Meet the Advisory Board
The Maverick Living Advisory Board is a group of professionals and advocates who provide guidance on operations, compliance, and community impact. They bring experience across healthcare, housing, disability services, and public policy to ensure Maverick Living meets the highest standards.
Tara Hitzig
Board Member
I am excited to be involved with Stratton and Maverick Living. I come from a background of operations management, inclusive health and wellness, and nonprofit management. I met Stratton while working at TACT as the Director of Development and Marketing. Prior to this, I was an executive director for multiple nonprofit organizations, such as Awaken Whole Life Center, Redondo Beach Educational Foundation, Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum, Children’s Treehouse Foundation and Project C.U.R.E. While in Los Angeles, I worked for Clear Recovery Center and Neurowellness Spa, focusing on mental health and addiction therapy. I have a BA in Business Communications and Social Science from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture from Emperor’s College of TCM. In previous years, I was a yoga instructor and personal trainer as my passions have been running and practicing yoga. I have an 18 year old son who plays competitive hockey and plans to attend CSU Fort Collins in the fall, 2 beautiful fur babies, and reside with my Mother and husband in Highlands Ranch.
Shelly Fitzgerald
Advisory Board Member
Shelly Fitzgerald is a mother to two autistic sons, Owen (19) and Luke (16). She attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant studies. She worked as a physician assistant in family practice and college health before becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom. Over the years she has been a tireless advocate and cheerleader for both of her children and is deeply familiar with the autism world. In her spare time Shelly enjoys exercising—yoga, running, and swimming are her favorites. She has competed in triathlons, several half marathons, and a few full marathons.
Jim Thorpe
Advisory Board Member
Jim Thorpe dedicated his career to transforming complex data into meaningful insights over nearly 30 years as a Data Analysis Administrator for local government. He has embraced woodworking for three decades and has a deep passion for sailing. After developing several health issues that prevented him from pursuing those passions, he donated his entire woodshop to TACT, a school dedicated to supporting the autistic community. Jim is always excited to connect with others who share his love for craftsmanship. He is here to support Stratton and his vision of independent housing for the autistic community, and is proud to have been selected to work with such an elite group.
Kristine Ives
Advisory Board Member
Kristine Ives is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. She specializes in the treatment of addiction, eating disorders, and trauma. Kristine serves as clinical supervisor for two addiction treatment centers in Los Angeles and supports young therapists as they develop their roles as clinicians. In her private practice she works with clients primarily using somatic and interactive interventions such as psychodrama and brainspotting. As the adoptive parent of a young adult with Intellectual Disability, Kristine has a passion for supporting adults with DD/ID on their journeys toward independence with support.
Beth Hollman
Advisory Board Member
Beth brings firsthand experience to Maverick Living. She’s a mom to three spicy redheaded kids, one of whom is autistic. Through the process of establishing supports for her son, she gained experience navigating medical and educational systems and advocating for what he needed. No two days are ever alike, and she knows the joy and struggle of this reality. When she’s not chauffeuring her son around Denver (thankfully less now that he can drive), you can find her knitting, gardening, telling her cats to not eat her plants, or reading. She’s passionate about education as a homeschool mom of 20 years and is a lifelong learner. She supports her community through volunteering—whether with church, ESL learners, or TACT—and wants for the people she meets and befriends to feel loved and supported.