FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Shannon Hayden
Shannon was raised in Casper, Wyoming, where she attended NCSD schools from kindergarten through graduation. At 21, she left Casper to study Communications at Mount Vernon College of George Washington University in Washington, D.C., later transferring to Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Denver to pursue her passion for graphic design.
Her career began with Salomon Skis, where she helped launch their apparel line out of Boulder, Colorado, and even traveled to London to collaborate with design legend Neville Brody. From there, Shannon’s career took off. She moved to Atlanta, where her client list included household names like Coca-Cola, AT&T, and the Atlanta Braves. Later, she launched her own design studio in Colorado, creating for major brands and organizations including NBC, CNN, Martha Stewart, the Denver Nuggets, HBO, and E. & J. Gallo Winery. Her work earned multiple awards, and her designs for Salomon were featured in GQ and National Geographic Adventurer.
When her son, Julian, was born in 2015, Shannon’s priorities shifted. She returned home to Casper to raise him — and in doing so, found her true calling. Watching Julian thrive in sports while knowing so many Wyoming kids miss out due to financial barriers planted the seed for what would become Beyond Limits Wyoming.
Alongside raising her son, Shannon devoted years to working with nonprofits, including global work with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, where she brought her creativity and vision to mission-driven initiatives. In 2020, she founded Casper Healthcare Heroes, a grassroots effort that raised more than $20,000 in a single month to provide meals for exhausted healthcare workers. That experience reminded her of the incredible power of community when it rallies together — and further fueled her passion for creating opportunities for others.
In 2023, Shannon married Wes Hayden, whose love and encouragement gave her the confidence to finally turn this vision into reality. Today, she brings more than 20 years of creative problem-solving, national connections, and deep Wyoming roots to building Beyond Limits Wyoming — a nonprofit founded on inclusivity, community, and love.
Her mission is simple but powerful: to ensure every child has the chance to discover their passions, grow in confidence, and belong — and, in doing so, to make Wyoming an even better place for the next generation.
Beyond Limits Wyoming was inspired by Shannon’s son, Julian, whose joy and curiosity reshaped her understanding of what children need to thrive. His life began with extraordinary love and generosity — and that same spirit lives at the heart of this work.
BOARD MEMBER
Wes Hayden
Wes is a Casper resident and graduate of Kelly Walsh High School and Colorado State University. Growing up, he was deeply involved in sports and activities and knows firsthand how those experiences shape character, build confidence, and create memories that last a lifetime.
After gaining valuable experience in California with the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, one of the nation’s top general contractors, Wes returned to Wyoming — the place and community he has always called home. Today, he serves as President and co-owner of Caspar Building Systems, Inc. (CBSI). Under his leadership, CBSI has grown and strengthened its reputation as one of the region’s premier construction firms. In addition to leading CBSI, Wes instructs construction courses at Casper College, investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals and strengthening Wyoming’s workforce.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Wes has long been active in the community, serving on the boards of Central Wyoming Hospice, the Wyoming Construction Coalition, and the Casper Country Club. He has also been a devoted father figure to Julian since he came into his life at age six, supporting him with the same love and commitment he brings to everything he does. That role has further deepened his passion for ensuring kids across Wyoming have the same opportunities he was given growing up.
Wes believes that sports, arts, and activities are more than pastimes — they are foundations for resilience, teamwork, and lifelong success. His experience as both a participant and a parent fuels his commitment to BLW’s mission.
Wes and his wife, Shannon, share not only a partnership in life but also in the vision of Beyond Limits Wyoming. He is committed to helping guide the organization forward, combining his love for Wyoming kids with his financial and business expertise to ensure BLW’s long-term success.
BOARD MEMBER
Cathleen O'Quinn
Cathleen O’Quinn has dedicated more than three decades to education, serving students across Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas with compassion, creativity, and strong leadership. A graduate of the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Cathy has taught a wide range of subjects — from math and computer science to reading, language arts, and special education — while also serving as a counselor and administrator.
Throughout her career, Cathy has been recognized for her excellence in teaching, including being named Barnum Mile High Teacher of the Year and earning multiple “Exceeds Expectations” designations in mathematics instruction. She has also been honored as a Northwest Area Skillful Teacher for her innovative approach to student success.
