I am originally from the German countryside and grew up in Hamburg, a bustling city. In 2012, when I was 15, I first experienced the slow pace of mountain life as a youth exchange student living in Glenwood Springs. From a concrete jungle to camping in the woods and outdoor activities like skiing, I quickly fell in love.
I continued returning to the Valley for holidays, once as a Fulbright Scholar at Colorado Mountain College in 2019 and later for a wedding. Then, in 2023, I met Tanner Nieslanik, my now husband, by introduction of my host dad, who used to work with Tanner. Our first date was hiking the Hylands Bowl. Luckily I had enough practice to get down!
We stayed in touch and he visited me in Germany. At the time, I was working for a corporation with over 3,000 employees. Here, I built expertise in cooperative marketing, partnerships and stakeholder engagement. However, I began feeling drained by the constant hustle, pressure and reporting cycles. I was ready for change and the Valley had a pull on my heart.
While visiting Tanner, I met Sopris Sun Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie at a River Spell concert at the Belly Up in Aspen. I was telling Terri about my desire to move to the Valley and take on a new job, and she mentioned that Sopris Sun Executive Director Todd Chamberlin was looking for help with ad sales and sponsorships.
I contacted Todd and had an interview just a week later. I talked about the requirements for a visa and researched all the necessary steps. It wasn’t simple. An international agency helped arrange everything and five months later I was back in the Valley, now employed by The Sopris Sun.
Working for a community-focused nonprofit, I enjoy getting to know so many people. And I feel fortunate to work for a local newspaper, because they’re becoming rare, even in Germany. It’s a great team and I feel really supported.
That support was crucial when Tanner and I welcomed into the world baby Noah Larson Nieslanik on Oct. 22, 2025. The flexibility of the job allowed me to stay home and take care of my son. Also, whenever I meet with someone and bring Noah along, they are always excited. I’m excited for Noah being welcomed into the Valley in this way. I’m sure when he’s older, like Tanner, it will take him twice as long to get through the grocery store as me, because he’s stopping to say hello to so many people.
I am now a proud member of the extended Nieslanik family, a Carbondale ranching family with deep roots in the community. Little Noah is the first of the new generation of Paul and Celia Nieslanik’s family and the youngest addition to The Sopris Sun family, as well.
It took me 13 years to finally make the Roaring Fork Valley my home, to give back to a place that helped shape me, and The Sopris Sun helped make it happen. I feel like the luckiest person and I am grateful to the entire team and board for believing in me, supporting my visa and welcoming me into this community. It’s special to be part of something rare, local and deeply meaningful: a community-owned, independent newspaper.
On behalf of my family, I urge everyone to include this life-changing newspaper in your end-of-year giving. Donate online at www.soprissun.com/donate