Raised mostly in south Mississippi, Sandra always knew Colorado was where she belonged. She finally had the opportunity to move here 8.5 years ago and hasn’t looked back. Professionally she is the marketing and event manager for a local and successful home builder. It’s a job she loves where she gets to utilize her creativity and passion for events.
What makes you stand out from the crowd? This can be a talent, life-experience, unique hobby.
I love adventure and trying new things! Whether it’s joining my four-wheel-drive club on a trail that pushes our Jeep’s limits; canyoneering in Ouray, Zion or Moab; rock climbing at the gym or the crag; snowboarding; hiking or backpacking – I’m in! I recently started playing disc golf and will soon try out pickleball! I also just love camping in our RV with my husband and 3 dogs.
My deep passion is saving dogs. I volunteer a significant amount of time with the Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Rescue, evaluating and placing rescue dogs across the country with adopters and fosters. My own dogs are Malinois and I adore the breed. All dogs pull at my
What is one experience that has shaped you to be the person you are today, and what advice would you give your younger self?
Be true to yourself.
What is your most memorable childhood experience? (This can be good or bad)
Weirdly I don’t remember much from my younger childhood. When I was about 16 my parents let me buy a horse. Now of course I realize how much that financially cost them as well. We bought a couple more after that – one was a young filly. I would have to get up on a school day, muck out a stall and feed the horses, then shower and get ready for school. They were my responsibility. My friends and I would go for all-day rides. We would also compete in fun-day events in things like barrel racing, open-barrel, and other weird things like riding the horse around the arena without dropping an egg held in a spoon. It was so much fun! My Dad got involved in helping me and that created some nice memories with my Dad.
What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
I had to have heart surgery in 2015 to repair a mitral valve prolapse. I was absolutely petrified and convinced I was going to die in surgery. I’ve never been so happy to wake up! I had to slow down a bit and let my heart heal and that was tough. I wanted to prove I was OK. Letting people help me and following the advice of medical professionals was a challenge. After the surgery, my cardiac doctor retired. I was assigned to another doctor who was very negative. I ‘fired’ her and found someone else. Making sure you believe in your doctor and that they share your positive energy and outlook is so important. Don’t settle. Take a proactive approach to your own health. Ask questions. My doctor now has such a positive spirit. I know if the future requires additional care, he will approach it and counsel me with confident energy.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? On what and why? (personal or professional)
Well, it was more than $100, but splitting an AirBnB with our off-road club friends was a lot of fun and conversations at the end of the day can be quite entertaining! Also, I enjoy eating out with my husband or having lunch with my daughter. Friendship and family bonding is always money well-spent!
What is one book that you recommend our audience should read and why?
Oh goodness, I am torn! The first would be “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. This book applies to adult relationships and also the relationship with your children. A co-worker gives me credit for saving her marriage by recommending she read this book! She said he never showed love to her, and yet she had bad allergies and he was always vacuuming the drapes. His love language was Acts of Service, but she didn’t see that he was showing her love that way. Her love language was something different.
The second is: “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad One”s by James Clear. This was an eye-opener on how habits are formed (good and bad) and how to change them.
What is your favorite quote?
I can only pick one? LOL — I have a tattoo that says “We are all more than most will ever know.”
What local businesses and local nonprofits would you recommend our readers support?
Campbell Homes (Home Builder), Fostering Hope, Bryson’s Chase, Colorado Four Wheelers
What 3 (only) items would you bring to a deserted island?
Is a dog an item? protection and companionship :-), and also a Bow and Arrows (can fish with it or hunt).
Where are your favorite 5 spots in Colorado and what destination is next on your wishlist?
1. Buena Vista – camping, hiking, 14ers, the river, Deerhammer distillery
2. Westcliffe – camping and hiking
3. Breckenridge Ski Resort – great town both winter and summer; snowboarding, food, hiking.
4. Ouray – wet technical canyoneering and is a wonderful little town with hiking and a Via Ferrata.
5. Estes Park – Elk, animals, hiking, views, backpacking
YOU MAY FOLLOW SANDRA ON: https://www.facebook.com/CampbellHomesCO and https://www.facebook.com/groups/malinoisanddutchshepherdrescueinc