Beyond the classroom, Cathy has been a trusted leader within her schools and districts. She has served as Dean of Culture at Compass Academy and led key initiatives such as Conscious Discipline facilitation, Trauma Response Team leadership, new teacher training, and bully prevention programming. Her ability to blend structure, empathy, and vision has made her a respected mentor among colleagues and a consistent advocate for students.
What drives Cathy most is her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Her decades of work in low-income schools have given her a deep understanding of the barriers many families face — and why programs like Beyond Limits Wyoming are so critical.
While Cathy is also Shannon’s sister, she is above all the perfect fit for this board: a seasoned educator whose wisdom, heart, and steady leadership strengthen BLW’s mission to ensure no child is left out because of cost.
ADVISOR
Jessica Bachus
Founder and Executive Director of Kenzi’s Causes
Jessica Bachus is the Founder and Executive Director of Kenzi’s Causes, a Colorado nonprofit that serves more than 25,000 children annually through programs providing school supplies, holiday gifts, sports opportunities, and year-round family support. Originally from Casper, Wyoming, Jessica moved to Colorado in 1997 to pursue her teaching degree. She holds a B.A. in Education, a Master’s in Library Science, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Prior to launching Kenzi’s Causes, she worked as a teacher with Denver Public Schools. In 2007, after the stillbirth of her daughter Kenzi, Jessica turned her grief into action and founded Kenzi’s Causes. What began as a personal healing journey has grown into a statewide movement ensuring that children from low-income families have the resources, dignity, and opportunities they deserve. Jessica is honored to join Beyond Limits Wyoming as an Advisor. She is especially excited to give back to her home state and help expand access to sports for children in Wyoming, believing deeply in the power of athletics to build confidence, community, and lifelong skills.
ADVISOR
J.J. Collier
Designer for Outerwear and Special Projects at Lululemon
Former Pro Snowboarder
JJ’s design career began as an athlete in the 90’s. He was a top rider on the Pro Snowboard Tour when he first discovered a love of functional apparel and equipment. During his last year on tour, he bought a sewing machine and started making clothing. That move -combined with a lifetime of natural drawing ability and a grand imagination- led to his pursuit of design and fashion as a career.
After two years designing and sewing one-off styles by hand for custom clients, he was contacted by Salomon about their intention to launch skiwear and landed the role as their first apparel designer.
In the 25 years since, he has led teams toward elevated product and customer experience for Salomon, Ralph Lauren, Spyder Active Sports, VF Group and for multiple emerging brands and visionary entrepreneurs as well. Today, JJ is VP of Designer for Outerwear and Special Projects at Lululemon in Vancouver, BC.
His career has been rooted in seeking the correct of ratio of inspired design and commercial consideration, dreaming up new product ideas and crafting stories around them that will engage consumers.
Near and dear to JJ is paying it forward in the mentorship of others in finding their own ascending path in the apparel business and in life.
Outside the studio, JJ’s wife and two grown sons are his primary joy. He still loves snowboarding and restores vintage Porsches as his central passion.
ADVISOR
Holli Hines Easton
Senior Brand & Marketing Advisor
Holli Hines Easton brings more than two decades of marketing and brand leadership experience to Beyond Limits Wyoming. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Marketing, she built her career in the agency world, leading strategy and client relationships in senior roles including Group Account Director and Managing Director at Atlanta-based firms such as BFG Marketing, Origen Partners, and 9Rooftops.
Through her agency work, Holli has contributed to campaigns and initiatives for major national brands, including The Coca-Cola Company and Progressive Insurance — experience that grounds her in large-scale brand storytelling, strategic thinking, and authentic audience connection.
Born and raised in Kensington, Maryland, Holli moved south for college and has called Atlanta home ever since. Her professional approach is rooted in curiosity, creativity, and the belief that clear, human storytelling can drive meaningful change.
Holli’s commitment to children, education, and community extends well beyond her professional life. She has been a Woman of the Year candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, co-chaired a benefit for Children’s Rights, mentors students through the University of Georgia Mentor Program, and has served two terms on UGA’s Board of Visitors. She currently serves on the Executive Committee for Georgia Women Give, a women-led philanthropic organization expanding access and opportunity through education.
