Carmen Sample is a licensed clinical social worker, addiction counselor, and serial entrepreneur with more than 15 years of leadership experience across behavioral health, disability services, real estate development, and socially driven retail enterprises. She is the Founder and Owner of Sample Supports, LLC, a Colorado-based Program Approved Service Agency providing comprehensive services to adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities through multiple Medicaid waiver programs. Under her leadership, Sample Supports has grown into a multi-regional organization serving more than 600 individuals annually, managing over 400 employees and contractors, and overseeing an operating budget exceeding $20 million.

Carmen has extensive expertise in clinical oversight, service delivery systems, provider finance, and regulatory compliance. She has established and managed contracts with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and multiple Community Centered Boards across Colorado, launched licensed foster care and residential aging services, and led the development of integrated clinical and behavioral treatment models for individuals with complex dual diagnoses. Her background includes direct oversight of residential, day, behavioral, supported employment, supported living, and addiction treatment services. 

In addition to her work in human services, Carmen is the CEO and Owner of Crystal Joys, LLC, a gemstone and mineral retail brand with multiple brick-and-mortar locations and e-commerce channels. She has led the company’s growth through retail expansion, international wholesale operations, and mergers and acquisitions, managing a multimillion-dollar operating budget and a workforce of more than 40 employees. 

Carmen is also a co-owner of Overalls Property Co and Happy Vacation Homes, overseeing a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, industrial, and historic properties. Her work includes real estate acquisition, development, historic preservation projects, and short-term rental operations. Earlier in her career, she co-owned and operated a group of hospitality and food service businesses that intentionally created inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and achieved national recognition through features on the Food Network. 

Clinically, Carmen holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver with emphases in trauma response, recovery, and family systems, and completed post-graduate training toward licensure in marriage and family therapy. She is licensed in Colorado as a Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Counselor and has provided clinical supervision in medical, foster care, and community-based settings throughout the state. 

Her leadership and community impact have been widely recognized through awards including the Denver Business Journal Fast 50, multiple Chamber of Commerce business awards, Vistage’s Impactful Leader Award, and the University of Denver GSSW Distinguished Service Award. Carmen currently serves on several boards and advisory committees, including Rocky Mountain Equality and the Children’s Hospital of Colorado Family Advisory Committee, and is an active member of YPO Global.