Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors
Alison Dance
Amber Johnson
Tomas German-Palacios
Brice Current
John Schrage - Chair
Annette Borkowski - Vice-Chair
Kyle VanBrunschot - Treasurer
Kaye Berman - Secretary
Rosalinda Linares-Gray
Dr. Joe Murphy
Shannon Hickey
Rachel Hartgen
Lori Cook
Executive Board
John Schrage - Chair
After graduating from college, John was commissioned as a pilot in the United States Air Force. Following pilot training, he flew the KC-135 aerial refueling tanker, completing combat missions during the Vietnam War. After the war, he was stationed at Shemya Air Force Base in Alaska's Aleutian Islands, where he flew reconnaissance missions monitoring Soviet missile launches over the Kamchatka Peninsula during the Cold War.
Following his military service, John enjoyed an 18-year career as a commercial airline pilot before transitioning into labor relations. He was selected to serve as a Federal Mediator with the National Mediation Board, where he helped resolve complex labor disputes. He later joined Continental Airlines as Senior Director of Labor Relations for Continental Express, reporting directly to the Vice President of Human Resources and leading labor negotiations while fostering strong employee relations.
John has been a dedicated Manna volunteer for more than seven years and has proudly served on Manna's Board of Directors for nearly four years. His passion for Manna's mission is rooted in a belief that every person deserves dignity, compassion, and access to the support they need. Through his leadership and service, John is committed to helping Manna continue strengthening the community and improving the lives of our neighbors.
“Manna is a first-class organization filled with employees who go out of their way every day to help our participants with their needs.” One of my favorite quotes is, “If you need help, ask for it. If you can give help, DO IT!”
Annette Borkowski - Vice-Chair
When Annette Borkowski moved full-time to Durango in 2021, she knew she wanted to become involved with a nonprofit that was making a meaningful difference in La Plata County. Passionate about mental health and food security, she found that opportunity at Manna. Annette first joined Manna as a volunteer in our Community Garden, where she spent countless hours helping grow fresh produce for our neighbors. She later began volunteering in the Food Market, building relationships with participants while gaining a firsthand understanding of Manna's impact. Those experiences ultimately inspired her to take on an even greater role by joining Manna's Board of Directors in the fall of 2024.
Today, Annette serves as Vice Chair of the Board and chairs both the Human Resources Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. She also lends her leadership to several other initiatives, including facilitating Manna's Backpack Program, helping ensure children in our community have access to nutritious food on weekends. What Annette enjoys most is the opportunity to connect with participants, volunteers, staff, and fellow board members. She believes Manna is a place where people are treated with dignity, supported in reaching their goals, and empowered to live their best lives.
"Manna is a well-run organization that serves such a vital role in our community,"Annette shares."It's rewarding to spend my time in a place where I know I'm making a meaningful difference while continuing to learn and grow alongside an incredible team."
Kyle VanBrunschot - Treasurer
Kyle Vanbrunschot has called Durango home since 2015 when he attended Fort Lewis College. Born and raised in Montrose Colorado, Kyle understands the importance and impacts local non-profit organizations have on the community, and that is what inspired him to get involved with Manna Soup Kitchen. Currently serving as the Treasurer, Kyle is proud to play a small role in the grand scheme of what Manna does for our community. He believes Manna’s mission embodies the concept of collaboration, shared equity, compassion and is continuously humbled by the impacts of the organization.
Kyle currently serves as the Vice President for Bank of the San Juans and has been a banker in the community since 2018. As a community banker Kyle is proud to partner with and help businesses and individuals succeed through creating tailored and flexible financing solutions to meet their needs. In addition to serving as the Treasurer for Manna, Kyle serves on the finance committee for La Plata Youth Services and is an active member of the High Noon Rotary Club of Durango. In his spare time, you will most likely find Kyle outside chasing Trout with his wife Faith and their two dogs Winnie and Benny.
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always” – Robin Williams
Kaye Berman - Secretary
When Kaye Berman retired in 2025, she knew she wanted to continue pursuing her passion for helping community members access food, meals, and other supportive services. "Manna is the one-stop resource for individuals and families in need," she says. "The staff serves with knowledge, care, and integrity, and can really turn someone's life around."
Kaye holds a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University and brings experience from roles with Food Bank of the Rockies, Animals Asia Foundation, and Great Old Broads for Wilderness.
She currently serves as Board Secretary and chairs the Fundraising and Events Committee, working closely with the executive team, staff, and fellow board members to shape Manna's strategy for engaging personal networks and organizing events. These efforts showcase Manna's extensive programming and help the community understand the full scope of its essential services.
