Meet Jennesa Yanez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennesa Yanez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennesa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I began my career in community mental health and stayed in that world for many years. It gave me a strong foundation, but over time, I began to feel the limitations of working within a system that didn’t always allow for the depth or wholeness I wanted to bring to my clients. I’ve always believed in the powerful connection between mental, emotional, and physical health, but I found myself restricted in how I could integrate these aspects of care.

In January 2020, I started my private practice with the hope of creating a space where healing could be more holistic, authentic, and aligned with each person’s unique needs. At first, I planned to continue working part-time at the agency while slowly building my practice. But then, the world changed. Schools shut down, and new agency policies required staff to return to in-office work, even though services were still being delivered via telehealth. My oldest was about to begin first grade, and I knew I couldn’t leave him home while I went into the office.

That moment was a turning point. I realized that the structure I had relied on no longer fit the realities of my life—or the vision I had for how I wanted to support both my clients and my family. I stepped into private practice full-time, not just out of necessity, but from a deeper calling to offer care in a way that honors the whole person.

What should our readers know about your business?
The path to my business has been a beautiful unfolding. I began in private practice as a therapist and gradually found myself drawn to something deeper—something more holistic.

But the journey wasn’t easy. One of my biggest hurdles was internal—I worried that the women who came to me for therapy wouldn’t be open to this more expansive approach. Yet I kept hearing the same themes: women feeling fragmented, alone, and unsupported in their healing. So many were doing all the “right things” and still felt disconnected and stuck.

That became the spark for building an interconnected practice—one where mental health, physical wellness, spiritual grounding, and community support are all honored. A dear friend and mentor invited me to apprentice with her as a natural wellness provider, and that changed everything. It opened my eyes to new ways of supporting people—ways that felt intuitive, layered, and whole. From there, I pursued additional training and expanded my toolkit to meet the needs of the women I serve in a more integrated way.

My work became even more personal after the sudden loss of my mom in 2022. We had been working to repair our relationship, and her passing shook me to my core. That grief unearthed a deeper calling—to support women who feel unmothered, whether from loss, absence, or emotional disconnection. So many of us carry wounds from our mothers that shape how we see ourselves as women, caregivers, and human beings.

I want the world to know that healing is possible. When women feel safe, seen, and supported, we rise. We soften. We reconnect with our wisdom. At Running Waters, my mission is to create spaces where women can come home to themselves—through body literacy, emotional healing, nourishment, and sacred community. When we live as embodied, whole women, we change the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to give them a taste of everything I love most about living here—nature, local flavor, and meaningful connection.

We’d start with a trip up to Estes Park, spending a day hiking in the mountains and soaking in the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. We’d stop by the local farmers market for fresh produce, handmade goods, and maybe a few gifts to take home. One night up there we’d definitely try to catch the stars—they’re absolutely breathtaking away from the city lights.

Back in town, I’d take them to all my favorite local spots: The Black Sheep in Johnstown for coffee and good conversation, Acreage in Lafayette for apps, drinks, and panoramic views, and Peculiar Ales in Windsor for a beer and a game of skeech. We’d make a stop in Louisville to grab some delicious food and hang out at Teocalli Cocina, and of course, we’d have to swing by the Denver Zoo!

But honestly, most of our time would be spent outdoors—hiking, walking, savoring the sunshine and open spaces. We’d mix slow mornings with spontaneous adventures, and probably end up talking late into the night with a drink in hand and the Colorado sky overhead.

There’s just something about this area that invites both stillness and exploration—and I’d want them to experience both.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My greatest support has come from my family and a close inner circle of women who have held space for me, believed in me, and reminded me who I am when things felt uncertain. Thank you Nancy, Corrie, Laura and Anne! Their love and presence have been the foundation of my growth—personally and professionally.

I also owe deep gratitude to the mentors and former managers who poured into me along the way- shout out to Jamie, Brandon and Karen Their wisdom, encouragement, and commitment to my development helped me not only believe in what was possible, but refine my skills and step into my calling with confidence.

Website: https://runningwaterscounseling.com/

Instagram: https://Runningwaters.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyservicescenterco

Image Credits
Samuel Sandifer