Helen West is the Community & Economic Development Specialist for the City of Cortez. She is proud to serve her community and region, especially in assisting local businesses and residents. Prior to her tenure with the City, Helen taught music in public and private schools in New Mexico, Colorado, and Washington DC, most recently as the band director at Shiprock High School. In addition to her current employment with the City of Cortez, Helen is the owner of a local walking tour company, Cortez Tours, and helps her parents and husband with their lavender farm + vineyard outside of Cortez. Helen lives in Cortez with her husband and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, mountain biking, and exploring alternate realities through video games.
Helen received a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Music Performance and Economics from American University.
Helen West - Making it in a Small Market: Basic Tips for Small Business
Barbara Ferri, LCSW, is a small business owner, clinical therapist, and certified sound practitioner who supports high-performing and burned-out professionals in building more sustainable, regulated lives and work rhythms. With a background in clinical mental health, she specializes in stress, burnout, and nervous system regulation, working with individuals navigating leadership roles and demanding careers. As both a therapist and entrepreneur, Barbara understands the strain of responsibility, decision-making, and maintaining balance while running a business. Her work integrates evidence-informed nervous system education with experiential wellness practices, helping professionals move beyond surface-level self-care toward meaningful resilience. She facilitates interactive workshops that translate nervous system science into practical strategies that support personal well-being and healthier workplace dynamics.
Barbara Ferri, LCSW - Burnout Is a Business Issue: Strategies for Sustainable Leadership
Sarah Shotts is the founder of Socially Awkward Marketing, a boutique social media studio based in Durango, CO. She works with small businesses, nonprofits, and community-driven local brands who want social media to feel less overwhelming and more intentional. With over five years of experience in strategy, content creation, social media management, and paid advertising, Sarah has worked with businesses across a range of industries throughout Southwest Colorado.
Sarah Shotts - Stop Guessing What to Post on Socials
Ellen is a financial advisor dedicated to empowering women and small business owners to build lasting financial freedom. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Bates college, Series 7/66 licenses, and is currently pursuing her Certified Financial Planner™ designation. As a business owner herself, Ellen understands firsthand the challenges of
balancing cash flow, growth, and long-term financial security. Before entering the financial services industry, Ellen spent five years serving her community as a firefighter and paramedic. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for the real-world challenges faced by working professionals and reinforced her commitment to helping others build stability and choice through thoughtful financial planning. Outside of work, Ellen can be found skiing, kayaking, or mountain biking in Southwest Colorado’s great outdoors.
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