Portfolio
Here's a sample of my favorite published articles.
“Yoga With Goose” : Trauma-Informed Yoga For Veterans
When yoga instructor Ashley “Goose” Cameron cued her class into tree pose, she saw the eyes of one of her students grow wide with anxiety. He had been attending the Thursday night veteran yoga classes for 18 months, and balancing postures still wreaked havoc for him. For one thing, he struggled with Parkinson’s disease. But even more troubling was the flood of emotions that seemed to come pouring into his body each time he entered tree pose.
Confrontation in Colorado's Farm-to-Table Capital
Mark Waltermire has been tending goats and chickens at his farm, Thistle Whistle, in the lush North Fork Valley for 15 years. He grows 180 varieties of heirloom tomatoes and plans to expand his diverse vegetable orchard to offer even more options to Coloradans interested in eating better quality food. It’s a lifestyle shared with many people in the state’s farm-to-table capital.
For years, scores of organic farmers in the valley have organized to protect their natural resources, including the critically important North Fork of the Gunnison River, from oil and gas development. Together the community developed the North Fork Alternative Plan. Born in 2013, the plan suggested reducing the amount of public lands available for fracking, and that drilling wells should be at least a half-mile from the municipal water supply, among other things.
Virginity Certificates Persist in Morocco Despite Calls to End a Discriminatory Practice
Bouchra, 20, took her “virginity test” when she was only 14, six months before her wedding night. Terrified of the result, tears fell down her cheeks when the doctor instructed her to spread open her legs at a hospital in Boujdour, southern Morocco. She says her test involved a female doctor inspecting her hymen, the thin tissue at the vaginal opening.
Menstruation equity advocates bring free period products to Denver area girls
Before Geoff Davis established Period Kits, he didn’t know the difference between a pad and a tampon.
In fact, when the 50-year-old male brought the idea to an all-female group of local nonprofit directors, he was met with wide eyes.
More articles.
Reduce, Reuse … Recycle?
It comes down to this: if America’s recycling facilities cannot successfully process the amount of material sent to them, the only way to produce less, is to use less.
Grief Support Network: Finding Light Through Loss
Traganos enrolled in GSN’s nine-month yoga therapy program after the loss of her 13-year-old step-son, Jayden, in 2016. A year ago, Traganos didn’t realize her self-worth was enough to warrant what seemed like a luxury. Now that thought seems ridiculous.
Wine Harvest in Colorado
Colorado wine is tasting better than ever, and it’s not because the mountains are getting more hospitable to grapes.
Plant Magic at Uprooted Apothecary and Spa
Herbalism struck Briana Wiles at a young age. Her mom enjoyed using natural remedies: whiskey, honey and lemon for coughs; garlic cloves and olive oil for ear aches. Her Italian grandfather picked fruits from trees and taught her to recognize edible plants in the woods. Wiles was intrigued by alternative healing and learning more about the body.
Yoga + Race Relations : Meet Khadeshia Beam of Akoma (Heart) Bloom Wellness
Beam was honest in her conviction: we need more Black yoga teachers in the health and wellness world to have a voice, especially in publications; we need more spaces for Black yoga practitioners to heal and connect with one another.
Haley Laughter: Indigenous Yoga Teacher
Navajo yoga teacher Haley Laughter found harmony between her indigenous roots and yogic philosophy. This connection, she says, fundamentally changed the way she viewed herself.
9-Ball Watermen: The U.S. Men's Whitewater Rafting Team
This past January, the team and three experienced raft guides embarked on a mission to row 277 miles down the Grand Canyon in less than 34 hours, attempting to break the world record set by kayaker Ben Orkin in 2016.
How to Make Kombucha
Mortal Kombucha started as a joke. Owner and founder Becca Schepps was working as the creative director for an advertising company in Boulder, and one particular project on kombucha packaging caught her attention — one of its ingredients was “purified love.” Schepps laughed and decided that day she was going to make a fake brand of “aggressive” kombucha.
Mindful in Morocco: Mint Tea With a Local Artist
I was sipping steaming mint tea in Amin’s home, a traditional Moroccan riad. The sun gently streamed through the sunroof, which was nearly the size of the entire ceiling. I was resting on a cushion composed of dozens of different colored fabrics. Admiring all the artwork adorning the walls, I realized something: textbooks and city tours can never fully translate the value of Moroccan hospitality.
