Andrea Shindle: Finding Strength Through Healing
Andrea is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Owner and Founder of the Colorado Center for Trauma and Attachment
From overcoming challenges to embracing her true calling, Andrea’s path to becoming a counselor is a powerful story of resilience, passion, and a relentless drive to heal and empower others. She first discovered her calling in an abnormal psychology class, where she witnessed the power of therapy. Around the same time, she experienced her own struggles with panic attacks. Seeking support, she realized firsthand the impact a compassionate professional could have, and she knew then that she wanted to help others navigate their own healing journeys.
Andrea’s path wasn’t without obstacles. Coming from a family deeply rooted in military and religious traditions, therapy wasn’t something openly discussed or encouraged. Despite this, she pressed forward with the support of her husband, Danny, and their children. Along the way, influential mentors recognized her passion and guided her toward specialized training in childhood trauma therapy. As a former foster mother, Andrea had seen the gaps in trauma counseling and was determined to make a difference.
Building her own counseling center presented new challenges. Balancing work and family, learning to set boundaries, and facing the emotional toll of trauma work tested her resolve. There were moments when she worked late into the night, only to wake up early to care for her children. Her husband, always her biggest supporter, reminded her to find balance—so she could continue giving her best to both her work and her family while making space for herself.
Andrea faced one of her toughest lessons in running a business: learning when to let go. As someone deeply empathetic, she initially struggled to set professional boundaries. She soon realized that to sustain her mission, she had to prioritize her well-being and the integrity of her practice. With time, she built a strong team of like-minded professionals who shared her dedication to trauma healing and family support.
Through self-doubt, setbacks, and sacrifice, Andrea held onto one guiding principle—grit. The single pearl on her necklace symbolizes the determination that carried her through the difficult moments. She believes success isn’t just about personal achievements but the healing and progress of the clients she serves. Today, she leads a thriving practice, surrounded by a team that shares her passion for helping others. Her greatest confirmation of success is seeing her daughter follow in her footsteps, pursuing a career in counseling.
Andrea’s advice for those chasing their dreams: “Heal from your trauma, surround yourself with the right people, and never underestimate your worth. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.”
Sonja Belfiore: Building Dreams with Heart & Purpose
Sonja is a Realtor® and Broker Associate/Partner at Sears Real Estate
Sonja’s journey into real estate wasn’t a straight path; it was a series of moments that guided her towards her true calling. The first spark came from a suggestion by her father-in-law, Tony Belfiore, a respected custom home builder in Northern Colorado. But it was during a transaction where she helped a widow navigate a deeply emotional life transition that everything clicked for Sonja. She realized then that real estate wasn’t just about buying or selling—it was about walking alongside people in some of their most significant moments.
For Sonja, every step forward has been fueled by her belief in making an impact. She wasn’t just focused on selling homes—she was focused on creating relationships that lasted far beyond a transaction. Her ability to listen, understand, and offer support has been a constant through her career, and it’s what keeps clients returning and referring her to their friends and families.
While Sonja’s heart was fully in her work, there was the challenge of balancing her growing career with her life as a mother. Her first child arrived just as her business was starting to take off, forcing Sonja to reconcile two of her biggest dreams. Through it all, her faith has been her anchor, and she learned to let go of perfection. Showing up with integrity, heart, and a willingness to adjust was what truly mattered.
Her faith isn’t just a guiding principle in her personal life—it’s something Sonja carries into her work every day. When clients return to her, whether for a second home or to pass along her name to their loved ones, Sonja is reminded of the impact she’s making—one person, one family at a time.
Mentors played a pivotal role in Sonja’s success. Martin West, her first broker, helped her see the power of truly connecting with clients. Chalice Springfield, her second broker, showed her how to balance being a mother and a thriving professional. And, of course, her husband, Sean, has always been by her side, reminding her that each milestone is part of a bigger picture.
Now, Sonja defines success by the freedom she’s gained to balance her personal and professional life. It’s about the impact she has on her clients and the relationships she’s built, not just the transactions. She finds fulfillment in knowing that she’s creating lasting memories and helping others build their dreams, all while being present for her family.
