Darren McKinnis, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Higher Ground Counseling, has moved to a new location and recently hired a new intern, Molly Hansen, a marriage and family therapy candidate.

The practice now is at 128 W. 14th St., Suite 201-B. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with some evening hours available upon request. Services include employee assistance program services and youth, adult and postcancer-treatment counseling.

In addition to experience working with married couples, Hansen also has experience as an American sign language interpreter and understands the challenges and issues associated with deafness. She will provide services to couples and families for a reduced rate of $20 per session with the option of a sliding scale if needed.

For more information, visit www.highergroundcounseling.org, call McKinnis at (970) 676-1029 or Hansen at 769-8198.

Open-space group selects new director

The La Plata Open Space Conservancy recently selected Amy Schwarzbach as acting director of the conservancy.

The conservancy has more than 25,000 acres under conservation easement in La Plata and surrounding counties.

Schwarzbach will lead a restructuring of the organization to attract new easements, communicate with members and develop volunteer staff.

For more information, email [email protected], call 259-3415 or visit 1150 Main Ave.

Energy policy is topic of Lunch & Learn

The Durango Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch & Learn titled “The ABC’s of Energy Policy” at noon Nov. 20 at First National Bank of Durango, 259 W. Ninth St.

The event will be presented by Lori Schell of Empowered Energy, who will discuss some of the major factors affecting energy policy at all levels. Questions will be answered as they arise during the tutorial.

The cost is $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Reservations are required. To register, visit www.durangobusiness.org or call 247-0312.

Microtel Inn & Suites opens in Aztec

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham announces its opening in Aztec, off U.S. Highway 550 and Pepsi Way at 623 Phoenix Court.

The 70-room, four-story, interior-corridor hotel offers single, double and suite room accommodations. It features Wi-Fi, free local and long-distance phone calls, complimentary hot breakfast, meeting space, outdoor dining terrace, pool and jacuzzi, gazebo and barbecue area, fire pit with amphitheater seating, fitness center, business center and laundry facilities.

All rooms feature LCD, high-definition, flat-panel televisions with free HBO, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, refrigerator and microwave.

For more information, visit www.microtelinn.com.

Durango insurance counselor honored

A leading insurance professional organization recently recognized Jon Sherer of Farmers Insurance in Durango for dedication and ongoing leadership in the insurance industry.

The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors honored Sherer for 10 years of successfully maintaining the Certified Insurance Counselor designation, denoting significant commitment to advanced knowledge and customer service.

The Certified Insurance Counselors Program is a nationally recognized education program for insurance professionals with programs offered in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

For more information, call 259-1207.

Herald Staff