Meet Stephanie Engels | Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Executive Director

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

Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have worked with people with autism of all ages for nearly 20 years in various settings and states. During this time, I became more interested in supporting teens and adults navigate adulthood. My mentor and co-founder started another nonprofit organization many years ago with several families who had young children. Those children had now become adults and reached the age where they would graduate from high school and no longer receive services through educational settings. They weren’t sure where their young adult children would go. This is a concern for many families as services drastically decrease as individuals reach 21 years of age. We wanted to help and that is how REVEL was created.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career (although I didn’t know it at the time) started in Fort Collins in 2001. I worked at a place called Respite Care for people with disabilities. I immediately connected with people with autism who had challenges communicating and connecting. I wanted to understand ways to help them get their needs met in a functional way. I continued my education receiving a master’s degree and completing my board certification as a BCBA while working full time. I continued my journey at other organizations with colleagues I have known now for nearly 13 years. I have learned a lot about myself along the way and evolved in the way that I view working with people with autism and my colleagues and families. Throughout this time, I continue to learn from others and constantly reflect on my decisions and evolve in the way that I think and learn. I am proud of the organization we have created and the opportunities we provide to our clients, families and staff. REVEL is a place for people to be themselves, feel accepted, and live a life without limits.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Colorado is one of the greatest states (in my opinion!) to live in. My ideal Colorado itinerary would include:

Visiting the mountains! A day trip to Summit County to see Breckenridge or Vail. You could also spend a couple of days in Steamboat or Aspen! Two of my favorite mountain towns.

I love neighborhood/local areas like Tennyson Street, Olde Town Arvada and Wash Park. The quaint neighborly feeling is welcoming and charming.

Sporting events are always a fun time and Denver is one of the few cities that has football, baseball, basketball and hockey teams! Sports all year long!

Union Station has much to offer in terms of options and entertainment.

Some of my other favorite activities include the Beer Spa, Upstairs Circus and MeowWolf!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to Diane Osaki for guiding me and inspiring me to constantly improve and challenge myself in ways I never could have imagined.

Website: https://www.revelinlife.org

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