Saguache County Sustainable Environment & Economic Development

For Jennifer Leonard, wellness has never been limited to what happens inside a clinic or office. It is shaped by relationships, opportunity, connection, and the health of the broader community itself. That perspective is part of what drew her to ScSEED, where she has found meaningful ways to support both individuals and the systems that help rural communities thrive.

 

After spending six years away from Colorado, Leonard and her husband realized city life was no longer the right fit for them. Having lived in Alaska and rural Oregon, they were drawn to the San Luis Valley for its natural beauty, slower pace, and sense of community. “We wanted to find a place close to nature and live in a smaller community where we could have an impact,” Leonard said. “We still spend some time in the city with family members, but are immensely grateful to live here in the San Luis Valley.”

 

Leonard’s professional background is rooted in healthcare and personalized wellness, but over time she came to see that personal wellbeing and community wellbeing are deeply connected. “I believe that the health of our community is reflected in each of us as an individual and vice versa,” she explained. “While I work directly with people one-on-one, I also feel the issues and forces of the greater community will always impact that person’s decisions and ability to be well.”

 

That belief is one of the reasons ScSEED’s work resonates strongly with her, particularly the organization’s efforts to foster relationships and connection across Saguache County. Leonard sees social connection as an essential part of both personal and community health, especially in rural areas where isolation can be a challenge. “ScSEED works to bring us together as community members by holding Community Hours around the county, and I have seen that foster the kind of connection that can be really challenging in rural areas,” she said.

 

She also finds inspiration in the Valley’s entrepreneurs and small business owners, many of whom continue building businesses despite limited resources and support systems. As a small business mentor and consultant, Leonard says she is continually impressed by the creativity and persistence of local residents. “I am constantly inspired by all the small business owners here in the San Luis Valley that are making it work with less support and resources than those in larger populated areas,” she said.

 

Leonard believes rural communities are often misunderstood by people who have never experienced life in places like Saguache County firsthand. While the lack of convenience and resources can present challenges, she says those same conditions also foster resilience, innovation, and strong community support systems. “Time and time again, I have seen innovative ways of solving problems, community support and self-reliance that would surprise many people who have not had the opportunity to really spend time here,” she said.

 

Looking ahead, Leonard is encouraged by the growing sense of connection taking shape across Saguache County and the San Luis Valley through collaborative work around housing, transportation, business support, and community engagement. Even during difficult moments, she says it is often everyday conversations that restore her optimism and energy.

 

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, some of Leonard’s greatest joy still comes from the same things that first drew her to the Valley. “The thing that originally drew my husband and I to the Valley was the stars and hiking trails,” she said. “Outside of work, I do my best to spend as much time on the trails or sitting under the stars. It never gets old.”