Kathy Sabine
Chief Meteorologist at 9News
"I am a 53-year-old working mom, horse lover and chief meteorologist at 9News. A country girl at heart, I have lived in Parker for 25 years and enjoy riding my horses and growing hay on my 40-acre ranch east of Parker, where my husband and I are raising our 11-year-old son. Our older children are adults and living on their own. I have worked at the NBC station in Denver for almost 26 years. I volunteer with local animal and horse rescue organizations and visit schools to talk to girls about careers in math and science."
What excites you most about the work you do?
The weather in Colorado can be life-threatening at any time of the year. I have a healthy respect for Mother Nature as storms in this region can come at you from any direction. I love sharing the science of weather. We have the most amazing clouds here.
What challenges you?
It is live television because there are no do-overs. I like the challenge of creating a forecast that is interesting and, most importantly, correct. I find it challenging to try to reach everyone across the state in less than three minutes.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by women in my field who are smart and strong and trailblazers and have forged a path for the rest of us to follow. I am inspired by women in my life, like my mom and daughter and friends, women who are real, brave, kind and caring, women I can count on.
Lesson you have learned so far in life?
Always strive to be your best self. You don’t have to be perfect, but you have to try, even on the hard days. Approach people with empathy and kindness. Be kind and forgiving of yourself.
Abhineeta Matney
Founder/CEO of The Skipping Stone
"Even though I was born in the United States, I did not grow up with any sense of attachment of any one political, economic, social or cultural group. I attended an international boarding school on the foothills of the Himalayas, where 500 students represented 55 different nationalities. While I studied at privileged establishments across the globe, my parents and grandparents served several communities in some of the most underdeveloped parts of India. Their inspiration continues to shape the ethos of my life. I am a 35-year-old wife and mother of two beautiful children. My husband, Greg, and I spent seven years in India establishing the nonprofit work to help empower impoverished women and children, which led us to the vision for TheSkippingStone.com. The Parker community has played a crucial role in strengthening authenticity and unveiling a greater purpose in our lives. Since moving to Parker, some of my most cherished relationships have been at Southeast Christian Church and School, iThrive Yoga and Lifetime Fitness."
What excites you most about the work you do?
The constant reminder that there is goodness in this world.
What challenges you?
Keeping the balance between being a globally minded individual while being a mother and a wife, living in a close-knit community with a sense of commitment and a sense of belonging.
What inspires you?
The pursuit of learning with a sincere respect for diversity.
Lesson you have learned so far in life?
That everything is empty without love. Jesus embodies the perfect example of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13. People are just people everywhere, and our intrinsic needs are the same regardless of the labels we give each other. Love, acceptance, respect, dignity, purpose and a relationship with the source of all truth.
Leanne Naso
COO for Parker Adventist Hospital
"I have served within the Adventist organization for nearly 25 years, and, from the beginning, I was inspired by its mission: To extend the healing ministry of Christ by caring for those who are ill and nurturing the health of our communities. I moved to Parker from Texas in 2002 to help build and open Parker Adventist Hospital in 2004. I was one of the hospital’s first associates to deliver at Parker Hospital. My daughter was born in 2004. I live in Parker with my husband and three children, and we are proud to live in this thriving, dynamic community."
What excites you most about the work you do?
My passion is partnering with physicians. I play a pivotal role in the recruitment of countless physicians of various specialties who lead the charge in providing compassionate and personalized care to our community. I am most proud of the sophisticated programs and services developed in partnership with clinicians over the last 15 years.
What inspires you?
I am inspired daily as I walk the halls and see our healing mission in action. We have the tremendous privilege as health care professionals to impact the health and well-being of our community.
Lesson you have learned so far in life?
A lesson I’ve learned working in health care is that your health and life is precious. It’s incredibly easy to get buried in the day-to-day of family, work and stress. However, it’s essential to take time routinely to celebrate and appreciate your good health, spend time with the ones you love, tell them why you love them and appreciate the small things in life.
Sarah Stillman
Owner of The Studio Med Spa
"I am a Parker resident, wife and mom of three kids. I worked in a corporate job for 20 years and had a plan in place to retire at age 40 and open my own business. I am now 44 and own The Studio Med Spa in Parker."
What excites you most about the work you do?
I love to empower other women. My business is intended to be a safe space where women can feel comfortable. We even offer a series of classes on being your best self. At The Studio Med Spa, we help people find their definition of beauty, no matter what that is for each person.
What inspires you?
I want to help women build businesses, and I open my space on Tuesdays when I can coach them in between clients. I have a business degree in leadership and organizational development, and my passion is building businesses through people.
Lesson you have learned so far in life?
Not everything needs to be said. The team you build is reflected in your business.
Yasmine Grier
Student, Ponderosa High School
"I am a 17-year-old senior at Ponderosa High School. My family and I moved to Parker in November 2017 from Baltimore. I am involved in mock trial, theater, student council, choir, the National Honor Society and Peace Jam. I have volunteered at the library numerous times, as well as with the American Cancer Society."
Lesson you have learned so far in life?
When my family and I drove across the country to Parker, I felt alone. I went to school and felt like an outsider, like I was surrounded by people I couldn't relate to or mesh with. The first couple of months were really rough. And then something hit. I threw myself into school and volunteer activities. I started consciously choosing to better myself and see the situation from a brighter perspective. I know that no one has as much control over my life as I do.
