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/

Birth City

Denver

Birth State

CO

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Author, Speaker, Psychotherapist

Biography

Pamela Brinker, LCSW, is a Colorado native, living in Colorado Springs. An integrative psychotherapist for 31 years, Pamela has treated thousands of clients while developing tools and practices to teach conscious bravery. She is a committed mental health advocate, helping others transform difficulties into foundations for strength and compassion as they find gratitude, hope, and freedom in everyday living.

Author of the new book released May 20, 2022, Conscious Bravery: Caring for Someone with Addiction, she teaches and speaks about radical self-care, knowing who we truly are, and “whole-being awareness,” along with other tools and practices she designed or refined to cultivate and embed conscious bravery. Her diligent personal yoga, meditation, and dreamtending practices have informed her life and her work for three decades. A mother of two sons and a step-son, Pamela is married and is a lifelong competitive athlete. She divides her time between the mountains and the ocean, and has lived in Colorado Springs for over 30 years.

Education/Training

Pamela attended the University of Colorado Boulder, and received her masters degree in social work from the University of Denver.

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Interviews

Organizations

Member of: The National Association of Social Work, Somatic Experiencing International, and The International Association for the Study of Dreams.

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

- Conscious Bravery
- Whole-being Awareness: Beyond Mindfulness
- Braveologist: Growing Your Bravery
- Freedom From Codependency
- Radical Self-Care

Birth City

Memphis

Birth State

TN

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Occupation(s)

Professor - Global Leadership Specialist

Biography

Dr. MelindaJoy Mingo has lived in the Pikes Peak Region for over 20 years. She is a professor at Pikes Peak State College. She is a global leadership trainer and cross cultural communications specialist. She is a visiting business lecturer at Hanoi University in Vietnam and a sought out speaker around the world. She is the founder of Significant Life Change which is a coaching initiative with a unique emphasis on leadership presence along with skills. She is featured in many podcasts, printed magazine interviews and in person speaking engagements around the topic of cross cultural and international business relationships. She is a Tedx speaker and her talk "Shame Off You" has been featured nationally and internationally.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

PhD - Global Education & Leadership
M.A. - Human Resource Development
B.A. - Human Resource Management

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Organizations

Director of Belonging - Society of Human Resource Management Colorado Springs Chapter (SHRM)
El Pomar - Engaging Leadership Development

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

- 21st Century Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication for High Impact Success
- Cultivating Workplaces of Joy
- Leadership Presence - Beyond the Skills ©
- Creating and Sustaining Diverse Friendships
- Breaking off Shame and unhealthy Life Patterns
- The Significance of Community Transformation

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1973

Birth City

Fort Worth

Birth State

TX

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Author, Writing Coach & CEO of I Write Writing Academy, LLC.

Biography

My name is LaNette and I’m a Christian author, Writing Coach, Certified Grief Specialist, Marine wife, and grandma who loves hot pink, polka dots, and glitter. My favorite hobbies are writing, meeting new people, and cooking. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas Wesleyan University and Associate of Arts Degree from Tarrant County College. During my years of college, I was selected to be a part of the Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Society. Over the years, I’ve self-published six books, one noted as a top-seller on Amazon in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. My love for writing and self-publishing led me to my genuine passion for helping others to write and develop their stories. I’m a Texas native currently enjoying the mountains and hiking trails in Colorado.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

Bachelors Degree (Texas Wesleyan University) - Associate's Degree, Tarrant County College

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Interviews

Organizations

Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Society

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Grief - Social Media (Meta & Instagram) - How To Self-Publish Your Story - How To Sell More Self-Published Books Online

Birth City

Worms, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Writer

Biography

After growing up in Germany, Tanja Britton came to Colorado Springs thanks to her husband Mike, whose family, like many, was transplanted to the Pikes Peak region because of their affiliation with the military. Her interest in medicine led her to explore the fascinating history of tuberculosis in the area, which catalyzed wider historical studies. Increasingly fond of nature, photography, and writing, she was inspired to combine her interests by starting a blog in 2016 and by writing her first book.

Education/Training

Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Colorado Springs parks - Colorado Springs history - Colorado's avifauna

Pseudonym

B. J. Bowen

Birth City

Galveston

Birth State

TX

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Retired - Author

Biography

For 19 years, I played in the Colorado Springs Symphony. My current cozy mystery series is based on those experiences.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

Bachelor's Degree in Music, Boston University, 1976

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Organizations

Sisters in Crime

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Music - Rookie Publishing