Pamela Richard brings girl power and Southern treats to Denver with Miss Peabody’s Tea Cakes
As a Black female entrepreneur, Richard is inspiring other women to pursue their passions by advocating for women to support one another in business interests. Her story illuminates the importance of reviving familial traditions to serve the greater community no matter the challenges that arise.
Denver’s parkour scene is paving the way for female leaders
Women are jumping into the male-dominated sport of parkour, and those like Kristine Dietrich at APEX Denver are commanding space.
Baklava By Linda: Celebrate The Holidays With This Delectable Homemade Pastry
Crafting baklava is no easy feat. The layers of ooey goodness that compose the rich pastry require patience and experience, according to Motz, who has been providing Grand Junction with this treat for almost a decade. She opened her business, Baklava by Linda, in 2012 after her friends and family convinced her to finally let others experience its deliciousness.
Beat The Winter Blues
It’s normal to feel the winter blues — days are shorter and colder and darker. Luckily in Colorado, there are still plenty of sunny days to be had and a plethora of outdoor sports to satisfy activity levels.
Quick Guide To Western Colorado Ski Resorts In The Age Of Social Distancing
Many questions have surrounded the future of ski resorts in Colorado this winter season. While some resorts are implementing reservation systems and parking limits, it’s clear visitors looking to get some fresh powder in will still be able to do so despite pandemic restrictions.
The Future Of Regional Cuisine In A Pandemic Winter
Despite the challenges of 2020 on the West Slope restaurant industry, Grand Junction chef and entrepreneur Josh Niernberg says there’s still plenty to look forward to in 2021 as long we can come together and support regional cuisine.
Beverly Grant : Healing Denver with Community, Yoga + Food
Beverly Grant began her yoga practice in 2018, but long before that, she founded Mo’ Betta Green MarketPlace, a farmer’s market that has delivered fresh produce to the city’s food deserts since 2011. Both these passions show her dedication to making Denver a healthier, more just place for people of color (POC).
Despite pandemic hurdles, nonprofit for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community lives on
Ali Duncan grew up in a rural farm 10 miles north of Fort Collins. Once a month her father would take her to various Black churches in Denver. As the only Black family in their town, this monthly trip was important to them. However, Duncan was always instructed to do one thing: Stay clear of Five Points.
Jessica Christie empowers couples to own destination elopements, inspiring other women along the way
Jessica Christie was 15 feet off the ground photographing a newlywed couple scaling a mountain when she thought to herself, this is it.
As college ended, I found myself confronting loss — and learning to heal
As a 22-year-old woman who spent the past four years working every second to craft the seemingly perfect post-grad life, I felt like a pure, utter failure.
Charlie Billingsley gives Black girls their flowers with pop-up museum in RiNo
As a Black female photographer, Charlie Billingsley struggled to find outlets to house her artwork. Determined to share her art, she decided to take matters into her own hands, opening a pop-up museum dedicated to elevating the voices of Black girls.
Women are left out of vital leadership roles in the arts scene
The barrier is not women getting into the field, but rather staying in it. Women are the majority of fine arts degrees, yet make up the minority of working artists across all disciplines.
The harmful myth of vaginal cleansing
Did you know that vaginal odor is the cause of unhappy marriages and broken homes? At least that’s what a 1950s Zonite douching ad wants you to believe.
Hajra Khan serves up justice in the courtroom and kitchen
Hajra Khan knows how to serve up justice. As a lawyer and baker, she opened Just Us Cupcakes in 2017 as a way to honor her Muslim heritage and that of others in the Denver metro area.
Colorado passes sweeping birth equity reform protecting the rights of pregnant people
When Kristina Fedran was rushed into the back of a police car after an argument with her ex-husband in September 2019, her first thought was how she would deliver breast milk to her son. After repeatedly being denied a breast pump at an Adams County jail over the next three days, panic set in as her breasts began to painfully swell.
Vulva anxiety and the rise of labiaplasty
Why is it that so many young women are turning to often unnecessary surgical alterations to permanently change the look of their vulvas?
Queer-Owned Tattoo Shops Are Making Ink More Accessible
Three Denver-area tattoo shops are pushing for inclusivity with trauma-informed practices, American Sign Language interpreters, and LGBTQ-friendly services.
Get In The Wild: Canyoneering in Southern Utah
As my heels tentatively contacted the peaks of the extraordinary rock formations, my heart rate spiked while staring down at the 90-foot canyon beneath me. Still, I prepared to descend the steep slope — triple checking my harness and carabiners.
