City of Fruita

Miss Grand Junction

Molly Casey is a broadcast and public relations professional with a penchant for storytelling and a heart for service. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Broadcast Journalism and Production from Chapman University and her Master of Arts in Communication Management, Marketing from the University of Denver. Molly began her career as a broadcast news producer and reporter, covering national stories such as the Montecito Mudslides in Montecito, California, the Keystone Pipeline oil leak along the North and South Dakota state line, and the abduction and murder that spurred the federal law known as Savannah’s Act. After four years in the broadcast industry, Molly pivoted to the other side of the camera - public relations. She has worked with organizations from local to international levels, focusing on small business and nonprofits.

Much of Molly’s career path was launched from her love of interviewing, which she discovered through pageantry. She began competing at age 14 and through her pageantry career, she has earned over $400,000 in scholarships and scholarship offers, has served as an international tourism ambassador, and has helped raise millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations. Today she serves as Miss Grand Junction and utilizes her free time training low-income job seekers on professional interview etiquette. When Molly isn’t in a crown and sash, she works in government communication and information management.

Christi Reece Group

Christi grew up in Western Colorado and began her real estate career in 1992. A proud mountain girl, she leads, with heart, inovation, and commitment to uplifting those around her. Her independent real estate firm is know for its high standards, professionalism and community connections along with a give back program benefitting local non-profits. Christi likes to hike, ski, travel, and spend time with her two kids.

"I am honored to dance in support of this wonderful organization, which does so much good for our community. A little courage and joy can make a big fundraising impact, so I'M ALL IN!"

Grand Junction Lifestyle Host

Juli is a Grand Junction native and received her degree in Musical Theatre Performance from CMU. She then studied at the American Music and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City on a national scholarship. She spent the next 10 years performing all over the U.S., mostly in Nashville, where she performed in theatres, t.v. commercials, sang in a band and modeled in both runway and print. Juli also performed in Germany in an American music show, but prior to her European journey, she was the original "human" character in the first national tour of VeggieTales Live! Last year, as a former American Dream TV Show host, Juli's first segment on the Grand Junction Lifestyle was submitted for an Emmy Award! In addition to being a Best of The West Real Estate Agent, Juli is mama to twin boys (Austin & Sawyer), daughter (Jeni), she loves to travel with her husband (Trent) and supports many Arts programs here in the Grand Valley… you can even catch her in local commercials and theatrical productions. Thank YOU for being here and supporting this amazing community!

@Western.Slope.Life

Enstrom Candies

GJ City Council

I’ve served on the Grand Junction City Council for almost two years and am currently seeking re-election. I ran for office because I am deeply committed to service and want my community to be the best it can be. I believe in transparency, accountability, and working together to solve challenges. Before becoming a city council member, I was a law enforcement officer. In March of 2022, I retired from the Grand Junction Police Department after serving my community for almost seventeen years. During that time, I worked as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Street Crimes Unit Officer, SWAT Officer, Defensive & Patrol Tactics Instructor, Corporal, and Field Training Officer. It was a privilege to work with the outstanding men and women of the Grand Junction Police Department while helping to ensure the safety of my community. I was born and raised in the Front Range of Colorado, where I rode horses, played sports, and learned the family business of cattle feeding. I attended Colorado State University, earning my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. While at CSU, I met my wonderful wife, Summer. We were married in 1996 and have three amazing daughters, who have all graduated or are attending CSU. Go, Rams! I have a passion for residential real estate, which I have developed over the past twenty-plus years of owning and managing our pet-friendly rental properties. I'm thankful for what I've learned in this arena and love taking great care of my customers and tenants. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my German Shepherds on the banks of the Colorado River or exploring the Grand Mesa.

Mesa County Sheriff

Todd Rowell was appointed Mesa County Sheriff in August of 2021, and was elected Sheriff in 2022. He is a native of Colorado, raised in a small coal mining town on the Western Slope. After High School he joined the United States Marine Corps. During his four years in the military he received numerous awards including Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Following his enlistment in the military, Sheriff Rowell attended both the Corrections Academy and the Police Academy at The Delta-Montrose Technical College. He graduated at the top of his class at the Police Academy in 2000 and was hired by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office the same year.

While working as a Sergeant in The Professional Standards Unit, Sheriff Rowell continued his education at Colorado Mesa University and earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration. He is a graduate of County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Command Staff Institute and Northwestern University’s Supervision of Police. During his 24 years with the Sheriff’s Office, he has served in various leadership positions and received several awards including two life-saving medals. He also served six years as the President of the Mesa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Along with his wife and two kids, they are proud to call Mesa County their home.

