Meet the Squad

  • Nicholas Patton

    CEO/DIRECTOR/CREATIVE ADVOCATE (Music/Vocal Production, specializing in sample-based production and engineering)

    Colorado Springs was one of the best places to grow up in my opinion, but I always found that expressing myself in healthy manner was tough for me. I played a few years of band in which I was very talented, but I didn’t find it as being ‘cool’ enough, so I quit. If I had the opportunity to learn how to develop my own style or craft, I may have never given up on music, and may have had a better understanding of myself. I didn’t know that I could record my own music until I was well into college. Having now 8+ years of experience writing, recording, and mixing music, I find it being my greatest emotional release, and use it as a medium for expressing the things that I often have trouble finding the words for. I have worked with children in El Paso County for almost six years, and I am enthused to be able to provide youth with the opportunity to better learn themselves from an emotional standpoint, and learn how to channel that into a healthy form of expression of self. Being able to help develop our youth’s emotional understanding, as well as their technical skill set is my greatest pride from life so far, outside of being a parent.

  • Tyler Hensley

    CREATIVE ADVOCATE (Music/Vocal Production-Specializing in Guitar and Piano)

    Tyler Hensley is a Colorado-based, multi-instrumentalist music producer and artist. He creates and releases music independently under the label Soundluver Music. He is self-released and has a self-managed approach, producing tracks with themes of Electronic Dance Music, Downtempo, Jazz/Funk, Hip Hop and Rock under his artist name Earthsoundluver.

    "Music has always been there for me and has helped me through ups and downs in life. Not only does it give you a way to express yourself, but it can improve mental health and helps all the different parts of your brain work together. I owe a lot to music. My goal is to help our youth find stability and refuge in music as I have."

    He teaches guitar and piano, and how to use drum machines and Ableton live to produce tracks. 

  • Melissa Perez

    CREATIVE ADVOCATE (Photography/Videography)

    I’m a Colorado native, born and raised in Denver, and a proud alumna of Colorado State University–Pueblo. I hold a B.S. in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Electronic Media (2018) and a B.A. in Sociology with a focus on Criminology (2015).

    Since 2016, I’ve been a freelance photographer and videographer, specializing in portrait and lifestyle photography. My work spans private, nonprofit, and commercial projects, offering a full range of video production and editing services. Being behind the camera is one of my greatest creative outlets—it keeps me grounded, inspired, and always evolving.

    My passion for visual storytelling goes hand in hand with my dedication to youth empowerment. As a certified Family Development Specialist and youth mentor, I’m committed to creating safe, creative spaces for young people to express themselves through art.

    I believe in the power of stories—those we live, those we tell, and those we capture. Through my work, I strive to merge the worlds of social work and art in meaningful, lasting ways.

    Outside of my professional life, I’m an avid reader and musician who enjoys playing both guitar and drums.

  • Alejandro Maldonado

    CREATIVE ADVOCATE Se habla Español.(Guitar Instruction)

    I’ve been in Colorado Springs most of my life. I’ve played music on and off for about 15 years. I’m a college graduate working in finance trying to rekindle his passion for the arts. Life can certainly be tough sometimes and it’s important to find a way to subsist. Playing sports in one way or another and playing music have been the things keeping me balanced and clear headed. Let’s make something beautiful and meaningful together.

  • Alex Minor

    CREATIVE ADVOCATE (Multi-Mediuim Artist)

    Hello I’m Alex Minor! I am a multi-media artist who loves working with people. I work with clay, paint, digital, crafts, leather and more! I am a native of Colorado and a proud one! I believe that change starts with you. Each person you inspire, they inspire two more, and so on. The love you give to others will always come back to you, in a different form, different hobby or even a different person. It will never be lost. I am happy to be your mentor as you will teach me a lot as well!

  • Zoe Trockman

    CREATIVE ADVOCATE (Music/Vocal Production Specializing in Piano)

    Hi I am Zoe! Music has always played a role in my life, especially when it comes to enjoyment, processing/expressing emotions, and connecting with people . I have found joy in writing, recording, and producing my own music. But, I have found even more fulfillment in helping others reach their creative goals, especially when music is involved! I am very excited that I get the opportunity to collaborate with and help youth reach their goals through music making. Let’s make something groovy!