Take A Soak: Western Colorado Is Hot Springs Country
If you’ve ever dipped your toes in a natural hot spring, you know how deeply soothing and healing the water is. It’s no wonder why Native Americans have considered hot springs to be a sacred entity for thousands of years. Thankfully, the West Slope has an impressive amount of these mineral-filled pools — and they’re open to visitors year-round.
The Ancient Art of Salt Therapy
Ayurvedic medicine utilizes rock salt, or saindhava lavana, to boost skin health and treat respiratory conditions.
Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station Is a Quantum Journey of Exploration + Discovery
At the convergence of I-25 and Colfax Avenue is Meow Wolf’s newest installation, Convergence Station — finally open after four years in the making.
A Local’s Guide to an Autumn Recharge in South-Central Utah
Sitting at an elevation of 6,800 feet, Torrey is an idyllic town in south-central Utah known for its proximity to Capitol Reef National Park. Its scenery — backed by rose-colored cliffs and green meadows — and abundant access to outdoor recreation make it an ideal destination to redefine what a wellness getaway looks like this fall.
4 Unique Yoga Retreats Denverites Can Book Now
These four yoga retreats are all-inclusive and promote transformation and healing with like-minded people.
4 Unexpected Wellness Destinations to Visit Now
Spring is a period of rebirth, and what better way to ring in the new season than with a wellness getaway? If you’re looking for your next destination to explore wellness in all its forms, check out these spots to take the road less traveled by.
Destination Wellness : Rancho La Puerta
Rancho La Puerta feels like a dream — one with opportunity to live as your best self.
The GrowHaus promotes food access and healthy eating in Denver’s most vulnerable neighborhoods
Many groups that identify as Latinx pride themselves on flavorful cooking using staples like rice, beans, tortillas, oils and maseca. So, when loads of donated eggplant were left untouched at a food pantry in Elyria-Swansea, The GrowHaus knew why. Culturally speaking, eggplant is rarely used in traditional Latinx cooking. So, it went to waste.
Raven Faber is revolutionizing the sex toy industry
Have you ever been close to climaxing when your vibrator gives out? It turns out it’s not so uncommon, especially considering there are no regulations surrounding sex toy functionality and safety, according to Raven Faber, founder of EngErotics in Westminster.
The connection between sexual assault and pelvic health
Kelly Sammis thinks that sometimes we remain feeling broken because we don’t know things can be different.
With Roe v. Wade hanging in the balance, Colorado is a beacon in the West
Six years before Roe v. Wade protected the right to an abortion, Colorado became the first state in the nation to loosen restrictions on the procedure. Fifty-four years later though, a slew of anti-choice bills are jeopardizing the right to safe, legal abortion for Americans and Coloradans alike who seek reproductive healthcare.
How D. Fritz helps LGBTQ+ couples make the most of their special day
In an industry built upon centuries of tradition and gendered rituals, wedding photographer D. Fritz offers those in the LGBTQ+ community a way to reimagine how to tie the knot in a safe, inclusive space. As a Denver-based queer wedding and elopement photographer, Fritz helps couples craft their own way to the altar.
On The Prowl: Gray Wolf Reintroduction On The West Slope
Canines with thick, grayish brown coats and long bushy tails have become one of the most heated conservation issues of the West.
Bo Roark takes the slams in stride alongside her all-girl skate crew
Bo Roark is a self-proclaimed skater girl. While the skateboarding industry is radically male-dominated, this 33-year-old Denver local is paving the way for more representation on the rails.
A Weekend Guide To a Healing Getaway in Pagosa Springs
Given that Pagosa Springs, the quaint mountain town an hour outside of Durango, is home to the world’s deepest geothermal aquifer, it’s no wonder why hundreds of thousands of people flock there each year to experience the healing mineral water themselves.
Stop + Smell The Flowers At Elderberry’s Farm In Paonia
Lisa Ganora fell in love with medicinal plants and natural healing. Her scientifically integrated and holistic approach to health and wellness led her to open an herbal education and retreat center of her own. Founded in 2016, Elderberry’s Farm is a botanical sanctuary nestled in Paonia, Colorado.
Gear Hub: TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust Snowshoes
As I cheered to the mountain landscape in front of me to commemorate my latest snowshoe trek, I took a moment to slowly inhale the crispy cool Colorado air and rest my eyes. There’s nothing quite like the complete silence vibrating off fresh powder that one experiences deep in nature and its unparalleled piece.
