Lana Hailemariam
• Lana's BIO
One thing I love about my story is the diversity of my background and experience. With more than 20 years of experience in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, my clients benefit from insight from many vantage points. My work experience includes sales, marketing, event management, health & wellness, ministry, education and teen mentoring. I have also been an entrepreneur, owning four locations of personal training company, a Gold’s Gym franchise and an indoor football team.
The path I traveled to StandUP hardly resembles a straight line, but the wisdom I gained through life’s challenges has laid the foundation for authentic, meaningful conversations that have the power to create positive action and impact. Not everyone’s story is the same. Nor should they be. I help people feel empowered in their unique story or path; a journey that is often necessary for each of us to achieve greatness.
As a Certified StrengthsFinder Coach and an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, I get to companion people, teams and organizations as they move from where they are to where they want to be. I am committed to contributing to the world, leaving it better than I found it.
My favorite quote represents my coaching philosophy:
“Everybody is a Genius. But If You Judge a Fish by Its Ability to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing that It is Stupid.” -Albert Einstein
I brought my East Coast flair to the mountains when I moved to Denver from The DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia). When I am not coaching, I am likely curled up with a good self-help or leadership book, binge watching Netflix or enjoying nature outdoors somewhere beautiful. Preferably two out of three at the same time whenever possible!
I received my BA in Finance from Metropolitan State University of Denver. I have a combined 15 years of experience in a wide variety of industries and environments. During this time, I have worked in positions ranging from dock worker to business owner. I am grateful for the wisdom and perspectives that came with this broad experience. I find the most joy working directly with people to unlock the greatness that is already within.
When I am not connecting with people in my work, I find joy in listening to podcasts and books, deep discussions, and spending time with my partner and three daughters.
• What brings Lana JOY
- Being spiritually grounded and connected
- My daughter
- Babies (It’s impossible not to smile and believe in humanity around chubby baby cheeks!)
Eric Golden
• Eric's BIO
My drive is fueled by an undying love for life and all that comes with it. I believe that we have an opportunity everyday to grow from our own experiences and perspectives; as well as those of others. Sharing my story has been the best part of my journey. It allows me to connect authentically with people and has allowed me to discover parts of myself I never knew there. I get to do this every day as a part of the StandUP team.
I received my BA in Finance from Metropolitan State University of Denver. I have a combined 15 years of experience in a wide variety of industries and environments. During this time, I have worked in positions ranging from dock worker to business owner. I am grateful for the wisdom and perspectives that came with this broad experience. I find the most joy working directly with people to unlock the greatness that is already within.
When I am not connecting with people in my work, I find joy in listening to podcasts and books, deep discussions, and spending time with my partner and three daughters.
• What brings Eric JOY
- My family
- Earth’s magical moments
- Human kindness
Shannon Shockey
• Shannon's BIO
With a career that spans the non-profit, philanthropy, and finance sectors, I bring a wealth of experience and perspective to every new challenge. Most recently, I was COO for a venture fund that invested in startups founded by women and people of color. Specializing in operational excellence, leadership development, and coaching, I am committed to using my unique skill set to bring about both personal transformation and systemic change in our world. I am an Enneagram 1 who seeks continual improvement, values deep friendships and every opportunity to laugh. As a facilitator, I am most adept at creating spaces for reflections, inspiring productive conversations and empowering participants toward self-discovery and action.
When not working I love to travel (especially internationally) and listen to endless podcasts and books.
• What brings Shannon JOY
- Travel to new places
- Deep conversations
- Reading in the bathtub
Elaine Jackson
• Elaine's BIO
I have worked passionately over the years, as an elementary school teacher, program manager and coach to partner with people in nonprofit and education spaces. Each of these opportunities has led me to the next, unforeseeably, but happened in almost a fateful kind of way. I'm a learner, a strategic thinker and carry a compassionate energy. I love to help others to develop themselves and hope to bring that energy into coaching conversations and workshops.
