You think you’re asking clearly, but you’re not. A clear ask is vulnerable, so we avoid it. You will identify what gets in the way of asking clearly, so you can improve the relationships in your life.

Rebecca Mullen is a master certified life coach. She teaches Habits for Your Happily Ever After, a class that identifies the tiny changes that make a big difference in the lifetime of a marriage. Her favorite things are blue herons, windmills, and the number 11.

As an (almost) native Grand Valley resident, Mariah has explored many of the attractions of the Grand Valley. From the well known ones like the Colorado National Monument with all it has to offer to the less well known ones like the hike into see the remains of the town of Carpenter north of town, Mesa County, Colorado has so much to offer. Even in her 40 something years here, she hasn’t seen it all.

This workshop will provide a brief background on stress and busyness.  Then, through an interactive approach, participants will learn some simple techniques to manage stress in the moment they are experiencing it.  

Through the University of California, Skip Hudson is formally trained to teach emotional resilience practices. 

The Neural Reboot

Elizabeth Clark is mental health therapist. She received Masters at Santa Clara University in counseling psychology.  Undergrad at Humboldt State University in Child Development.  Elizabeth Clark has a grant from Western Colorado Community Foundation to assist kids and their families to navigate technology powerfully.  She works in Mesa County Valley School District 51 helping staff and students with regulation skills for optimal learning. Elizabeth will share that there is a neural function reboot built into all of us that can help increase regulation skills for high functioning.  She states that this is especially important as we live our lives intensely integrated in technology.

Email: elazebethclarkckcol@gmail.com

Moving to Connect

We will share several mindful movement practices designed to enhance the body-mind connection. These practices can lead to improvements in self-awareness, stress management, emotional regulation, and communication. 

Dance educators are shifting towards a more holistic perspective in their teaching and using different techniques to teach and choreograph that enhance the mind-body connection and prioritize the healing potential of dance. This lecture/demonstration highlights several wellness aspects of dance and movement.

Name of presenters: Kathleen Diehl, Laura Bradley, Cassidy Phillips, Kara Farmer

Contact: Kathleen Diehl, kdiehl@coloradomesa.edu

When life gives you lemons, sacrifice your limb

Kayla Stearns never imagined slipping on the ice at work in 2017 would lead to a half-decade of constant pain leading to a below knee amputation. Kayla never imagined she would face the most painful disease known to man, complex regional pain syndrome  also known as the “Suicide Disease”. Diagnosed in December 2020, over the next several months the pain reached unbearable levels, causing intrusive thoughts of cutting her leg off and taking her own life. In September 2021, an orthopedic surgeon successfully amputated Kayla’s leg below the knee. She would need to learn how to walk again with the prosthetic, but she was overcome with joy that, finally, the pain was gone.

Praise, it’s not just for kids anymore. (Bless your heart.) 

When we spend time with children, it seems that we have an innate ability to give them genuine praise for their efforts, but at what point do we decide that it’s not needed? Regardless of age, we all need to hear that we’re doing a good job, that our efforts are noticed and appreciated, and that we are seen and valued.

Lisa Lee is a 35-year veteran educator, and is still going strong, having been named Teacher of the Year in DeKalb County, Georgia, and was runner-up for the Colorado state award. Lisa has developed programs and curriculum for learners of all ages. Although her career has included teaching learners of all ages, Lisa currently serves as a Resource Teacher in the Gifted and Talented department in Jefferson County, Colorado. She’s served as the keynote speaker at conferences throughout the world, where she shares her passion about the importance of developing genuine relationships.

Contact:  denverlis.lee@gmail.com

Action Cures Fear

We often pull back from the many things in life we say we want because of the fear associated with taking risks. Be inspired to take action to conquer your fear and learn a simple process to support you in creating a fulfilling life.  

Matthew Price is a father, husband and founder and CEO of Priceless Coaching and Consulting.  He’s dedicated his life to the pursuit of improvement of the human spirit and leadership development. He has 20 years of experience working in a Fortune 500 company, leading and developing over 200 people and helping them maximize their talent and time while also finding joy. Matthew started a multimillion-dollar business at the age of 24 in which the founding principles for his coaching and consulting business started. He fell in love with teamwork and the human experience of living in the flow while rowing at Pacific Lutheran University. He finds joy in his own life as a basketball and soccer coach for youth and spending time outdoors skiing, mountain biking and playing with his family.

Life Before and After a Double Lung Transplant.

Michael Spradlin was born in Goosebay Labrador, in Newfoundland. His father was in the Air Force so the family moved about every four years back-and-forth across the United States living in California, Florida, Massachusetts to name a few.  His brother was born in Bermuda and his sister in Panama. 

The Commitment and Joy of Giving

Rick Taggart, moved to Grand Junction in the early 80’s to lead and manage Marmot Mountain Works, as its CEO, chairman and co-owner. After selling the business he went on to lead the international business unit of The Timberland Company. He was the CEO of Swiss Army Brands for 15 years.

Since the summer of 2010  he has been a professor at Colorado Mesa University  in the Business Department. He has and continues to teach courses in business and mentors students from organizational behavior to international business and marketing. Taggart engages with his students by way of blending practical experience with business and strategy principles.

