ENGAGE! Learning More, Living Well — A Conference for Adults 55+
Thank you for attending our Inaugural Event!
ENGAGE! Learning More, Living Well is a one-day conference designed to inspire curiosity, connection, and confidence in adults 55+ brought to you by Senior Resource Council, whose mission is to build the capacity of senior-serving organizations and professionals through education, resources, and collaboration — driving innovation and improving outcomes for older adults in our community.
Thank You!
What a day. This past Saturday, we welcomed nearly 100 older adults to the inaugural ENGAGE! Learning More, Living Well conference—and what an incredible beginning it was.
Together, we spent the day learning, asking questions, discovering community resources, and making new connections. Classrooms were filled with meaningful conversations, resource tables were buzzing with activity, and the energy throughout the Colorado Springs Senior Center was something truly special.
One attendee shared that this was the first event she had ever attended where she walked away with four new friends. They exchanged contact information and are already planning to meet for coffee together.
We can’t think of a better example of what we hoped ENGAGE! would accomplish.
To our educational presenters, sponsors, volunteers, and community partner —thank you. Your passion, expertise, and generosity made this day possible.
A special thank you to Mayor Yemi Mobolade, Colorado Springs City Councilmember Nancy Henjum, Kelly Bull, Executive Director of Hey Neighbor, and all of our community leaders for joining us and supporting this inaugural event.
And to everyone who attended…thank you for believing in lifelong learning, meaningful connection, and the power of community.
This was only the first ENGAGE!
Because of you, it won’t be the last.
MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS!
Nancy Henjum, Colorado Springs City Councilmember, District 5
Nancy Henjum is a 35-year resident of City Council District 5. Her dad was Joe Henjum, an Air Force pilot who was an instructor at the Air Force Academy where Nancy spent several years of her childhood. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University in Chicago, where she worked as a clinical therapist before moving with her husband to start a family in Colorado Springs. She and her husband, Steve Kern, a retired schoolteacher, have raised two children, now grown.
Nancy’s professional life in Colorado has included being the Chief Operations Officer for a public-private partnership that managed behavioral health services for 43 of the 63 counties in the state. She was also a faculty member at the Center for Creative Leadership, engaging in leadership development and executive coaching. She runs her own leadership consultancy business, working with a wide variety of organizations, both large and small, including energy companies, arts groups, non-profits, and civic entities.
Nancy has also served as a local volunteer-leader in many capacities: as board president for CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates); as facilitator with the Illumination Project promoting dialogue between law enforcement and community members; and as moderator of the council of First Congregational Church in downtown Colorado Springs. She has been serving on City Council for 5 years and is in her second and final term.
Aside from connecting in community. Nancy’s greatest joy—as is true for many Coloradans—comes from nature and the outdoors: hiking, biking, birding, and gardening.
GET TO KNOW YOUR CLASS LINEUP AND PRESENTERS
AI and Disinformation Presented by AARP Colorado and Senior Planet
In this lecture, we’ll explore how AI is used to create convincing deepfakes and clone voices, making it challenging to distinguish between real and fake content. We’ll also review best practices for evaluating information and explore tech tools that can help identify content created with AI.
Meet Your Presenter, Michael Frey.
Live Intentionally: Planning to Live Well at Home Presented by CarePatrol of Colorado Springs and Pueblo
Most of us hope to remain in our homes as we age, but aging in place requires thoughtful planning. This class explores what it truly means to live safely, independently, and well at home.
Attendees will learn how early planning preserves choice, how to recognize when additional support may be helpful, and what practical resources are available in our community. Through real-life examples and actionable guidance, participants will leave with greater clarity, confidence, and tools to plan ahead and age well on their own terms.
Meet Your Presenter, Laura Cooley.
Safety First: Crime Prevention & Fire Safety for Older Adults Presented by the Colorado Springs Police Department and Colorado Springs Fire Department. Supporting sponsors Independent Home Living and Mobility City.
Join experts from the Colorado Springs Police Department and Colorado Springs Fire Department for an empowering session designed to keep older adults safe and prepared. In just one hour, you’ll learn practical tips to protect yourself from scams and identity theft. Discover how to prevent home fires, and insider advice on using 9-1-1 and what to expect during an emergency.
This interactive presentation will provide local resources to help you stay safe, secure, and confident in any situation.
Meet Your Presenters, Kalee Nappo (CSFD), Ofc. Paulette Masias and Ofc. Brian Corrado (CSPD).
Kalee Nappo, CSFD
Kalee Nappo is a Fire and Life Safety Educator and Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention Specialist with the Colorado Springs Fire Department, bringing a 20‑year background in teaching to the department’s Community Outreach and Education team. A Colorado Springs native deeply rooted in her community, she is passionate about prevention, education, and enhancing public safety. Kalee also serves on the steering committee for Age‑Friendly Pikes Peak and is an active member of the Senior Resource Council.
Officer Paulette Masias, CSPD
Paulette Masias is a dedicated law enforcement professional with over 10 years of experience serving her community as a Police Officer. Throughout her career, she has taken on a variety of impactful roles, including Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, and Community Response Team (CRT) Officer on the Mobile Mental Health Unit, where she worked closely with individuals experiencing mental health crises.
The Mind-Body Roadmap: Navigating Stress to Prevent Burnout and Support Mental Health. Presented by TogetherWON and Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs.
