Allison Down hails from northern Virginia where she graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Social Work. Allison started her career in the DC area with Keppler Speakers as an Event Services Manager. In this position, she had the opportunity to support Judy Shepard’s corporate and university public speaking events developing a keen respect for the human rights advocacy of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

In 2005, she and her husband Steve relocated from the east coast to Denver. Upon arriving to Denver, Allison capitalized on her social work training and exposure holding positions in senior living and as a Care Manager for long-term Medicaid members. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked on Medicaid Policy for individuals with Developmental Disabilities for the state of Colorado (at the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing). As Director of Programs she fulfills a career ambition of leveraging her educational background and work experience in support of a non-profit organization. When not working Allison, Steve and their little dog, too (Dakota) enjoy hiking, gardening and good eats. Contact Allison at allison@matthewshepard.org.