Meet Luann Robinson Hull | A Trailblazer in Human Development

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luann Robinson Hull and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luann, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business has been an organic process. I’ve made lots of mistakes along the way, having no idea what I was getting into when I began. Launching my career in a psychiatric hospital motivated me to make my contributions, learn what I could, and go into private practice as soon as possible. It took several years before I was ready and willing to fully embody the spirit of freedom necessary to do so—and what exercising that freedom would mean in terms of my career. I quickly learned that true freedom can only be accompanied by taking full responsibility for your life—both personally and professionally. When no one else has your back, you have to cultivate a strong spine—and in my view, doing so renders its own rewards. If you have a dream of what you want to contribute to the world, are willing to educate yourself on how you can be best equipped to do so, and choose to stay focused on your goal by avoiding distractions and discouragement, there is nothing you cannot achieve. And even if you do get derailed on occasion (like I have), you can always find your way back, while using any interruptions to further motivate you in moving forward.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Throughout my twenty-five year career in studying human development and the relationships which emerge. I have combined neuroscience, spirituality, and positive psychology to create a unique approach in facilitating growth and well-being in my clients—both through individual and group therapy, together with educational workshops and classes. I have a Masters in Clinical Social Work and a Doctorate in Ministry, and feel privileged for any opportunity to share the information I’ve been fortunate to accumulate.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone special would come to visit in the summer, first on the list would be to share the landscape of this magical valley. I’d start out by introducing them to the Hunter Creek Loop—replete with waterfalls and stunning views. Next would be a trip to the Maroon Bells, then to Cathedral and American Lake (on subsequent days), followed by a rewarding lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse to follow. If they succeed in doing all of those hikes, we’d go up Aspen Mountain (a steep and challenging 3000+ foot ascent, followed by a ride down the gondola (for free!). A decadent lunch outside at Ajax Tavern is the reward—duck-fat fries and burger? My favorite hang-out is Local’s Coffee, and the best and most cost-effective bar menu in town can be enjoyed at L’Hosteria. Elina also has a delicious bar menu. The Creperie du Village provides authentic French dining in a cozy setting. Meat and Cheese adds scrumptious sauces to their yummy roasted chickens, and Aqualina and Pinyons are the crème de la crème in Aspen fine dining.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When repeated miracles unfold in your life (often sometimes well-disguised), you can look back and see the “Divine hand” that superbly wove together the tapestry of people, places, events, and circumstances to create the phenomenon. The unfolding of my career, represents such a miracle. It began first with a nudge from my psychotherapist, Karen Dullea, clinical social worker, and Dr. Ted Freemont, a professor, who encouraged me (a single mother of two at the time) to pursue my own career in clinical social work. After completing that degree and working as a psychotherapist both in a psychiatric hospital and in private practice, I came across Matthew Fox’s ministry program (The University of Creation Spirituality) and was introduced to an array of rich educational experiences, including my studies with Dr. Ana Perez-Chisti, Jungian psychologist and expert on Sufi and Christian Mysticism. Margaret Wheatley, a Harvard educated leadership consultant, was also one of my professors in the program. Her challenge to “have as many conversations about what matters to you” in her “Re-invent Your Work” class was the inspiration that launched my full-on research and writing on how to live a happy life. After many beginning drafts of my material—and thanks to a dear chum and colleague, Rita Marsh, for connecting us—I began handing off the manuscripts to my now cherished friend and editor, Karen Connington, whose exquisite eye for detail, together with her extraordinary wisdom and heart, patiently helped guide and refine my work. Later, by a stroke of amazing serendipity, I was introduced to my conscious, wise, and open-hearted publisher, Teri Rider, of Top Reads Publishing. Nancy Pickard, dear friend and colleague, introduced me to Brandi Flittner, social media and marketing goddess, who is a treasure. My dear friend and gifted colleague, Jean Watson, Dean Emerita of the University of Colorado Denver, College of Nursing, and founder of the Watson Caring Science Institute, continues to endorse and sanction my work, which has its foundation in the wisdom of a multitude of spiritual leaders and scientific wizards, whose insights are entwined throughout. Among them is acclaimed poet, David Whyte, Rod Stryker, one of the most preeminent yoga and meditation teachers in the United States, Bruce Lipton, ground-breaking biologist, the late Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Traveled, and Birgitta Strobel, master-artist, who designed the covers for my books. Of course, for my beloved family, I’m most thankful of all: for my late parents, Catherine and Lewis; my loving and loyal brother, Steve; my dear sister-in-law, Patty; my amazing sons, Nes, and Stephen; my lovely daughter-in-law, Laura; my precious grandchildren, Vivien and Theo; my former husband, Nestor, to whom I’m eternally grateful for gifting me with our treasured sons; and my cousins, Annie and Cathy.

Website: luannrobinsonhull.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luannrhull/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuannRobinsonHull

Image Credits
Jeddiah Gabbett https://www.driftingowlstudio.com/jedidiah-gabbett