Colorado Springs, CO March 2022 by City Lifestyle

M A R C H 2 022

RETURN TO TRAVEL

The rooftop pool at Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe.

ALBUQUERQUE

SANTA FE

Hotel Chaco Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town

Eldorado Hotel & Spa Inn and Spa at Loretto Hotel St. Francis Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe

LAS CRUCES

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces

877.901.7666 | HHandR.com

Douglas Merriam

TAOS

El Monte Sagrado Resort & Spa

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D E SIG N S T UD I O NOW O PEN I N N O R T H G AT E

12245 Voyager Parkway Suite 174 Colorado Springs, CO 80921 719-375-3969 www.juliekaydesignstudio.com @juliekaydesignstudio

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Home

March 2022 PUBLISHER

Scott Barr | scott.barr@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Stephanie Barr | stephanie.barr@citylifestyle.com

Google "home." This simple word is a noun, verb, adjective and adverb. What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word? The four walls your family lives in now? The house you grew up in? A warm feeling? A scent? Family photos? In other words, what is "home" to you? Home can mean almost anything. To me, it's a steaming cup of bold, black coffee first thing in the morning. Snuggling into the sofa with a great book. A cozy fire. To others, it's a houseful of beautiful plants, a custom-crafted table or a favorite kitchen knife. When you drive up to your home, how does it make you feel? The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") has spread throughout the world in recent years. "Hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge," according to VisitDenmark.com. "Cosying up with a loved one for a movie – that’s hygge, too. And there's nothing more hygge than sitting around with friends and family, discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world." This March issue of Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine offers a multitude of ways to create a bit of hygge in your home and in your life through music, food, cutlery, plants, coffee, home decor and more. Enjoy these final weeks of winter – the coziest time of year.

EDITOR

Ashley Hamershock ashley.hamershock@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Ashley Hamershock, Rochelle Reeder, Sydney E. Nelson, Karen Mitchell, Kristian De Pue CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Libbie Holmes Photography, Stephen Martin /Explore with Media, Brenna Skattebo Photography, Jon Collins, Tyler Dixon, Calvin Baines Photography, Pablo Martinez, Peter Halaseh, Cimarron Photography, Lydia Ruth Photography, Cactus Marketing, Chris Sanger

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK, EDITOR @ COLORADOSPRINGSLIFEST YLEMAG

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Colorado Springs Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Colorado Springs area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Colorado Springs Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

COLSIE SEARCY 719-355-7844 colsie@westandmainhomes.com

Colorado Springs’ Premier Real Estate Agent

Whether you’re a native or a transplant to this beautiful city of ours, we all know without a doubt how lucky we are to call this place home.

“ It is safe to say that I am incredibly passionate about all things Colorado Springs. If you are looking to make a move this year, I would be honored to be your guide, and show you the best of Colorful Colorado living.

”

— COLSIE

WE STa n d M A I N H O M E S .CO M

MARCH 2022

inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

22 Hygge Up!

Lifestyle Letter

Local Experiences

Inspired By

Hot Spot

FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Must See

A RTS + C U LT U R E

House Call

HO ME + DES I GN

Back Stage

ENT ERTA I NMENT

Culinary Creations

Healthy Lifestyle

Chef ’s Selection

Trend Setter

HO ME + DES I GN

Open House

HO ME + DES I GN

Comfort Takes Front Row in Interior Design

34 Mental Health and Well-Being for All Diversus Health: New Name; Vital Mission

42 Spruce Up Your Space with Plants The Living Room: Colorado Springs’ Green Thumb

46 Live Edge, Reclaimed Wood + Steel Twenty1Five Customs Gets Creative with Furniture Design

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Geovanny Productions Builder - Galliant Homes

A RTS + C U LT U R E

FO O D + B E V E R AG E

HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS

FO O D + B EV E R AG E

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MARCH 2022

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

Whether you are wanting to spruce up your home with new décor and finishes or just appreciate the beautiful homes in our area, we have you covered with what our city has to offer from design studios, shops, home tours and more.

