VP Administrative Services

Denise joined SEI’s Accounting team in February 2015, bringing both nonprofit and for-profit business experience. Denise has worked in accounting in both environmental and renewable energy organizations for over 20 years. Currently she serves as Solar Energy International’s Co-Director of Accounting.

VP Student Services & Employer Relations

Monique’s passion for helping others and belief in renewable energy  makes her right at home at SEI. Watching her son's eyes light up with excitement while he ran along side the installation crew performing a solar PV installation on her own home, she knew solar energy is the future.  Her formal education includes a Master's degree in Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. As an academic and career counselor serving community college students, she has dedicated over 10 years of her professional life to helping people realize their academic, career, and personal aspirations. In her personal life she enjoys spending time with her husband and little boy Ethan exploring and going on adventures.

VP Marketing & Business Development

Chris Turek has more than 15 years of marketing, online learning, and educational technology experience working with organizations all over the world. As a marketing and educational technology consultant, Chris has guided corporate, government,  and non-profit organizations to effectively adopt new media strategies and online learning technologies to spread their message. He is a Sam Houston State University alumnus with a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree in Information Systems Management and Graduate-level studies at Texas A&M University in Educational Technology. When he isn't buried in his laptop and Solar Energy International's Online Campus, Chris and his wife, Monique, and his son, Ethan are out exploring the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain area. If he isn't on the ski slopes you can find him landing trout (catch and release, of course) at the beaver dams on McClure Pass between the Carbondale and Paonia, Colo., Solar Energy International (SEI) offices.

VP of Instruction

Kristopher Sutton has worked full-time in the solar PV industry since 1999 and currently serves as Vice President of Instruction at Solar Energy International. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for instructional programs across hands-on labs, classroom learning, and hybrid delivery models, ensuring high-quality, practical training experiences that meet evolving industry needs. Kristopher has extensive experience teaching technical trainings on the design and installation of photovoltaic systems for both residential and commercial applications, with a strong emphasis on safety and real-world application. His professional background includes work as a system installer, project manager, and owner of a solar consulting business. Throughout his career, Kristopher has collaborated with utilities, architects, engineers, general contractors, building departments, and homeowners, supporting projects through all phases of PV system design and installation. In addition to overseeing instructional strategy and campus-based training operations, he contributes to curriculum development and instructor training, helping ensure programs remain rigorous, relevant, and aligned with workforce and industry demands.  

Training and Campus Manager

With over 20 years of cherished residency in the North Fork Valley, I have transitioned from a diverse career in Death Valley National Park to a fulfilling role in local education and community support. My professional journey began in the arid expanses of Death Valley, where I donned several hats, including staffing the Visitor Center, leading a Youth Conservation Corps crew, and working as a Wildlife Technician with the Devils Hole Pupfish.   A proud Tar Heel, I earned my degree in Geology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following my move to the North Fork Valley, I pivoted from geology to focus on raising my children, running a pasture-based farm, and exploring various small jobs.   As my children reached school age, I sought a more impactful role and have spent the past four years as the Secretary for the North Fork School of Integrated Studies. My diverse background and unwavering support for educators shape my dedication to this role, reflecting my commitment to fostering a thriving, supportive educational environment.

Director of Philanthropy

Kiera grew up in Colorado with family ties to the Western Slope and has lived in Northern California, Paris, Ireland, Oregon and is now happy to call Arizona home. She received her BA in International Studies with an emphasis on Post-Colonial Studies from Humboldt State University and holds a Master of Arts degree in Culture and Colonialism from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She has over a decade of experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing and development, and is passionate about bringing this experience to SEI's work and opening doorways into the renewable energy industry. She loves folklore studies, quiet afternoons with books and coffee, challenging herself on the climbing wall and hanging with her black cat, Ronan.

PV Lab Manager

Joseph has worked in the PV industry for over ten years as an installer, lead installer, project manager and operations and maintenance technician. He is currently the PV Lab Manager at Solar Energy International’s headquarters in Paonia Colorado. Joseph is excited to study and consciously participate in the systems which support his life on the earth. He has lived off the grid in an earthen home he designed and built in the foothills of the West Elk Mountains for 19 years. He enjoys spending time with his two sons, wild places, and hanging out with plants.

Executive Assistant

Jessie brings nearly 15 years of experience as an Executive Assistant, having successfully supported a diverse array of managerial teams and C-suite executives. Her background in early childhood education enriches her professional profile, as she has worked both as a bilingual Kindergarten teacher and as the Director of an after-school program. This unique combination of skills and experiences fosters her strong communication abilities and a deep understanding of the educational environment.

In her time off, Jessie enjoys spending quality moments with her family and engaging in crafting. Her daughter keeps her busy with various activities, and Jessie proudly serves as the President of her daughter’s PTA, actively contributing to the school community and supporting her daughter’s educational journey.

