Mission Advancement
Meet Our Philanthropic Advisors
Tom Kaiser
Director of Philanthropy, Mission Advancement Team
I joined Catholic Charities because my passion is to serve God by serving the people in our community. At Catholic Charities we are doing "Jesus 101" by practicing the corporal works of mercy by providing food, clothing, shelter and so much more for those who need a hand up.
I was raised in the Midwest and spent much of my life in St. Louis, Mo. I graduated from St. Louis University with a degree in Finance and Marketing, and most of my career was spent in the medical device industry. I married my college sweetheart Gigi and we have been blessed with four children and two beautiful granddaughters. My family and I enjoy hiking, camping, rafting and snowboarding. We are very active parishioners at St. Thomas More parish.
Several years ago, I felt God calling me to serve him more directly by working in the non-profit sector. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to partner with the wonderful supporters we have at Catholic Charities of Denver to serve people in our community. - Tom
Direct: 720.799.9258 / Cell: 303.990.2471 / TKaiser@CCDenver.org
Michelle Gallegos
Senior Philanthropic Advisor
I believe that if we listen, God always directs our steps and tells us where He wants us to go next. Four years ago, I heard His voice lead me to join Marisol Health. My time at Marisol was very special and it reminds me always that God created us to love Him and serve others. It was an honor to walk side by side with women experiencing unexpected pregnancies and share the love of Christ with them every step of the way.
I was born in Little Rock Arkansas but have lived in Colorado for most of my life. My husband Patrick and I have three children and are members of Nativity of our Lord parish in Broomfield. I am blessed to be able to lead the praise and worship music every Sunday at the 5 p.m. Mass.
I am grateful to be a part of the Catholic Charities Development team and invite my brothers and sisters in Denver to serve those most vulnerable in our community. - Michelle
Nolan O'Keefe
Director of Donor Relations, Larimer
I am honored to serve on the Mission Advancement team in Northern Colorado. I am a proud Fort Collins resident and CSU Air Force ROTC alum. My beautiful wife Amber and I have been blessed with three children, and we care deeply for our community.
It is my privilege to invite my neighbors to participate with Catholic Charities as we extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need.
I office out of Samaritan House Fort Collins in Old Town. Please reach out if you’d like to serve a meal together, take a tour or simply connect over a phone call. — Nolan
Enita Kearns-Hout
Director of Donor Relations, Weld County
I have been privileged to be guided by God though my life’s journey of service. For 40 years, I worked in the adoption field and, for the past 12 years, I’ve been the Catholic Charities Regional Director serving Weld County. I have seen pain, trauma, loss, deep sorrow and hopelessness. I’m inspired every day by the power of Christ’s love and by the ability of the human spirit to overcome adversities when shown compassion and support. I am excited to share what I have witnessed, and the remarkable life-changing services provided by our Catholic Charites team members and volunteers.
Transplanted from St Louis, Greeley has been my home for over 50 years. My husband Mark Hout is a contractor and Trustee of Aims Community College. Together, we have had the opportunity to give back to our community through service organizations, school, non-profit and parish committees and boards. We have been tremendously blessed with three children, one of whom is now in God’s hands, and six grandchildren.
Deacon Tim Heaton
Director of Mission Advancement
I am a Colorado native, raised in Arvada, and a graduate of Colorado State University. I currently serve at St. Joan of Arc Parish, where my family has been active since 1972. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Lisa, for 41 years. Together, we have raised five children in Arvada, and today I’m a proud grandfather to six wonderful grandchildren.
Outside of work, I’m an avid hockey fan and former player, as well as an enthusiastic reader of history, spirituality and the occasional adventure novel. I have a heart for service, and I feel deeply called to this journey with Catholic Charities. I’m thrilled to be part of this mission!
Katie Moon
Volunteer and Corporate Engagement Specialist
Ever since I was a little girl growing up in St. Louis, I dreamed of finding ways to help the homeless. After raising my five children with my husband, Sung, I feel incredibly blessed that God has prepared and guided me to fulfill not only those childhood dreams, but also His call — to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, shelter the poor, serve the fatherless and widow and to welcome the stranger.