Home Decor & Design AR WOR KSHOP COLOR ADO SPR INGS: Like DIY? You'll love AR Workshop. This

place offers classes, parties and other events, helping clients create beautiful, custom home decor. And it's fun! 12245 Voyager Pkwy Colorado Springs, CO KILR OY'S WOR KSHOP: Want to try metalworking? Kilroy's Workshop is your spot. Take classes in blacksmithing, welding and other metalwork. Once you learn, you can rent shop space. 7358 Cole Vw Colorado Springs, CO PAINTING WITH A TWIST: Painting with a Twist is all about connecting with friends over a glass of wine, snacks and laughs. No painting experience needed! Four C/S locations. 2834 N Powers Blvd Colorado Springs, CO PAR IS MAR KET VINTAGE: Paris Market Vintage... an upscale, highly-curated, French-farmhouse inspired shop featuring dozens of local vendors. Find a treasure for your home. Or a gift. Or yourself. 1785 Briargate Pkwy Colorado Springs, CO BELLA CASA: Discover a wonderful selection of furniture, accessories, lamps, art, floral and greenery at Bella Casa Decor and Design in Monument. Take a peek. 155 2nd Street Monument, CO

Painting With A Twist

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

ORGANIZING

U N PAC K I N G

STYLING

S I M P L I C I T Y : T H E U LT I M AT E L U X U R Y H O M E O R G A N I Z I N G AT I T S F I N E S T THESIMPLESORT.COM | HELLO@THESIMPLESORT.COM | 719-375-5565 | 119 E COSTILLA ST. 80903 | @THESIMPLESORT BV

TYLER DIXON MURALS BRING WHIMSY TO THE WORLD

Manifest destiny. It started with stick figures. “You gotta start somewhere,” he laughed. Tyler Dixon had always loved drawing. The stick figures turned into characters in the margins of his papers. His teacher noticed he had a knack for it and encouraged his parents to get him into an art program. They did, and pretty soon he moved to private lessons in middle school. By the time he got to high school, he was under the tutelage of a college instructor. He decided to study art in college. After a few transfers, he reasoned that he could continue to pay the college to give him assignments or he could get paid to complete the assignments he wanted to complete.

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN MARTIN/EXPLORE WITH MEDIA & TYLER DIXON

Painting Big

He chose the latter. After working in the music business for a while, designing merchandise for local bands, he was randomly gifted a large canvas and took to painting. Painting isn’t even where it started for Dixon; his background was in pen and ink. The canvas provided a space for complete creativity and Dixon realized how painting at a large scale allowed space for details. Once painting was a daily activity, he started noticing storefronts with painted windows. He was intrigued and his artist’s eye started analyzing what he might have done differently. Where details might be added or perspectives changed. It is said, if you do what you love, you won’t work a day in your life. Dixon took that literally and realized that he could make a business doing what he loved. He hit the pavement with his portfolio and a desire to share his art for a living. He started painting Christmas windows for local businesses. Soon, they were hiring him

for other large holidays. He transitioned into murals for businesses, either indoor or outdoor. Commissions for murals in residential houses was next for him. One of his more recent commissions was a home featured in the Parade of Homes. Impressionism and semi-realism, creating whimsical dreamscapes is how he describes his style. However, looking through his portfolio, it doesn’t appear there is anything Dixon can’t do. He has re-painted rock surfaces onto a fireplace that was painted over by the previous homeowner. He has also painted a Jimi Hendrix memorial mural as a stage background for a live music venue in Charleston, South Carolina. “We are all here to create,” he muses. “I get to work with others to bring their dream or vision to life.” Website: tylerdixonmurals.wixsite.com/website Facebook + Instagram: @TylerDixonMurals MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

STORY COFFEE EMBRACES MINIMALISM

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

A WARM CAPPUCINO AND FRESH AIR And all of a sudden, a tiny home-inspired coffee shop popped up in the heart of our downtown, and we’ve never looked back. Don and Carissa Niemyer of the Pacific Northwest area came to town, hands full of vision, heart, experience and they carefully poured it all into our city’s sweetest tiny coffee shop. Becoming a part of the boutique coffee movement in Colorado Springs during 2015 was something irresistible to them, and a gift to the charm of downtown. With the many nooks and crannies for storage that are unseen to their customers, systems designed around a tight space called for a little ingenuity, making it feel special to the Story team. Their sentiment toward minimalism is about a way of life that weaves the beauty of simplicity into everything they do. Story Coffee was planted in one of the most bustling parks of downtown Colorado Springs, immediately weaving in all types of our city’s people to their experience. Not only do they want to teach people how to love the beverage of coffee, but to become the community that is cultivated in the midst of enjoying their provisions. Their ethos of reducing the noise of life and detouring from disengagement in

