About Friends for Life Care Team

Jared’s passion for senior support was shaped by his experience with his grandfather, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. With the help of dedicated caregivers, his grandfather was able to remain in his home and independent living community during the later years of his life, avoiding the need for a nursing facility. Throughout that time, he continued to serve as a source of wisdom and connection for multiple generations of the Kelso family. That experience left a lasting impression on Jared and continues to inform his approach to care.

Professionally, Jared brings a uniquely diverse background to Friends for Life. He began his career as a respiratory therapist, gaining firsthand experience in healthcare and patient-centered support. He later earned his CPA license and worked for a global accounting firm in both the United States and Europe, followed by senior finance leadership roles across multiple organizations. In addition to his role with Friends for Life, Jared also provides financial consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses through Virtas Partners.

Outside of work, Jared and his family are actively involved in their church and community. He enjoys travelling, skiing, running, cycling, pickleball, and singing in a men’s a cappella group.

As owner of Friends for Life, Jared combines empathy, structure, and leadership to ensure seniors, and the families who support them, feel confident, cared for, and truly supported.

She also has administrative experience and was a supervisor for 4 years. She has a background in companion care with private family and through volunteer work. Throughout her work experience, she has worked with families to create the best schedule and needs for the family. Her work focuses are: building trusting relationships with clients, supporting caregivers and their schedule, coordinating care with families, organizational skills, technology, and communication skills. Melissa attended Red Rocks Community College and University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. During her time at the university, she attended communication targeted courses. Melissa is passionate about building relationships with caregivers and creating a schedule that fits their availability. Her motivation is scheduling the perfect caregiver for our clients. She looks at their personality, skills, and background experience. It brings her full delight hearing clients express their love for our caregivers. Outside of work, she enjoys drinking coffee with her three cats. She also enjoys traveling with her husband and seeing her family. Melissa looks forward to scheduling your perfect friend for life!

Throughout those years, she has held many rolls which include: providing care for seniors, helping them stay safe and independent at home, managing the caregiver/client schedules, working closely with the caregivers and the clients family to ensure they are receiving a positive experience, preparing billing and payroll, and being the first point of contact for caregiver applicants.  She is passionate about making sure every encounter she has, the person feels important, and their concerns have been addressed promptly. Outside of work, she likes spending time with her family and pets, going to their mountain place, volunteering at her daughters school, and going to local theater.