Cheri DeWitt: From Soaring the Skies to Sol Escapes Travel
Cheri is a Travel Coordinator and Owner of Sol Escapes
For years, Cheri lived her dream soaring through the skies as a flight attendant, embracing the world of travel firsthand. But amid the excitement of jet-setting, she couldn’t ignore the countless passengers whose dream vacations turned into nightmares—stranded due to booking mishaps and left without the support they desperately needed. Seeing this gap in the industry, Cheri knew she was meant to do more. She envisioned a travel agency that not only curated dream vacations but also stood by travelers when they needed help the most. And so, Sol Escapes Travel was born.
While her time in the air sparked her love for travel, it was her compassion for others that truly shaped her vision. Cheri couldn’t ignore how often travelers were left to navigate stressful situations alone, and she felt called to be a source of support and stability. She wanted to build something that combined her industry insight with her desire to serve—an agency rooted in care, trust, and reliability. Sol Escapes Travel became her way of offering not just trips, but peace of mind.
“It wasn’t just about booking trips—it was about making sure people felt supported and cared for throughout the entire process,” Cheri explains. “I wanted to be the advocate they needed.”
The road to launching her own travel agency came with its share of growing pains. Insecurity was one of Cheri’s biggest hurdles, but she was determined not to let self-doubt hold her back. “Surrounding myself with positive, resilient people helped me realize my full potential,” she says. With the support of her family, friends, and especially her husband, John, Cheri found the confidence to take the leap.
Today, as the owner of Sol Escapes Travel, Cheri continues to focus on providing exceptional customer service. She defines success not by revenue but by how well her clients are cared for, especially when things don’t go according to plan. For Cheri, it’s about the lasting impact on the people she serves—the memories they make and the support they receive along the way.
“Dreams are worth chasing,” Cheri says. “The road won’t always be smooth, but it’s those bumps that make the journey unforgettable.”
Miriam Lievano: Balancing Family & Ambition
Miriam is the Owner/CEO of The Grazing Pear Company LLC
For Miriam, the path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a sudden revelation, but a lifelong calling. She always knew she wanted to own a business, but it wasn’t until a simple gathering with her sister and friends that the idea for The Grazing Pear Company was born. Over wine, cheese, and laughter, the group realized they shared a love for charcuterie—a love they wanted to share with their community. A few months later, in February 2022, they launched their venture, offering beautifully crafted charcuterie boards. What began as a passion project quickly turned into a thriving business.
Despite balancing the responsibilities of being a wife, a mother to four children, and a full-time insurance agent, Miriam made time for her dream. She credits her family's support as crucial in making it all possible. "My family is my biggest motivator. They are the reason for The Grazing Pear Company. I want to show my kids that you can create the life you want, as long as you’re willing to take risks and dream big," Miriam shares.
While juggling multiple roles is no easy feat, Miriam finds strength in her passion and faith. She reflects on the defining moment when she realized she was on the right track: "Seeing consistent sales and hearing amazing feedback from customers validated our vision. When Jeanette, the owner of Butter's restaurant, said she believed in my vision, it was a huge moment for me."
Of course, the journey has had its challenges. Self-doubt is a constant companion, but Miriam pushes forward, reminding herself that good things take time. Overcoming setbacks, including a crucial business transition when her sister shifted focus, strengthened her resolve. And though time away from her family has been a sacrifice, Miriam believes the lessons are worth it. "Hard work pays off, and I want my kids to see that," she says.
As her business continues to grow, Miriam’s vision is expanding. What started as a small side project is now on track to become her full-time career. "I see a brick-and-mortar in the future," she says with excitement.
Miriam's journey is a testament to the power of persistence, love, and family support. Her message to other women aspiring to follow their dreams is simple: "Believe in yourself and know there’s something inside of you that’s greater than any obstacle."
Mary Bengford: Building Dreams, Protecting Futures
Mary is an Agency Owner, American Family Insurance
Mary Bengford’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, strong faith, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. Mary’s path wasn’t always clear, but her passion for helping people led her to create a career that not only fulfills her but also provides security and peace of mind to countless families.