society is shown by the quaint quarters of their shop. The proximity to others prompts us to remember how to engage and check in on the humanity of our neighbors in a natural way. Each Friday, Story Coffee gives away free cappuccinos with any $3 purchase. Why? Their flagship drink is best for training people to love coffee with its espresso-forward flavor and smaller portion of milk. And if you’re unsure if you’ll like it in contrast to your usual caffeine, order the one that feels safe and enjoy their favorite, on them! You can enjoy their ever-popular walk-up window for the comforts distance, convenience of a quick stop, or you are warmly welcomed inside for an opportunity of connectivity, and a fresh breath of simplicity. Keep your eyes peeled for their favorite magic trick—just popping up and slaying the coffee scene in their very special way. No firm details to provide except that it’s as though we go to sleep one night with the coffee shops we know and we wake up the next with a new cute piece of Story included in our days. Website: storycoffeecompany.com/ Facebook + Instagram: @storycoffeecompany

ARTICLE BY KAREN MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENNA SKATTEBO PHOTOGRAPHY & JON COLLINS MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

COME TRAVEL

WITH AMBLI GLOBAL CUISINE A restaurant that tells the story of our world through the language of food and hospitality. Located in University Village AMBLIGLOBAL .COM

719-308-5579

HU MA NE SOC IET Y OF TH E TS PIK ES PEA K REG ION PRE SEN

�� FU R BA LL • MAY �, ��SPR ING S

ORA DO DOU BLE TRE E BY HILT ON COL

HSP PR. ORG /FU RBA LL MO RE INF O AN D TIC KET S AT

T H OU G HTFU L D E S IGN FO R M O D ER N L IVIN G

personal • liveable • authentic

Tricia Turk

Principal | Designer

Rachel

Fernanda

Brittany

Senior Designer

Junior Designer

Experience Coordinator

TurkInteriors.com 2727 N. Cascade Ave Ste 160 | Colorado Springs, CO

On the Knife’s

Edge

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY PABLO MARTINEZ & PETER HALASEH

Matt Waters Takes Bladesmithing to New Level 18

M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

“There’s never going to be another one like it.” -MATT WATERS

Matt Waters laughs when he describes how he got his start in bladesmithing as a teenager a dozen years ago. He watched “Lord of the Rings,” fell in love with the swords and asked his parents if he could build a forge in their backyard. They said yes. “It was awesome,” he said. “The very first thing I did was dig a hole in our backyard.” Then he installed fire bricks, bought some charcoal and used his sister’s hairdryer as a bellows. It was primitive, but it worked. And turns out, his passion for knives wasn’t a passing whim.

KILROY’S WORKSHOP In 2018, the Colorado Springs native landed a teaching job at Kilroy’s Workshop, a 5,000-square-foot facility that offers blacksmithing, bladesmithing, metalworking and welding classes. “It all started going really quick after that,” he said. In December of that year, he competed on the History Channel’s popular show “Forged in Fire,” crafting a recurve blade. Although he didn’t win, the appearance bolstered his reputation. He taught scads of

students and forged scores of knives. About a year ago, he made the difficult decision to give up his teaching job at Kilroy’s. “I was ready to move on and do my own thing,” he said. “It really opened my eyes to the opportunities.” He still uses Kilroy’s as his workshop.

FIRE + STEEL Waters has crafted hundreds of knives. His clients’ favorite is Damascus steel. Here’s his process: • Get bars of two types of high-carbon steel – some with nickel; others without. • Stack them 20-25 high in alternating layers. Heat to 2200 degrees. • Apply pressure until those pieces meld into one. Pull, stretch and twist to manipulate the pattern – a process similar to winding two colors of playdough. • Grind the blade. • Submerge in ferric chloride to etch. The steel with nickel resists the acid; the steel without does not, allowing the pattern to emerge. “It’s always the coolest moment of the project,” he said.