Taggart an integral part of the Grand Valley community, he has served as mayor of Grand Junction as well as on numerous community boards, Taggart is an avid skier, cyclist and runner.  In 2021 the Colorado and Utah cyclist long-distance race.

Contact:  rtaggart@coloradomesa.edu

Why Grandma is Losing Out to Friendsgiving

In, Why Grandma is Losing Out to Friendsgiving, Sharyl West Loeung explores the complexity of finding places of belonging amid a global pandemic, and if we are honest with ourselves, even before the spread of Covid-19. We can reimagine our traditions to create spaces for belonging, where our tables are a place for gathering as our truest selves, even at Grandma’s.

Sharyl West Loeung, M.Div., has spent most of her career in K-12 and higher education helping students discover what it means to belong in our diverse world. Her passion for intercultural, intergenerational, and interfaith friendships has guided her career as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging educator. She is the co-founder of Kardia House Consulting which focuses on the mindful reframing of difficult conversations by practicing generous communication. Sharyl is married and lives in Waco, Texas with her two sons and a hoard of cats.

Contact: sharyl@kardiahouse.com

Befriend Your Inner Enemy

Old habits run deep. Learn new ways to approach repetitive patterns.

Tina Greenbaum is a psychotherapist and executive coach. Her signature program, Mastery Under Pressure gives leaders personal tools to empower themselves and their teams.

Contact:  tina@masteryunderpressure.com

Where Did All the People Go? Reimagining Children’s Television

Danielle is a musician, children’s content creator, media advocate, and lifelong metro Detroiter. Through her children’s media endeavor, Gro-Town, she uses original music, videos, and community gardening initiatives to instill a sense of belonging, gratitude, and wonderment for the world outside our windows. Her debut album for children, Motown is Gro-Town, was released through Detroit Public Television/PBS Kids. Her sophomore record, The Green Album, will be released in June. She has been featured in numerous publications including the Detroit News and has been recognized by the Detroit Music Awards, SEEN Magazine, and the Detroit Food Policy Council for her work in securing a just food system for young Detroiters. She was named Most Inspiring Michigan Mom by Hello Bello in 2019.

CONTACT:  heygrotown@gmail.com 

Global Positivity

Janet Grace is passionately committed to helping people push past their fears to create a life they truly Love. She is a sought-after, Award winning Spiritual Life Coach, International Speaker  & Teacher inspiring people worldwide to push past their fears & move forward with greater Clarity, Confidence & Commitment to living a Bigger Life. She shares dynamic & powerful processes and empowering stories to bring about Real Change as you Follow your Heart.

Janet Grace has shared the stage with many experts in the Personal Growth industry including Mary Morrissey, Bob Proctor, Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith & Les Brown to name a few.

Her passion to help others expanded into her newest book, “Putting the Broken Pieces Back together” which assists people in navigating through challenging times & is filled with empowering stories of Strength, Vision & Commitment. She is also the co-author of “Fearless Women, A Vision for a New World”, helping women & children worldwide.

Website:  Http://JanetGrace.Love

What You Need to Know About Ransomware

Ransomware attacks are on the rise. Renowned ransomware negotiator and CEO of GroupSense, Kurtis Minder, will tell you what you need to know about ransomware to prepare and respond to an attack.

Kurtis Minder is the CEO and co-founder of GroupSense, a leading provider in Digital Risk solutions. Kurtis built a robust cyber reconnaissance operation protecting some of the largest enterprises and government organizations.

Kurtis has been the lead negotiator at GroupSense for ransomware response cases. He has successfully navigated and negotiated some of the largest ransomware, breach, and data extortion cases world-wide.

With over 20 years in the information security industry, Kurtis brings a unique blend of technical, sales and executive acumen.

Email:   Kutis@groupsenseio

Multitasking is the Mindkiller

What if I told you that multi-tasking doesn’t help us get more done, but actually slows us down and makes us miserable? It’s true. But the good news is, there’s a better way to stay focused and productive and it’s probably not what you think. 

After her life came to a screeching halt in 2019 following the discovery of an affair, Dr. Lindsay Blooms found herself broken; physically, mentally, and emotionally. After overcoming the PTSD, panic disorder, and profound heartbreak arising from the end of her ten-year marriage, she emerged with a zeal to spread hope and love across the planet. Lindsay is now a speaker and author focusing on the power of the mind to heal the heart. With a face that beckons for your life story, and a voice that coaxes serenity, Lindsay has a gift for making everyone feel welcome and at ease.                                                                              

Contact:  info@lindsayblooms.com

Improbable River Rescue

Robert Rogers (Robby) is a husband and father to two beautiful girls.  Robby currently is employed by the Grand Junction VA and works as a Nurse Practitioner in family practice.  He has over 10 years of experience in emergency medicine and holds multiple trauma certifications. 

Robby guided for Arkansas River Tours through Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the Royal Gorge.  He leads and organizes survival camps for youth.  In addition, he was instrumental in the Breckenridge Film Festival’s documentary “Lesson’s on Fate and Falling”. 

Contact:  rer13@hotmail.com