I'm currently the Learning and Development Lead for a nonprofit in Denver where I'm able to use my planning, facilitation and coaching skills. I hail from Seattle Washington and hold my masters in teaching from the University of Washington and have most recently earned my Certified Professional Coaching Credential through iPEC.
When I'm not coaching and helping folks to develop themselves, I can be found volunteering with the Mayor’s Youth Commission, at the park with my dog Murphy or cooking a good meal.
• What brings Elaine JOY
A plate of huevos rancheros
Jenice Whitehead
• Jenice's BIO
Throughout my career, I’ve held various financial roles, including banking operations, accounts payable coordination, contract and grant management at a private foundation, and project management for an ecosystem that supports founders and entrepreneurs. Recently, I focused on supporting financial operations at a venture capital fund. My passion lies in helping businesses and organizations succeed by creating structure and efficiency within their financial systems. As an executing individual who thrives on focus and learning, I enjoy discovering and implementing new ideas that can enhance processes. I find motivation in numbers and the stories they reveal.
• What brings Jenice JOY
- Movement: I love to stay active.
- Connecting: Especially time with friends and loved ones.
- Learning: Reading, podcasts, coaching youth track, almost anything!
Abby Samson
• Abby's BIO
I'm the kind of person who keeps the trains running on time—and makes sure everyone on board feels seen and supported along the way. As an Executive Assistant and Operations Assistant, I thrive in the space between details and people. Whether it’s managing schedules, coordinating internal systems, connecting with clients, or digging into research, I love making complexity feel effortless for the people I work with.
I bring a background in interpersonal communication, years of experience in recruiting, and a decade of raising and teaching my two sons—which taught me more about leadership, patience, and multitasking than any job ever could. Now, I’m stepping into a new chapter, pursuing my master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy to deepen the work I care about most: helping people grow, connect, and thrive.
Around here, I’m the calm in the storm and the one who remembers the thing you forgot. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
• What brings Abby JOY
- Hiking or playing boardgames with friend
- Cooking for people I love
- Reading a good book
Carlie Bradley
• Carlie's BIO
I am someone who genuinely loves helping people thrive. As the Client Relations Coordinator for StandUP, I've found a role that blends my passion for connecting with others and my background in administrative work. After spending time as an Executive Assistant, I've found that I am happiest when my work is focused on people - making their experiences smoother, more meaningful, and more human. For me, leadership is about kindness, empathy, and lifting others up, and I feel lucky to play a part in that.
When I'm not working, I enjoy hiking in the beautiful landscape of Colorado, reading a good fiction book, and writing music on my 12-string guitar. Whether it's through my work, my volunteer efforts, or just my everyday life, I am all about spreading kindness, finding joy, and making the world a little bit brighter.
• What brings Carlie JOY
- Laughing with family and friends
- Listening to songs that tell a story
- Long walks in beautiful places
Amy Brady
• Amy's BIO
I founded StandUP in July of 2013 because above all, I believe in building strong, authentic connections. Whether working with youth, teams, leaders, or organizations, I emphasize vulnerability and connection, knowing that when we break down barriers and connect from the heart, we can achieve extraordinary things. This daily experience of meaningful connection fills me with gratitude and drives my work forward.
My journey has been shaped by diverse experiences, from 11 years teaching middle and high school science, math, and health to working with parents of teenagers navigating life’s challenges. Transitioning to youth development with Colorado State University Extension deepened my understanding of community and my role within it. In 2013, I founded StandUP, turning my passion for people, authenticity, and creating a thriving future into a meaningful career.
Outside of work, I cherish time with my partner and three daughters, enjoying deep discussions, sunshine-filled porch moments with neighbors, and hearty laughter with family and friends. My professional path, which spans industries and roles, has gifted me a wealth of wisdom, all of which I channel into helping others unlock their inner greatness.
• What brings Amy JOY
- Being surrounded by the love, laughter and closeness of my children and husband
- Deep breaths of fresh air
- Yellow tulips