BUILDING A BRAND Waters recently shifted his focus to building his own brand – specifically kitchen knives. They’re useful. They’re practical. And in the case of Waters’ knives, they’re beautiful. “It really adds something to the kitchen cutlery world,” he said. Most Americans will buy several cutlery blocks over their lifetimes. Waters said he’s working to make knives less disposable. “It’ll be the last knife you’ll ever need to buy,” he said. “You could pass it down. It could be an heirloom for your family.” If you’re not into cooking, he still plans to create one “art piece” knife every month – a hunting knife or other “crazy cool project.” Something he’s been dreaming about like the piece he’s working on right now with 400 layers on the edge bar and 30 layers on the body. “There’s never going to be another one like it,” he said. Website: mattwatersknives.com Facebook + Instagram: @mattmakesknives Kilroy’s Workshop: kilroysworkshop.com/

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

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HYGGE UP! Comfort Takes Front Row in Interior Design What are the hottest design trends right now? We caught up with Tricia Turk, owner of Turk Interiors, to find out. Below are her words, edited for length: One pandemic surprise, yet not such a big surprise when you think about it, is the desire for people to update their homes. People started working from home, homeschooling their children, cooking for their families and more. That has made us pay attention to what’s important to us within the four walls we call home. The result is a trend of comfort and quality. Surrounding yourself with meaningful objects that evoke a sense of belonging. CONTINUED >

H OU SE CA LL | HOM E + DE S I GN

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIBBIE HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

The idea of comfort is strong in the interior design world right now. I attribute much of this to the adaptation of the Danish hygge. While this “trend” is not new, it’s much more prevalent in American homes. We want our spaces to provide a sense of comfort, togetherness and well-being. How does this translate to furniture and accessories? We are seeing an uptick in comfortable, lounge-worthy, deep-seated sofas in soft fabrics (kid and pet friendly, of course), neutral colors, soft luxurious woven area rugs, natural wood tones, live plants and fireplaces that are a focal point of a room. Wallpaper is still on trend—both for tone-on-tone texture or even bold prints, but it must speak to the client like art speaks to one person. I’m seeing less mimicking of what people see in others’ homes and more emphasis on how they live. Quality over quantity. Bespoke rather than mass produced. Conversation areas vs. formal seating areas. Storage and organization is BIG—having a well organized space give us more time to enjoy the day. Hygge embodies the secrets to happy living. Website: turkinteriors.com/ Facebook: @TurkInteriors Instagram: @triciaturkinteriordesign

H OU SE CA LL | HOM E + DE S I GN

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

In a Field of Roses Be a

WILDFLOWER on Your Wedding Day

north 719.358.9891

sweetwaterflowermarket.com

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CE LE BR ATE S PRI N G CARVE / TOAD / LUCKY BRAND BED STU / PEYOTE BIRD DESIGN COLORADO LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE

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Ghosts Push Ryan Flores into the Light

Musician, Poet and Performer Talks his Journey and What’s on the Horizon ARTICLE BY KRISTIAN DEPUE

B ACK STAGE | EN TERTA INME NT

In his studio, Ryan Flores sits in front of an altares de muertos — also known as an ofrendas. Altars of the dead are best known for the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos on el primero de noviembre — the day after All Hallows’ Eve. In contrast to Halloween, however, Dia de los Muertos is much warmer and celebratory. Flores pulls a photograph from his ofrenda and talks about a late-musician who he met on a backdoor cigarette break. “We started writing right away,” says Flores. “It was a big blow to me, losing him. He was inspiring — such a peacock; so much personality. He told me you can’t half-ass music. Just be good.” The multi-instrumentalist and singer then pulls out a Greek bouzouki guitar, but talks about his preference for guitars with nylon strings. “I’ve played electric and steel, but I always come back to nylon. Nylon is the most naked — it shows all your mistakes; there’s no protection.” From the Bay Area and the child of a Mexican man and a Czech mother, Flores proudly claims “Czech-Mex.” “Before Ryan discovered guitar, he was a natural performer,” says Flores’ sister, Kristin, a molecular biologist. “Ryan was so moved by music — he truly felt it. His passion shines on, and that energy transfers to audiences — his charisma is magnetic. Every night, my daughters — who are three and four years old — listen to a recording of their Uncle Ryan sing Amazing Grace at bedtime, and they are captivated by his voice. Ryan is exceptional. He’s, hands down, the most emotionally connected person I know.” Flores has lived in California, Missouri and over a decade in the Centennial State. He’s also spent time in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and has written songs in Cuba. “I did a summer semester in Costa Rica, and have a degree in Latin American literature,” Flores says. “I traveled to study Cuban rhythms like the rumba and claves. The street kids in

