Our People

SHAWN B. YOUNG, M.A., M.F.A.

Founder/CEO

Recognizing the strong relationship among money, stress and health,
has devoted the past decade to creating and delivering educational programs, seminars and workshops focused on life skill development, specifically targeted at helping people make changes to their financial and health behaviors. Based on extensive research into behavioral and neuro economics, and the physical and psychological effects of financial stress on individuals, families and organizations, Shawn created the Financial Health Institute in 2012.

Over the last 14 years, his organizations, programs and efforts have helped over 55,000 people across the United States. Shawn has been a featured presenter and trainer for hundreds of agencies and conferences across the U.S. He has also been featured on two occasions at Forbes.com. Shawn holds Master’s Degrees from the
University of Arkansas and Michigan State University.

JOANNE MCLAIN, PhD.

VP of Innovation and Curriculum

Joanne McLain is a counselor, coach, writer and artist. She designs curriculum for online, in person, and blended courses. She has over thirty years of experience working with people to help them gain skills to create the life they want to live. Her experience includes six years with a rural Department of Human Services, where she was the Deputy Director and managed family programs including services for families involved in child welfare, adult protection, and all benefits programs.

She has been a mental health and substance abuse counselor in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, private practice, nursing homes, a volunteer fire department, emergency rooms, and inpatient units. Joanne has a Master’s Degree in Psychology, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Addictions Counselor. She also earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Innovation from the University of Colorado Denver.

MICHAEL D. KILGORE, B.S.

VP of Engagement and Education

Michael has dedicated his career to human services and is passionate about providing opportunities for creative behavioral transformation. As a team member since 2015, Michael has facilitated hundreds of live classes and has contributed to the modification of FHI curriculum for veterans, teenagers, people in recovery, traumatic brain injury survivors, those incarcerated, and human services staff. He is FHI’s trainer of facilitators. 

Michael’s keen interest in supporting disadvantaged individuals was again demonstrated in 2017 with the launch of a customized program for the intellectual and developmentally disabled community. The ResourceAbility Program was created, through the collaborative efforts of the team, and continues to expand its reach by serving adults and transitioning young adults throughout the front range of Colorado. Michael is excited about ResourceAbility extending services beyond individuals with I/DD to the whole disability community.  

Michael previously served in multiple executive leadership roles where he advanced national culture change organizations, while creating successful educational programs, and personally mentoring disadvantaged teens and adults.  His engaging presentation skills and creative wisdom enable individual learning, employee operational efficiencies and sustainable organizational growth. Michael’s experience with international (Cuba, Russia, Uganda, and military), national, and local cultures enhance his personable training delivery.

PETER D. JOHNSON, B.S.

Operations Assistant and Facilitator

Having had an Accounting Practice for over 30 years and direct involvement in a number of businesses, Pete has a vast knowledge of business operations and organization. His teaching background began with the U.S.A.F Intelligence School and then nine years at Aurora Community College.

His passion for teaching is reflected in engaging and challenging classes with the FHI curriculum. He has a business degree in accounting and finance from the University of Colorado.

KELLEY PRESLEY, MLIS

Curriculum Development Specialist

Kelley was raised in a household filled with books, and as a result, she grew up with a great love of reading and learning. After earning her Bachelor’s, she spent a number of years working in a variety of organizations occupying administrative and customer service roles. Kelley is very skilled in an administrative function, as well as providing exceptional customer service to all. She then went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from San José State University’s online graduate program.

Kelley’s driving motivation in life is to help people. Kelley is an FHI-trained facilitator, and has facilitated a number of ResourceAbility trainings. In her online graduate program, Kelley worked with San José State University, training new incoming students on how to use the school’s preferred video conferencing platform. In addition to training new students, Kelley also worked with SJSU faculty to support their virtual live lectures in the video conferencing platform with live technical assistance. For her, working with FHI is the beautiful synthesis of her desire to help people and her love of learning.

SUZANNE LAZNICKA

Program Development Specialist

Suzanne designs curriculum helping people learn how to create the life they want to live. She is an evangelist for stress-free living, health, and prosperity. Currently her focus is partnering with I/DD community members in improving their financial health and providing program development support to the Financial Health Institute projects.

Suzanne has developed programs for nonprofits, government, human services, corrections, healthcare, small businesses, as well as fortune 500 corporations. Her educational background includes a masters’ degree in Human Performance Technology, a bachelors’ degree in Communication Disorders, and certification in Lean/Six Sigma. Additionally, she is a certified healthcare professional.

STEPHEN STEWART, MA

Curriculum Development Specialist

Stephen is a curriculum designer, student advisor and doting cat-dad. He works closely with the FHI team to develop online, face-to-face, and blended courses. He has several years of experience as both a corporate training coordinator and a university instructor. Stephen gets excited about all aspects of learning – be it as the student, instructor, or researcher. He is fascinated by technology and is always looking for innovative ways to improve learning or other processes for everyone involved. He earned a Master’s degree in Communication Studies from Ball State University.

CEITURIN THOMAS, BA

Curriculum Development Specialist

Ceiturin (Cam) is new to the human services field but is passionate about community activism and progressive change. They recently graduated from CU Boulder with an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Women and Gender Studies, and a certificate in LGBTQ Studies. They enjoy drawing and create some of the illustrations used in FHI courses. They also help design online courses and compile research to be used in grant proposals and future course content.

JANINE WESTLUND, BS

Facilitator

Janine is passionate about advocacy for inclusion for all people in all
communities. Her career has been dedicated to training, coaching, and leading others in the education field for the past 35 years. With a focus on behavior management and social/emotional development, she has provided support and expertise to parents, educators, and self-advocates. Through this support, she offers hope for each individual to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Her personal passion and drive come from the love and pride of being Rachel’s sister. Janine is thankful to have been an older sister to the most beautiful human who challenged her to look at others through eyes of love and acceptance, despite any disabilities. This challenge led Janine to complete a degree in special education and dedicate her life to advocating for others. She is thrilled to be a part of FHI to grow and learn alongside others in this colorful world.

MARSHA BROWN

Facilitator

MARY BETH FACCIOLI, LCSW, MLIS

Consultant

Mary Beth Faccioli, LCSW, MLIS, is a licensed clinical social worker with decades of experience as a trainer and instructional designer. Mary Beth provides consulting services to support organizations with online learning for staff and clients.

Her background includes work with treatment centers, non-profits, government agencies, and academic institutions. Mary Beth specializes in strengths-based, person-centered services, while taking a broad view of involved teams, organizations, and larger systems that impact performance and learning