I have a genuine love for people. Building relationships brings me deep joy, and I’m passionate about helping others discover how they, too, can serve and help our brothers and sisters in need. One of my favorite moments while people tour and serve is watching the transformation unfold as “the other” becomes “that could be my friend,” “that could be my mother,” “that could be my child,” or even “that could be me.” That recognition often inspires a desire to serve in deeper, more meaningful ways.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with members of the business community as they seek impactful ways to uplift those struggling in our community. I’m committed to finding just the right fit — whether through service days, financial support, drives, or tours. I look forward to connecting and helping your company meet its social responsibility goals.
Christian Castaneda
Philanthropic Project Manager
I am a Guatemalan-American happily married to my wife Rhiannon. A son to Helen and an older brother to Christopher. I grew up and still live in my hometown of Boulder, CO.
I hold a degree in Business Administration from Colorado Christian University. I volunteer as a lector at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and am a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1183. Additionally, I serve as an active member of the External Advisory Committee for the Dean of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder.
I’m a philanthropist with an entrepreneurial spirit at heart. I believe in the power of community through connection, giving, and mentorship. I love sharing my faith and love for Jesus Christ. I enjoy reading various non-fiction books and articles about Catholicism or Business. I stay very active and enjoy running, hiking, biking, golfing, lifting, snowboarding, and just about anything that keeps me moving in the outdoors!
I am so blessed, humbled, and grateful that God has answered my prayer to join the Catholic Charities mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need. I look forward to being of service to you and for many through the Mission Advancement Team.
Tom Schwein
Senior Philanthropic Advisor
I was born and raised in Colorado and attended Regis University on a baseball scholarship, where I met my wife, Susan. We’ve been blessed with four children, three married and one engaged— and have 11 grandchildren. We enjoy family gatherings and performances at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
In 2011, I founded a cycling team to raise awareness and funds for the Samaritan House in Downtown Denver. What began as a small team of six raising $12,000 in 2011 has grown into a movement. In 2020, I received the Courteney Saeman Volunteer of the Year award from Catholic Charities for having raised a cumulative $1.0 million since our inception. By December 2024, our collective efforts through Team Samaritan, which now includes cycling, running, and walking teams—surpassed $2 million raised to support people experiencing homelessness.
My involvement with Catholic Charities began after a celebratory dinner with CEO Darren Walsh, which sparked a deeper conversation about mission-driven work. Today, I’m honored to serve full-time at Catholic Charities, leading Team Samaritan and continuing to do God’s work by raising awareness and support for the crisis of homelessness. As St. Catherine of Siena reminds us, “If you are what you are meant to be, you will set the world on fire.”
David J. McKean
Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives
I am blessed to serve at Catholic Charities of Denver, where I have been helping to launch our Planned Giving program and the 1927 Society to ensure that our mission of service continues for generations to come. After more than two decades as a business builder, scaling companies across industries from technology to consumer goods, I felt God calling me to use my experience for a greater cause. Joining Catholic Charities has allowed me to give back in a meaningful way, aligning my professional background with my lifelong Catholic faith.
A proud Colorado native and University of Colorado alum, I also hold a master’s degree from the London School of Economics. Earlier in my career, I co-founded and led multiple companies, earning Inc. Today, my focus is on strengthening Catholic Charities’ long-term sustainability through philanthropy and strategic initiatives.
I am grateful to invite donors, parishes, and community partners to join us in this work. Together, we can ensure that Catholic Charities continues extending Christ’s healing ministry to those most in need.
Dawn Carmin
Director of Grant Operations
Funding from public and private grant-making organizations plays a large and critical role in the operations of Catholic Charities. As part of Catholic Charities’ Mission Advancement, the Grant Writing team works closely with all the different ministries to manage nearly 200 grants annually, which includes writing letters of intent, proposals, evaluations and follow up reports. The Grant Writing team is also constantly seeking new grant opportunities to benefit the Catholic Charities mission. For any grant questions, contact us at grants@ccdenver.org.