This session provides a foundational understanding of the emotional, mental and physical toll of stress and burnout. Participants will learn to distinguish between common stress and the more serious state of burnout, identify their own personal warning signs, and walk away with a proactive plan for prevention through sustainable self-care practices.
Meet Your Presenters, Eloise Hastings (Homewatch CareGivers) and Kristen Nielsen (TogetherWON)
My husband John and I own Homewatch Caregivers of Colorado Springs. We support the Colorado Springs community by providing compassionate, person-centered in-home care prioritizing independence and dignity through specialized dementia support, chronic condition management, and companion care.
Kristen Nielsen, owner of TogetherWON, is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer with 10+ years of experience in functional aging. Specializing in brain health, Parkinson’s, and joint replacement, she provides personalized in-home exercise to help older adults stay strong, steady, and independent.
Eat Well, Age Well: Mediterranean Cooking for Active Aging Presented by Chefs for Seniors; Supporting Sponsors Medicare Mentors and Devoted Health.
Join Chefs For Seniors for a live cooking demonstration featuring a vibrant Mediterranean Quinoa Salad designed to support heart health, balanced blood sugar, and sustained energy. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich quinoa, and colorful vegetables, this low-sodium, diabetic-friendly dish reflects the principles of the Mediterranean diet — one of the most recommended eating patterns for healthy aging.
Beyond the recipe, you’ll gain practical insight into building balanced meals, enhancing flavor without excess salt, and making nutritious cooking simple, accessible, and enjoyable at home. Leave inspired with realistic strategies to fuel strength, vitality, and independence through food.
Meet Your Presenter, Lisa Murray, Chefs for Seniors
Lisa Murray is a seasoned hospitality and restaurant leader with over 20 years of experience in the industry. As Chef and Owner of Chefs For Seniors in Colorado Springs, she is committed to sharing culinary excellence with the senior community and helping seniors stay independent in their homes by providing individualized access to nutritious, great-tasting food. Lisa also donates her time teaching culinary classes at the Colorado Springs Senior Center and serves on the Board of Directors for the Senior Resource Council. Lisa and her team are dedicated to improving seniors’ lives through the power of food.
Avoiding “Living Probate”: How to Stay Out of Guardianship & Conservatorship
Be the HERO for your family! Presented by Trustee Services Group and Estate Services Group. Sponsored by EPIC Law Group.
Join Jessica Showers of Trustee Services Group and Estate Services Group for an empowering and educational session focused on helping families better prepare for the realities of aging and long-term planning.
In this interactive presentation, attendees will learn why many traditional plans fail in the face of aging, how guardianship and conservatorship can impact families, and what proactive steps can help reduce stress, confusion, and court involvement for loved ones.
This session is designed to provide practical insight, helpful tools, and guidance to support more confident planning for the future.
Meet Your Presenter, Jessica Showers, Trustee Services Group and Estate Services Group
Jessica is a native of Colorado Springs and has always felt a deep connection to this community. After graduating from high school, Jessica began her legal career as a paralegal. This early experience ignited a passion for the law, and Jessica pursued a Juris Doctorate in Boston, Massachusetts.
However, the allure of Colorado’s natural beauty and the desire to be closer to family drew Jessica back west. For over ten years, Jessica has practiced law in Colorado, focusing primarily on family law and estate planning. This experience has provided Jessica with a unique understanding of the challenges families face and the practical tools needed to help families navigate difficult times.
Jessica lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and their three cats. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, Colorado’s sunshine, playing boardgames, and pickleball.
Frequently Asked Questions & What to Expect
ENGAGE! is designed for adults 55+ who are interested in learning, connecting, and exploring topics that support healthy, active aging.
The event will take place on Saturday, June 27 at the Colorado Springs Senior Center.
• Please plan to arrive early to allow time for check-in
• Wear comfortable clothing so you can fully enjoy the day
• Parking is available and easily accessible at the Senior Center
• Bring a water bottle and snacks to stay energized throughout the day
• Lunch (gluten- and dairy-free options available) and beverages will be provided
• Please attend the classes you selected during registration
You will pay online and choose your three sessions during the registration process. We recommend registering early to ensure availability. You can do so here.
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration
- 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM – Opening Ceremony
- 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM – Education Session 1
- 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – Education Session 2
- 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM – Lunch
- 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Education Session 3
- 2:00 PM – Seminar Concludes
Your registration includes:
• Access to the event
• Three educational sessions of your choice (from six available options)
• A boxed lunch
We will do our best to accommodate changes, but availability is limited. Please contact us as soon as possible with any requests.
Your boxed lunch is a Mediterranean Chicken Salad Fresh spring mix topped with medley of roasted seasonal vegetables and tender, herb-marinated Mediterranean chicken. Finished with a house-made vinaigrette served on the side to maintain freshness and texture. *Dish is gluten free and diary free.* This dish offers a balanced combination of lean protein, fresh greens, and savory roasted flavors, making it ideal for our event.
Your lunch is gluten and dairy free and brought to you by Chefs for Seniors.
Yes, the Colorado Springs Senior Center is fully accessible. If you have specific needs, please let us know in advance.
Breakfast will not be provided. Coffee will be available to enjoy throughout the morning. Please bring snacks
EDUCATIONAL SPONSORS AND PRESENTERS
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE TABLES
ENGAGE! Learning More - Living Well Committee
Jaime Wuilliez
Committee Chair & Program Development
Lisa Murray
Committee Co-Chair & Hospitality Management
Committee Members: Karol Whitlow, Tom Lathrop, Claudia Guererro and Alyce Chermack