her passion and enthusiasm are contagious and have helped propel Can'd Aid to the next level.

Sara Hannafin

Senior Director of Engagement

Senior Director of Engagement

Sara Hannafin is Can’d Aid’s Senior Director of Engagement. With over 20 years of development and engagement work for national and global nonprofits, Sara has a demonstrated commitment to building authentic relationships to secure diverse and lasting funding streams for the organization. She partnered with Can’d Aid at her previous position in the disaster relief field and was drawn to the mission long before she started working with us.

Alyssa Lile

Director of Communications + Engagement

Director of Communications + Engagement

Alyssa develops and implements communication strategies to ensure that Can’d Aid’s mission is represented through effective, cohesive and consistent messaging across all platforms. She also produces supporter communications including emails, newsletters and impact reports. In collaboration with the Senior Director of Engagement, she executes fundraising initiatives and develops strategies for donor cultivation and stewardship. Alyssa’s dedication to authentic communication and connection prioritizes meaningful relationships with Can’d Aid supporters and team members.

Logan Firehammer

Director of Programs

Director of Programs

Logan oversees the long-term growth of all Can'd Aid's signature programs and develops pilot programs in direct response to community needs. She contributes to strategic planning, leads the program team, and implements monitoring and evaluation efforts. Her background in education and passion for learning fuel her efforts to continually strengthen Can'd Aid's core programs.

Abbi Arneson

Marketing Manager

Marketing Manager

Abbi manages and implements creative and marketing needs for Can'd Aid, as well as coordinating public-facing programming. She oversees the long-term growth of our Music + Arts program and is continually working to streamline Can'd Aid's behind-the-scenes program operations. Her passion for getting creative and empowering the next generation propels her efforts to continually strengthen Can'd Aid's core programs.

Josie Johnston

Program + Community Engagement Manager

Program + Community Engagement Manager

Josie coordinates and manages the program-related aspects of our corporate relationships, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement She assists in strengthening and streamlining programs, processes, and community outreach initiatives. Josie also manages and creates content for all of Can’d Aid’s social media platforms. Coupled with her previous experience in outdoor education and the non-profit sector, Josie’s love of learning and taking on new challenges makes her a perfect fit for Can’d Aid’s fast-paced environment.

Kassi Ackerman

Operations Specialist

Operations Specialist

Kassi is the organizational powerhouse behind Can'd Aid, expertly managing all behind-the-scenes operations and administrative tasks. From ensuring we have supplies for every program to leading volunteer projects with boundless energy, she keeps the wheels turning seamlessly. Known for her ability to make friends wherever she goes, Kassi’s passion for getting kids outdoors and inspiring volunteers to make a difference is truly unparalleled. 

Jeff Lenosky

Treads + Trails Ambassador

Treads + Trails Ambassador

Jeff Lenosky is a three-time National Champion and World Record Holder who has been inspiring kids to get outside and ride bikes with Can'd Aid since 2016. Traveling to schools across the country, Jeff shares his passion for biking through exciting demos filled with tips + tricks, helping young riders build confidence and skill. With a deep love for riding and a commitment to empowering the next generation of riders, Jeff continues to make biking more accessible and fun for all.

Our Story

Can’d Aid is firmly rooted in the belief that everyone has the power to give back and do good. That simple concept sparked an idea for founder Diana Hicks to build a truly unique organization. By combining the collaborative culture and entrepreneurial spirit she loved while working in the craft beer industry with her years of nonprofit experience, Diana set out to create something transformational. She joined forces with long-time college friend and founder of Oskar Blues Brewery, Dale Katechis, and the concept of Can’d Aid was born.

 

In September of 2013, Can’d Aid was immediately propelled into action when a historic flood devastated Colorado communities, including the small town of Lyons – the birthplace of Oskar Blues. In partnership with Oskar Blues, Can’d Aid quickly mobilized — raising funds, providing resources and rallying volunteers to help Lyons’ businesses and families rebuild. The initial success of our disaster response efforts sparked many more collaborative projects, including canning clean drinking water for communities in need and mucking and gutting homes devastated by disaster. Now a fully independent and publicly funded 501(c)3 nonprofit, Can’d Aid would never have gotten off the ground had it not been for the initial support, encouragement and funding from Dale and Oskar Blues.

 

Strengthened by the positive results in Lyons, Can’d Aid began focusing on building its signature programs, designed to empower people to make a difference in their own backyard. From rallying volunteers to build bikes for at-risk youth, distributing clean drinking water, restoring trails and waterways, educating people about the importance of recycling, or partnering with Grammy award-winning musicians to provide instruments and music lessons for underserved children, Can’d Aid’s impact grew exponentially.

 

Now, more than eleven years later, Can’d Aid continues to listen and respond quickly to evolving community needs across the United States. Our unique and integrated approach to building thriving communities has been enhanced by the support of several large companies and a rapidly growing volunteer base. We envision a world fueled by authentic relationships that spark joy and unlock our inherent capacity to create positive change. Together, we are building a movement and model for innovative, responsive and connected community engagement.

but we can't do it alone!