Campus Instruction and Training Manager

Instructional Designer

With over 10 years of experience as an instructional designer, Devin has worked across the U.S. to develop and implement innovative learning experiences in higher education. He has collaborated with faculty, subject matter experts, and students to create engaging curricula, leveraging technology to enhance both in-person and online learning environments and is excited to bring his skills and experience to the world of renewable energy at SEI. Outside of work, he is an outdoorsman, guitar player, family man, and dog enthusiast.

Accounting Assistant

Andrew comes to Paonia from the scenic Appalachian region of Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Business Administration. His interest in solar technology stems from a young exposure in computer engineering and sciences, which evolved into a drive to learn about a wide breadth of how technology works in our society and its benefits. Andrew greatly enjoys playing around with technology in his free time, whether that be computer games or learning something new from the vast library of resources we have at our fingertips. He also takes great pride in playing team sports like ultimate frisbee, hiking the local scenery, biking, gardening, playing percussion, and learning about how to care for our ecosystem on all scales.

Enrollment & Admission Specialist

Aaron graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.S. in Engineering Physics in 2001, and soon after started a career in climate science measuring atmospheric greenhouse gases for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Aaron joins SEI and the Student Services department in the role of 'Admission, Support and Enrollment Specialist', fulfilling the organization's shipping and printing needs, and supporting the Student Services Team with in-person and online courses. Aaron brings many skills to SEI, from previous experience in science, management, and administration, to current work in the field of dark skies and appropriate lighting technology as a certification specialist for DarkSky Colorado. Aaron embraces the solar lifestyle by living in an "off grid" solar home and is an avid night sky interpreter and photographer.

Student Services Counselor

Hailing from Georgia, Shawnta is excited to bring years of student support experience to SEI as a Student Services Counselor. Although she holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Business Administration, her passion for helping others and curiosity about renewable energy sources lead her to serve with SEI. When not plugged in Shawnta can be found enjoying the beach with her family.

Facilities Manager

After graduating from Fort Lewis College with a degree in Fine Arts, Cory has been through several careers. From a cable/phone lineman to a high school art teacher, to currently operating a small organic farm in Paonia. He married his college sweetheart in 95 and is a father of two. His wife has a degree in Environmental Science so environmental concerns have always been a driving force in life decisions and being a part of SEI is a huge plus. His son is also the youngest graduate of the photovoltaic training classes. To pass time he enjoys hiking,fly fishing,mountain biking and painting.

U.S. Business Development Manager + Instructor

When he was a child, Marshall had a toy solar kit with a PV cell attached to a fan motor. It was as good as magic, and that sense of magic has never dimmed. Seeking adventure after a short run as an IT professional, Marshall dove into the solar industry in 2012 installing residential and commercial PV systems in Florida and Tennessee. After studying at SEI in 2016, he earned his NABCEP PVIP certification, then went to work in the large-scale PV sector supporting central inverters at Power Electronics. Since 2018 Marshall has been dedicated to training and education in the solar field and is thrilled to be a part of SEI team. He lives with his family in Gainesville, FL where the live oaks bring relaxing shade, and the beach is just a short trip away.

Curriculum Developer + Instructor

Alejandro is an SEI instructor with nearly a decade of experience in installing and commissioning power distribution equipment at telecommunications sites. A graduate in Electronic Engineering from the Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Alejandro decided to shift his career toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious industry. In 2014, he completed a master’s degree in Renewable Energy, where he discovered his passion for solar energy. He later finished SEI’s "Battery-Based Photovoltaic Systems Certificate" program. After earning his certification, Alejandro joined SEI’s curriculum development team, contributing his expertise and enthusiasm to the creation of innovative educational materials. His interest in sustainable communities in rural areas drives him to promote solar energy as a key component in developing homes and agroecological settlements. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family, as well as cooking and sports.

Marketing & Communications Manager

After acquiring a bachelor degree in Graphic Design in 2007, Chris was introduced to the world of marketing, design and web development, where he has worked since. He brings an array of experience to the team, having worked in higher education, commercial sales and non-profit journalism throughout his career. Chris was first introduced to wind and solar energy in college and has had a growing interest in renewables ever since. He is eager to use his skills to see SEI succeed in making a difference in and around the world.

Curriculum & Instruction Specialist

Kristen came to SEI in 2014 with a degree in Architecture and a background in construction, and has since assumed many roles at the organization - worktrader, Americorps VISTA, Labyard Assistant, Director of Campus & Hands-On Training, and now has settled in working with the curriculum team as a Curriculum & Instruction Specialist. While no longer living off grid, Kristen still considers herself a Solar Sister with a capital "S", doing what she can to integrate living with the sun into her everyday life.

