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 book Thinking Out of the Box - Strategies for Handling Change has 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 roganizations 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)
• the 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.

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 committing 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:

• Career
• Professional
• Personal Presentation Skills
• Business Etiquette
• Writing
• Media Relations
• Travel