
Meet
Jenny Wood
Board Member
Get to know Jenny, a steadfast advocate for the children and families we serve. As a board member, she plays a key role in guiding TreeTop Child Advocacy Center’s mission to bring healing and hope to those affected by abuse.
Jennifer (Jenny) Wood joined Synergy as a Senior Implementation Specialist with the Talk They Hear You (TTHY) team in November 2024. With over 25 years of leadership experience in public service, primarily in Colorado, Jenny brings a deep expertise in behavioral health, public policy, and system-wide prevention strategies.
Jenny began her career in the judicial branch in 1998, managing behavioral health programs for justice-involved families and overseeing federal grants and staff. She was instrumental in introducing evidence-based practices, including the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs, to the judicial system. Her career includes roles as the Assistant County Manager for Health and Human Services in Summit County, Program Manager for Colorado's Judicial Branch, Statewide Director of Criminal Justice Services, and Director of Community Prevention and Early Intervention at the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
At BHA, Jenny played a key role in policy advising, executive management, and state legislative reform. Known for her collaborative leadership and data-driven approach, she led the development of Colorado’s first cross-system needs assessment and strategic plan for substance misuse prevention, which reshaped statewide prevention efforts. She also testified before the Legislative Opioid Interim Study Committee, influencing new legislation.
Jenny founded the University Collaborative, a statewide group uniting academics, policymakers, and prevention practitioners to address emerging trends. The group’s success led to its formalization in state legislation as a funded mandate.
She is currently working on a federal government contract with Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Her work focuses on a federal public health campaign, Talk They Hear You,
Originally from New Jersey, but living in Colorado since 1995, Jenny now lives in Breckenridge, Colorado, with her husband Mike, their son Jake, and their dog Kona. The family enjoys hiking and skiing in the Breckenridge mountains.
I originally volunteered because of my passion for supporting children and families, particularly those facing very difficult challenges to navigate. Having worked at the local, state, and federal levels, I’ve seen firsthand the gaps in the system, and I wanted to be part of an organization that is committed to making a tangible impact on those who need it most, when they need it most. My background in program development has taught me the importance of innovative solutions that go beyond traditional approaches, and I felt TreeTop was an excellent platform to contribute to positive change in my community.
I continue to volunteer because I believe deeply in TreeTop’s mission and the opportunity to work collaboratively to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals, and families, especially in times of crisis. The organization’s focus on strengthening community resources and creating sustainable, meaningful impact aligns with my professional values and goals. Every interaction and success story I witness reinforces my commitment to helping others, particularly those who are often overlooked or underserved.
TreeTop has had a profound impact on me by reaffirming the importance of community-based solutions and giving me the opportunity to work alongside others who share my vision for positive change. The collaborative environment has inspired me to continue thinking creatively about how we can address behavioral health challenges in new and innovative ways. It has also given me a deeper understanding of the power of grassroots efforts in creating lasting change for families and children.
I get others involved by sharing my passion for TreeTop’s mission and the incredible work we are doing. I often speak about the real, tangible impacts the organization has on families and children in our community, especially those experiencing difficult times. I engage colleagues, friends, and community members by highlighting how their skills and resources can contribute to the greater good. I also emphasize that TreeTop provides an opportunity to make a real difference, even in small ways, which motivates others to get involved.
A statistic that always stands out to me is that 1 in 5 children experience a mental health disorder at some point in their life. This statistic underscores the urgent need for effective, accessible behavioral health services and advocacy for youth. It serves as a reminder of the critical role we play in addressing these needs, especially in times when children and families are at their most vulnerable. It motivates me to continue working towards better support systems and early interventions that can make a lifelong difference for children and their families.