Lead Student Services Counselor

With over a decade of experience working with mission-driven organizations across Latin America, Saphire brings a strong background in program coordination, international education, and student engagement — all driven by a deep commitment to creating global impact through access and opportunity. Currently her role focuses on student enrollment and the management of SEI's scholarship programs. Her goals include supporting students from all over the world in accessing high-quality technical training that contributes to a more sustainable future, helping bridge educational access alongside a constantly growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

Curriculum Developer + Instructor

Amy found her way to PV in sunny Arizona, as part of an interest in off-grid sustainable living and natural building. She began drafting residential PV systems in 2005, and made an appearance in residential-scale wind power manufacturing as a drafter and document control specialist until 2008, when she moved to California where the PV industry was blossoming. She jumped right in and started designing residential systems, and eventually found herself designing and coordinating multi-megawatt commercial-scale PV projects. She took every opportunity to get out of the office and onto the roof, and in 2011 she became a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional. With special interests in large-scale utility interconnections and multi-use land projects (utilizing landfills, parking lots, etc. for PV), she has worked for several industry-leading companies on projects in multiple states. Amy has a deep love of sharing her knowledge and experience through education and is thrilled to be a part of the SEI Curriculum Development team, in addition to her independent PV system design and consulting work. She can also be found playing and teaching fiddle and singing traditional bluegrass and country music in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Registrations & Systems Manager

Michelle joined the SEI team in 2016, working to share SEI’s mission and knowledge with the growing solar community around the world. Throughout her career, she has worked with nonprofits and NGOs dedicated to sustainable development through community empowerment. She has focused on building capacity for the sustainable agriculture and  renewable energy industries throughout the US and now the world. Through her role at SEI, she is dedicated to collaborating with international partners and providing access to high quality technical training to individuals with a passion for renewable energy.

Lead Business Development & Global Growth Manager

María Pía Day is SEI’s Lead Business Development and Global Growth Manager, driving the expansion of SEI’s solar training programs around the world. With a background in marketing, business, and communications, she has over 15 years of experience building strategies that connect people and organizations with transformative opportunities.

Originally leading SEI’s growth in Latin America and Spanish-speaking markets, Pía now supports industries worldwide in advancing the clean energy transition through high-quality solar education. Passionate about empowering people, businesses, and communities, she brings both global vision and local impact to SEI’s mission.

Based in Salta, Argentina, she enjoys living close to nature with her husband and son, and loves writing, reading, and swimming in her free time.

Student Services Counselor - Spanish Program

Paulina is originally from Chile, has lived a few years in Colorado and has recently moved to Paonia . She enjoys being surrounded by nature, wildlife, and all the green in Colorado's western slope. Paulina received a degree in Industrial Design and has always been interested and passionate about renewable technology;one of her first projects as a student was to build a solar tent. Paulina is currently a Spanish Program Student Advisor and Coordinator. She enjoys coordinating and helping students and people from all over Latin America. When she is not working at SEI, Paulina enjoys gardening, hiking, and taking dance classes.

Online Campus Manager

With a background in electronics and IT consulting, Scott began studying renewable energy technology in 2008. Soon after, he discovered SEI and took his first few Solar PV courses and was hooked.  Quickly realizing that he was living in one of the most solar friendly states in the U.S. (Massachusetts), Scott made the transition into the industry taking a job as a PV Project Manager and Technical Sales Person for a local installer.  During his career, Scott has been involved with the design and sales of numerous residential and small commercial solar PV systems, and has earned NABCEP Certification as a PV Technical Sales Professional.  While continuing to work in the field as an independent consultant, Scott has come full circle and is now the Online Course Manager and an Instructor at SEI.

Co-Director of Accounting

Sandy Pickard feels that Solar Energy International has changed the way she thinks and behaves. Her role as Business Manager has been the greatest job for her personal growth for the past 14 years. She has watched the growing interest in renewables into becoming not only the right path for us citizens of the world but a great investment opportunity as well. She's happy to work in the accounting department and also to host a community radio show "Solar Sisters" on a monthly basis. Her background in speech pathology from Oklahoma State University did not prepare her like her experience and training here at Solar Energy International!

Financial Director

Paul Gibb escaped corporate life in Austin, Texas, for western Colorado in 2000. Since then, he has been helping small businesses and nonprofits with their finances while enjoying the rural lifestyle of Paonia. Paul has consulted with more than a dozen organizations of varying size and at different stages in their evolution. Paul hooked up with SEI in 2006 and signed on as Financial Director in 2008. When not crunching numbers, Paul chases around his twin 10-year-old sons and provides free labor to his wife's organic farming operation. Paul is a graduate of Boston University (MBA) and Colgate University (BA).

At Solar Energy International, Breccia Cressman enjoys working closely with students and staff.  This work fulfills her two passions, people and the environment.  Her education is in Environmental Studies and Philosophy, and her hobbies include playing old-time fiddle music, salsa and kizomba dancing, outdoors and music festivals. Please contact her at any time at [email protected].