Kaye also enjoys volunteering in the Manna Market and kitchens, where she shares her culinary knowledge and connects with participants, volunteers, and staff alike. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, planning her next trip, or hiking with her husband and dogs by her side.
"Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up." — Jesse Jackson
Board Members at Large
Brice Current
Brice Current serves as the Chief of Police for the City of Durango and has dedicated more than 26 years to public service in law enforcement. He holds a master's degree in Public Safety Leadership, but believes some of life's most valuable lessons have come from working alongside people facing adversity and helping them find pathways to stability and success. Brice believes that when people are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, and are given genuine opportunities, they are far more likely to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. He understands that lasting change often begins with meeting basic needs, offering encouragement, and creating opportunities rather than simply providing advice.
As a member of Manna's Board of Directors, Brice is proud to serve alongside dedicated staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners who share a common purpose: strengthening the community by helping others thrive. He believes Manna exemplifies the power of collaboration, bringing together organizations, businesses, volunteers, and neighbors to address challenges that no single agency can solve alone.
Brice is passionate about building strong partnerships and believes the greatest impact happens when leaders work beyond organizational boundaries, place people before recognition, and unite around a shared vision. He is honored to support an organization that leads with compassion, hope, and an unwavering commitment to serving every member of the community with dignity.
“When people are treated with dignity, they are often more willing to invest in their own future.”
Dr. Joe Murphy
A lifelong Durango resident, Dr. Joe graduated from Durango High School in 1972 before pursuing his education in college, medical school, and a Family Practice residency. In 1983, he and his wife, Betzi, returned home to Durango, where Joe spent the next 36 years providing comprehensive family medical care to generations of local families.
Throughout their careers, Joe and Betzi witnessed firsthand the critical connection between health and access to nutritious food. Joe cared for patients throughout the community, while Betzi dedicated many years to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at the San Juan Basin Health Department, helping families access nutrition education and healthy food. These experiences deepened their shared commitment to improving food security in Southwest Colorado.
Their connection to Manna spans decades. Both Joe and Betzi have volunteered in the Community Kitchen, and Joe also provided volunteer medical services at Manna during the 1980s. Inspired by the dedication of Manna's staff, volunteers, and fellow board members, Joe joined the Board of Directors in 2024. He is honored to help lead an organization that has strengthened the community for more than 40 years by ensuring every neighbor is treated with dignity, compassion, and care.
“It is a true privilege to work with caring and dedicated people who epitomize the Manna mission of nourishment, support, and acceptance.”
Amber Johnson
Rooted in the land and community she loves, Amber has been helping clients navigate real estate in Durango since 2000. With over two decades of experience, she brings deep local knowledge, integrity, and a genuine commitment to building lasting relationships, not just closing deals. Amber specializes in ranch and land properties, with a comprehensive understanding of their unique complexities, alongside extensive experience in residential sales. Whether you're buying your first home, searching for the perfect neighborhood property, or acquiring a working ranch, she guides clients through every step of the process with clarity and care.
Amber grew up in Durango, Colorado, from a ranching family that has called the Mancos River Valley home since the 1940s. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Humanities from Fort Lewis College and has spent a lifetime exploring the mountains of the Southwest; on horseback, on a mountain bike, and on foot. That deep connection to this landscape shapes everything she does, both personally and professionally.
A passionate advocate for the health of the local community, Amber is currently finishing her sixth year serving on the board of Manna Soup Kitchen. She is deeply committed to land conservation, sustainable agriculture, and preserving the open spaces that define the beauty and character of the West, all while thoughtfully supporting the region's growing development needs.
For Amber, real estate is more than a transaction. It's a reflection of her deep love for this region and her commitment to the people and communities that make it so special.
Lori Cook
Lori Cook serves as the Vice President of Advancement at Fort Lewis College and CEO of the Fort Lewis College Foundation, a role she assumed in March 2026. Prior to joining Fort Lewis College, she held fundraising and engagement roles at the University of Texas at El Paso, Utah State University, University of Louisiana Lafayette, and Tulane University. She holds two Bachelors of Arts degrees from Southwestern University and a Master of Arts degree from Louisiana State University.
She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Manna to advance the mission of the organization. She is honored to be a part of the Manna Board of Directors to be an advocate for addressing food and housing insecurity while also supporting the wrap around services Manna provides across the community. She is looking forward to working with other mission driven individuals on the board and staff to advance Manna’s mission. Lori lives in Durango, CO with her husband, Alex, and their dog, Zula.