Stacey Gavrell, Chief Community Relations Officer, Valley View Hospital; Executive Director, Valley View Foundation
Like many residents of Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Valley, Stacey Gavrell was drawn here for the excellent work opportunities, but also for its foundation of outdoor fun. “There’s a reason the town was named Most Fun Town in America,” says Gavrell, who arrived in 2005. She was actually a patient at Valley View Hospital before she worked there. “I was blown away by the caliber of providers and the incredibly personal care I received. It was unlike any healthcare experience I’d had previously, and that unique blend of expertise and caring makes me proud to come to work every day,” she says. As Valley View’s chief community relations officer, she gets to work closely with the incredible community that Valley View serves—her teams include the Valley View Foundation, marketing and spiritual care.
What will surprise visitors the most about Glenwood Springs?
I think visitors will be surprised by how much Glenwood Springs has to offer. You can play at the Glenwood Springs Adventure Park (glenwoodcaverns.com), hike to the gorgeous Hanging Lake, raft two different rivers, soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool (hotspringspool.com), mountain bike our growing network of trails and then enjoy amazing food and shopping downtown.
Healthy living is obviously big around here—what’s your go-to activity?
Running is a true passion of mine. The Rio Grande trail is a wonderful community asset, as are the many trails around town.
What’s a local’s favorite way to beat stress?
Glenwood locals go outside to beat stress—whether it’s skiing Sunlight Mountain or hiking Red Mountain.
What’s your favorite place to eat in town?
I can’t pick just one restaurant, as there are so many great options! Craving a doughnut? Go to Coloradough (sweetcoloradough.com). Need a fresh lunch option? Check out The Local on Cooper (localoncooper.com) for a great salad. Looking for imaginative American fare? Head to The Pullman (thepullmangws.com) for cocktails and dinner.
Describe your ideal day in Glenwood Springs.
Mountain bike in South Canyon with my girlfriends, then join up with my husband and girls for a family float on the river. Top it all off with a great dinner downtown.
What is the town’s best-kept secret?
While Glenwood Springs is very well known for its bubbling hot springs, I’d also encourage visitors to check out the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue (gvrshow.com). It’s a really high-caliber dinner theater that will entertain the entire family. We love taking our guests there for a special evening.
What else do you love here?
More than anything else, it’s the hard- working, down-to-earth and fun-loving people of Glenwood Springs that make it a truly special place, all of whom care deeply about their community.
Photography by: Courtesy of Valley View Hospital