Cuba blew my mind. I went with musician Stefan Doucette and Nico Owen, a drummer who has contributed to ODESZA.” Doucette, a Colorado Springs native and musician, has played and recorded Latin music with Flores for years. “Ryan is both a technical and passionate musician — his blend of traditional and modern Latin rhythms, lyrics and instrumentation consistently deliver fun and engaging performances wherever he plays,” Doucette says. Flores confesses to not picking up guitar until 21 years of age, but now plays drums, bass and piano, in addition to focusing on guitar and vocal performance — and he’s been a part of various musical projects. Flores has performed various venues all over the Springs and Colorado. “He’s the hardest working musician in Colorado Springs,” said Russ Ware, managing partner for The Wild Goose Meeting House, Good Neighbors Meeting House and now Epiphany. “Ryan’s artistry and relentless passion is unrivaled, and he radiates a tremendous love. One of the most remarkable things about a Ryan Flores’ performance is the energy he brings from the first note to the last. He’s a musical freak of nature, in the most beautiful way.” Currently, Flores is working on a trilogy of instrumental albums that he describes as a triptych about Latin America and Spanish conquistadors each titled Caravana, Coyote and Mestizaje. Additionally, he’s working on a Latininfused electronica project called Ryancito. Flores ends his conversation with Colorado Springs Lifestyle reciting lyrics of a poem he wrote: Music is our ghost dance, our communion, a sanctuary in which we’re all kneeling to kiss the ground, a temple in which we’re all praying for a miracle. Music is our echolocation a ping bouncing around in the dark, singing, “I’m here, can you hear me?” Facebook: @ryanfloresband Instagram: @ryanaflores

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CIMARRON PHOTOGRAPHY

EAT SWEET

SASQUATCH COOKIES: APPROPRIATE FOR EVERY OCCASION

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Roughly 90% of serotonin starts in the gut. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and serves as a key regulator in mental processes to include learning, memory, mood and emotions. Eating sweet and starchy foods (which are yummy to begin with) actually help our bodies create serotonin in the gut. This serotonin aids in battling the stress hormone cortisol, in turn making us feel calmer, less depressed, anxious, or irritable. Thus, “comfort food” is a real thing. For Brooke Orist, owner of Sasquatch Cookies here in Colorado Springs, owning a cookie delivery shop came by way of a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a master’s degree in Arabic.

SASQUATCH COOKIES

She grew up baking and considered culinary school but ended up going in a different direction. Cookies still played a part in her life, though, and she found a place during her anthropological travels whose business plan was centered around delivering homemade cookies – Orist loved the idea. “Cookies are appropriate for every occasion,” she explains, “from weddings to funerals… cookies are comforting.” She admits to doing her initial research as a social experiment. She started bringing batches of cookies anonymously into her workplace and then standing around the proverbial water-cooler to gather intel on what her subjects liked or disliked. She would take notes, go home, tweak the recipe and try it again until she landed on the winning recipe. At that point, she would file it away and start perfecting the next one. But what does a Sasquatch, mythical creature of the mountains, have to do with cookies? The Sasquatch represents the nomadic nature of the delivery cookie business. And Orist knew she wanted to sell larger-than-average cookies – much like the larger-than-life persona of the creature. There is deeper meaning as well. Orist grew up in Colorado Springs; it is home to her and her family today. Her overall goal is to “leave big footprints” on her hometown community and philanthropy is a Sasquatch-sized part of that. Ten percent of her profits are donated to the Springs Rescue Mission. You will also never find a “day old” cookie sale rack in the storefront. All of the leftovers at the end of the day are donated to local shelters to provide a comforting, tasty treat to our neighbors in need. At present, Orist has more than 100 recipes in her repertoire and has progressed from a 100 percent delivery business plan to one that now includes a storefront. There are nine flagship cookies available at all times, one of which is gluten-free. Two specialty cookies are rotated in each week to keep customers on their toes. Some of these seasonal specialties have a cult following, so it is worth keeping an eye on their social media accounts to make sure you don’t miss out on your favorite. Website: sasquatchcookies.com/ Facebook: @sasquatchco Instagram: @sasquatch.cookies

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

It’s not just health care. It’s caring about health, every step of the way. We’re part of a network of hospitals, urgent cares, physician practices and more. More importantly, we’re people. There are 21,000 of us, united by a vision for the future of health care. Together, we bring you the right care online, at home and in your neighborhood. And the best part is this movement is just beginning. Get ideas, get tools, get inspired at centura.org

Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © Centura Health, 2021. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711).

