Hello Peak to Peak communities! My name is Joan Isaacs, and I would like to introduce myself as a new member of the staff of The Mountain-Ear. I will be focused on ad sales, and am looking forward to meeting many of you in the coming months. I am happy and proud to be working for our newspaper, which has always brilliantly reflected the exceptional energy of the town and surrounding region.

Originally from the Midwest, I have family here and visited Nederland several times over the years. I fell in love! The opportunity to move here permanently arose in 2019, not long before the Covid pandemic. I was privileged to observe and be a part of the phenomenal outpouring of compassion and teamwork that was immediately implemented in our community to take care of others. From the volunteers who delivered food and medicine, got folks in need down the hill to Boulder, and checked in on remote or isolated neighbors, to the amazing kindness that people of Nederland showed to one another every day, the specialness of this place stood out.

Before the long and winding road brought me to Ned, I enjoyed two wonderful careers. I worked as a surgical scrub for a decade, and had the honor of being a part of surgical teams that focused on cardiac, vascular and major trauma procedures, including heart and liver transplants. During this amazing time I learned to thrive under stress and function as part of a dedicated team, where everyone involved played an integral role, and positive outcomes were dependent on the shared and cooperative expertise of the entire crew.

Working in the hospital paid for my undergrad degree, and I loved taking care of patients. Upon realizing I would have to take (and pass!) physics and organic chemistry to continue to medical school, I signed up for law school. As an attorney, I honed essential skills such as clarity in communication, reasonable compromise, critical thinking, factual analysis, meticulous writing, and the appropriate application of the law as a powerful tool to advocate for clients. I believe the experience and training gained in my previous careers will act as a great foundation for success at The Mountain-Ear.

The Mountain-Ear brings us together, educates, entertains, and connects us. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community, and I am thrilled to be working for this excellent publication. It will be my great privilege to contribute to the longstanding success of The Mountain-Ear!

You can reach me anytime with advertising questions at ads@themountainear.com or 720-960-2900.