Lika Gitis
Social Work
Longmont,CO
Summary
Recent MSW graduate with more than 20 years of experience running Sunflower Art Studio - a Boulder-based art school and creative community for children and adults, along with 1.5 years of MSW field experience working with diverse populations, particularly older adults and people experiencing hoarding and clutter-related behaviors. My background brings together education, community work, small business leadership, and social services. I value human relationships, dignity, advocacy, and meeting people where they are, with a strong belief in practical support, community connection, and our shared humanity.
Overview
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Internship
Boulder Housing Partners
Boulder, CO
04.2025 - 08.2026
- Provided consistent, hands-on support to residents working toward housing stability and greater independence.
- Worked directly alongside residents living in highly cluttered homes to address egress, safety, organization, and lease-compliance concerns.
- Managed individual cases involving benefits, housing concerns, community resources, and coordination of services.
- Bridged communication between residents, Resident Services, Property Management, families, and community providers.
- Built trusting relationships with residents while providing ongoing support, advocacy, and practical problem-solving.
- Contributed to broader staff and resident needs through teamwork, event planning, outreach, visual materials, and other community projects.
Founder & Director / Art Educator
Sunflower Art Studio, LLC
Boulder, CO
06.2004 - Current
- Founded and have operated Sunflower Art Studio for more than 20 years, providing art education and creative programs for children and adults.
- Developed original art curriculum and teaching methods focused on creativity, individual expression, artistic skills, and confidence.
- Taught drawing, painting, and mixed-media classes through individual instruction, group classes, camps, and workshops.
- Managed all aspects of a small business, including programming, enrollment, communication with families, staffing, marketing, finances, and day-to-day operations.
- Built long-term relationships with students and families and created an inclusive, supportive creative community.
- Organized exhibitions, community events, collaborative projects, and opportunities for students, artists, staff, and volunteers.
Volunteer
Project Peppa
Seattle, Washington
04.2022 - 05.2022
- Provided humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees at Bucharest Airport, Romania, in May 2022.
- I worked day and night shifts at the Bucharest airport and train station, assisting hundreds of refugees in transit.
- Helped with paperwork, securing tickets, distributing financial aid, and coordinating temporary accommodations.
- Provided emotional support to individuals processing trauma and uncertainty.
- Collaborated with other volunteers to manage high-pressure situations, and ensure efficient assistance for those in need.
Textile Designer
Boba Baby Carriers
Boulder
05.2017 - 09.2021
- Design Projects: Created collections of woven fabrics for baby carrier production, wallcoverings, and upholstery.
- Design Process Assistance: Assisted with the design process and utilized design software to develop and refine fabric designs.
- Team Collaboration: Worked as part of a team, actively brainstorming ideas and contributing to the creative process.
- Deadline Management: Ensured all projects were completed on time, meeting specified deadlines.
- Production Preparation: Prepared files and designs for production, ensuring accuracy and high quality.
Personal Trainer & Gym Manager
K-Fit, LLC
Boulder
10.2014 - 01.2021
- SFG Level 1 Certification: Received certification in StrongFirst Kettlebell training, demonstrating proficiency in strength and conditioning techniques.
- FMS Certification: Certified in Functional Movement Systems, specializing in assessing and improving movement patterns.
- Group and Private Training: Conducted training sessions for small groups and individual clients, tailoring programs to meet diverse fitness goals and needs.
- Gym Management: Operated a small gym specializing in free weights and body weight training, providing a dedicated space for clients to improve their physical fitness.
Education
MSW - Social Work
University of Denver
Denver, CO08-2026
BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Arts
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder05-2009
Bachelor's Degree - Graphic Design
Contemporary Institute of Art
Moscow, Russia05-2007
Skills
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Active Listening & Relationship Building
- Leadership & Small Business Management
- Initiative, Adaptability & Resourcefulness
- Advocacy & Support
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Teaching, Mentoring & Group Facilitation
- Art Education & Creative Programming
- Children & Family Engagement
- Program & Curriculum Development
- Crisis & Conflict Support
- Cultural Awareness & Cross-Cultural Communication
- Strengths-Based & Solution-Focused Practice
- Case Management & Resource Navigation
- Older Adult Support
- Hoarding & Clutter Support
- Staff, Volunteer & Event Coordination
- Graphic Design & Visual Communication
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator & Canva
- Website, Social Media & Digital Content Management
- AI Tools, including ChatGPT
- Foreign Language Skills
- CPR Certified
Certification
- CPR - Basic Training
- StrongFirst SFG Level 1
- Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Certification
Languages
Russian - Fluent
English - Fluent
Czech - Intermediate
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer, Ukrainian Refugee Assistance, 04/01/22, 05/31/22, Provided humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees at Bucharest Airport, Romania, Worked day and night shifts at the Bucharest airport and train station, Helped with paperwork, securing tickets, distributing financial aid, Provided emotional support to individuals processing trauma, Collaborated with other volunteers to manage high-pressure situations
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 01/24/86
- Gender: Female
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Russian
Native/ Bilingual
Czech
Elementary
Timeline
Internship
Boulder Housing Partners
04.2025 - 08.2026
Volunteer
Project Peppa
04.2022 - 05.2022
Textile Designer
Boba Baby Carriers
05.2017 - 09.2021
Personal Trainer & Gym Manager
K-Fit, LLC
10.2014 - 01.2021
Founder & Director / Art Educator
Sunflower Art Studio, LLC
06.2004 - Current
MSW - Social Work
University of Denver
BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Arts
University of Colorado Boulder
Bachelor's Degree - Graphic Design
Contemporary Institute of Art