M E N TA L H E A LT H A N D W E L L- B E I N G F O R A L L DIVERSUS HEALTH: NEW NAME; VITAL MISSION

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYDIA RUTH PHOTOGRAPHY & CACTUS MARKETING AND CHRIS SANGER

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

WHAT’S IN A NAME? If the name is Diversus Health, quite a lot. Its predecessor, the Springs Relief Society, was established 145 years ago and was known for delivering coal, lumber and clothing to the community’s vulnerable. After trying on different names over the years, the largest behavioral health care provider in El Paso, Park, and Teller counties recently rebranded as Diversus Health. Latin for distinct, different the word Diversus perfectly captures what President & CEO Adam Roberts is leading the company to be. The first thing you notice when meeting Roberts is the sense of optimism he carries. The rebranding of Diversus Health, which he and E.J. Rickey, Vice-President of Marketing and Communication Strategy led, is a step towards creating something different in the field of behavioral and mental health. That approach to thinking differently has become a hallmark of Roberts’ leadership style. “We wanted a name that reflected the personalities and lives of all of our employees and the people we serve. Everyone is different and unique and that is something to be proud of and celebrate,” Roberts explained. Through the rebranding process, there was also a change to the tagline to better reflect the new brand’s promise: Mental Health and Well Being for All. “The tagline is pivotal to this brand because it captures what we believe in,” Roberts said. “Life is hard and very challenging and we wanted to provide comfort, trust, and predictability with this brand and reduce the risk of disappointment.” Even more important is that in tandem with its new name, Diversus Health is narrowing its focus and clarifying what it does best: mental and behavioral health. Its continuum of care focuses on four core areas: addiction services, counseling services, crisis services and psychiatric services. Each service area maintains a wide range of programs and initiatives. It’s the difference between a restaurant that offers a sprawling menu of 30 mediocre items and one that offers a small handful of exceptional meals. “Some of the strongest brands are very specific, and what you think of when you hear their name is critical to the loyalty they aim to build with you,” said Rickey. “In a time when the services we provide are increasing in need, inspiring confidence in our clients and making them feel valued is so important to the entire Diversus Health team.”

CARING FOR EMPLOYEES First order of business? The recruitment and retention of employees, who are the backbone of what they do. “This is challenging and rewarding work,” Roberts said. “It’s important to acknowledge that and listen to employees. Diversus Health puts a huge emphasis on a wellness-driven work environment and creating a brand that employees can rally around and be proud of. As an organization, we talk about how details matter, and through the rebranding project, whether it be the logo, color scheme, or type of swag we ordered, every detail was looked at critically to reflect the care we have for our employees and the communities we serve.” “Employees need more than just work these days,” Roberts said. “I wanted our staff to be inspired, even when challenges arise.” During the pandemic, for instance, Diversus Health initially shifted most appointments online. Ultimately, some employees found they preferred being remote. Others are back in clinics. CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

From July 2020-June 2021, Diversus Health’s 430 employees delivered nearly 200,000 appointments to about 16,000 clients via telehealth, telephone and face-to-face visits. The company is considering keeping flexible working schedules moving forward. It’s a domino effect–if employees are happy at work, they’re better positioned to give exceptional care to the people they serve.

