Board of Directors
Happy Day Plants transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in June 2024, expanding its impact beyond retail into programs and partnerships that cultivate opportunity and belonging. We believe strong roots create lasting growth. Our Board of Directors provides the leadership, governance, and strategic guidance that help us stay mission-focused and community-driven.
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Our board members serve as stewards of our mission, ensuring we operate with integrity, financial responsibility, and a deep commitment to inclusion. They bring diverse professional experience, thoughtful oversight, and a shared passion for creating meaningful employment and community opportunities for adults with disabilities.
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Each member serves voluntarily, giving their time and expertise because they believe in what Happy Day Plants stands for: that plants are our vehicle, but people are our purpose.
We are grateful for their leadership, accountability, and heart for helping our organization and the people we serve continue to grow.
Jessica Birmingham
Jessica is the founder and Executive Director of Happy Day Plants and the visionary behind its mission to create meaningful employment and community experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jessica brings a strong entrepreneurial spirit and deep passion for community-building, leading the organization’s programs, partnerships, and long-term vision. Through her leadership, Happy Day Plants has become a welcoming space where plants, people, and purpose come together. Jessica lives in Longmont with her husband and four kids and is deeply committed to creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen the community.
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“I serve because I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, feel valued, and find connection in their community. Happy Day Plants exists to open those doors and create real opportunities for people to grow and belong.”
Sean
Smallman
Sean brings a strong background in nonprofit operations and technical management to the board. He currently serves at Rocky Mountain Christian Church, where he oversees facilities and technical operations for the church’s programs and events. Having spent his entire professional career in the nonprofit sector, he brings a broad skill set as a dependable “jack-of-many-trades” and enjoys stepping in wherever support is needed. Sean enjoys life with his wife and two young daughters who love helping water the plants at the shop. Outside of board service, he works as a freelance lighting designer and enjoys escaping to a quiet beach whenever he can.
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“I serve because I believe deeply in the impact mission-driven organizations can have on a community, and Happy Day Plants creates meaningful value and connection for people. I’m inspired by the opportunity to help support and strengthen that mission.”
Katie
bianchi
Katie has a professional background in accounting, bookkeeping, and operations and systems management, bringing thoughtful financial perspective and organizational insight to the Happy Day Plants board. Growing up in Michigan, she had a close family friend with disabilities and witnessed firsthand the impact supportive schools, workplaces, and community spaces can have as individuals transition into adulthood. That experience continues to inspire her involvement and makes her especially grateful to support an organization creating similar opportunities for the Longmont community. Katie currently volunteers with Friends of the Library and loves reading, crafting, and cheering on the Denver Summit FC as a proud season ticket holder.
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“I serve because my first visit to Happy Day Plants immediately felt like home, and I know how important spaces like this are for the special needs community to find connection, purpose, and belonging.”
Karina
De Santiago
Karina's connection to Happy Day Plants is deeply personal as the parent of a neurodivergent son. Through Happy Day Plant's program, her son Victor first volunteered at the shop before transitioning into a paid role, where he has proudly been employed for more than a year. Seeing the confidence and opportunity that meaningful employment can provide has strengthened her passion for supporting programs that create inclusive spaces where everyone has the chance to succeed. Karina currently serves as a Financial Specialist with Boulder County, supporting government accounting operations. She is also involved with the Association for Community Living through the Caminando Juntos parent group and volunteers as a team mom for the Mead Mavericks. She enjoys traveling with her husband, their three children, and toy Yorkie, Gypsy.
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“I serve because my lived experience supporting individuals with disabilities has shaped my passion for advocacy and my commitment to helping create more inclusive opportunities in our community.”
Amanda
Carver
Amanda is an entrepreneur who has spent the past 11 years running an online secondhand clothing and accessory business, Curated Goods, sourcing locally and giving new life to gently used items. With a deep appreciation for the journey of small business ownership, she brings passion, enthusiasm, and a collaborative spirit to the board, along with the ability to relate to both the challenges and successes of building something from the ground up. She and her husband are actively involved at Rocky Mountain Christian Church and also volunteer at Erie High School while supporting their two daughters who attend there. A Southern California native at heart, she is also a proud mom of four daughters and loves thrifting, Mexican food, Diet Coke and of course plants!
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“I serve because I’ve had a front-row seat of the impact Happy Day Plants has had from the very beginning, and I’m inspired by the way it changes lives and creates opportunities for individuals and families in our community.”