Matt and Tasha have been married for 19 years and are the proud parents of five amazing kids, all between the ages of 6 and 11. Their family has called Pagosa Springs home for the past six years, and they’ve loved being part of the vibrant local community.

In that time, you’ve probably seen them around town—managing in local hospitality spots, showing up at school events and parent-teacher conferences, cheering from the sidelines at youth sports games, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a journal and a cup of coffee at one of Pagosa’s cozy coffee shops.
These days, life is full with the exciting adventure of opening their own restaurant, but Matt and Tasha never shy away from making time for what matters. Dancing for Seeds of Learning is one of those things. It’s not just fun—it’s meaningful.
Four of their daughters have attended Seeds of Learning, and their family has seen firsthand the difference this incredible early childhood program makes in the lives of young children and their families. That’s why this fundraiser is so close to their hearts.

Vote for Matt—not just because he’s bringing the dad moves, but because he’s dancing with purpose, passion, and a whole lot of heart for the kids and families of Pagosa Springs.

I am absolutely thrilled to be dancing in this year’s Dancing with the Pagosa Stars to raise money for Seeds of Learning. My husband, Scott, and I have lived in Pagosa Springs for the past 20 years. Scott is a teacher at the Pagosa Springs Elementary School and we feel very fortunate to be raising our two children here. Both of our children attended Seeds of Learning and were lucky enough to have Miss Ruby as their teacher. Our oldest graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 2024 and is attending CSU in Fort Collins.

Though many people do not know this about me, I was a competitive gymnast for ten years. I am excited to combine my love for dance and gymnastics with my commitment to our community. I have spent the past 20 years bringing critical resources, services and programs to the people who make the fabric of our community so special. I have built homes with Habitat for Humanity, supported our businesses through the Pagosa Chamber of Commerce and raised funds for our small but incredible Ruby Sisson Library. I now get to continue to support the people of Archuleta County through Colorado State University Extension.
Seeds of Learning is a cause close to my heart, as it provides essential early childhood education to children in Pagosa Springs. They understand the importance of building a positive and strong foundation that will likely shape a child’s entire life. They certainly helped shape my children!

A vote for Cindi Galabota is a vote for the youngest members of our community! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our children and ensure a brighter future for Pagosa Springs.

Born and raised in Arizona, I grew up enjoying all the outdoors could offer, spending most of my time on my father’s ranch. I spent my time riding horses, camping, fishing and being very active in after school sports and activities. I met my husband Luke in Jr High and shortly after high school we got married and had 2 beautiful children, Tripp and Daphnie.

Since the day we moved to Pagosa Springs in 2022 I immediately dove into becoming a part of the community and opened my salon, Style Ranch. Utilizing my education in Cosmetology and experience as a MAC Make Up Artist, I fully enjoy making everyone I encounter feel their very best inside and out! The community here in Pagosa Springs is so special and vibrant and I want to be a part of the continuing effort to enrich its spirit! The youth in our community are so exceptional and I want to help in any way I can to provide every opportunity so they can embrace life and reach their fullest potential.

I’m so excited and grateful for the opportunity to be able to aid Seeds of Learning in their effort to support the youth of this amazing place we all call home!!

Ben is thrilled to be making his debut in Pagosa Dancing with the Stars! Originally from Dallas, Texas, Ben moved to Pagosa in 2021 and instantly fell in love with the community! He is the general manager of a local restaurant and brewery and has made this town a home. Recent performances include the towns burlesque show, where he has been able to harness his love for theatre and grow his confidence on and off stage. Although he credits his teachers from his younger years in Texas, Ben would also like to thank the Pagosa community for not only accepting him but celebrating him.

Ben is very excited and honored to be chosen to perform and work with SEEDS and hopes to give the young generation the same passion for performing that he has!

My name is Ernesto Rafael, and I’ve had the honor of calling Pagosa Springs home for nearly 20 years. Throughout that time, I’ve worked in the service industry, always grateful for the kindness, support, and respect this wonderful community has shown to me and my family.

It fills me with pride to join this meaningful cause, supporting the youngest and most vulnerable members of our town. I’m excited to take on this new challenge and, through it, give back to the community that has given me so much.

I’m deeply passionate about nurturing curiosity and supporting the teachers who help children discover their interests. Planting that seed of exploration is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer the next generation. As a proud parent of a little “Ladybug,” I see every day how the team at Seeds opens doors for our daughter—doors to learning, wonder, and growth.

My own seeds have been sown far and wide. I’ve worked in snow business and show business, and dabbled as a real estate hustler, energy enthusiast, and urban farmer. And that’s just since I’ve been in Pagosa. Each path has taught me something different, but none more than motherhood.

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from knowing your child is with people who treasure and inspire them. It eases the heart. That’s why I agreed to take part in Dancing with the Stars—as a way to give back to the incredible teachers and staff who go above and beyond every day to make our daughter’s experience so exceptional.