PROVIDING SAFETY AND CONSISTENCY FOR CLIENTS The pandemic has spurred an uptick in demand. “I think people are becoming more aware of how they are feeling,” Roberts said. Over the last couple of years, Diversus Health has worked to provide clients a simpler, more consistent experience throughout each aspect of their mental health journey, and this was reinforced with a renewed focus in the rebranding initiative. This is especially important in the mental health care realm, where clients often are already stressed or anxious about something. “You think about an aspect like an organization’s website and in today’s digital age, that is the front door to your organization,” Rickey said. “Across all industries, customers are looking for a simple, userfriendly experience. That becomes even more critical to account for when they are experiencing symptoms related to mental health conditions they may be experiencing.” And for some, having the option to receive services online offers more privacy or convenience. In the past, some clients would drive to a clinic further from home simply to lower the risk of running into someone they knew. Others, particularly in rural areas, had to drive a fair distance for appointments. Now, they have a choice of in-person or telehealth visits. “What do they need and what do they want?” Roberts said. “We have to figure out what that mix is in order to consistently deliver a positive experience.”

COLLABORATION + COMMUNITY As the demand for mental health services increases, Diversus Health is working to stay ahead of the curve. They have put into place new ways of delivering care and new ways of meeting people where they are. “We want to partner on addressing this massive need,” Roberts said. They are looking to build training through universities and internship programs, for example. They also are a major sponsor of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Football Club in order to raise public awareness about mental health issues in a more mainstream setting. In fact, their Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Imad Melhem, will serve on the club as a mental health consultant for the upcoming season. Additionally, they will be hosting a May 17 golf tournament at The Broadmoor that will directly benefit other nonprofit organizations in Colorado Springs that provide mental health services.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

“We’re an answer to a lot of things in this community, but we aren’t everything,” Roberts said. “We have to work together and be creative and innovative to improve the mental health of this community.” The sentiment echoes an old proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Website: diversushealth.org/ Facebook: @DiversusHealth Instagram: @diversus_health

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Join Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity as we celebrate the

Home Dedication of our first Interfaith Build for Unity home! Sunday, March 27 th 3 pm–4pm Interfaith Build for Unity brings together volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, and faith traditions to help build affordable homes in El Paso County and strengthen unity in our community. Come for a cultural experience and help us welcome a family home for the first time. The Home Dedication will take place at the intersection of Bidwell Dr. & Kingscote Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80915. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact Chloe Henry 719.475.7800 ext. 115 Visit our website pikespeakhabitat.org

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Handmade Pupusas

IN OLD COLORADO CITY

MONSE'S PUPUSERIA DELIVERS A TASTE OF EL SALVADOR TO THE SPRINGS

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY E. NELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CIMARRON PHOTOGRAPHY

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Have you ever had a pupusa? If you have, your mouth is probably watering. If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. Either way, you can expect a whole new experience when you visit Monse’s Pupuseria in Old Colorado City. What is a pupusa? Imagine a thick pancake made of cornmeal stuffed with an array of hearty ingredients, such as cheese, beans, chicken, pork, or beef, with delicious sides of fried plantains and yuca fries. After moving to Colorado Springs, El Salvador native Monse Hines began making pupusas as a comforting tribute to her former home. However, as her recipes became more and more refined, she began selling her pupusas at local farmer markets and grocery stores. When her recipe grew in popularity, Monse began distributing her pupusas wholesale. As her dream of sharing her culture through food spiraled into success, Monse knew she wanted to become a permanent part of the community that had impacted her so much, so she and her husband opened the brick-and-mortar pupuseria: Monse’s Taste of El Salvador. The pupuseria has since become a community staple, drawing in locals and tourists alike.

“We are truly in the heart of the city, and Monse is the heart and soul of the pupuseria,” Monse’s husband, Tom, proudly explains. All made by hand, the pupusas at Monse’s are the very definition of authentic. Fueled by her passion for cooking and a deep-rooted love for her native culture, hand-making pupusas was always more to Monse than just creating a dish. “It’s been an opportunity to share my culture with my community,” Monse beams. “You’re not just eating food at this pupuseria, you’re experiencing Monse,” explains Tom. “We are so grateful that the community of Colorado Springs is so supportive of the food industry. Our success has been a prime example of how much this community truly supports diversity and inclusion through different foods.” Dining at Monse’s is truly a memorable experience because you’re not just eating El Salvadoran food, you’re getting a chance to know Monse. One bite into one of her infamous pupusas will have you coming back to support this local dreamer time and time again. Website: monsestasteofelsalvador.online Facebook + Instagram: @monsespupuseria MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

T R E N D SE T T E R | HOM E + DE S I GN

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY E. NELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CIMARRON PHOTOGRAPHY