This could be you!!Grand Junction Fire Department Fire Chief (Retired 2025)

Travel & Conservation Journalist (Husband of the Executive Director!)

Tim Wenger is a Colorado-based journalist focused on conservation, outdoor rec, and technology. He serves as a senior editor at Matador Network, where he's filed work from four continents, reporting extensively from Southeast Asia, Mexico, and British Columbia. He's also a regular contributor to Fodor's guidebooks.

After completing a BA in Communications from Fort Lewis College, Tim jumped into the back of a Ford Econoline and spent a decade playing guitar in a ska/punk band while falling in love with adventure travel. He's been unable to rest his pen (or his feet) ever since.

Dance Professional with Dance Works

ance Instructor (Dance Works), Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

April Schulte-Barclay largely attributes her love of dance to the success and joy she experiences in her life. As a woman who cherishes being a mother and treasures family, it comes as no surprise that April's love of dance is shared by her mother, sisters, daughter, niece and generations of students. After dancing professionally, April became the owner and clinic director of Healing Horizons Integrated Health Solutions, where she been a leader in collaborative and integrative medicine for the last twenty years as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Through it all, being a dance instructor has brought tremendous meaning to April's life.

“In an effort to bring our lovely community together by sharing in the drive to bring nutritious and healthy food to our citizens. Food is medicine!”

Dance Professional with Dance Magic

Dance Professional with Absolute Dance

Caitlin is a 22-year-old dancer and Bachelors of Science, Exercise Science. Within the last thirteen years, Caitlin danced with Absolute Dance, Reverent Rhythms, Beyond Boundaries, and Colorado Mesa University (CMU). She trained in many forms of dance but finds much enjoyment in modern and jazz styles. Through her many years at Absolute Dance, under the mentorship of Theresa Kahl, she was offered main roles in productions such as Alice In Wonderland, Snow White, and The Nutcracker ballets. She was selected as a “judge’s pick” at Spotlight’s dance competition in 2019 and received a convention scholarship at Adrenaline in the same year. Additionally, she was provided with educational opportunities from educators such as Adam Parson and Ryan “Bosco” Baker. In 2020, Caitlin began her path into teaching dance at Absolute Dance and performing at CMU. In her years at CMU, she was mentored by Kathy Diehl. In 2024, she attended and performed in the American College Dance Association in Utah.

Further she was provided with instructional experiences from Bill Evans, Rennie Harris, James Wallace, and many other masters of the craft. Caitlin’s goal is to spread the joy of dance to all, whether dancers themselves or not.

Dance Professional with Absolute Dance

Dance Professional with Dance Works

Hello, my name is Matthew Pederson I am 24 years old and I am a Grand Junction native. Dancing is and was a major part of my life from competing to choreographing and teaching people of all ages. I started off teaching myself animation and break dancing, as I continued my career I trained in jazz, contemporary and hip-hop at Inspire dance company, and then ballet and tap at Dance Works. I went on to teach for several years at Dance Works while competing and choreographing for concerts, competitions and performances across the United States. I currently am a senior at CMU preparing for PA school and enjoy traveling the world while continuing my work and education in the medical field.

Dance Professional

John Withee is a recent arrival in COlorado. He has been dancing for over 25 years, beginning in Maine where he started dancing at the age of 15 with his mom and her friends at the local commuinty center. He stated buildling his dance instructional video collection and practiced using the advice and teachings of professionals. John's teaching began a year later with line dancing, two step, east coast swing, waltz, cha cha, and other ballroom dances. After a move to the SouthEast US he taught group and private lessons in line dancing, two-step, and country couple dances in Sommerville, SC and Chatanooga, TN. After a move to Atlanta, he competed in the county circuit at the Orange Blossom and Dixie events while continuing to teach private lessons. John learned West Coast Swing in 2002 with professional training and videos. He was involved in community dance events for fundraising and makeoever competitions and danced in the Peach State Competition. Upon his arrival in Grand Junction with his Austrialian Cattledog Asher he began teaching in the Grand Valley and Aspen areas. He is competing in swing circuit in Denver and actively involved with charity event fundraisers. John is a provessional carpenter by trade in home building, remodeling, and new construction. Other interests include coaching youth sports, fitness instruction and training, Sunday school teaching, horseback riding, hiking, and travel.

Dance Professional with Reverent Rhythms