After decades in real estate, Mary recognized that her true calling extended beyond finding people homes—she wanted to help them protect their assets and future. Transitioning into the insurance industry was no small feat, requiring her to study hard, learn new regulations, build her brand from scratch, and navigate the financial uncertainties that come with launching a business. But through every challenge, she remained steadfast, leaning on her faith, her family, and the guidance of mentors who believed in her potential.
One of the defining moments in Mary’s journey came when she received a heartfelt message from a client who had experienced a devastating loss but was able to rebuild because of the coverage Mary had recommended. In that moment, Mary knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.
Of course, there were moments of doubt—times when the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. But Mary refused to let fear dictate her path. She credits her best friend and husband, Jared, her identical twin sister, Jennifer and her parents for instilling in her the work ethic and determination that carried her forward. And above all, Mary wanted to show her young son, Jace, the power of perseverance, a strong work ethic and the importance of chasing dreams.
Today, Mary defines success not by numbers, but by the relationships she builds and the impact she has on her community. Mary continues to grow her agency with the same heart and dedication that got her here, and she hopes to inspire other women to take that first bold step toward their own aspirations. To anyone standing on the edge of a dream, Mary has this advice:
“If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to chase your dream, stop waiting. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Take the first step, trust yourself, and embrace the journey. The path will unfold as you go.”
Allison Mitchell Dunning: A Life Built on Balloons, Grit, & Joy
Allison is the CEO/Owner of Balloon Art by Merry Makers
Some dreams take time to unfold. For Allison Mitchell Dunning, that dream didn’t come with a business plan—it came wrapped in chaos, fueled by creativity, and anchored by love for her family. It showed up in the form of a balloon.
Married to Brian for over 32 years and a mother of three daughters—Elise, Rowan, and Isabelle—Allison’s journey into balloon artistry began unexpectedly during a family trip to Washington in 2001. Her daughters were just babies at the time. A cousin brought out balloons to entertain the kids, and Allison gave it a try. What followed was a soul-deep moment of yes. She was hooked.
What started as a hobby became something more. A few weeks later, in a Loveland IHOP, she told a local balloon artist about her new passion. The artist offered her a job on the spot. With barely ten balloon sculptures in her arsenal, Allison said yes—and never looked back.
Over the years, while juggling motherhood and side jobs, she grew her balloon work into a thriving business. The turning point came when Her oldest daughter Elise turned 16 and could drive her siblings. With new time in her schedule, Allison doubled her business. In that moment, she stopped treating it like a side hustle and stepped fully into her role as a creative entrepreneur.
She’s faced challenges: clients not valuing her time, lean financial seasons, exhausting install days. But through every doubt, she kept showing up. And to this day? She has a 100% success rate at doing just that.
Allison’s faith plays a major role in her resilience. She got sober in 1990 and still lives by the 12 steps. She believes in service, spiritual wellness, and staying emotionally grounded.
Allison's life purpose? Creating joy!
Through her company, Balloon Art by Merry Makers, she’s transformed venues and celebrations into unforgettable experiences. Her work isn’t just décor—it’s magic. A memory. A moment. She and her daughter Rowan, now her full-time employee, build breathtaking installations for everything from Gala's to city-wide festivals. Together, they’re a creative force—and a living example of how passion becomes legacy.
“It’s not just balloons,” Allison says. “It’s about creating something meaningful. Something joyful.”
Her daughters, she says, are still the greatest things she’s ever created. Watching them thrive reminds her why she does what she does. The business, the balloons—it’s all part of something bigger.
Even when doubt creeps in, she believes things will work out. Every year, she sets goals. She keeps building. Because success isn’t a destination—it’s a daily choice.
Allison’s story is one of grit, grace, and heart. A reminder that joy is worth chasing—and creativity can build something extraordinary.
Marie Flores: Turning Challenges into Entrepreneurial Triumphs
Marie is the Owner of Sweet Talk Shoppe LLC
Marie’s journey to entrepreneurship was sparked by a fierce determination to support her daughter, whose need for extra care transformed her life. As she navigated the challenges of balancing family and work, Marie realized that the traditional 9-to-5 grind couldn’t offer the flexibility her family deserved—and that’s when her entrepreneurial spark was ignited.
