Native New Yorker turned Coloradan Amanda McKoy Flanagan blends street smarts and tree hugging for a pragmatic yet soulful approach to life. She loves horses, running, vegan-eating, dancing, and singing with abandon to loud rock music. Passionate about sobriety, meditation, and her commitment to climate action, Amanda holds the spirit of loving-kindness, faithful perseverance, and compassionate service in high regard. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany in English and Journalism and a master’s degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University, New York. Nevertheless, life has been her greatest teacher by far. She lives in Castle Rock, Colorado with her family.