Our September issue is dedicated to the professional women in our community who are making a difference. They’re colleagues, mentors and entrepreneurs, many of whom balance a combination of roles as mothers and wives. Learn what drives them in the following pages, and take a moment to appreciate the hardworking women who have had an impact on your life.
Bonnie Tilford – Broker Owner and Lead Designer
720 E. Stuart St., Fort Collins • 970.294.1264 • homesuitedesign.com
Tell us about yourself, your history, and how you came to be where you are now:
I was born and raised in Canada and came to Fort Collins in 2007. I was a young singer signed to a dance label when I met my husband. After he moved to Fort Collins, I visited and fell in love with both him and the city. I decided to leave my music career, go back to school, embrace my love of interior design and start a new life in Colorado. After 13 years of marriage, four kids and a successful design career, I haven’t looked back.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I feel very strongly about the concept of “home.” It’s the place where we spend most of our time, where we celebrate with those we love, where we keep our most valued treasures and where we feel safe when the world becomes too much. A home that truly works for someone’s needs makes each day better, and I love helping people create that space for themselves and their families. My personal passions include music, spending quality time with my own silly brood, taking care of my chickens and finding ways to laugh every day.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
I feel like every big accomplishment I’ve had is a constant work in progress. I’m immensely proud of the team I’ve built and the spaces we’ve designed. I am fortunate to work with such brilliant, creative and talented women—each one of them also juggling work and motherhood every day—and I love how well we complement and support one another. My children are and always will be my greatest personal accomplishment. My husband and I are doing our very best to raise good humans together, and I’m proud of that little team as well.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
Running a woman-owned business in a construction-related industry comes with its own set of challenges. Construction is a male-dominated field, and my team has had more than a few situations where we’ve had to work hard to define our role and decision-making authority on a jobsite. We’ve found that having confidence in our design skills and experience, maintaining a good sense of humor, choosing to work with truly awesome contractors and swearing like absolute sailors helps.
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Aimie Reager – Location Manager
Rikki Belden – Location Manager
Tina Wagner – General manager
Kelli Wyzinski – Marketing manager
650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins • 970.482.3208 • allnuttftcollins.com
Tell us about yourselves:
We are a compassionate team of funeral professionals dedicated to supporting Fort Collins families during one of the most challenging times of their lives. In the service of families, we help them celebrate the lives of their loved ones by preserving their memories with dignity and honor.
The majority of our team at Allnutt Funeral Services is led by a group of compassionate and skilled women who are breaking barriers and creating new opportunities for women in a predominantly male industry. Our company also provides support and pathways for women by providing one of many Associate Resource Communities, including SOAR, which believes in cultivating an inclusive environment that supports, elevates, empowers and encourages women.
The women-led approach at Allnutt Funeral Services goes beyond just representation. With a deep understanding of the emotional needs of grieving families, our team strives to provide a supportive and empathetic environment. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, we offer personalized funeral services that honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally and why?
We are passionate about serving families and meeting the changing needs and preferences of families in our community. To meet those needs, some of our chapels have been modernized. The updated venues help us to transform the experience by creating spaces that inspire people to interact, share, celebrate and honor a loved one’s life. These enhanced spaces are meant to feel light, bright and friendly, and we are utilizing round tables and chairs to promote conversation and connection during services.
Why the round tables? “Something holy happens around a dinner table that will never happen in a sanctuary. In a church auditorium you see the backs of heads. Around the table you see the expressions on faces. In the auditorium one person speaks; around the table everyone has a voice. Church services are on the clock. Around the table there is time to talk. Hospitality opens the door to uncommon community. It’s no accident that hospitality and hospital come from the same Latin word, for they both lead to the same result: healing.” -Max Lucado
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
As our industry evolves, we evolve, but the core of what we do has not changed, nor will it. We still support families during difficult times. We still celebrate the significance of a life that has been lived. We still preserve memories that transcend for generations with dignity and honor.
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Fort Collins Nissan: 5811 S. College Ave., Fort Collins • 970.394.3442 • fortcollinsnissan.com
Fort Collins Kia: 2849 S. College Ave., Fort Collins • 970.710.3230 • fortcollinskia.com
Lindsay Moenter – Title Clerk, Fort Collins Nissan
What is your superpower?
