Birth Year (-Died Year)

1969

Birth City

Chicago

Birth State

IL

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Retired/Disabled Veteran

Biography

I was stationed at Fort Carson and retired and made my home here. I arrived here in 1992 and left on and off due to military deployments. My wife is currently retired Air Force and works on Peterson Space Force Base.

Education/Training

Special Operations, Youth Leader, Men’s and Young Adult Ministries. Counseling, Leadership, trainer/instructor. Criminal Justice, Past P.O.S.T certified. Doctorate in Theology, Biblical Studies. Organization Management Christian Leadership. Facilitator of Angelology and Demonology. Crisis Management, Risk Assessment, Vulnerability, and much more.

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

1. Overcome struggles in Life; 2. Set goals and follow through; 3. Study Angles and Leadership.

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1989

Birth City

Colorado Springs

Birth State

CO

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Occupation(s)

Student Affairs Trainer - Colorado Community College System, History Instructor - Pikes Peak State College, History Instructor - Northeastern Junior College

Biography

Rachel was born in Colorado Springs, CO. She attended UCCS, where she achieved her B.A. and M.A. in History. After graduating, she worked for multiple school districts in Colorado Springs as a Library Technology Educator, where she managed elementary school libraries and held multiple school clubs, including Dungeons and Dragons, 3D printing, Battle of the Books, and Minecraft. She also has taught at the community college level since 2019 as a History Instructor. She currently teaches 20th Century World History, Colorado History, Modern U.S. History, and Women in World History at Pikes Peak State College and Northeastern Junior College. In addition to teaching, Rachel works full-time at the Colorado Community College System as the Student Affairs Trainer.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

B.A., History, UCCS, 2011
M.A., History, UCCS, 2013
M.A.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Phoenix, 2019
Ed.S., Learning, Instruction, and Innovation, Walden University, 2024

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Organizations

Kappa Delta Pi, National Society of Leadership and Success

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

20th century world history, women in world history, Colorado history, modern governmental structures, innovations in teaching and learning, curriculum development, backwards design in teaching, teaching for multiple modalities

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1958

Birth City

Worthington

Birth State

MN

Current Location

Cripple Creek, CO

Phone (Public)

(719) 246-0231

Email (Public)

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Author, Outdoor Writer, Photographer

Biography

I relocated to Woodland Park from the Parker, Colorado area in 2010, and then moved again to Cripple Creek in 2017. I have written several outdoor photography books, including a large body of work from the Pikes Peak area.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

Associate in Arts, Mission College Santa Clara, CA (1984)

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Organizations

* Professional Photographers of America
* Sierra Club
* Colorado Author's League
* Pikes Peak Writers

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

I have a wildlife photography presentation that was well-received at the Woodland Park Library.

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1948

Birth City

Chicago

Birth State

IL

Current Location

Conifer, CO

Email (Public)

Occupation(s)

environmental educator, author of two books, naturalist, native landscaper, motivational speaker on earth ethics, eco-friendly storyteller

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

* M.A.T. in Social Studies, Northwestern University, 1974
* M.S. in Environmental Education, Lesley University, 1987

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Interviews

Organizations

Colorado Native Plant Society, Staunton State Park volunteer

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Virtual/Zoom only

Birth City

Buffalo

Birth State

NY

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Journalist and author

Biography

I am a science journalist and author of a book about the history of humanity's relationship with the Moon. I grew up in Denver, graduated from Colorado State University, and am raising my family in Colorado Springs. I write for national magazines and my book is being published in multiple languages. I would love to be able to share it with my own neighbors and to see it in my own public library!

I am author of Our Moon: How Earth's Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are, publishing Jan. 16, 2024, from Random House, an imprint of Penguin Random House International.

I also write articles for Scientific American magazine, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Atlas Obscura, and many others.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

BA, History, Colorado State University

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Organizations

National Association of Science Writers, Society of Environmental Journalists, Authors Guild

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Space exploration, stargazing, and the night sky, especially the Moon; history and prehistory, especially World War II, ancient Mesopotamia and ancient Rome; evolution of early life on Earth; planetary science, especially relating to Earth, the Moon, Mars, and other terrestrial worlds; space and science fiction; writing nonfiction, creative nonfiction, the writing life.

