Staff

After leaving the television industry in 2004, Paula was searching for a meaningful career. That’s when she met Dave Kolquist, former Junior Golf Director. He introduced her to The First Tee of Denver and its programs and mission. She was hooked. She jumped at the chance for a purpose-filled career.

Paula brings her people skills, energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. Whether it’s inspiring kids through mentorship training, or being an advocate for the program. It’s her dedication for helping others, especially youth, that drive her to bring people together to improve lives of the youth in surrounding communities.
If Paula’s not out on the course helping kids meet their full potential, she can be found fostering the growth of The First of Denver. Under her direction, programs have expanded, the Board of Directors has become an affective group that furthers the organization’s mission and kids in the program have consistently have better grades, attitudes and attendance to show for their participation.

As Director of Operations, Dan has the responsibility to ensure the organization runs smoothly, whether that’s preparing budgets, designing program schedules, or introducing new programs, such as the Club Building Program. He brings his 15+ years’ experience and expertise to this program where he teaches kids to build their own clubs, but more importantly valuable math and science lessons that they’ll keep long after they outgrow their club.

Nick will bring his golf talents and desire to help at-risk youth to further enhance The First Tee of Denver’s programming and expand the organization to new courses and even more kids. The only thing that Nick enjoys more than teaching kids golf and the inherent lessons built into the fabric of the game is his four-year old son, Gunnar.

Erica started working with The First Tee of Denver as a liaison between the school and the program. After seeing the impact the program had on her students and school as a whole, she knew she wanted to be a part of the bigger picture. Erica brings her expertise in teaching and ability to connect to kids and their families. Erica is excited to help further enhance The First Tee of Denver’s programming to reach even more kids.

After her grandfather and brother introduced her to the game of golf, Arri knew the sport was going to change her life. She grew up in Belen, New Mexico, a small town just south of Albuquerque with Tierra del Sol Golf Club as her backyard. She attended Western New Mexico University where she earned her BA in sociology and competed on the women’s golf team. After graduating in spring of 2014, she moved to Denver to not only find her niche in the golf industry, but to make a difference in a community fresh and new to her. Arri started working for the The First Tee of Denver at the beginning of 2015 for our in-school programming and fell in love with the organization. She continued to work with on course classes, became a Players’ Club coach and Lead Instructor, to now being a Program Coordinator. As a Program Coordinator, Arri hopes to not only utilize her knowledge of the game of golf to teach kids about the sport she loves, but continue the on-going success of what the First Tee of Denver offers to youth. Although there was not a First Tee chapter in her hometown, Arri was fortunate to have a strong support system not only from her family but from her community who assisted her in getting her to where she is today. Arri is excited to be able to give back to kids here in Denver who’re just like her growing up and is in hope to grow more opportunities through the First Tee of Denver.  

Drew is the newest addition to The First Tee of Denver staff. Drew comes to us with experience from both The First Tee of Eagle County and The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch. This has molded him into the passionate coach he is today. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio and a graduate from Ferris State University, Drew brings an animated personality to all programs at The First Tee. Growing up in the golf industry as a caddie, Drew knew he wanted to make a career out of teaching and growing the game of golf. The First Tee of Denver has allowed Drew to impact and inspire young people through the game of golf. “I come from great parents who have instilled values in me such as Confidence, Integrity, and the ability to persevere. I look forward to helping the young adults in this program achieve their goals and reach their full potential.”

Nick has always had a passion for helping children. He has been a substitute teacher, para-educator and coached multiple sports in the past. After some time spent living in other states, he returned to his home state of Colorado in 2018. Nick was exposed to The First Tee through his good friend Erica Yates. He attended multiple functions and knew that he wanted his involvement to surpass just a donor relationship. Nick is very excited to be the new Office Manager for the First Tee. Chances are if you call the office or email the info account, you’ll be corresponding with him.