Parent Program Presenters

BONNIE COLLINS

ONLINE SAFETY

This presentation covers multiple aspects of online behavior that can pose a risk to the safety and wellbeing of young people online. Topics that are covered include sharing of personal information, cyber bullying, sexual exploitation, and risky online behaviors. 

BIOGRAPHY

Bonnie was born in Detroit, Michigan. She has been with the Colorado State Patrol for 17 years and is currently a Sergeant in her Community Outreach unit. She is not only a leader and mentor within the Colorado State Patrol but also a highly active leader within her community as a Department Head and Coach for kids' jiu jitsu. 

BOB TOPP

BECOMING A READING SUPERHERO TO YOUR KIDS

In our time together we will explore the many pathways that you can use to find the very best and most engaging literature for your kids. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or an avid reader, there is a world of undiscovered books to fit their needs. Along the way we will also touch on the pleasures and importance of reading aloud. 

https://readmeastoryink.com/

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Topp and his wife have lived in Evergreen for 30 years. Both of their boys went to the Bergens where he read to their classes weekly. He has continued reading aloud as a hobby and reads to 10 classes, 3rd-5th, every month. He recently sold a rare and out-of-print bookstore, The Hermitage, in Cherry Creek, which he ran for 49 years. His wife and him currently own an organic stone fruit farm in Paonia, Colorado which they operate in conjunction with their son's farm in Hotchkiss, Colorado. 

BRENDA BERGREEN

CREATIVITY AND RESILIENCE

Hard things make us stronger and more creative. How can we teach our kids and ourselves to use challenges and failures as fuel for creativity? 

BIOGRAPHY

Brenda Bergreen is a director, photographer, writer, storyteller, and lover of people. When she's not behind the camera or the keyboard you can find her adventuring with her family. Her children's book, ABCs of Adventure, features words of nature and adventure accompanied by inspirational photography combined with playful sketches. 

www.bergreenphotography.com 

BRYAN SHIPP

HELPING CHILDREN RECOGNIZE AND COPE WITH ANXIETY

Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health issue facing children and youth. This session will address signs of anxiety and provide tools parents can use at home to equip their children to better handle the stressors of today’s fast-paced society. 

BIOGRAPHY

Bryan Shipp has nineteen years of educational experience in Jeffco Public schools working with all ages. He is currently working as a GT counselor/Social Emotional Learning Specialist at Parmalee Elementary School. Bryan lives in the tiny mountain town of Idledale and enjoys anything outdoors including hiking, biking and snowboarding. 

SCOTT LINDMEIER

HOW OUR EXPERIENCES SHAPE US

We will take a look at how our experiences in life help shape our brains and bodies. Furthermore, we will talk about challenges to caregiving for children who have had challenging experiences in their lives through a compassionate lens. 

BIOGRAPHY

I am a Family Support Practitioner for Raise the Future. I am an LPCC with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. 

EINAR JENSEN 

EVERGREEN'S MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TO WILDLIFE

Wildfires are a risk for our community throughout the year, but most wildfires are of low and moderate intensities. Evergreen Fire/Rescue has a robust approach to mitigate the impact of wildfires. This presentation will explain the multi-faceted approach to mitigating and responding to wildfires. It will include opportunities for attendees to mitigate their risk and work with EFR to improve community safety. The presentation will include plenty of time for questions, too. 

BIOGRAPHY

Risk Reduction Coordinator and Public Information Officer Einar Jensen has worked for Evergreen Fire/Rescue since October 2022. He is responsible for engaging, educating, and empowering members of the public to reduce risks from multiple hazards including those identified in the Community Risk Assessment. He has been in the fire service in both risk reduction and operational roles since March 1998. He studied environmental history at the University of Montana and University of Puget Sound. He also is a published author who enjoys exploring ecosystems on foot at a saunter’s pace. 

LIZ MARCUS

NURTURING CREATIVE, FLEXIBLE, RESILIENT AND PROBLEM-SOLVING KIDS: APPLYING THE 8 HABITS OF AN ARTIST TO EVERYDAY LIFE 

Join me for a hands-on session designed specifically for parents looking to incorporate the eight thinking habits of an artist into their daily routines. We will explore and discuss fostering these habits in children. In this session, we will delve into each habit—observe, reflect, understand the art world, stretch and explore, engage and persist, develop craft, envision, and express—and discover how they contribute to the development of young minds. Learn how the art of observation sparks curiosity and presence, how reflection fosters critical thinking, and how understanding the art world broadens perspectives. Discover the importance of encouraging kids to stretch and explore, cultivating their ability to engage and persist through challenges, and developing a craft that serves as a foundation for future creativity. Parents will receive practical strategies to integrate artistic thinking into their family life, fostering a creative and nurturing atmosphere at home. We’ll delve into real-world examples and share actionable tips for applying these habits to various aspects of the parenting journey. Come prepared to engage in the art-making process! 

BIOGRAPHY

Elisabeth Marcus is the art teacher at Wilmot and Bergen Meadow. With more than 17 years of teaching art, Liz has adopted a unique curriculum. Based on TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) and the Studio Habits of Mind, students develop creative problem-solving skills, perseverance and critical thinking while using the classroom as their open studio. They develop and plan their own projects to incorporate the artistic concept they're studying. This approach to art education transcends the bounds of art and promotes skills kids can take with them for life. As a result, Liz has been recognized as 2018 Colorado Elementary Art Educator of the Year. Liz also brings art directly to the community. Together with Evergreen elementary students, teachers, and community members, she organized, designed and painted the mural that graces the tunnel wall between downtown and Evergreen Lake. Liz grew up in Jeffco and is a Bear Creek High School graduate. She lives in Evergreen with her husband and two sons. 

HANNAH PIERROU 

BE KIND, REWIND, AND UNPLUG - PARENTING IN THE MOMENT 

How to use creativity, nature, fine art, writing, and reading to navigate such a fast pace and technology focused society. We will explore how to find more space to unplug from constant distractions and more time for family and friends. Hannah will provide fun tools and resources to help you as parents feel more equipped to tackle a more hands on season, with less time on screens. 

BIOGRAPHY

Hannah is a long-time lifestyle photographer, designer, and artist at Hannah Pierrou Photography, LLC.  Farm to Film  is her debut book as an author & illustrator. Hannah's love for the outdoors and animals have always held a strong place in her heart. Alongside her husband, they are raising her own family in the Colorado foothills. She finds herself daily inspired with passion for farm life and the countryside. Their world is filled with backyard chickens, two pet dogs, two adorable kittens, and tons of Colorado mountain wildlife.  As a designer and lifestyle photographer, Hannah loves sharing the concept of capturing the beautiful creation found in everyday experiences. Her book shares a simple childlike way of doing just that. It is also important for Hannah to utilize her experience as an artist to expose her readers to various design elements such as detail, contrast, movement, composition, shape, and rhythm. In a culture saturated with bloggers and the competitive digital world, her children's book takes the time instead, to capture daily life and elevates the focus to a more genuine conscience.