Providing compassionate care & support to Montrose’s unhoused, helping rebuild lives.
MIRIAM CARDENAS
Miriam Cardenas is originally from Michoacán, Mexico, and has been part of this community for 27 years. She has dedicated the past eight years to working in the nonprofit sector, driven by a deep compassion for those in need. Miriam is committed to making a meaningful difference with the guidance of her Heavenly Father and seeks to share God’s love with others in both word and action each day.
EVAN HOWARD
Evan B. Howard, Ph.D. is retired after a distinguished career in teaching and pastoral ministry, beginning in 1983. His professional experience includes serving as a caseworker with the Salvation Army and contributing to numerous charitable initiatives. Dr. Howard has also served as a caseworker and secretary for the Association of Montrose Churches. In addition to his ministry and service work, he is the author of several books and articles dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and deepening one’s relationship with God.
SHANNON SIEDSCHLAG
Shannon Siedschlag did not come to Montrose for the mountains, scenery, or outdoor adventures, but through God’s providence. While pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies in Wisconsin, he met the love of his life, which set him on a new path. Her father, a Montrose native, introduced them to this special community, where he had proposed more than 30 years ago.
Nearly two decades ago, God led their family to settle in Montrose. Since then, their family has grown from four to six children—including a son and daughter-in-law—and now four beloved grandchildren, who remain among his greatest blessings.
Throughout the years, he has had the opportunity to serve the Montrose community in various capacities, including construction work, pastoral care, and beyond. The trials he has faced have only deepened his passion to help others discover the “abundant life” that comes from hope in Christ alone.
In a place filled with breathtaking natural beauty, it is easy to look up and overlook the need that exists at eye level. Many in the community are without hope. That is why he serves at The Shepherd’s Hand—a place where Christ’s love is not only spoken about but also demonstrated daily in real, tangible ways.
MAXINE ABBOTT
Maxine Abbott holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and brings nearly 20 years of experience in social services, most of which was spent working with a faith-based nonprofit organization in California. She is passionate about serving others and feels called to support the mission of The Shepherd’s Hand through her role on the board.
ED DOUGLAS
Originally from Sunnyside, Washington, Ed Douglas relocated to Alaska in 1955 at the age of seven, where much of their childhood was spent. Over the years, they also lived in Vermont and California, where they came to faith at Greg Laurie’s church in Riverside. In the 1980s, Ed moved to Colorado and became part of the founding team of a church in Montrose dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. Guided by a deep calling to support those in need, [Name] is honored to continue that mission today as a board member of The Shepherd’s Hand.
JEFF DOWNS
Jeff Downs has been a part of the Montrose community since 1990. A graduate of Ridgway High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in 2005. Shortly after, Jeff and his wife, Jenika, returned to Montrose to pursue their shared dream of practicing regenerative agriculture on his family’s ranch.
With a lifelong love for animals—especially his cows—and a passion for sustainable ranching, Jeff has dedicated his work to caring for the land and livestock entrusted to him. He and Jenika have been married for 16 years and are the proud parents of four children, ranging in age from 2 to 14.
At the center of Jeff’s life is his faith. He is deeply grateful for God’s relentless pursuit of his heart and continues to be amazed by His grace, mercy, and love. Jeff carries a strong desire to see others experience true freedom and healing through the power of Jesus Christ.
ROBERT H. PARISH
As Chief Retail Officer at Parish Oil Company, Robert H. Parish is proud to serve the Montrose, Colorado, community—a place he has called home since the age of six. Over the years, he has been deeply engaged in both professional and civic initiatives that support the growth and vitality of the region.
His leadership journey began with his first board position on the Montrose Chamber of Commerce. When the Chamber closed, he continued his commitment to local advocacy through the Governmental Affairs Council, a group dedicated to addressing key community issues. Today, he serves on the Region 10 Loan Committee Board, a regional organization that evaluates and approves financing for small businesses and nonprofits. In this role, he helps guide funding decisions for working capital, equipment, and inventory needs—supporting organizations that strengthen the area’s economic resilience.
A meaningful personal milestone in returning to Montrose has been reconnecting with All Saints Anglican Church, where he first attended as a child. He currently serves on the Vestry (Board of Directors) and has held leadership positions as Junior Warden (Vice Chair) for four years and Senior Warden (Chair) for two.
Outside of work and service, he enjoys life with his wife, Ashley, and their two daughters. Together, they live east of Montrose and spend much of their time outdoors—climbing, rafting, fishing, and camping. They are grateful to raise their family surrounded by the region’s natural beauty and feel blessed to be part of such a vibrant community.
THERESA MCDERMOTT
Theresa, or Terri as she is known to her friends, has a lifelong commitment to community service and professional excellence that is rooted in her small-town New Hampshire upbringing, where a solid foundation for organizational development and a passion for mission-driven work has stayed with her ever since. These values include volunteerism and civic duty through scouting and church activities.
Terri began her career in banking, where she met her husband and started a family. Later, after her children reached school age, she pursued a new path in Early Childhood Education. For 25 years, she taught in Alabama and Florida, specializing in ESOL and learning disabilities, while organizing events, fundraisers, and service projects in the schools and scouting community.
When her children were grown, Terri transitioned back into banking, joining Chase Retirement Services in Tampa, FL, as a Retirement Distribution Specialist, teaching new employees and shaping departmental policies and procedures.
In 2017, Terri and her husband moved to Montrose to be close to the grandchildren. Terri became an administrative assistant for DCI Dialysis Clinic Inc., a nonprofit organization.
After retirement, Terri began volunteering at The Shepherd’s Hand, working with the unhoused and assisting in the pantry. In February 2025, Terri became a board member of The Lighthouse, then in June, a board member of The Shepherds Hand, accepting the role of secretary for both boards. Terri continues to volunteer at The Shepherds Hand, overseeing the pantry and encouraging the unhoused.
Terri offers a unique blend of financial acumen, educational experience, service, and a deep love for her community.
SYLVA HAMILTON
Sylva Hamilton has called Montrose home for more than 30 years and is deeply committed to supporting the well-being of her community. She serves as Treasurer on the Shepherd’s Hand board, bringing strong organizational and financial skills to the role.
Sylva attended Fort Lewis College, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in Accounting. Professionally, she is the Director of Operations at TheraTogs, Inc., a Montrose-based medical device manufacturer, where she has contributed her expertise in business operations for nearly a decade. Her background in accounting and operational management has equipped her with the insight to help strengthen both organizations and the people they serve.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Sylva enjoys time outdoors, knitting, and training her horses using positive reinforcement. She and her husband, Shane, have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of two children.