Subscribe to our mailing list
Executive Director, Eric S. Lee's — life story is a testament to resilience, service, and the pursuit of inner peace.
Eric’s journey began in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, where the challenges of urban life shaped his understanding of struggle and perseverance. Growing up, he witnessed firsthand the impact of adversity on his community, which ignited a deep-seated passion for uplifting others and helping them find purpose, no matter their circumstances.
In his early twenties, Eric’s natural leadership abilities propelled him into the hospitality industry, where he quickly rose to a leadership role. A move to Colorado in 1989 marked a new chapter, as he honed his skills further, eventually becoming a self-taught chef and opening three successful restaurants in Boulder County. Yet, his desire to serve extended beyond the culinary world. He began volunteering with youth initiatives like Project Yes and Lafayette Youth Sports, where he found a new calling—life coaching.
Shifting his focus from the restaurant industry, Eric dedicated himself to his coaching practice, specializing in health and wellness. His approach was holistic, emphasizing fitness, nutrition, and stress management, but at its core, it was about much more. Eric believed in the power of kindness and compassion as tools for transformation. He guided his clients through life’s challenges, helping them discover deeper peace and a sense of purpose.
Eric’s passion for helping others extends beyond coaching. He is a published author of three books: Adam’s Eve: A Novel, Sweeping Her Off Her Feet with Food: A Romantic Cookbook, and 29 Degrees: How to Live a Life of Inner Peace, Joy, and Purpose Regardless of Circumstances. Each work reflects his commitment to fostering well-being and personal growth.
Family is at the heart of Eric’s life. He cherishes time spent with his wife, Trudi, and their children—Erica, Forrest, Justin, and stepson Brock. Whether it’s mountain biking, hiking, bowhunting, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Eric finds joy in the simplicity of being with loved ones. When he’s not exploring nature, he’s either playing or watching football and basketball.
Eric has served as a Restorative Justice Facilitator with the Conflict Center in Denver and played a crucial role on the Professional Standards-Citizens Review Panel for the Police Division in Longmont, Colorado. His extensive experience in leadership, coupled with his dedication to criminal justice reform, makes him a perfect fit for FCRJ's mission.
We are incredibly excited having Eric on our team and to leading this new chapter for Full Circle Restorative Justice (FCRJ). His vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference will undoubtedly inspire and elevate our community.
A transplant from the Midwest, Cindy moved to Denver, Colorado as a teenager in 1989 and
then eventually settled in beautiful Salida in late 2004. Since then, she has worked in various
service industry jobs and alongside her husband in construction. Following her desire to fulfill a
deeper purpose, she went back to school as a non-traditional student in 2019 to pursue a career
in Sociology/Criminology. She graduated in 2021 from Adams State University with a B.A. in
Interdisciplinary Studies Sociology/Business with a focus on Criminology and Women’s Studies.
She is also a National Victim Advocate credentialed through the National Organization for Victim
Assistance.
Cindy is a compassionate advocate with a wealth of lived experience. She supports program
participants for success using restorative approaches to repair harm and build healthy
relationships.
She is a mother of three and enjoys spending time with her family, especially over a plate of
delicious food. She also likes being outside working in her garden or rafting down the river on a
sunny afternoon. A lifelong learner, she is grateful for the opportunity to share this work with
individuals and families in this incredible community.
(719) 530-5597
jbuchan@fullcirclerj.org
"I am grateful to be a part of this organization and its mission for Central Colorado!"
"Here’s a little about me: My wife, Kylie, and I are both from Oklahoma, and we have three sons, Sebastian, Abraham, and Theodore, two dogs, Frankie and Bowie, and a lizard named Duke. Our boys attend Salida’s incredible public schools, and as a family, we love to hike, ski and snowboard, bike, go to concerts, and take cross country trips to the East Coast. I have a business and law degree from the University of Oklahoma–Boomer Sooner!"
"Although I started my career in public service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia, I’ve spent the last 15 years in the private sector in both law and finance. The time was right, however, to rejoin public service work, and now I find myself energized and ready to contribute to restorative justice practices with FCRJ for many years to come."
I’m Sandra Garcia, currently serving as the Restorative Schools Manager for Full Circle in the Re-1 School District in Fremont County. My family and I have called Fremont County home for most of our lives, and we deeply cherish our community. When I’m not working, I love to go fishing and spend quality time with my family.
I stepped into this role because I believe in the power of helping young people realize their importance and empowering them to make a positive impact in their community. One of my favorite quotes that guides my work is: “To the world you are one person, but to one person you may be the world, so be the change you wish to see in this world.”
My journey has also included working as a Legal Assistant at the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office since 2021, where I ensure smooth communication between law enforcement, court staff, and the public. Prior to this, I spent five years as a Records Technician and Sex Offender Coordinator at the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, managing case reports and maintaining a secure system for their submission to the District Attorney and courts.
Earlier in my career, I supervised civilian and inmate staff in a correctional kitchen with CBM Food Service, where I learned the importance of staying alert and responsive in high-pressure situations. My foundation in public service began as a Detention Deputy with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, where I honed my skills in crisis management and communication.
My passion for community, youth empowerment, and service drives everything I do, and I’m proud to contribute to the place I call home.
Hello Salida and thank you for allowing me a place. I mosied on over here from the deep south by way of Connecticut. Slowly, and I mean slowly, I began my education which ended up leading to a PhD in Systemic Family Therapy. I was a practicing clinician, supervisor, professor and even did a little work for our great nation. Not sure why, although I do know how, I was graced with the presence of 6 children. They are all grown and scattered from coast to coast, so after my husband Matthew and I retired we travelled the country to see them all and Area 51.