Kinship Landing : The Colorado Springs Adventure Base for Travelers Seeking Comfort + Community
Located in downtown Colorado Springs, Kinship Landing is a beacon of inspired lodging in the Pikes Peak region.
Sky Bar Takes Flight With First-Class Cocktails at Stanley Marketplace
Traditionally, Denver has known themed bars only in the form of seasonal pop-ups, but the newly opened Sky Bar at Stanley Marketplace is here to stay.
A Complete Guide to a Girls Weekend Getaway in Corpus Christi, Texas
A girl’s weekend in Corpus Christi — also known as the Gulf Coast Capital — is enjoyable any time of year, but late fall is ideal when tourist season is down, as are the steamy summer temperatures
Destination Wellness : Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
If you’re looking for a new kind of wellness destination this year, look no further than Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.
Mushrooms for Wellness
Fungi may just be the future of the wellness world. While mushrooms have been consumed for thousands of years, health enthusiasts continue to uncover the medicinal benefits that various mushroom varieties offer.
A Local's Guide To Styling Western Hats
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, western hats have transcended their traditional roots to become a symbol of timeless style.
Zanele Muholi asks Denver to confront its identity politics with photo exhibit at CVA
Zanele Muholi is not exactly an artist—they prefer the title visual activist.
Muholi’s exhibit, Somnyama Ngonyama: Hail the Dark Lioness, celebrates visual activism through the lens of race, gender and culture.
Laying The Groundwork For Sustainability: Resource Extraction on the West Slope
The West Slope is revered for its diverse landscapes and state-of-the-art recreation. Whether you enjoy sampling wine in luscious vineyards, mountain biking on the Grand Mesa or eating fresh produce from local farmers, most Coloradoans use and appreciate public land — which makes up a third of the state — on a daily basis.
Amy Zhang and the power of paper
Jump in, even if you don’t feel ready. That’s Amy Zhang’s most well-worn advice.
The catastrophic barriers to treatment for endometriosis
One in 10 people with uteruses has endometriosis. That’s a total of 6.5 million Americans and 176 million people worldwide. It’s one of the most common gynecological diseases. And yet, many have never heard of it.
Timeless Pieces For The Home: Andrew Moyle of Burnt Creek Custom
Andrew Moyle’s craft comes down to modern design paired with traditional craftsmanship.
Fat Babes in the Wild makes the outdoors sexy
When Rachael Gareri went on her first hike after moving to Colorado three years ago, she hyper-fixated on her breathing patterns and tried to take up as little space as possible. She didn’t want fellow hikers to think she was out of shape or, even worse, critique her presence in the outdoors.
A Local’s Guide to a Golden Getaway
Just 12 miles from Denver, Golden’s small-town American charm makes it a perfect late-fall destination to relax, recharge and reinspire before the holiday season.
A Coloradan’s Guide to the Perfect Week in Belize
While Belize is only a short, four-hour flight from the Mile High City, it’s a Central American oasis that offers more than beaches and booze.
Stay + Play: Silverthorne, Colorado
Located at the crossroads of CO-9, CO-6 and I-70, Silverthorne is a Summit County mountain town that offers more than alpine scenery — it is a place where art and culture meets adventure.
Grand Junction Is A Remote Worker’s Paradise — But At What Cost?
It’s no secret Colorado is a desirable place to live. The omnipresent access to national parks and vivacious western culture earns the state prime spots on many national news outlets’ top places to call home.
Stories on Skin : Reiki Ink Reimagines the Tattoo Experience
For many, the process of inking signifies a transformation, a birth to a new self. However, traditional tattoo shops often breed an environment where the client is almost ashamed for exhibiting signs of pain.
Belize Is More Than Beaches and Booze, It’s a Wellness Lover’s Paradise
Each inhale and exhale during my time in this Central American country was packed with mindfulness, gratitude and pure wonder.
How To Spend The Perfect Weekend in Beaver Creek to Celebrate Ski Season
A two-hour drive from Denver, Beaver Creek is one of Colorado’s most exclusive mountain towns — and we think a visit should be at the top of your list.
Head to the Mountains
This holiday season, a picture-perfect mountain escape awaits in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
The Spa at The Brown Palace
The hotel is a core cultural site for the Mile High City, and its full-service spa is worth a look.