Being Sarcastic.
Kricia Romero – Warranty Admin, Fort Collins Nissan & Kia
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
While there are many causes that are near and dear to my heart, educating the public about human trafficking is a passion of mine because learning about it may save someone’s life. Knowing the signs of human trafficking is something everyone can do to help fight injustice against modern-day slavery and the sexual exploitation of others.
Joslyn Cooper – Office Staff, Fort Collins Nissan & Kia
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
The way I practice self-care when I’m not working is by spending time with my kids, family and friends. I am a very family- oriented person, so being with them always makes me happy. We play coed softball and go to the gym to maintain a healthy/active lifestyle together.
Kim Porterfield – Accounts Payable/Receivable, Fort Collins Nissan & Kia
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now:
I have been with Fort Collins Auto for four years, but I’ve been in the car business for over 20 years and love working for The Weibel Group. Not only are my coworkers awesome, they are like family. We work well together and always try to help each other out, which makes coming to work easy. On the weekends, I love to spend time with my family and go camping.
Darian Mahon – Service Advisor, Fort Collins NISSAN
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now:
I used to work on cars with my stepdad all the time, so I became a technician and loved it. Then I tore my shoulder, and it took me out of the game. So, I found another way to be able to help people with their cars.
Melissa Mireles – Service Advisor, Fort Collins Nissan
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now:
I turned down the opportunity to attend West Point. I joined the workforce and fell in love with cars, and 20+ years later, I’m still loving it.
Lisa Culverhouse – Salesperson, Fort Collins Nissan
if you could be any candy bar what would it be and why?
It would be Snickers because I’m not me when I’m hungry!
Amy Buderus – Salesperson, Fort Collins Kia
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now:
I started out as the receptionist; I did that for six months and have now been selling vehicles for the last five months. Working with Kia has been one of the best decisions I have made for my career path. I love my job and the people I work with.
Leandra Rodriguez – Service Advisor, Fort Collins Kia
What is your superpower?
I am adaptable to any situation I’m presented with, and I have the ability to make the best of of any situation with a friendly personality.
Nicole Parrish – Salesperson, Fort Collins KIA
What is your superpower?
My superpower is being a single mom and being the best role model I can be.
Claire Klenk – Title Clerk, Fort Collins Kia
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I am passionate about helping others around me. Everything is much more enjoyable when you work as a team, especially in the workplace.
MykeHarris – Office Manager, Fort Collins Nissan & Kia
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
I find that taking time away with my family is extremely important. Taking a quick trip up to the mountains for a day or a week-long vacation to a beach helps me reset. I come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.
Chasney Quigley – Receptionist, Fort Collins Kia
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I am passionate about helping people and empowering them to believe in themselves. I love to see people succeed and reach their goals.
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Christy Gettman – Owner
360 S. Lincoln Ave., Loveland • 970.667.3590 • lovelanddesign.com
Education/certifications:
I graduated from CSU with a bachelor’s degree in interior environment and a concentration in construction.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I am passionate about my family and the support they have always given me in my career. I enjoy the evolving industry and the fact that it never gets boring. I love meeting people and creating relationships that last a lifetime.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
Maintaining confidence and patience with myself and others as I embrace this chapter of my life.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
My biggest accomplishment is raising two beautiful children with my husband of 38 years. They are all loving, caring and the loves of my life.
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
Family camping trips, fishing, hunting and campfire time.
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Cristina Manwell – Owner / Director
4862 Thompson Pkwy., Johnstown • 970.699.5370 • cristianasalonspa.com
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
Small details. I love providing the “little extras,” from customized foiling for highlighting services to snacks and an assortment of drink offerings during our guests’ visit. This translates to my personal life as well in ensuring that those around me are well taken care of and supported.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
Opening a salon in the midst of a global pandemic was not quite the vision we had in mind when we began planning and building our salon, but no one could have predicted that, and I’m proud of the work that went into making it happen. However, I would consider my children to be my biggest accomplishment thus far.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
As many women in business would agree, one of our biggest challenges is trying to navigate being a wife, mother, entrepreneur, mentor and leader. I always like to say we also act as “unlicensed therapists,” and we all struggle with trying to find that work-life balance from time to time.
