Students at The Laradon School
Teenagers at Calabrese Youth Center and Lincoln House
Adults in Adult Day Programs
Workers in Employment Programs
Individuals in Community Living
Individuals served FY 2024-2025
Laradon's Mission
Laradon’s mission is to empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives.
Laradon’s Vision
Laradon is building a future where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are fully included, empowered to live boldly, and supported through innovation, compassion, and care—while being uplifted by inclusive communities.
Laradon’s Core Values
Our History
Within a short time, Laradon gained national recognition as an innovator of education and training services for people with special needs. As referrals dramatically increased, the need for a larger facility, additional staff, and financial support became apparent. In 1950, Laradon moved to its current facility at 5100 Lincoln Street in northwest Denver, where services continue to expand and enrollments continue to rise.
In partnership with parents, professionals, philanthropic organizations and generous community members, Joseph and Elizabeth Calabrese created a training center for people seeking the opportunity to expand their work skills, a school for children with special needs and housing for people in need of a home. The Calabrese’s knew that when provided with the proper education, training and support, people with disabilities could realize their full potential, contribute to the community and become valued members of society.
That vision still exists today. It is manifested in Laradon’s culture and operating philosophy; it is embodied in its mission statement and is seen on the faces of the children and adults who are experiencing a life of inclusion, independence and success.
Laradon Society Board of Directors
Manny Mendez, Chair
COO, Modern Tech
Denver, CO
Jo-Ann Scharmann, Treasurer
Retired, United Way CFO
Centennial, CO
Jim Wolf, Secretary
Attorney, Stokes & Wolf, P.C.
Denver, CO
Zachary Al-Tabbaa
Intellectual Property Associate, Hall Estill
Aurora, CO
Suzanne Bradeen
Retired CPA, Colorado Elks Member
Englewood, CO
Shawnna Earnest
SHRM-SPC, Owner- Earnest HR Consulting, LLC
Gina Frank
Retired
Denver, CO
Alan Girard
Founder & Principal, Girard Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Arvada, CO
Alice Hilzer, Honorary Board Member
Physical Therapy Assistant; Colorado Elks Member
Ft. Morgan, CO
Jean Lawhead
Retired Healthcare Executive
Denver, CO
Queenie Liu
Controller, Aces Quality Management
Centennial, CO
Ellen McDaniel
Principal Product Manager II, Charter Communications
Lakewood, CO
Julie Radulovich
Controller, GH Phipps Construction Companies
Littleton, CO
Jeannette Rogers
Regional Hospital Laboratory Director, Quest Diagnostics
Golden, CO
Val Saiz, LCSW
Co-Founder, Calming Space
Denver, CO
