Posts Tagged ‘Go for It Staff’
Founder
jzerafa@comcast.net
Judy Zerafa is the founder of the Seven Keys to Success Life Program™ and author of the national bestseller, GO FOR IT! (Workman Publishing / 1982), the first how-to book for teens. To date the book has sold a half-million copies. Judy has motivated hundreds of thousands to jumpstart their lives in her corporate seminars, professional training and school programs. She is a sought-after speaker on the topics of success, learning, parenting and motivation. The success of her methods for achieving across age, gender and socio-economic boundaries led to the founding of the GO FOR IT! Institute in 2003. Among other educational programs, the Institute offers a continuing education credit curriculum within a Masters in Education program in Colorado. Judy leads both the Board of Directors and the Institute staff, and is the primary presenter, fundraiser and spokesperson for GO FOR IT!
Judy Zerafa’s Seven Keys to Success Life Program™ was developed after extensive interviews with recipients of the Horatio Alger Award. Recipients are Americans who have succeeded entirely through their own efforts; many of them despite adversity. Zerafa’s research revealed seven specific attributes identified as essential to human success.
She lives in Denver, Colorado and is the mother of three grown children and three grandchildren. Zerafa will release a book about a ground-breaking approach to permanent weight loss later in 2011.
Director of Community Outreach and Support
dmcmurtry@goforitinstitute.org
David McMurtry is currently the GO FOR IT! Director of Community Outreach and Support. He oversees the creation, planning and implementation of all of the GO FOR IT! Seven Keys to Success school/youth programs. He began working with the organization in January 2009 and finds the opportunity to be a perfect blend between two of his passions: working to improve education in the country and empowering teachers, parents and students. His view on the world stems from the belief that individuals ultimately control their own attitudes and are free to choose in every moment. He sees limitless potential in each person and knows that all people have the power within them to be a force of nature.
Before joining the GO FOR IT! team, David taught middle school humanities and was a high school tennis, basketball and baseball coach. Additionally, he has worked as an Assistant Director of Admissions at a Denver school and before that he was a counselor for at-risk youth at a short-term residential facility in San Diego. The common theme throughout these years has been his commitment to working with and empowering young adults.
David is a Denver native but has spent the majority of the past ten years living outside of Colorado and traveling abroad. He graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. in Comparative Politics. While in college he spent a semester living in South Africa and has been passionate about traveling ever since. His travels have taken him to Ecuador, Thailand, Cambodia, parts of Europe and most recently, India.
David enjoys tennis, yoga, the Broncos, doing magic, reading and camping. David describes himself as someone who loves life, knows that he is constantly evolving, and is grateful for the opportunities that each day brings.
Director of Operations
koberle@goforitinstitute.org
Kasey L. Oberle brings global perspective and vibrant leadership to all of her personal and professional endeavors. Through her diverse life experience, Kasey continues to have a positive impact on many people. She is steadfast in her commitment to fulfill upon her vision for the world: that all people are empowered, inspired and successful!
Kasey studied architecture at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and Rome, Italy. It was during these four years that she established a professional passion to create healthy communities through intentional, innovative design due to her burgeoning interest in the issues of sustainability and green architecture.
Upon college graduation, Kasey spent a year and a half volunteering abroad as a teacher and mentor for children and families. While in Ecuador and Azerbaijan, she helped local families achieve self-sufficiency through initiatives in education and health care. She demonstrated solidarity with them by engaging in mutually beneficial cultural exchange. Kasey has a working knowledge of the Spanish language.
In the spring of 2006, Kasey joined the GO FOR IT! Institute, an organization that trains youth, parents and educators in a program called the Seven Keys to Success. This program inspires and motivates every participating child and adult, giving them the tools necessary to achieve their highest potential. As a contributing member of the GO FOR IT! team, Kasey has played a variety of roles focused in the areas of operations, training, financial management, and program development. Other areas of expertise include team building, communications, and website development. Kasey is currently the Director of Operations for the GO FOR IT! Institute.
When not engaged in GO FOR IT! endeavors, Kasey enjoys reading, pilates, yoga, dancing, and singing. Her deepest passion in life is to grow in wisdom and grace; to develop beyond her own personal transformation, creating the opportunity for all people to be freed up to live fulfilling and joyful lives. Kasey resides in Denver, Colorado.
Lisa M. Rose
Educational Curriculum Developer
Lisa is currently involved with GO FOR IT! as an Educational Curriculum Developer and is working to develop “Getting Ready to GO FOR IT”, the Preschool through 2nd grade version of the GO FOR IT! Curriculum. Lisa has been working with the organization since 2011 and is excited to be a part of the revolution aimed at infusing the next generation with the necessary tools to lead out successful and positive lives.
Lisa has been developing trainings and curriculums for children and adults since 2002. Her professional passion lies in working closely with agencies and schools to identify training and curriculum needs and produce tailored packages that align with their organizational goals. In addition to developing personalized trainings and curriculums, Lisa has also taught elementary school grades, worked with developmentally disabled adults and advocated for residents in long term care settings. Educationally, Lisa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She is also currently pursuing her Doctorate Degree in Educational Psychology.
Lisa and her husband, Sean, reside in Boulder with their 5 children. They enjoy traveling with their family, being outdoors and staying active within their church. Originally from Washington State , The Rose Family moved to Colorado in 2004 and has loved every minute since!
