Arts and Community Exploration

The Arts and Community Exploration (ACE) program is a people-centered interactive program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities engaging in both center-based and community outings. Participants explore the community at cultural and art centers, parks, libraries, downtown adventures, and museums. They enjoy helping others by volunteering and donating time to give back to the community.

Dedicated staff are trained and experienced to support self-determined goals. Participants are empowered to learn new skills, develop relationships, and engage safely in their community.

Meaningful activities include:

- Art projects
- Gardening
- Cooking
- Pet therapy through Denver Pet Partners
- Science and Book Club
- Basketball and Bocce
- Outdoor adaptive recreation with Staunton State Park and Denver Parks and Rec
- Holiday light tours
- MANE Mission
- National Western Stock Show
- Plays at Denver Center for the Performing Arts
- Museum tours
- Bowling
- Yoga
- Libraries
- Weinberg Food Pantry
- JFS Community Table Lunch program
- Hygiene kit assembly for Justice Necessary
- Free Range Bees Honey Bottling

Activities and Adventures

ACE completed its first year of competition with Special Olympics Colorado, participating in bowling, basketball, and bocce events across the Denver metro area. The community involvement has been invaluable, and our participants have made remarkable progress in their skills for each sport. We look forward to many more years of participation!

Meet the Team

Judy Pankoff, Program Manager

Judy has been with JFS since 2017. She has a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Northern Colorado. Prior to becoming the ACE program manager, she worked at the JFS Group Home as an activities specialist. Before coming to JFS, Judy worked for Denver Parks and Recreation in the Adaptive Recreation Program for 20 years. She was the coordinator of the Saturday Challengers Bowling and Activity Program for 10 years, a Special Olympics coach, lead many various activities from crafts to cultural exploration, organized rafting and camping trips, adaptive biking, and taught swimming lessons.
“We are like family in ACE. I love that our family is willing to try new things. Where every day is an adventure!”
FUN FACT: As a transplant from Massachusetts, Judy roots for the Red Sox and the Patriots whenever they play Denver!
What do you want to make sure you do before you die?
Be fluent in another language.
Hanna Jones, Lead Activities Specialist

Hanna has been with JFS since April 2022. Her first time working for the IDD community was at a summer camp for individuals ages 6-36. She worked with the adult group and decided that she wanted to find a career working for this population. She worked privately for two individuals doing DSP work. Hanna got the opportunity to be a RBT practicing ABA therapy for young children with autism in a clinic setting. When she came to Colorado, she worked in a day program as a job coach. Most recently, Hanna assisted individuals in building resumes, filling out job applications, and completing work readiness training as a Supported Employment Specialist.
“My favorite thing about working at the ACE program is the overall expectation that we will use a person-centered approach to ensure that our clients are heard, respected, and play a huge part in creating their own programing.”
FUN FACT: Hanna’s cat, Sushi, kayaks with her.
What do you want to make sure you do before you die?
Travel as much as possible.
Dea Fleming, Activities Specialist

Dea joined the ACE team in June 2022. Dea has an Associate of Arts from Miles City Community College. She worked for Eastern Montana Industries in the day program as a direct support professional in Miles City, MT for over 7 years. She also worked in the activities department in a mental health setting while she was in college. Dea has done in-home care for older adults and folks with IDD, helping with activities of daily living, and in older adult living communities in activities.
“My favorite thing about working at the ACE program is putting smiles on people’s faces and introducing new experiences.”
FUN FACT: Dea likes to be goofy and add a little song and dance just for fun. She once crocheted a baby blanket by feel.
What would be your personal motto? “You don’t know what you can do until you try”
Kim Badger, Activities Specialist

Kim joined the ACE team in January 2025. She graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in biology and with minors in psychology and leadership. She continued at DU to earn her teacher’s license and used to teach 4th grade. Since having kids, she has been a competitive soccer coach, provided daycare, been a volunteer in multiple settings and worked in a doctor’s office.
“My favorite thing about working at the ACE program is the people! One of the first things I noticed about ACE is how much the participants and staff all clearly care for and respect each other and have created a real feeling of family. I feel so lucky to be a part of this group.”
FUN FACT: Kim loves being active, playing sports and being part of a team. She plays soccer, volleyball and recently have taken up pickleball! You name it, she is game to play!
What would be your personal motto?
“In a world where you can be anything, be KIND!”
Ricci Ontiveros, Activities Specialist

Ricci joined JFS in February 2025. Before becoming part of the ACE team, Ricci served as a Team Lead at a residential youth facility for two years, a Residential Rehab Counselor at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island for three years, and a private caregiver for six years. Ricci is also a military veteran.
“My favorite thing about the ACE program is interacting with the participants and forming new ideas and activities that would be fun and interactive for them.”
FUN FACT: Ricci used to play roller derby.
What do you like to do when you are not in the office?
When I am not at work I like to spend time with my family, especially my new grandbaby, Atlys.