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The 13th Annual Yampa Valley Wellness Conference will be held on Thursday, May 15th at the Strings Music Pavilion in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Tickets are available now!
The Health Partnership is excited to announce the 2025 Yampa Valley Wellness Conference to be held on Thursday, May 15th at the Strings Music Pavilion in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
The theme for the 2025 Wellness Conference is “The Power of Us: Building a Healthy Inclusive Community Together”
This conference aims to:
- Engage participants through interactive learning experiences and opportunities for meaningful connection.
- Promote inclusivity and belonging by fostering community connectedness across diverse groups.
- Address mental health challenges unique to mountain town and rural living.
- Explore holistic wellness by examining a whole mind and body approach.
- Provide actionable strategies for incorporating wellness and growth into daily life.
Tickets are on sale now!
2025 Presenters
Craig Zablocki
The Intelligence of Fun in Building Healthy Community
People have different ideas about what fun is. Yet, all organizations know, that being part of a team is fun. A state of openness and connection is fun, whether you are an introvert or extrovert, nurse practitioner or a spa owner…everyone loves the “Aha” moments when solutions to a problems come into view. Craig will help unlock the keys to seeing solutions to problems as fun – being solution minded and not problem focused.
The point is that working within a community where we take ourselves lightly and our tasks seriously, the Intelligence of Fun, is proven to increase a collaborative spirit, motivation, interest for new learning, and community engagement. It affects everything … from the bottom line to your safety, well-being, and yes, happiness!
Making a profound difference for nearly 25 years, Craig has spoken to over one million people internationally and in all 50 states. From cops to gang members, from surgeons to school superintendents, from lawyers to realtors; he addresses corporate executives, child-abuse-prevention specialists, and social service advocates of all kinds, …. college professors, federal prison workers, mental health specialists and the armed forces. Thousands of organizations rely on Craig to help them transform the obstacles that keep them stuck, lift them up and breathe new life into their purpose!
Juanita Rastello
(she/her)
Proposal Analyst at CU Boulder, Certified Life Coach
Belonging Begins with Self Love
This presentation explores how meaningful relationships and a true sense of belonging—within our communities and beyond—begin with self-love and self-acceptance. I’ll share parts of my journey as an immigrant and woman of color, and how embracing myself allowed me to find connection and purpose in a new community, even through hardship. When we honor ourselves fully, we create space to connect more authentically with others. By nurturing our own worth, we contribute to a more inclusive, compassionate, and healthy community. The Power of Us begins with the power within.
I’m Juanita Rastello (she/her), a Proposal Analyst at CU Boulder and a Certified Life Coach, originally from Bogotá, Colombia. I moved to the U.S. 15 years ago and have built a life and career rooted in integrity, compassion, and a deep love for helping people solve problems—whether through complex proposals or personal growth work. At 40, I started a new career, and while it’s been challenging, I’m proud of my ability to adapt, grow, and embrace each step of the journey. I believe that through self-love and resilience, we can create more inclusive and connected communities.
Whitney Bakarich, LPC.
(she/her)
Northwest Colorado Health
Amalia Pappanastos, LMFT, LSC.
(she/her)
Steamboat Springs School District
Building Resilience Through Connection and Co-Regulation
This interactive presentation explores co-regulation and experiential learning to strengthen resilience. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that highlight the nervous system’s role in safety and connection, emphasizing how co-regulation supports emotional well-being. Through experiential exercises and discussion, we’ll examine the power of shared experiences in fostering trust, adaptability, and collective strength. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to create environments that promote regulation, connection, and resilience—reinforcing that the power of us lies in our ability to co-regulate and support one another.
Whitney Bakarich is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in youth development and rural mental health. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has served youth and families in the Routt/Moffat region since 2014. As Youth Resiliency Program Manager at Northwest Colorado Health, she facilitates groups from K–college and leads adult trauma-informed trainings. She also co-leads inquiry meetings for Out Here Yoga’s 40 Day Yoga programs, expanding her expertise in facilitation. Whitney is passionate about experiential learning, community collaboration, and the power of the arts for understanding and capacity building.
Amalia Pappanastos is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed School Counselor. She received a masters from John F. Kennedy University in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy. Before working in schools, she began her career working in private practice specializing in developmental trauma. Amalia is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where students can express their truest selves without fear of judgment, encouraging self-discovery and a growth mindset. She is passionate about education, integrating creativity into emotional development, and using expressive tools to build confidence and resiliance.
Acey Holmes
(she/her)
MS, CCC-SLP
The Playful Cure for Burnout: How Small Moments of Play Build Resilience
The Playful Cure for Burnout: How Small Moments of Play Build Resilience is an
interactive session exploring how micro-moments of play can reduce stress, spark connection, and build both personal and community resilience. Grounded in neuroscience and practical application, this session helps participants recover from burnout by reconnecting with joy, creativity, and one another. Through inclusive, accessible strategies, attendees will gain tools to foster belonging, support emotional well-being, and strengthen the kind of meaningful connections that create healthier, more inclusive communities.
Acey Holmes is a professional speaker, facilitator, and the founder of BoredLess, where she helps individuals and teams reconnect with joy, creativity, and well-being through the science of play. With a background in education and speech-language pathology, Acey blends research with real-world tools to combat burnout and foster deeper connection. A TEDx and DisruptHR speaker, she’s known for delivering dynamic, inclusive sessions that leave people energized and equipped for meaningful change. Acey’s work centers on building resilient, playful communities where everyone feels valued and inspired.
Conference Schedule
Catering by Amuse Bouche
We’re thrilled to partner with local favorite Amuse Bouche to provide a fresh, thoughtfully prepared lunch during the conference. Known for their creative menus and high-quality ingredients, Amuse Bouche will offer a delicious, nourishing meal to keep you energized and inspired throughout the day.
Our 2025 Sponsors!
Thank you to our 2025 Title Sponsors, Rocky Mountain Health Plans and The Health Partnership
Thank you to our 2025 Keynote Sponsors, Memorial Regional Health and UCHealth
Thank you to our 2025 Wellness Sponsors: Talon, Alpine Bank, Health Solutions West & REPS
Want to get involved?
Support this impactful event and connect with a passionate audience. If you are interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us via email.