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1969

Birth City

Santa Clara

Birth State

CA

Current Location

Castle Rock, CO

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Life Coach and Author

Biography

Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is a board-certified life coach with a master's in counseling psychology, whose unique style has energized hundreds of clients to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be.

A California native, Chris lives with her husband since 1995, Scott. They currently live in Castle Rock, Colorado, where they love to ski, golf, be with their horses, and adventure outside. Together they raised three children, now thriving young adults. Chris and her husband moved to the Castle Rock area to be near their oldest son who settled in Colorado Springs upon completely active duty with the US Army, 82nd Airborne Division.

Chris excels in working with high performers, understands the character traits of driven achievers, and helps people thrive doing what they love. Chris says her clients are experts at what they do, and she’s an expert at the psychology of what they do. Together they achieve outstanding, sustainable results!

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

* University of San Diego, BA Psychology
* Loyola Marymount University, MA Counseling Psychology and PPS (pupil personnel services) Credential
* Institute for Life Coach Training, BCC (Board Certified Coach)
* Robbins Research Intl., Coaches Academy

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Interviews

Organizations

Plum Creek Church Volunteer and greeter and prayer team
Castle Rock Clubhouse Volunteer
Mustard Seed Ranch Volunteer (equine therapy)

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

* Mindset
* Emotional and mental health
* Any topic related to life coaching, results coaching, performance coaching, success coaching.
* The value of attaching empowering meanings and narratives to life events outside of one's control.
* I help clients close the gap between where they are and where they want to be, emotionally, spiritually, physically, financially, mentally.

Pseudonym

Melanie Sue

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1978

Birth City

Gulf Breeze

Birth State

FL

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Writer/speaker

Biography

Dr. Hicks is the author of Incongruent: Travel, Trauma, Transformation. Writing her first book at 10 years old, she has now been published in numerous magazines and websites including Forbes.com, Humanity Wine Co., The District, Doctor’s Life, Journal for Research Administration, and Moc Ideja (a grassroots policy manual for lawmakers in Bosnia funded by the US Department of State).

Dr. Hicks is an empathy-driven leader with more than two decades of experience in workforce, education, and nonprofits. Focused on the areas of human-centered leadership, strategic planning, employee engagement, and organizational culture, Dr. Hicks has worked with hundreds of clients over the course of her career including small to midsized companies, education institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

Dr. Hicks formerly served as the Vice President, Education Solutions Group at MGT Consulting where she leads business development for PK12, Higher Education and Education Transformation Practice areas. Prior to joining MGT, Dr. Hicks served as Assistant Provost at the University of Tampa where she created UT’s first Office of Sponsored Programs and oversaw the University’s 52 department budgets, and all grants and contracts. She also taught courses in Social Entrepreneurship, Environmental Policy, and Public-Private Partnerships, among others.

Prior to joining the University of Tampa team, she served as the Director of Research for the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, an advocacy organization, and concurrently as the Managing Director of the Florida Independent College Fund, a 501c(3) foundation. While at ICUF/FICF, she implemented a four‐prong system for federal and state grant funding applications resulting in enhanced collaborative partnerships and led ICUF’s governmental affairs research for advocacy in Tallahassee and Washington, DC.

Dr. Hicks began her career as the Aide to Mayor of Tallahassee, a special projects coordinator with the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, and as an adjunct professor of Public Administration for Florida State University and Barry University.

Outside of her professional activities, she is a Colorado girl at heart. Her hobbies include paddle boarding, biking, hiking, and is a certified yoga instructor. She also enjoys spending time with her husband Randy, stepdaughter Lauren, and her fur babies Eva and Molly.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

* Bachelors in Organizational Communications, University of Central Florida
* Master’s in Public Administration, University of Miami
* PhD, Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Florida State University
* SHRM Senior Certified Professional
* Two Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certifications
* Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, University of South Florida
* Business Analytics Certificate, Harvard Business School