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
I believe one of the biggest challenges we face as women in this industry is finding time for our own self-care. We pour our heart and soul into mastering our craft, which can be challenging when it comes to our own self-care or family time. I do my best to make it a top priority.
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Sadie Young – morning show host on Big 97.9
4270 Byrd Drive, Loveland • 970.635.9797 • iheartmedia.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now:
I’m a wife and mother of three. I’ve worked at iHeart Radio for over 15 years, which in dog years is around 72 years. I can’t even believe it myself if we’re being honest.
What is your superpower?
My superpower is making every conversation awkward. I want waiters to also have a good meal and airline employees to have a safe flight. I also specialize in waving at people who are waving at someone behind me.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
Professionally, I’m passionate about being involved in the community. I’m also really hoping to meet Garth Brooks one day, so I just keep hanging in there waiting. But mostly, it’s the community. Personally, I’m passionate about raising good people. People don’t wave after you let them in your traffic lane anymore. The most important thing I’ll do in my life is hopefully raise three kids who wave.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
Far too many men.
How do you give back to your community?
I love working with our friends at St. Jude. Seeing the beautiful work that they do and being lucky enough to help out every year is something I’m incredibly proud of.
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Kara Deans – OWNER
2427 S. College Ave., #3, Fort Collins • 970.484.7076 • mtmistspas.com
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I’m passionate about offering products that create opportunities for families to spend quality time together, foster stronger relationships and create lasting memories. It means being able to improve the lives of our customers. I believe that strong family bonds are essential for a happy and fulfilling life.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I envision our products being even more advanced and tailored to meet the specific health needs of our customers. We will have expanded our product line to include innovative solutions that promote overall well-being. In 10 years, our goal is to design products that encourage quality family time.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
My biggest accomplishment aligns with my passion for creating unforgettable and rejuvenating experiences for spa owners while also carrying on the family business that has been provided for our growing community.
How do you give back to your community?
We support local programs and schools in Northern Colorado by actively participating in fundraising events and donating resources and funds whenever possible. We choose to give back to our community because we believe in the importance of staying connected and involved.
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Taylor Hanson
Mina Muirhead – R.N., BSN, CANS
Lauren Overmiller
Erin Jones – RDH, CLT
Amanda Wicker-Newton
1100 Haxton Dr., Ste. 100 & 110, Fort Collins • 970.223.1211 • facettemedicalspa.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now:
Facetté is the passion project of three driven and inspired women: Erin Jones, Mina Muirhead and Amanda Wicker-Newton. With their combined background in aesthetics, injectables, lasers and salon and business management, they founded Facetté Medical Spa and later, The Hair Experience, along with partners Taylor Hansen and Lauren Overmiller.
Facetté has had the incredible opportunity to serve clients across Northern Colorado with a wide range of treatments, including dermaplaning, chemical peels, skin care, injectable treatments, laser rejuvenation procedures, CoolSculpting, hormone replacement therapy, LightStim LED therapy, custom hair color, hair extension installations, the innovative calligraphy cut and more. Our passion lies in discovering what makes you…you, and exploring treatments to enhance that.
How do you give back to your community?
Giving back to the community is incredibly important to us and is part of our core values. We love to partner with local nonprofits, sponsor events, donate sales and more. Over the last couple years, we’ve stood alongside Be the Gift, Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, WomenGive, Respite Care and more. It’s incredible to support their efforts and contribute to real change in the Northern Colorado community.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
We get to help people feel good about themselves every day, and that will never lose its magic. Sure, there are technical elements that we love, but our passion is rooted in relationships with people. Seeing our clients regain confidence in themselves is unmatched.
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Arica Martinez – CEO + Creative Director
407 N. Denver Ave., Loveland • 970.227.4532 • coloradostagingco.com
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I love to build leaders, challenge my team with new ideas and push us to the limit to see what happens. I wouldn’t say I’m a super driven person; I just believe that if the opportunity arises, we should see if it’s meant for us.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
My two boys, hands down. I am so thankful they are growing up to be real men. They are strong but gentle. Firm yet kind.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
What does Taylor Swift say? “If I was a man, then I’d be the man.” I’d say the biggest challenge is not offending people with my directness. I’m not a woman who leads with feelings, only facts, and as a woman, that can rub people the wrong way.
