Barbara J. Butler is President, Owner and Founder of
“Transitions Simplified International.” She is
an inspirational speaker and trainer, author of books and
articles, and serves as a guide for people - through their own
career, relationship or health transitions. Barbara has thrived
and survived many life challenges and uses these experiences to
help thousands of people learn practical skills for working and
living more dynamically. Barbara's warm-hearted and genuine
presentations have the impact and power of someone who has been
there. She speaks and writes about "Re-Creating Your Life" in
everyday living and during life- altering changes. Her books
Thinking Out of the Box - Strategies for Handling
Change and
Soul Trekking Through the Dark Night have helped thousands of people. She
delivers high impact workshops and keynote speeches at
business, civic, social and public functions. Audiences respond
to Barbara’s warmth, authenticity and humor – and leave with an
action plan inspired by their own creative potential.
Professional Background
Barbara received her formal education at Thomas Edison State
College in Trenton, NJ where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in
Humanities. In addition, Barbara attended United Church of
Religious Science School of Ministry- three year program - in
Los Angeles, CA to obtain training as a non-denominational
minister. She is a former owner of a successful plantscaping
business with over 60 clients and 15 employees. An effective
and dynamic speaker, facilitator and trainer – Barbara’s
speaking background includes a variety of trainings and keynote
speeches presented to organizations throughout Colorado
including:
- Front Range Community College, Westminster CO
- Conference for Colorado Organization of Victims Advocates
(COVA)
- Mi Casa
- Defense, Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
- Women in Philanthropy
- Client Assistance Program (CAP)
- The Legal Center
- SafeHouse
- Project Safeguard
- 9-5 Working Women
- Women of Farmer’s Insurance, Colorado Women’s Leadership
Coalition
- Conference for Brain Injury Association for Colorado
- Maxim Healthcare Services
- Center for Technical Assistance and Training (CTAT)
- Colorado Free University
- Denver Public Schools (Substitute Teacher)
Barbara has been a community leader for many years, championing
various social causes. She has been a spokesperson for Literacy
Action Center in Seattle, WA and has appeared on numerous radio
and television shows to promote her causes (AZ, WA, CO). She
was the Founder and President of a Toastmaster’s organization
in Phoenix, AZ. Barbara is a member in good standing with many
national and local organizations including:
- American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)
- Colorado Independent Publisher’s Association
(CIPA)
- Brain Injury Association of CO (BIAC)
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- National Jewish Health
- Green America
Recent Publications:
- Articles:
- "Job Training & Placement Report The Road Back to
Employment", 2008
- Sculptural Pursuit How Do The Changes In Your Life
Affect Your Art, 2004
- Voices of the Muse, 2003
- White Papers
- "The Fast Changing Pace of Business - Business in
Flux, Business Etiquette for a Changing Workplace",
2002 (White Paper)
- Books:
- Thinking Out of the Box – Strategies for Handling
Change, 2001.
- Soul Trekking Through th Dark Night - 2011
Defining Decade
From 1989 - 1999 I experienced a pivotal juncture in my
life.
In July, 1989, my youngest sister Phyllis died because of her
out of control substance abuse lifestyle.
Three weeks later, Epstein-Barr virus and an acute asthma
attack took my mother’s life.
My brother Billy told me he had AIDS, at her funeral in
Phoenix.
In December, 1990, I slipped on black ice in Seattle and landed
on the back of my head, causing a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).
Two weeks later, January, 1991, my middle sister, Bettie passed
out drunk and drowned in her hot tub.
My cat, Seiko, who had lived in the streets and was sick when
she came to live with me, died four days after Bettie. Although
Seiko was only with me for eight months, she served as a loving
buffer for all my losses.
In 1992, my father had a stroke, was put on life support,
pronounced brain dead and died in Phoenix’s St. Joseph
Hospital.
The dismal cycle concluded in 1999 with my experiencing
domestic violence at the hand of my husband and my brother
Billy died by taking his life by suicide.
Personal Background
My mantra:
When Life Changes - Change Your Life AND - keep focused on
“the lemonade.”
Born in Flushing NY
Raised in Phoenix AZ
Currently residing in Denver CO
Areas of Expertise
Public Speaking Dealing Effectively with Change:
- Interfaith Ministry
- Conscious Aging Trainer
- Hospice Trained Volunteer
- Writer / Author
- Media Relations
- Travel
Transitions Simplified
International
