Phyllis Coletta, JD
A litigation attorney by training, Phyllis Colletta brings a compelling passion to The Conversation Project in Boulder County based on personal experience, service as a chaplain and hospice volunteer. Phyllis is also a certified teacher, a professional freelance writer and ordained Zen Buddhist chaplain. She worked as an EMT for 10 years, in the field and as an ER tech in Steamboat Springs. Phyllis also has experience as a Risk Manager for a community hospital, giving her a broad understanding of the healthcare system. In 2011 she joined Centura Global Health Initiatives in a medical mission to Nepal. Phyllis also serves as a Regional Consultant for The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare.
As a chaplain, Phyllis worked in a medical ICU in a teaching hospital, giving her an understanding of how miscommunication and lack of advance care planning can create much suffering at the end of life. It was this experience that compelled her to focus on helping families have important conversations early, well before anyone is admitted to an ICU.
Phyllis received her BA in theology and English from Boston College and her JD from Rutgers University. An avid adventurer, Phyllis loves all things outdoors from running, mountain biking and cross-country skiing to swimming and rowing crew. Her 3 sons and their families live in Steamboat, Seattle and Panama, giving her great excuses to visit beautiful places.