How do you give back to your community?
If a need arises and someone asks for help, I will. I invest a lot of time and energy into my team and family.
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
I don’t say yes to anything I don’t want to do. I work, then I go home. Super simple.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
Either I’ve sold my company or it’s running 100% without me. I love to teach. I’d like to get more into consulting and help other women with a new business hit the “fast track” to success and hopefully eliminate some of the struggles I went through.
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Karissa Bohme – Advocate
PO Box 993, Fort Collins • 970.530.2353 • crossroadssafehouse.org
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
I am proud of where I am today. I decided to work at Crossroads because of my own experiences with domestic violence. I recognize the need for wrap-around supportive services for victims. And getting to now provide those services—is truly amazing.
What is your superpower?
I think my superpower is my empathy. It is my goal in life to bring kindness to everyone I encounter. I’ve developed this super power from growing from my past and learning how to support someone who might be in crisis and create a safe space for those who need it.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
One of the biggest challenges for women in my field is balancing the need to take on the stories of our clients and maintaining our boundaries with that work. It is also challenging to break down the stereotype that women are the only people who experience domestic violence.
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Melissa Stewart – OWNER, Licensed Esthetician
Gretchen Englehorn – OWNER, Massage Therapist
2601 S. Lemay Ave., Unit 39, Fort Collins • 970.377.9868 • soakspashop.com
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
Melissa: I opened Soak Spa in 2017. Seeing it recognized as a “Top Day Spa” in Northern Colorado has been an honor. We take great pride in educating our clients regarding their body and skincare needs by offering a range of holistic services including a foot sanctuary that provides nurturing foot soaks with massage.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
Gretchen: Helping my clients connect with their bodies in an accepting and loving way is so meaningful to me. Massage is an amazing tool to relieve pain and provide relaxation. I believe self-care is often neglected in our hectic lives and that it’s important to take time for yourself.
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Cristy Walston – Agent
2020 S. College Ave., Unit A3, Fort Collins • 970.229.9393 • amfam.com/agents/colorado/fort-collins/Cristina-Walston
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
My biggest professional accomplishment is performing within the top 6% in our company, nationwide, for the past three years running.
What is your superpower?
Believing in myself. Self-doubt is very easy to succumb to. Pushing those negative thoughts from my head is hard, but it is necessary.
How do you give back to your community?
My team and I volunteer at the Larimer and Weld County Food Banks one Friday every month. We close the office and dedicate time to helping others in the community.
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
I give myself permission to have a flexible schedule that allows me to accomplish my professional goals while also making time for my husband and kids. Sometimes this means early mornings and late nights so I can enjoy some time away with the family later on.
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Dr. JD Wideman – Physician, business Owner
324 E. Oak St., Fort Collins • 970.400.7066 • janeandjayne.com
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I love helping people. I knew I wanted to be a physician at the age of 8. I chose osteopathic medicine to enhance my ability to heal patients holistically. I am passionate about my work, but my family is my everything and gives my life true meaning.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
Having children and watching them grow into amazing human beings is my biggest accomplishment. Getting myself through college and medical school/residency was challenging, as was starting a practice after the comfort of working in a group, but raising wonderful kids has truly made my life a success.
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
That is a work in progress. My family and I have always made having quality moments a priority, sometimes to my career’s momentary detriment, but it is always worth it. I have been a physician for almost 20 years and am still trying to make time for myself—stay tuned!
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Holly Dickinson – Owner / Manager
3027 E. Harmony Road, Ste. 100, Fort Collins • 970.999.5171 • fort-collins.scissorsscotch.com
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I’m passionate about bringing the experience of S&S to town. While it may seem like a big leap from nursing, the way I view it is that I will still be taking care of people, just on the self-care side. Now more than ever, I think we all recognize how vital that is.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
I’m proud of myself for taking a leap like this and for the fact that I am the first solo female franchisee for Scissors & Scotch. It is rapidly expanding around the country, and I can’t wait to see where the brand goes.
