Our Team

Executive Director

Stephanie Baer is a visionary. Working in this community for over 25 years, currently as the Executive Director of the WPS Foundation, working for Colorado’s families and students. With her strong belief in and passion for education as a game changer for individuals and communities, Stephanie attempts to play a positive role for WPS students, many of whom face pretty big challenges. All kids deserve opportunities to grow and learn, and Stephanie devotes herself to trying her best to level the playing field for the students in her charge so that Colorado’s youth can meet those challenges and flourish.

Stephanie‘s position as WPS Foundation's Executive Director is the perfect position for her to realize her vision of making a lasting impact on Colorado's children. Named a Women to Watch by the Denver Business Journal, Stephanie was a founding board member of the Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County and a former director of the Children’s Outreach Project, and has served on countless boards and committees for the betterment of children and youth. When she is not working on improving the lives of Colorado's youth, Stephanie can be found hiking, gardening, or on her yoga mat.

Stephanie can be reached at sbaer@wps.org

Program Director

Thomas Hernandez is a compassionate leader, focused in psychosocial development. Thomas has worked with students for over 16 years and currently serves as the Program Director of the WPS Foundation, working to support students and families. As a Colorado Native and First-generation graduate, access to education, mentorship, and expanded opportunities in community development are cornerstones to his life and career. Coming from a diverse background in higher education, school non-profits, and youth non-profits, Thomas brings a deep commitment to educational equity.

Thomas has a deep-rooted belief in the transformative nature of education on individuals, families, and communities. All individuals should have the ability to empower their lives through education, workforce development, and an opportunity to give back to their community. Thomas’ position as WPS Foundation’s Program Director is an ideal position for his work in expanding access to post-secondary education to students from a similar background, while also helping students and families meet immediate needs. When he is not working on empowering youth to further their education and career goals, Thomas can be found out running and exploring Colorado.

Thomas can be reached at thernandez@wps.org

WPS Foundation Program Intern

Sebastian is a current student at MSU Denver and majoring in Computer Science, hoping to design technologies that might help society move forward. He believes in self-improvement and a healthy, productive lifestyle. He enjoys playing volleyball, reading non-fiction books, and programming. Sebastian shares that the WPS Foundation has helped him develop as an individual while making his college journey much more manageable. He is excited to help students with their goals and make them understand their true potential and impact in the world.