Teresa Hornbuckle
Executive Director
Teresa has worked with adults and children with developmental disabilities for over twenty years. During high school, Teresa started in this field as a volunteer in Iowa and quickly realized she had the ability to improve peoples’ lives. She turned her true passion of helping others into a career. Teresa has worked with Individuals in preschools, high schools, independent living, day programs, respite, SLS, job coaching, group homes and Host/PCA Homes. She took advantage of every opportunity to gain experience and holds a wide range of trainings and certificates in the field. After moving to Colorado in 2004, Teresa worked as a counselor III at a day program in Denver for three years. There she was able to learn the ends and outs of the Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing, DI/DD, and the various Community Center Boards. Teresa was responsible for the health and safety of individuals in the community while providing an interactive activity. She worked extremely hard on the office side as well. She attended service plan meetings and prepared program goals for the individuals that attended the day program. In 2007, Teresa became a host home provider and provided care for two or three individuals in her home. Teresa has been joined by Trevor, her longtime partner and together they provide a loving home for three individuals. They live in Arvada and enjoy an active lifestyle with their housemates. In her spare time Teresa loves to host BBQs, birthdays, and holidays for their housemates and their peers. Teresa states “she loves what she does” and contributes her high-level of patience and values to her loving parents.

Dominic Freeman
Quality Assurance Manager
Originally from Iowa, Dominic moved from Madison, Wisconsin, to Denver in 2016. Since moving, he has worked with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through day program, independent living, and providing respite care. While at Lighthouse Residential, Dominic has continued his education in the field by attending many training programs across the state of Colorado. This information helps keep his skills fresh and provide Lighthouse Residential Staff and Providers with creative tools when assisting Individuals with special needs. Dominic is an integral part of the office, assisting with provider communication, state benefits, and Social Security. As an active coordinator, Dominic takes time to get to know the individuals he serves and develop a trusting and friendly relationship with them. He is a great resource for both Individuals and Providers, and has a drive to make sure all are treated fairly and with a high standard of care. This drive helps make Dominic a caring and effective Quality Assurance Coordinator, making sure the people he serves come first. Dominic’s hope is to make a positive difference in the lives of the people around him. In Dominic’s spare time, he enjoys playing video games, working on computers, practicing his photography, and watching movies with family and friends.

Emma Freeman
Residential Coordinator
​Emma was introduced to this field shortly after moving to the Denver area from her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin in 2016. She began as a respite provider for Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, then worked as a PCA Provider for an independent living individual. During this time, Emma also began assisting at the Lighthouse Residential office and learning the administrative side of the field. After two years as a PCA Provider, Emma decided to pursue administration and coordination at the office full-time. As Senior Administrative Coordinator, works closely with Vallene Karamoy, Lighthouse Residential nurse, to assists Individuals with their medical needs, and healthcare facilitation. Emma also routinely works with the Lighthouse Administrative team to ensure that all office needs are being met. Emma is a essential part to Lighthouse Residential to keep office operations running smoothly. Emma hopes to continue to learn and grow in this field, and to be an advocate for those she serves. Outside of work, Emma enjoys writing, drawing, cooking, and spending time with family and her cat, Mocha.  ​

Trevor Gallegos
Human Resource Coordinator
A Colorado native, Trevor has worked in the field for many years and in many different settings. As Human Resources Coordinator, Trevor works with processing new applicants, collecting certifications, and setting up required trainings. Trevor is a certified Safety Care Instructor and offers training classes, both initial courses and recertification's. This experience makes him a valuable part of the Lighthouse Residential team to teach high behavioral interjection methods that not only keeps the Individual safe, but also the Provider. For many years Trevor, has worked as a Host Home Provider, and more recently with an Individual living independently. Trevor regularly provides respite care, and has a gift for making genuine connections with each Individual he meets. Trevor enjoys what he does, and takes pride in both learning from and educating others. In his free time, Trevor likes riding his motorcycle, watching basketball, playing with his two dogs, and spending time with family. 

Jaya Gallegos
Administrative Assistant
​A Colorado Native, Jaya was born and raised in Colorado. She graduated from Bear Creek High School and now attends MSU Denver. She will receive her Bachelor's Degree in May, 2025. She is a temporary Administrative Assistant for Lighthouse. She has always had a passion for helping people throughout her life. From a young age, she had an act for helping her family, her friends, and people that needed help with something she could help with. Her focus with her education is to help people and fight for what is right within their own lives. She feels that all people have the absolute right to maintain their individuality and make their own decisions with the support of the people around them. In her free time, she is working on getting her Bachelors Degree, being a cheerleading coach for the past 4 years, and spending time with her family and friends.

Mandi Whiteley
​Nurse
​​My name is Mandi Whiteley. I am a dedicated nurse with nearly 20 years of experience, specializing in providing compassionate support to individuals with disabilities. My journey in this field began in New Mexico, where I honed my skills and developed a deep passion for
working with those with special needs. Fifteen years ago, I embarked on this rewarding path and have never looked back. Twelve years ago, I relocated to the vibrant community of Denver, where I continue to serve and advocate for individuals with disabilities. My commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those I work with is unwavering, and I am proud to be part of a team that shares my vision
for inclusive and supportive care.

Outside of my professional life, I find joy and inspiration in the simple pleasures. Whether it's hiking through the picturesque trails of Colorado, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or enjoying the company of family and friends on a sun-drenched patio, I believe in embracing life to the fullest. Laughter is a vital part of my journey, and I strive to bring warmth and positivity to every interaction.

At Lighthouse Residential we are committed to providing exceptional support and resources for individuals with disabilities. We believe in empowering each person to reach their fullest potential, fostering a community of respect, understanding, and opportunity. I look forward with connecting with you.