But there was no roadmap—she had to rely on her research and trust that her vision was big enough to pursue. With no one to follow in her footsteps, she carved her own path.
As she navigated her entrepreneurial journey, Marie encountered challenges, especially from those who didn’t see her dream. But the support from strangers who cheered her on gave her the strength to keep going. The peace she found in seeing things fall into place reassured her that she was on the right track.
Uncertainty came with every change, but Marie learned to embrace it, using it as motivation rather than fear. She reminded herself that if she could help others believe in their dreams, she had to trust in her own. Fear was no longer an obstacle but a challenge to rise above, and she moved forward with confidence, knowing each step was part of her growth.
Her family played a pivotal role in her success. Her husband supported her unconditionally, especially when she doubted herself, and her children inspired her to break away from generational limitations. The critics, too, ignited a passion to prove them wrong, pushing her to continue despite the obstacles.
Through setbacks and failures, Marie learned to trust the process. She embraced the lessons that came with them, understanding that they weren’t setbacks but opportunities for growth. In her first business, she discovered that success wasn’t just about making money—it was about having the freedom to prioritize what mattered most: her family. With her second venture, she learned to balance business and family life, understanding that time is precious and irreplaceable.
Marie’s definition of success has evolved. No longer chasing monetary goals, she now values the ability to spend time with her family without guilt, knowing her business will thrive even when she takes a break. Success, for her, is having the freedom to live fully in the moment.
Looking back, Marie is in awe of how far she’s come. Her dreams are coming to fruition, and she’s grateful for the journey that has shaped her. As she continues to pursue new goals, she remains motivated by the desire to leave a legacy of breaking generational mindsets and teaching her children that they, too, can achieve anything they set their minds to. She encourages women to embrace their dreams, even when others may not understand them. “You’ll never know unless you try.”
Dr. Katie Scott: Shaping Recovery with Passion and Resilience
Dr. Scott is a Neuropsychologist and Director, Orthopaedic and Spine Center of the Rockies Regional Concussion Center
Dr. Katie Scott’s journey toward her dreams began with a deep passion for neuropsychology and sports medicine, but it wasn’t until a pivotal year spent at the Denver VA that she truly found her path. There, she worked with veterans, absorbing the wisdom of neuropsychologists and learning firsthand from the veterans themselves. It was an experience that shaped her professional journey and sparked her commitment to helping people recover and thrive following brain injury.
Working in traditionally male-dominated fields like neuropsychology and sports medicine, Katie often found herself advocating not only for her patients but also for her expertise. "I actively sought out mentors, both women and men, who understood these dynamics and could offer guidance," Katie shared. Building a strong support system was crucial, as was staying focused on her passion and refusing to be discouraged by barriers that often came with the territory.
Katie's path wasn’t always smooth, as with anyone chasing big dreams. She sought strength in her family and her conviction to keep moving forward. Her late grandfather, who always encouraged her with a simple but meaningful “Good on ya,” became a source of strength during the tough times. “It was his way of saying, ‘I'm proud of you,’” she recalled. Katie has carried that sense of unwavering support with her through every challenge.
As her career progressed, Katie learned that success isn’t just about the big milestones—it's about the quiet moments of affirmation that come along the way. For her, those moments of success come when she sees a patient making progress or getting back to living their life. "It's not about the big moments, but about the quiet victories that really resonate," she said.
Katie’s advice to women aspiring to follow their dreams is this: “It’s okay to be confident. Recognize your strengths, celebrate your accomplishments, and don’t apologize for taking up space”—a reminder to every woman that their voice matters and their dreams are worth chasing.
“Take the leap. You can always go back, but you’ll never know what’s possible unless you move forward.” Sonja Belfiore
"Don’t hesitate to pursue your dream. Use challenges as stepping stones and keep pushing forward—even when the path seems uncertain." Cheri DeWitt
“Take the first step, trust yourself, and embrace the journey. The path will unfold as you go.” Mary Bengford
"It's not about the big moments but about the quiet victories." Dr. Katie Scott