I am a ICF certified coach, a college professor, mom of a college student, public speaker, and lover of  mountains.  

Want to know more about me and Upcycled Education?  Read the FAQs below.

My crew: Miss O, me, and Dr. Upcyclist


Why Upcycled Education?

I named this blog Upcycled Education because I am an educator by training and currently, train others how to be coaches and preK-12 teachers at a college.  I originally started blogging to talk about educational strategies and theories - only.  Upcycled Education, has evolved over the last few years and I now talk about topics that interest me - my family, hobbies, lifestyle, technology, creativity, cycling, {life} coaching, and of course, education.  

Why the Upcycled part?

I like the spirit behind the word "Upcycled." Take an idea or take materials and turn that idea or materials into something better - something more valuable than its original form.  That is exactly what I aim to do with this blog, Upcycled Education - Take an idea, thought or topic and add value to it.

I heard someone say you constantly talk about your family.  Is that true?

Me?  Yes! Dr. UpCyclist, Miss O, and Pup Jedi (may he rest in peace) add value to my life. They make my world. so. much. better.  I like to share our lifestyle with others. Did I mention my family and I like the outdoors?  This photo is so outdated by the way. That lil girl in the middle is now in college! I'll post a more updated photo at the bottom of this post. It will be a reward for reading this.



I notice you blog about creativity, cycling, {life} coaching, and  Colorado all the time...

Guilty!  I appreciate those topics, too and think if they were embraced, the world would be a better and more fulfilled place.  

What are your official credentials?

Do you want my resume?  If yes, email me.  But, then you have to invite me to speak, train your people as coaches, or lead a workshop.  However, I will say this...I would trade in all of my degrees from Michigan State University, University of Colorado, and Johns Hopkins University just to have my coaching degree and certification.  So, if I did send you my current resume, it would look more like a letter.....Thanks, big, awesome and expensive institutions of higher education, but my favorite, most coveted, most impactful "degree" is being trained as a coach.  Mic drop.

Do you offer any services?

Yes!  I train people - all people - how to be coaches (shocking, no?). I do so through my college's accredited coach training program.  Did I mention we are the only community college in the nation to have an ICF accredited Level 2 coach training program?  

If you are wondering....Why won't Jen stop talking about coaching?  Here's why:  Coaching provides an incredible set of skills that transcends every industry and discipline and can be used with every human on the planet.  No exaggeration.  If more humans - educators, employees, business owners, leaders, parents, medical personal, healers, and first responders - were trained as coaches the world would be in a better place and we humans would have more engaged and fulfilled lives.  Who doesn't want that?

Service-wise, I also develop and lead workshops on a variety of purposeful topics, give keynote addresses, lead webinars, and love to collaborate with curious, growth-seeking people and organizations.

If you'd like to discuss my services, find me on my website and send a message.  I love working with new people and groups.

And, since you stayed this long, here is an updated photo of my family.  I adore Dr. UpCyclist and Miss O! They are the best to travel with to new places like New Zealand pictured below.

Lara Family New Zealand