Nestled in the vibrant community of Castle Rock, Colorado, a remarkable group of women are shaping the town's landscape through their leadership and dedication. From entrepreneurs building thriving businesses to community advocates fostering positive change, these influential figures are leaving an indelible mark. This article shines a spotlight on some of the extraordinary women who call Castle Rock home, exploring their diverse contributions and inspiring journeys.
Caroline Cooley, ESQ, CFI/CLR at Fourth Street Law, LLC
“It’s very important for me to feel that they [clients] are comfortable with talking with us because a family law lawyer is like a therapist,” says Caroline Cooley, attorney and Managing Partner at Fourth Street Law, LLC.
Caroline’s brilliance and success stem from years of experience and her down-to-earth personality. She wears comfortable clothes, brings her dogs to the office, and uses a conference room with military memorabilia dedicated to her late father, General Andrew Cooley.
“There’s this notion that lawyers are like untouchable,” Caroline explains. “I have degrees. They’re in my office, but if you want to know what I’m proud about, I’m proud about my dad.” She credits him with giving her a childhood filled with different states, countries, and experiences that have shaped her life.
Since opening her firm in 2002, Caroline has transitioned from animal to family law. A true animal lover, she changed course when she found her passion for keeping kids safe after she represented a mother, Jing, in a custody case whose son, Ty, was killed in the tragic Lone Tree murder/suicide in 2017.
Caroline believes the system failed to save this boy. Knowing she needed to do more, she became certified as a Child Family Investigator and Child Legal Representative. She works to ensure children's safety, so that what happened to Ty will never happen again.
“This is my passion,” she explains. “I made a promise to Jing when this happened, that I was never going to allow something like this to happen on my watch again, and I’m doing everything I can to be able to make good on that promise.”
Michelle Fuentes, CEO Advent Health Castle Rock
Colorado native Michelle Fuentes, CEO of Advent Health in Castle Rock, always knew she wanted to work in health care. She began her career in finance at Advent Health Orlando in 2000 and worked there for five years before jumping into operations.
“I was given an opportunity to take more of an operator role, and I had a number of leaders that I look back on that were really instrumental in my life and my career giving me chances before I knew I was ready,” Michelle explains. “They saw potential in me and gave me a chance.”
That chance brought her a position as a hospital's Chief Operating Officer, where she managed 1100 people in a 225-bed hospital.
“It was like drinking from a fire hydrant,” Michelle jokes. “But that’s when I learned that I just really loved the people who do the work in health care. Because what they do every day is absolutely incredible!”
A CEO job brought her to California for over six years, and now she’s back in her home state, working as a CEO again. She brings her past expertise but dives into discovering the stories behind the magnificent workers at the hospital.
“I know the job, but now it’s about the parts and pieces that make Castle Rock,” Michelle says proudly. “Who are the physicians? What’s your leadership team? Who are the wonderful people who work here?”
Michelle credits her mentors with helping her find a passion for helping others reach their potential. It’s her way of giving back to a hospital community that won the prestigious Top General Hospital Award, which is given to only 34 hospitals nationwide each year.
“I’ve just tried to find people that have potential and give them opportunities to grow,” she explains. “Because if someone hadn’t done it for me, I wouldn’t be sitting here.”
Dr. Jessica Herzog, DPM
Born and raised in Ohio, Dr. Jessica Herzog practices podiatry in Castle Rock. She loves the idea of a specialty and the ability to improve people’s foot and ankle problems significantly.
“My grandfather had type two diabetes and ended up actually losing both of his legs,” Jessica explains. “That influenced me a lot with preventative care, so people don’t have to get to that point.”
In 2011, she bought her practice, Castle Rock Ankle and Foot Care, from her mentor, Dr. Jeannie O’Rourke. She now has two other providers working with her, Dr. Kira Cramer and Dr. Ronnie Pollard.
“Right now, for the first time in my practice, we have a staff of all women,” Jessica says. “I think as females [we need] to work on raising other females up, rather than trying to bring them down for your own gain. It doesn’t get anyone anywhere.”
Jessica prides herself on helping people with conservative options like shockwave therapy and stem cell injections to avoid surgery. Regardless of the options, it’s her and her providers from appointments to surgery to post-op care.
“My biggest passion,” Jessica explains, “is making sure that the time that we do have here is fulfilled, and people can do all the activities that they want to do to the best of their ability and keep them active and healthy as long as possible.”
Inger Hiller, Owner NextHome Aspire in Castle Rock
Inger Hiller began her real estate career in 2016 to have more flexibility and to build something independently. At the same time, she wanted to create small, inclusive groups around Castle Rock.
“It all kind of started with the Castle Rock Hikes,” she explains. “We would do hikes throughout Douglas County mainly and bring community members together…That’s kind of what kicked off my love of getting involved in organizations that revolve around the outdoors.”
Inger became a chairperson of the Castle Rock Parks and Rec Commission and, after her term was over, is now a member of the Public Arts Commission.
From there, Inger recognized the importance of social groups that bring women together to build their tribe and community. She founded the Castle Rock Moms social group in 2017, which currently has 4,500 members. Her greatest passion is watching women find their people.
“They all came from the same kind of background of not knowing anyone,” Inger explains about women trying to break into the community and find friends. “They came to some group events, and then like boom, found their tribe within the group.”
Her newest group, Women of the Workforce, brings working women together to network, build relationships, and find a community outside of work. She created this endeavor with her friend, Gina Anguiano.
They set up events where there is constant movement to mingle, someone to greet you at the door, and an emphasis on inclusion.
“It doesn’t matter at what stage of life you are,” Inger explains. “Everyone’s invited. There’s no set rule.”
Inger and Gina want women to stay true to themselves and hold a place for their needs.
“I want women to tap in and remind themselves that they are important, that they are cool people, and that they remember they are awesome to hang out with.”