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A writer, seminar leader, and former English professor, Durthy A. Washington has taught graduate, undergraduate, and adult education courses at several colleges and universities including The Colorado College, UCCS, and the US Air Force Academy. Durthy is the founder of LitUnlocked, which offers workshops and seminars dedicated to the art of mindful, culturally responsive reading. Each workshop centers on the LIST Paradigm, an innovative approach to critical reading that helps readers unlock the power of literature with four keys to culture: Language, Identity, Space, and Time.

Judith has specialized in capturing breathtaking scenic and nature images for over 20 years. She shares her vast knowledge through private and group photo tours of Garden of the Gods as well as other Colorado locations. You can also join her for photographic seminars and workshops. Visit her website to view portfolio images, fine art prints and see free instructional videos at www.mothernaturephotography.com. Judith says, "Showing up at a location and photographing nature by literally recording the moment is different from capturing nature as an artist feels it should be viewed; using light, weather, equipment, and an artistic interpretation to show Mother Nature’s beauty and power. Both methods are useful in photography, but each has a distinct time and place. My goal is always to make each image intentional, represent my artistic vision, and create a piece of art that will be loved for a lifetime. I have spent the majority of my life in Colorado Springs, moving here as a child. I remember my joy while climbing on the rocks of Garden of the Gods early in my life. Though I moved to Michigan for ten years, Colorado always echoed in my heart. Now that I have returned to “The Springs,” I often frequent Garden of the Gods, spending much time hiking and photographing this breathtaking open space with my loving husband and children."

A career writer and editor from upstate New York, Peg moved west to Colorado and Alaska, where she renewed her love of photography on the stunning Kenai Peninsula. She worked for several decades in daily newspapers (Gannett and Freedom) and freelanced for years for business and lifestyle magazines. She is licensed both as a massage therapist and a spiritual advisor and has worked in hospital spiritual care. She writes about people and what they believe, career development, small and corporate business, health care and education, psychology and nature. Peg and her husband Todd raised a family in Manitou Springs and still live there, but also enjoy working on their log home in Alaska.

Chad Cramer has a business degree from Cornerstone University and makes his full time profession in the software market. Ever since he was an early teen, he dreamed of one day having children and leaving a legacy for them. After years of writing down ideas and then beginning a family, Chad knew that his experiences would teach well beyond his household.

When his children began to struggle with the fear of the dark, writing a book came naturally for him. The process of researching this fear, studying God’s word and even helping his boys overcome this fear was such a wonderful time of growth.

He lives with his wife and four boys in Colorado Springs. When he is not stopping his boys from search and destroy missions, he enjoys hiking in the Rockies, snowboarding, writing and entertaining friends and family.

I came to Colorado in 1973 because of the beauty of the land and the promise of the future.