Founder and President

As President and Founder of DHN Planning and Development, Darsey Nicklasson drives the strategic vision and execution of the company’s real estate portfolio. With more than two decades of experience in real estate, Darsey has transformed DHN into a regional development firm that creates long-term value for investors, associates, and communities. Her journey into property management was pivotal, as she chose to personally manage her properties rather than rely on third-party managers—a decision that not only proved successful but also laid the foundation for DHN’s values. This hands-on approach has made her a better leader and has shaped the company’s growth into what it is today.

A visionary and collaborative leader, Darsey is deeply invested in the communities she serves and strives to address both housing and cultural needs holistically. She believes in designing and building spaces that foster life, vitality, and community, creating environments where people can connect and thrive. Darsey’s impact is seen in key projects like Blue Dot Place, the first residential development in downtown Colorado Springs since the 1960s, and Casa Mundi, a 27-unit multifamily property. She is currently leading the development of Mosaica and Kaleidos, two attainable housing projects in Southeast Colorado Springs. Beyond her professional endeavors, Darsey is dedicated to shaping the future of the region through her involvement in numerous boards and committees. Outside of work, she enjoys family activities with her husband, Rob, and their three children—staying busy with soccer, track, climbing, and mountain biking.

Chief Operations Officer

Bryan Kniep, Chief Operating Officer of Places, brings over 20 years of expertise in land planning, development, and apartment construction. With a calm and strategic approach, he oversees active projects, negotiates and programs upcoming developments, and manages pre-development planning. Recently, he has led the completion of several phases at multifamily housing and rental properties in Southern Colorado. His experience spans the full development cycle, from land acquisition and site planning to construction oversight, marketing, and lease-up. Having delivered projects ranging from 48-unit urban developments to 248-unit communities, Bryan is dedicated to creating vibrant, engaging spaces where people can live and connect.

Passionate about the intersection of design and functionality, Bryan thrives on the challenges and opportunities of crafting unique living environments. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning from Utah State University in 2000. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, fishing, golfing, and watching sports with his wife and three stepsons. Whether unwinding on a patio with a microbrew or exploring the outdoors with their dogs, Bryan embraces Colorado’s active lifestyle with enthusiasm.

Business Administrator/Investor Relations

Amanda Ware is a key member of the Places Management team, bringing extensive expertise in operations, insurance, and account management. With a background in hospitality and the nonprofit sector, she excels at fostering strong relationships and ensuring seamless business operations. Her strategic mindset and attention to detail drive efficiency, mitigate risk, and contribute to a well-structured, investment-ready environment that supports long-term growth.

A graduate of Biola University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Amanda combines her passion for community engagement with a results-driven approach. She thrives on optimizing processes behind the scenes, ensuring every aspect aligns with the company’s vision. Outside of work, she enjoys embracing Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes and cherishing life’s "mile-high" moments with her six amazing kids and one adorable grandchild.

Controller
Winnie delivers the financial oversight property owners demand, bringing over 10 years of specialized accounting expertise in construction and public accounting to protect and maximize your investment. As DHN's Controller since July 2024, she applies her experience managing finances for over 60 entities at a major home builder to ensure your property's financial performance is optimized, transparent, and compliant.

Property owners particularly value Winnie's meticulous approach to financial reporting that provides clear visibility into property performance, expense management, and revenue optimization. Her implementation of robust accounting processes translates directly to your bottom line—identifying cost-saving opportunities, preventing revenue leakage, and maintaining immaculate financial records that simplify tax preparation and support favorable financing terms.

With dual master's degrees (MBA and MA) from New Mexico State University and a B.S. in Accounting from Livingstone College, Winnie combines academic credentials with practical expertise to navigate complex financial challenges. Her commitment to integrity and communication ensures you receive accurate, timely financial information and complete transparency regarding your property's financial health—giving you the confidence that your investment is being managed with the highest standards of fiscal responsibility.

Director of Leasing

Clayton, Director of Leasing, delivers the metrics property owners care about most—higher occupancy rates, reduced turnover, and stronger rental income. His strategic approach to leasing operations directly impacts your NOI by accelerating lease-ups, minimizing vacancy periods, and attracting quality residents who pay on time and respect your property.

With his Brigham Young University education and extensive background in customer service and sales, Clayton excels at identifying the perfect tenant-property fit, resulting in longer-term leases and fewer costly turnovers. His business management experience translates to efficient systems that streamline the application process, reduce administrative costs, and ensure thorough screening.

Property owners particularly value Clayton's talent for resident retention—his personable nature and strong communication skills create the positive community atmosphere that keeps good tenants renewing year after year. As your trusted leasing director, he consistently balances maximizing rental rates with maintaining healthy occupancy levels, providing the stable cash flow and predictable performance that investment properties require.

Marketing Specialist

Michele transforms your property's marketing from a cost center to a value driver, delivering the measurable results property owners demand—higher qualified lead generation, reduced vacancy rates, and enhanced property reputation that supports premium rental rates. Since becoming Marketing Specialist in fall 2024, she has implemented data-driven strategies that directly impact your bottom line.

Property owners particularly value Michele's comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional advertising. Her communications expertise optimizes every touchpoint in the resident journey—from powerful first impressions that attract quality tenants to engagement strategies that boost resident retention and minimize costly turnover. Having worked across multiple departments since August 2023, she understands exactly how marketing directly impacts occupancy rates and rental income.

With her bachelor's degree in Communications, Michele develops targeted campaigns that reach your ideal residents while maintaining optimal cost-per-acquisition metrics. Her digital marketing savvy ensures your property maintains strong visibility in competitive markets, while her event coordination skills create the community atmosphere that keeps good tenants renewing. For property owners focused on maximizing returns, Michele delivers the marketing efficiency and effectiveness that translate directly to stronger NOI and asset performance.

Resident Specialist

Facilities Specialist

Housekeeper/Porter