Meet Sharon Abeyta, she changes lives. Name, title, position, location:Sharon Abeyta LPC, LLC Sharon has been serving the community of Colorado Springs for over 25 years. Determine background, credentials, education:Sharon’s background is in Mental Health Counseling, her credentials include: Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Life Coach, Podcast Co-host, mindset coaching, and a business owner. She obtained a Masters degree and is currently licensed with the state of Colorado, where she has been serving the community in a multitude of capacities for over 25 years. Sharon is on your side – our community is lucky to have someone like her. In what capacity do they serve? How long? Sharon is involved in many capacities throughout her practice, serving all types of individuals regardless of background. Her journey began in community mental health with impoverished communities; simultaneously, she provided services in school settings. She served in this capacity for 10 years. Curious to know more, I asked Sharon “What prompted you to make a shift in your work?” Sharon expressed “I always wanted to do private practice and own a practice while still incorporating public health” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025). She achieved this and continues to serve the public through her private practice, Sharon Abeyta LPC, LLC - offering a multitude of services including care for Veterans through federal services; one of her passions. Sharon is also associated with the Department of Health and Human Services, where she supports and offers guidance to children who were pulled from their home and have delt with a variety of environments and social settings, including abuse. How did they get into public health, why did they choose it, and how long have they been in it?It was never a hesitation in Sharon’s mind – “I wanted to help people and becoming a therapist was the way to do it” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025). Beginning in community public health, she worked for a non-profit organization with individuals and families. After 10 years of service, she transitioned into the role of Family Life Counselor - “The Military and Family Life Counseling Program provides free, confidential counseling to service members, their families and survivors on or near installations. Trained to work with the military community, military and family life counselors deliver valuable counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community” (Military OneSource, n.d.). While working as a Family Life Counselor her passion grew and she continues to serve in a public health capacity on a federal level working with veterans. Over her 25+ years’ experience she values diversity, community, support, and give back which is why she makes it a point to provide at least one pro-bono service a year. Sharon is on your side. What projects are you currently working on? Who are you partnering with, and how is it being funded? IF it is funded by a grant, who wrote the proposal? Does it tie in with Healthy People 2030?Where do I begin? I am honored to share with you the many projects Sharon is actively a part of.
Grateful Beginnings Color Book Collection was created by Sharon Abeyta and her project partner Christy Banta “as a way of starting a dialogue with children to help them understand the benefits of gratitude and the impact it can have throughout their lives when practiced daily” (Abeyta, n.d.). Sharon expressed to me this coloring book was designed to aid children in gratitude statements and mindfulness, allowing their brains to slow down and create the ability to refocus. Sharon and Christy are both certified life coaches with a passion for creating education content which not only inspires children but empowers them. Path To Empowerment As a certified life counselors, Mindset coaches Sharon and Christy ventured into another powerful project: Path To Empowerment. Together, they “help people identify thoughts that may get in their way of success in any capacity” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025). As Mindset coaches, Sharon and Christy are ”able to help people attain goals in order to be successful in business / entrepreneurships, relationships, physical health/sports. Helping others identify their strengths and build upon those in order to achieve their goals and live their best life; showing them the Path To Empowerment by discovering their authentic selves” (Abeyta, n.d.). 2 Girls in a Pod: Life’s Journey and Everything in Between Sharon and Christy team up again as podcast cohosts where they have been hosting and producing 2 Girls in a Pod: Life’s Journey and Everything in Between since 2021. "We started the podcast to encourage others, through conversations meant to elevate the mind, body, and spirit. Our goal is to help initiate the right mindset and cultivate forward motion in the pursuit of finding the true authentic self and manifesting one's dreams. Our philosophy is that by acquiring and practicing the right mindset you are limitless” (Abeyta, n.d.). Sharon expressed to me during our interview that during COVID many of her clients expressed one time a week was not enough, they needed more. Off and running Sharon went with Christy – “We do this as a service to help and give back to the community, there is no fee” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025). Noom Vibe Okay – so the name is already fun, but what is it? “Noom Vibe is a free wellness app empowering everyone, everywhere to live better longer. The app makes it fun and rewarding to build healthy habits as part of a supportive community” (Noom, 2024). Noom Vibe allows anyone to pick a topic and speak on it. During live talks anyone can chime in and ask questions in real time. Sharon hosts a weekly talk Sunday at 10am on Noom Vibe, her topic of choice typically derives from mindfulness. Every single project above is self-funded by Sharon and Christy – “I don’t care about the money, the purpose is to provide for our community” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025). The goal set by Healthy People 2030 “focuses on the prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders and behavioral conditions. The Mental Health and Mental Disorders objectives also aim to improve health and quality of life for people affected by these conditions (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.). Sharon not only aligns with Healthy People 2030 in my opinion perfectly – she epitomizes it. What are the goals and objectives? Sharon's goals and objectives are based around serving and community. She wants to serve the community as much as she can and “help people to learn balance while reaching their potential as their authentic self. With all the crazy in the world, how do we still be okay?” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025). Sharon's goal and objective is to reach more people. Sharon leads by example and continues to crush the goals and objectives she continually sets. No doubt there will be more coming – and I am beyond excited to see it. What recommendations or tips do you have for someone interested in a career in public health?I LOVE how quickly she answered this question – “Know your passion and know your purpose” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025). You heard her everyone – go make it happen, today is YOUR day. Thank you Sharon for taking the time to share your incredible story, we are honored to have you as an integral part of our community. Should you be interested in services Sharon provides, you can find her with a quick google search: Sharon Abeyta, LPC, LLC or call 719-487-5031. 2 Girls in a Pod: Life’s Journey and Everything in Between: |