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Interviews

Organizations

Pikes Peak Library Foundation, Board Member
Unsilenced Voices, Sierra Leone, Board Member
Leadership Pikes Peak Class of 2021, Board Vice President
Leadership Tampa Bay Class of 2013
Well Built Bikes, Social Enterprise Mentor
SEED SPOT, Social Entrepreneurship Pitch Weekend Facilitator
Humanity Del Sol, Argentina, Board Co-Chair
Humanity Wine Co., Argentina, Past Volunteer CFO
Institute for Economic Evolution, Founding Board Member
LEARN OPEN, Past Board Member
Eunoia Collective, South Africa, Past Board Member
Academy Prep Center of Tampa, Past Board Member
Knight Foundation Community Catalyst, Past Member
Florida Chamber Foundation Innovation Caucus, Past Member
United Way of the Big Bend, Past Board Member
Network of Young Professionals, Past Board Member
University of Tampa Committees: Sustainability Committee, IACUC Committee, Faculty Development Committee, Community Engagement Committee
National Council of Research, Board Member
National Science Foundation, Grant Reviewer
US Department of Education, Grant Reviewer
Digital Measures, University Advisory Committee
Citi Group, Education Advisory Committee Member

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Human Centered Leadership
In this workshop we start with a look at today’s workplace and how it has evolved over the last decade. We then dive deep into leadership strategies that focus on building trust and making employees feel valued. This includes an exploration on the neuroscience of connection and the concept of psychological contract and its place in today’s workplace. We close with a specific roadmap and tips for building in more human-centered leadership into everyday workspace. This session is good for any level of employee but especially pertinent for young managers or seasoned executive managing young leaders.

Rising Above Toxic Workplaces
Those who have survived toxic workplaces share a kindred spirit. Gaslighting, under appreciation, over work, general negativity can all be warning lights for you to make a change. But what if it is not that easy? In this workshop we explore the signs you are in a toxic workplace, ways to attempt to make change within and close with strategies for leaving without losing your shirt. This workshop is specifically topical for those struggling with their workplace.

Storytelling 101
This workshop is the benefits of telling your story as well as practical tips on writing and publishing.

Building An Intentional Legacy
Taking lessons from Melanie’s newly released memoir Incongruent; Travel, Trauma, Transformation, this workshop uses her copyright 3E Method of Change method to dive into our personal journey of legacy building. We begin by excavating the attic of our minds to pull out the boxes and examine our life experiences and how they affect our daily lives. From there we look for obligations that no longer serve us and how we can eliminate them. Finally, we embolden our resolve to live in alignment with our personal values. This
workshop is for anyone looking to live more intentionally and authentically.

3E Method of Change
Melanie's customized 3E Method of Change can also be adapted to any organizational topic in need of innovative and intentional change management.

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1947

Birth City

New Brunswick

Birth State

NJ

Email (Public)

Occupation(s)

Retired sociologist

Biography

I was employed for twenty-five years doing research and evaluation with the New Jersey Department of Human Services and another seven years with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, NJ. I also taught Sociology as an adjunct instructor at several NJ and NY colleges. Currently retired, I write short stories and book reviews. I live in Colorado Springs with my wife Kate.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

* BA, Livingston College
* Master’s degree with advanced studies in Sociology, Rutgers University

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Organizations

I am a member of the Secular Franciscan Order and several veteran, peace, and social justice groups.

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

* My books
* Conscientious Objection
* Peace activism and resistance to the Vietnam War
* The Franciscan Movement

Birth City

Cleveland

Birth State

OH

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Biography

I am a God-fearing woman, a mother, family member, and friend. I love with all of my heart and leave a smile on the hearts of those that I encounter. I am always full of joy and positive energy. I always keep it real. I have lived in Colorado Springs for 30 years.

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Domestic violence

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1962

Birth City

Campana, Buenos Aires, AR

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Keynote Speaker

Biography

Four-Time Olympian in the sport of luge. First four-decade Winter Olympian. Spoken for over 100 Fortune 500 companies since 2002. Sold over 300,000 books in 10 languages. TED talk, "The Power of Following the Leader" has over one million views. Ruben moved to Colorado Springs in 2010 and visits the Monument Library at least a couple times a week.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

BS in Chemistry and Biology from Houston Christian University (1988)

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Interviews

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Change, Inspirational / Motivational, Teamwork, Success Principles.
- Topics Page from Website - https://ruben-gonzalez.com/speaking/motivational-keynote-speaker-topics/
- Speaker Videos Page - https://ruben-gonzalez.com/demo-video/