What is your superpower?
I appreciate the uniqueness of each individual. One of S&S’s values is “embrace your weird,” which I love. I’m excited to create an atmosphere where people are valued for their different personalities and talents. When people are treated as such, the sky is the limit for what they can achieve.
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Christina Abbey – Vice President, Investments
2950 E. Harmony Road, Ste. 255, Fort Collins • 970.829.3301 • raymondjames.com/christinaabbey
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now:
My history is something I am extremely proud of. My predecessor taught me so much and I am forever grateful for his mentorship and friendship. When he passed away in 2020, I took over his practice and am very proud of what our team has accomplished in three years. His legacy lives on and I truly believe you can excel if you take time to learn from the right people.
How do you give back to your community?
Giving back to the Northern Colorado community that has supported my life and career is extremely important to me. I am an active member of the Rotary Club of Fort Collins After Work, and that affords many wonderful volunteer opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession? Being a woman in the financial industry is awesome. Less than 17% of advisors are women, which is our biggest challenge. Men rule this industry; however, it is slowly changing and something I am very proud to be part of.
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Amber Jones – Realtor | CNE
2720 Council Tree Ave., Suite 178, Fort Collins • 970.310.4170 • AmberHomesNoCo.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now:
I attended Colorado State University in 1995 and never left. I have been a licensed real estate broker since 2006. I started my career in property management in 1999 as a commercial property manager and became a Realtor in 2013.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I love being a Realtor. Getting to know my clients really helps me understand their personalities and find the home that is the right fit. My profession also allows me to maintain a work-life balance, which is extremely important to me, my husband and our kids.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
My biggest accomplishment professionally was taking the leap to become a self-employed Realtor. Over ten years later, I still love my profession. Personally, I am very proud of the life I have built with my husband, Bryon, and our kids.
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Sally Weiss – Owner / Hair Loss Specialist
325 Cherry St., Unit 114, Fort Collins • 970.407.9730 • oldtownhaircompany.com
Education/certifications:
I have my cosmetology license and am Hairskeen certified, Revive Hair System certified, Hairtalk Extensions certified, Onstage Hair Extensions certified, Sherri Renée certified and Hair Visions International certified. I have also trained with the American Hair Loss Council.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I am passionate about helping women feel confident and empowered through their hair. Hair loss can make women feel like they’ve lost a piece of their identity, and I help them get that back.
How do you give back to your community?
We give back to our community through donations to those who can’t afford alternative hair and haircare products. We are able to make donations throughout the year to nonprofits such as The Murphy Center, Wigs For Kids, Hope Lives! and Crossroads Safehouse. We also help individuals who visit us directly.
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April Fors Johnson – Bellibind Specialist – EFT Tapping Practitioner
235 E. South Boulder Road, Lafayette • 320.282.9607 • bellibind.com
Education/certifications:
Bellibind specialist, Ayurvedic postpartum doula, EFT tapping practitioner, sensual pole dancing instructor.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I’m passionate about helping women through seasons of change and transformation. With Bellibind, I love supporting women during their transition into motherhood by helping them reclaim a sense of self. With EFT tapping, I’m honored to help women release traumas and bothersome memories so they can experience more joy in motherhood.
How do you give back to your community?
Bellibind makes a special effort to support mothers who have experienced loss through miscarriage, abortion or infant loss with its Hugs program. We provide 100% pro bono services annually to help these grieving mothers feel extra cared for and nurtured.
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Brittney Springfield – Body Sculpting Specialist
8213 W. 20th St., Greeley • 970.396.3751 • luxlymphatic.com
Education/certifications:
Certified MA, certified body sculpting, certified Karolina Dantas Brazilian lymphatic drainage.
What are you passionate about professionally and personally, and why?
I am passionate about helping people heal their bodies naturally and gain self-confidence. In my personal life, I am passionate about my family and spending time outdoors.
How do you give back to your community?
I am involved in a program called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). I give back through volunteering my time and energy to this program.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I see myself expanding my business throughout Colorado and turning it into more of a wellness hub. I would eventually love to expand into Hawaii as well.
