Our Story:

Active Minds™ started in 2002 as a series of poetry classes in a church basement. Before long, it grew to include World Issues and other programs in a variety of locations including retirement communities, senior centers, libraries, and more. Over time, additional courses were added as word of mouth spread. Today Active Minds™ provides a full array of programming alternatives.

Our Founders:

John Henderson – John is a master teacher with 15 years of teaching experience. He received his undergraduate degree in History and Geography from the University of California at Berkeley and his masters degree in Teaching from the University of Chicago.

Zane Robertson - Zane is an entrepreneur and a former teacher. He is a frequent speaker on lifelong learning and senior education and is a Member of the Denver Commission on Aging. He also serves on the board of the Denver Coalition for Seniors. He received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Carleton College in Minnesota and his masters degree in Business from Stanford University.

John and Zane formed Active Minds™ out of a deeply felt belief that lifelong learning is central to a life well lived. We are inspired by members of our own families who embodied this spirit and dedicate this work to them.

Our Mission & Values:

Our mission is to expand lives and minds with community based educational programs.

Our values are:
• Life-long learning
• Strong communities
• Objectivity
• Honoring seniors
• Having fun

Our Media Coverage:

• Golden Transcript, March, 2008
• Life on Capitol Hill, January, 2008
• KMGH TV Denver Channel 7 News: October 11, 2007
• FORA TV: Class on Prospects for Peace in Ireland, June 12, 2007
• Colorado Public Radio: Colorado Matters, February 28, 2007
• Denver Post Article February 7, 2006
• Seniors Marketplace News, July, 2005
• KEZW Colorado Today, October, 2005 [Audio file copyright © 2006 STS Media Productions: www.ThoseWhoServed.net]
• Vail Daily, July, 2006
• Vail Daily, August, 2006

Our Feedback:

The most clear teaching experience I have ever had. Please sign me up for more classes. -Diana Groves

If I had known about Active Minds being here, I would have moved in sooner than I did. -Betty Boyd, Resident of Heritage Club of Denver

Thank you for detailing the facts objectively without political bias. Through the several lectures we have attended, we have learned to trust your factual, informative, non-partisan presentation. We really appreciate it! -Peg Brady

The instructor is one of the most learned and vivid lecturers I have ever heard. His lecture was a gem, and the question period was most illuminating. -Professor Diana Wilson

I want to schedule another presentation with you! Our library patrons and staff have been thoroughly impressed and pleased with your presentations in the past and we would like to start out next year with another Active Minds presentation. Thanks! -Anthony LaCombe, Senior Librarian, Bemis Public Library (Littleton)

Each lecture is very thorough with regard to the historical underpinnings of the current situations. This emphasis on context is helpful in sorting out daily news articles and television reports. You have increased my knowledge and enabled me to be more analytical about new information in these areas. -Roberta Klein

Your lecture series has much improved my quality of life. It’s been very thought provoking. Today’s lecture was excellent and no exception. -Patti Heil

We just had a couple move in who cited the Active Minds program as a key part of their decision to move here. When they saw the flier on the wall, they said, ‘Oh, you have Active Minds here! That’s wonderful! We love them.’ -Troy Dunning, Activity Director, Christian Living Clermont Park

This was my first experience with Active Minds and I am extremely impressed! It was one of the most informational, articulate, and professional lectures I have ever heard. Kudos to you! I will be returning frequently. -Maria Helgesen

This is what Denver has been missing! Thank you! I enjoyed the intellectual stimulation so often not available in our jobs and daily lives! -Jeanie Kroon

Many, many thanks for providing an outstanding program for Douglas County Libraries. The feedback from patrons was overwhelmingly positive. I truly enjoyed working with you and hope to do so again soon. -Elizabeth Kelsen-Huber, District Program Coordinator, Douglas County Libraries

Copyright © 2004-2008 Active Minds™. All rights reserved.

“Residents just love your seminars. I hear them talking about it all week long—at dinner, while playing bridge, in the elevators.”
–Facility Activity Director

“I particularly like the different points of view presented. The discussions are in depth, much more so than we get from reading the newspaper. I am thrilled you are here to make us think!”
–Active Minds™ Participant

“The seminars are so good that we plan our facility tours around them so potential residents can see that we take care of the mind as well as the body.”
–Facility Marketing Director

“Thank you for not talking down to us. It is a breath of fresh air.”
–Active Minds™ Participant

Our Story:

Our Founders:

Our Mission & Values:

Our Media Coverage:

Our Partners:

Our Feedback: