Established in 2017, 4 The Children is a Durango-based non-profit serving the five-county region. 4 The Children is an umbrella organization for the local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, the Safe Exchange and Supervised Visitation (SEPT) program, and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC). 4 The Children strives to protect childhood today for stronger families tomorrow through these three programs.

4 The Children’s Staff, and Board of Directors, is comprised of a team of compassionate, intelligent community members, dedicated to making a positive difference in our community. The positive effects of our programs can span generations, protecting childhood today for stronger families tomorrow.

Bryn Joyner

Co-Executive Director
CASA Program Director
CAC MDT Coordinator

Bryn Joyner began as an intern with 4 The Children over the summer of 2018 for college credit. In August of 2018, Bryn was hired as the program coordinator, where she works for both the SEPT program and the CASA program. Bryn graduated from the University of Colorado Denver, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology and an emphasis in Legal Studies and Ethics. In August of 2019, Bryn accepted the position of CASA Program Director. Bryn is currently working on her Master of Jurisprudence in Child Welfare, Law, and Policy from Loyola University.

Bryn believes that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and happy home, and wants to be a support to the children that do not have one.

Kristy Lawson

CO-Executive Director
SEPT Program Director
CAC Family Advocate

Kristy Lawson joined 4 The Children in March of 2019. She grew up in Durango and is grateful to be raising her son and daughter in the community she holds dear to her heart. She has worked in human resources, as a paralegal, and most recently teaching special education at Durango High School. She attended Kaplan University studying psychology with an emphasis in adolescent behavior.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids, music, skiing, ice skating, and dancing ballet.

Kat Dicken

4TC Program Coordinator
SEPT Visit Supervisor