Spr uce Up You r Space w ith Plant s The Living Room: Colorado Springs' Green Thumb

“It is so important to have plants in your home because it’s an indication that your home is a place you love to spend time in! I’m so passionate about plants because they really impact a space and have the ability to transform it,” explains Rachel Young, owner of The Living Room. And speaking of living rooms, you shouldn’t be surprised to find this one full of life. The Living Room is a plant shop tucked away in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. Step inside and you’ll find the whole place brimming wall-to-wall with vibrant and luscious greenery, boasting plants of every shape and size. “It almost feels like you’re in a jungle,” comments a customer in the store. As a 4th generation green thumb, Rachel takes great pride in her treasured plant space. “My whole family is in the business of plants, and always has been. This is just what we do,” Rachel says, smiling. Many people would even be surprised to know that her brothers own the very greenhouses where some of her in-store plants get their start. “Ultimately, my goal is to foster a space for both plants and people to thrive in. We want our customers to come into this space and feel like they’re home – hence the name!” The staff at The Living Room is so passionate and knowledgeable about plants, they’ll know exactly the type of plants that will work for your home. Whether you have pets, west or east-facing windows, or want something low maintenance – there is a plant that is a perfect fit for every space and person. “I was so inspired by this pop-up garden I visited one time, that I knew I had to bring my own version of it to Colorado Springs,” Rachel says. “I am a huge advocate of impacting your five-mile radius and this is how I wanted to impact my city.” With two locations now, you can visit The Living Room both Downtown and up near Northgate. Website: thelivingroomplants.com/ Facebook: @thelivingroomplants Instagram: @the_living_room_plants

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

MARGARETT HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

M A R G A R E T T H A N S E N P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M

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Live Edge, Reclaimed Wood + Steel Twenty1Five Customs Gets Creative with Furniture Design

ARTICLE BY KAREN MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CALVIN BAINES PHOTOGRAPHY

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

CONTINUED >

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C OLORA D O S P R I N G S

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

Nestled into the trees of Palmer Lake is a custom furniture design center and shop that gives just the right look, feel and touch to live edge and reclaimed wood, or steel. As a young boy, Josh Mabe, owner and designer + builder at Twenty1Five Customs, watched his grandfather make toys from wood in his hobby shop. Josh grew up to be a teacher of history, PE, and in the woodshop class. It was in this atmosphere that his talent realized itself. Working with his hands, building pieces from nothing and having space to get creative was second nature. And after a few years of dedicating his time to that classroom, he found himself with his first commissioned piece of furniture. The rest has unfolded with the utmost beauty in each piece sold, designed, built, and delivered. Josh’s work now finds itself adding just the right touch in masterfully designed homes throughout the mountain towns of Colorado and sprinkled all over the United States. Tables topped with wooden planks, glass tables with industrially shaped steel bases, structural beams full of character and story, barn doors rolling smoothly tucking away a bathroom—the list goes on. Josh’s voice drips with delight and passion around his dreams for the next design and the next chapter of his company. He gives credit to his incredible team of talented, skillful, motivated individuals who are constantly brainstorming about how to

further perfect their process and conjure up the next unique piece of furniture or structural support. They work with home builders, architects, and homeowners. While he’s been making for 10 years, the sincere joy in his voice around all things Twenty1Five Customs feels really refreshing and interesting. While the shop building is already appropriately enormous, Josh’s dreams of including people into the fold of the experience is at the forefront of his mind, including an expansion. We should all be keeping our eyes peeled for opportunities to watch these designs come to life, a deepening in community and woven together by a heart for things well done. A house becomes when someone sets out to create a structure atop the foundations of the earth. A dwelling place becomes a home when it’s filled with love and memories. A home becomes cozy and inviting when we are intentional with the blankets strewn about and ambient lighting is incorporated into just the right nooks. Our homes become robust and make our friends and family long to return when there are comfortable places to gather, where we can really look at one another during a meal and see the ones we love. Website: twenty1five.com/ Facebook: @twenty1five Instagram: @twenty1fivecustom

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Bring Good Food Home Building community around local food. 1228 E. FILLMORE STREET

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80907

4635 TOWN CENTER DRIVE

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80916

W W W. R A N C H F O O D S D I R E C T. C O M 719-473-2306

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