Her blend of marketing expertise, nonprofit leadership, and deeply human perspective makes her a thoughtful and impactful advisor to Beyond Limits Wyoming.
Holli lives in Atlanta with her husband, Ian, and their two children.
ADVISOR
Heather J. Lloyd
Business Law and Criminal Justice Professor, Casper College
Heather J. Lloyd is a tenured faculty member at Casper College, where she teaches Business Law and Criminal Justice courses, including Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence. In addition to her academic role, Heather maintains a small law practice, representing clients in federal criminal cases as a member of the Criminal Justice Act panel for the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming.
Earlier in her career, Heather served as a law clerk to two federal district court judges, the Hon. William F. Downes and the Hon. Scott W. Skavdahl. She is licensed to practice in both Colorado and Wyoming, and was most recently admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.
ADVISOR
Justin Nelson
Co-Founder & President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
Justin Nelson is Co-Founder & President of the National LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the world’s largest LGBTQ+ and allied business development and economic advocacy organization, headquartered in Washington, DC. Under his leadership, NGLCC has built a global network of more than 50 U.S. and over 30 international affiliate chambers across 40+ countries, while securing landmark business inclusion victories at the state, national, and international levels.
Justin served six years on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Council on Underserved Communities and regularly advises leaders in Congress, the White House, and multinational corporations on inclusive economic policy and business strategy. He is also the architect of the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC), uniting leading small business organizations to advance coordinated impact across communities. Justin began his career in Washington, DC over 30 years ago as an aide to then Wyoming U.S. Senator Craig Thomas.
Justin is a nationally and internationally sought-after speaker on economic equity and inclusive growth with a passion for helping people. Justin is a graduate of Kelly Walsh High School and a graduate of the University of Wyoming.
ADVISOR
Carl Runge
Entrepreneur
Carl Runge is a seasoned entrepreneur and operator with extensive experience building, scaling, and advising businesses across multiple industries. He serves as President of EquipSystems, LLC, a healthcare services company providing deep cleaning, disinfection, and performance testing for hospital patient-care equipment nationwide. Under his leadership, EquipSystems has been recognized multiple times on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies.
For more than a decade, Carl has supported early-stage companies as a venture partner and advisor, helping founders navigate growth, strategy, and execution. His entrepreneurial background includes co-founding ventures across consumer brands, technology, and creative services.
Carl was a partner in AugustWinter, an action sports agency that helps Olympic and pro athletes produce content, connect with brands, and build sustainable careers — enabling them to pursue their passions, including chasing winter year-round.
A lifelong athlete, Carl lettered in varsity lacrosse at Cornell University and also played collegiately at Onondaga Community College. He later helped establish a youth lacrosse program in Park City, Utah, where he coached at the high-school level, expanding access to the sport in a growing mountain community.
Now based in Puerto Rico, Carl previously lived in Wyoming and maintains a strong connection to the state. His commitment to access, confidence, and personal growth — shaped by athletics, entrepreneurship, and adventure — aligns naturally with the mission of Beyond Limits Wyoming.
ADVISOR
Christine Stack
Vice President and Wealth Advisor at First Interstate Wealth Management
Christine Stack is a Casper native with deep ties to Wyoming and a career shaped by service, integrity, and financial education. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming, she began a professional journey focused on helping individuals and families understand their financial choices and plan with confidence.
Christine has built her career at First Interstate Bank, joining the organization in 2001 and later transitioning to First Interstate Wealth Management. Over the years, she has earned multiple professional licenses and designations, including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA). Her work centers on guiding clients through goal-setting, long-term planning, and informed decision-making.
Committed to leadership and community involvement, Christine is a graduate of Leadership Wyoming and currently serves on the Boys & Girls Club Foundation Board and the University of Wyoming College of Business Advisory Board. Her passion for education, mentorship, and access to opportunity aligns naturally with the mission of Beyond Limits Wyoming.
Christine and her husband, Brian, live in Casper and are committed to supporting the community they are proud to call home.