At Karuna Care Services, our leadership team is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both our clients and staff. With a wealth of experience and a shared passion for enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, our leaders bring a diverse range of skills and perspectives to our organization. Get to know the talented professionals who are driving our mission forward and ensuring that Karuna Care Services remains a place of excellence and compassion.
Tim West-Heiss
Tim West-Heiss is the Co-CEO of Karuna Care Services, where he has dedicated the last five years to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. With 13 years of experience in the field, Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to his role.
Prior to becoming Co-CEO, Tim served as the Director of Day Services and a Residential Program Manager at Karuna Care Services. He started his career right out of college and began working as a Direct Support Professional and moved in to other various roles. Tim’s journey is marked by his unwavering passion for supporting and empowering people with developmental disabilities and creating a more inclusive world.
Tim holds a degree in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Known for his creativity, vision, and big heart, Tim thrives on building strong, supportive relationships with both his team and the individuals they serve. Outside of his professional life, Tim enjoys mountain biking, camping, spending quality time with his wife, and exploring the latest in technology.
MacKenzie Houpt
MacKenzie Houpt is thrilled to serve as Co-CEO at Karuna Care Services. With over a decade of experience, she is passionate about improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring everyone gets the support they need. MacKenzie started her journey as a Direct Support Professional and has taken on various roles, including Case Management for both children and adults, before joining the KCS team.
She is dedicated to maintaining service quality and stakeholder satisfaction, driven by a strong sense of accountability and a strategic approach to human resources and company processes. MacKenzie holds a SHRM-SCP certification and has undergone comprehensive leadership training, which underscores her commitment to excellence. Her degrees in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder give her a unique perspective on social dynamics and inclusive practices.
When not at work, MacKenzie spends time with her family and friends or practices yoga. Balancing work and personal life is important to her, and being a wife and a proud mother of two young sons has given her a deeper appreciation for the services provided by KCS and their impact on clients and their families.
Meghan Horihan
Meghan Horihan serves as the Director of Residential Services at Karuna Care Services, bringing over 11 years of dedicated experience in empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a profound commitment to fostering inclusivity, Meghan actively collaborates with the local community to dismantle barriers hindering a fully integrated society.
Meghan earned a Sociology degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, propelling her to Denver to embark on her mission of advocacy and support. She has held many roles within the IDD/DD community and is a Certified-Work Incentive Practitioner.
Meghan’s leadership style is defined by her unwavering belief in the power of collective effort to enact meaningful change. She champions a culture of positivity and collaboration, recognizing that the combined strength of a unified team yields the greatest impact. Her work is fueled by a profound dedication to assisting individuals in discovering and realizing their most fulfilling lives.
Balancing her passion for advocacy with a zest for life, Meghan finds joy in both professional and personal realms. An avid skier, she enjoys the snowy Colorado winters, while her love for travel and leisurely moments also bring her great joy.
Jeff Near
Jeff Near is the Director of Day Services at Karuna Care Services. KCS is dedicated to supporting adults with developmental disabilities, a field Jeff has been passionate about since his college days, amounting to 16 years of experience.
Throughout his career, Jeff has had the privilege of working in various roles. He began as a Direct Support Professional, then gained experience in job coaching and job development as an Employment Specialist. Before joining KCS, he directed a day program at another company, further broadening his expertise. At KCS, he initially worked as a Residential Program Manager before transitioning to support their day program.
Jeff has been with Karuna Care Services for four years and plans to stay in this field for the entirety of his career. He is driven by the meaningful relationships he has built with both clients and coworkers. Jeff cherishes the unique perspectives that come from working in this field and takes immense pride in being part of the personal and professional growth of clients and staff.
Outside of work, Jeff is a father to an incredible six-year-old boy who constantly teaches him new things about the world. He is a lifelong baseball and Red Sox fan and enjoys bike riding, playing golf, and softball. He also loves working in his yard and finding opportunities to be creative.
Jeff is committed to making a positive impact at Karuna Care Services and is excited to continue supporting the amazing community that has been created there.