Paula Stephens

Areas of Expertise:  

• Grief & trauma

• Wellness coaching, mindfulness, resilience.

Education:

• B.S. Exercise Science, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO

• M.A. Exercise Physiology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX

• 48 Graduate Credits Buddhist Chaplaincy, Upaya Institute and Zen Center, Santa Fe, NM 

• Completed chaplaincy residency program at Level 1 trauma center in Lakewood, CO.

• Completed  2000 hours of required Clinical Pastoral Education, Lakewood, CO

• Certified hypnotherapist, CHT Hypnotherapy Training Institute, Corte Madera, CA

• Certified Wellness Coach, Catalyst Coaching Institute, Littleton, CO

• Certified Yoga Instructor and Yoga Educator

​Relevant Experience:

• Gold Star Mom, Army Spouse

• National speaker on grief and resilience

• Author of, "From Grief to Growth: 5 Essential Elements of Action to Give Grief Purpose and Grow from Your Experience"

• Adjunct Professor in the Exercise Science Department at Metro State University, Denver, CO

• Developed core curriculum for Wellness Coaching degree at Metro State University, Denver, CO

• Mindfulness and meditation experience including multiple week-long silent retreats

• Ordained Zen Buddhist Chaplain

Interesting Fact: I was born and raised on a peach orchard in Colorado and spend lots of time outdoors including running, biking, camping and skiing or snowboarding. I've run the Boston Marathon, six 24-hour team relays of 150+ miles in distance, and an 18-hour mountain bike relay. My favorite though is the 5-day, 150-mile, hut-to-hut, back-country mountain bike ride my husband and I did in 2020... the most amazing part is we're still married after that! :)