Mandie Harris, Robin Sanders, Barb Passalacqua. (Photo: Jonathan Castner).
Changes in Life and Career Lead to New Places.
Home is where our life stories unfold. This heart connection makes real estate transactions far more than just business – they mark new chapters and fresh beginnings for home buyers and sellers alike. The process holds significance for the real estate agents as well.
Realtors® who recently joined RE/MAX of Boulder all share a deep commitment to serving their clients during this significant time and making their clients’ dreams come true. These agents are starting their own new chapter, whether transitioning to new careers or paving new life journeys.
Sally Ann Mitchell
“If this past year has taught us one thing, it’s that ‘home’ is more important now than ever before,” said Sally Ann Mitchell. The year has been a moment of career evaluation for a large number of Americans – including Sally Ann who shifted from a career in luxury travel to real estate. “My move to real estate was inspired by 2020, when I realized the impact I could make guiding clients to find their dream home where loved ones are together under one roof,” explains Sally Ann. She found her forever home in Denver in 2016 after spending her youth in Atlanta and attending college in the Midwest.
To Sally Ann, a home is where you foster the foundation for your future. She believes you need the guidance of a friend and advocate to help you through the process. She is partnered with RE/MAX of Boulder Realtor® Tina Di Scipio, a lifelong family friend with nearly 20 years serving the local market.
Jen Burke
Jen Burke has a long history of real estate and business success. She grew up in a family of brokers, then chose a path in technology sales where she developed customer relationships for IBM, Spectralink, Avalon Imaging and Smartwares Group.
Ultimately, she transitioned back to familiar territory – real estate. “I grew up in a family of brokers, so it was an easy decision,” said Jen. “Real estate enables me to combine my business sense, financial acuity and creative design all in one career.”
Jen brings extensive knowledge of Front Range neighborhoods and is a selling agent with the Brian Sundberg Group at RE/MAX of Boulder. She donates to the Good Hope Foundation – founded by Sundberg to offer down payment assistance to school teachers, police officers, firefighters and others who are helping the community. thegoodhopefoundation.org.
Steve Whaley
Steve Whaley moved to Boulder from Connecticut when the now multi-lane Denver to Boulder Highway 36 was just two lanes meandering through open space. He enjoyed Boulder’s vibrant music scene at historic venues Penny Lane, J.J. McCabes and Tulagi’s and became a recording engineer at the famous Criteria Recording Studios in Miami, Florida, with notable recording sessions for David Bowie, Aerosmith, The Allman Brothers and Gloria Estefan. He went on to implement successful client service solutions for prominent businesses, including Amgen, Pfizer, United Technologies and Ernst & Young.
“For 22 years I have been a Boulder homeowner and my wife is an educator in the Boulder Valley School District, so I felt I could bring significant value to my local community,” noted Steve. “I moved into real estate to help guide my clients to the right neighborhood and school for their families. I am honored to work with the best Boulder brokerage where I can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Mandie Harris
Mandie Harris joined RE/MAX of Boulder after a successful career in advertising and broadcast television. From San Francisco by way of a Texas childhood, Mandie needed a professional change after having children.
“While being a television producer was fun and often glamorous, it required extensive travel and was never personally fulfilling. After buying and selling a few of my own homes and working with some great – and not so great – Realtors in the process, I felt compelled to help others navigate the stress of moving, just as I did with my family when moving to Louisville.”
Mandie is “so thankful to work every day to help people buy some of the most desired homes while working at the top brokerage in Boulder County.”
Robin Sanders
Dubbed the “ambassador of client service,” Robin Sanders moved his career interests from producing, writing and performing music and later the hospitality industry, to tirelessly finding the perfect
home for his clients at RE/MAX of Boulder. His deep local knowledge of Boulder Valley is enhanced by views gained from soaring the skies above with his private pilot’s license.
What brought Robin to real estate? “The truth is, I love helping people through a major milestone in their lives,” explains Robin. “Buying or selling a home can be time consuming, stressful and challenging. I love being a part-time counselor, life coach and mentor through the process. Helping people truly become part of the community – that is what really motivates me.”
Barb Passalacqua
This unprecedented period of life changes also inspired seasoned Realtors to embrace mid-career transitions. And they found a new home at RE/MAX of Boulder. Barb Passalacqua is one of those Realtors. The daughter of a real estate developer, Barb became a Realtor in 2014, but she began her career in high school and college showing homes to her father’s clients.
“I grew up in a family of hardworking and creative developers,” said Barb. “I have invested in real estate myself and know this market inside and out. I love helping my clients navigate buying, selling and investing.”
Formerly Barb owned a spinning gym and health club and she volunteers at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley where she co-organized the Small Dog Play Group. Barb’s clientele at Boulder Property Network of
RE/MAX of Boulder ranges from first-time buyers to long-time investors.
Sally Ann Mitchell, Jen Burke, Steve Whaley. (Photo: Jonathan Castner).
Alicia Miller
For Alicia Miller, real estate is more than a job – it’s a driving passion. Alicia recently joined RE/MAX of Boulder, but has worked in real estate for seven of the 24 years she has lived in Boulder County. The daughter of an Arizona real estate family, being a Realtor came naturally.
“We often toured homes as a family so I learned to appreciate different styles of architecture. We moved several times, which taught me the value of listening to make people comfortable and forge strong relationships,” recalls Alicia.
As a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) she is gratified by finding that perfect property for her clients. “I’m extremely excited and proud to join the outstanding group of Realtors at RE/MAX of Boulder,” said Alicia.
Kelly Kenworthy
Kelly Kenworthy owns the Little Yoga Studio and is a community leader with the Fourmile Fire Protection District and Boulder Watershed Collective. Pursuing real estate is a new and exciting way for her to participate in the local community.
Karen Straus
Karen Straus spent 20 years in the music industry and decided to make a change to follow her passion in real estate because she loves working with clients.
Debra Caplin
Debra Caplin, a member of the John McElveen Team, is an interior design expert whose business has received international recognition. As a real estate agent with a Bachelor’s degree in interior design as well, she has a unique perspective and expertise in both new construction and resale.
Kim Hansler
Kim Hansler, experienced in eldercare, provides a full spectrum of real estate services for seniors, a community she deeply cares for and respects.
For more information on RE/MAX of Boulder and its agents, visit www.boulderco.com.
