MEET OUR TEAM

CHIEF CONNECTOR & CREATOR

Jen Thoemke is Connects Workspace’s founder and Chief Connector and Creator. Her passion is for community and connecting people.

She founded Connects in June 2015 with 3,000 square feet of space and 7 members. Over the past many years, she has watched it grow in numbers but also in depth of connection between members. One of her favorite things is watching members become colleagues and friends.

In June 2018 she purchased Cafe 13 a neighboring cafe and in May 2021 she purchased Gold Mine Cupcakes a local cupcake shop. Her reason for purchasing these businesses was to be a part of making Golden the best town in the world, and nothing makes people happier than good food, a place to feel like you belong and of course cupcakes.

She is also a wife, mom and most recently a “Gigi”. She considers her biggest accomplishment raising kind children and watching them continue living the legacy of making the world a better place with small, yet intentional acts of kindness.

FACILITIES MANAGER

Jesse loves when beautiful spaces foster community and connection. As your Facility Manager, he strives to make our cherished spaces feel clean, highly functional, and welcoming.

With a desire to explore the west, he and his wife backpacked in the Zirkel Wilderness which planted the dream seed to move here from the Midwest. In 2009 the dream became a reality and they got to work creating a life they would love. The Colorado spirit has always resonated with his goals and aspirations. He is so grateful to call Golden home for his family.

Jesse strives to embrace a give-first mentality and lead from the heart. His desire to help as many people along the way has worked out quite well.

Please reach out for coffee, feedback or facility requests.

LEAD COMMUNITY MANAGER

A Colorado native, Josh has been immersed in the family business from a young age, gaining a deep understanding of hospitality and business operations.

With a passion for fostering community, Josh brings a hands-on, people-focused approach to his role as Lead Community Manager at Connects Workspace. He values meaningful conversations, the power of connection, and hardworking individuals who embody integrity. Josh is dedicated to creating a workspace where members feel supported, empowered, and part of something greater.

COMMUNITY MANAGER

Abby moved to Colorado from Madison, WI in early 2024 with her husband, Tim, and pup, Ellie. They chose to move to Colorado to embrace their favorite hobbies: skiing, biking, hiking, running, and all things outdoors.

She was previously in the Education world, and has always loved creating community no matter where she is. She is passionate about Connects Workspace's mission to foster connection, community, and creativity.

COMMUNITY MANAGER

Born and raised in the Midwest, Kelly moved to Denver in 2017 and now resides in Golden with her partner and two cats. She believes in building supportive environments where people feel seen and included. She is guided by genuine connection and creativity and believes impact is found in the little things and small details. She’s been a creative since childhood and loves exploring different mediums and outlets.

Kelly feels most grounded outdoors and her respect and love for nature guide how she shows up in life and work. She actively supports environmental sustainability efforts, reflecting her belief that caring for the planet is inseparable from caring for one another. Her mantra is “Be curious, not judgemental”.

COMMUNITY MANAGER

I’m a French-American, born and raised in the west of France near Nantes. In March 2025, I moved to beautiful Colorado with my husband, drawn by the outdoors, the sunshine, the sports and the vibrant community. You’ll usually find me skiing in the winter, swimming in the summer, admiring nature in all seasons, cooking up something warm, or watching just about any sport, especially the NBA.

My heart lies in space care and community building. I’m passionate about creating environments, both physical and emotional, where people feel safe, seen, and connected. Whether it's through deep conversations, intentional design, or shared experiences, I love cultivating spaces that bring people together and spark a sense of belonging.