Meet the Team

Ferg is an educator, psychophysics researcher, and artist. She has five college degrees a Bachelor of Fine Art, a Master of Arts, a Master of Integrated Sciences in psychology and mathematics, a Master of Global Affairs in international education and a PhD in Curriculum Studies & Teaching. She has written new mathematics: Intellectual Property, a geometric proof, “Identify the Human’s Pleasing Unconditional Response to Dynamic Symmetry,” reference case number CU1192D, contact Kate Tallman, Licensing Associate, Technology Transfer Office, University of Colorado at Boulder. Learn more HERE.

Robben is the owner of Robben Marketing Solutions, a content marketing agency specializing in social media, where she has worked with more than 100 businesses. She graduated from CU Boulder in 2021 with a degree in journalism, but it was soon after that she realized marketing was more her cup of tea. She started working in coordinator roles for an EDA grant and the Southern Colorado Small Business Development Center. That's when she saw a need for small businesses who wanted to grow their companies digitally.  As a result, Robben Marketing Solutions was created and, within 3 months of launching, became a partner in a second EDA grant. This is when she started mentoring and providing consultation for 60 businesses within the first year and a half of running her company. Many of those businesses turned into retainer clients and freelance projects, including Gallery San Isabel.

 Dante Bartolo earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration at Colorado State University Pueblo. While enrolled at the university, he served in the Thomas V. Healy Center for Business and Economic Research conducting economic studies and organizing the annual Southern Colorado Entrepreneurship Competition. In 2020, he co-founded Our Pueblo, a marketing company dedicated to promoting local businesses and sharing positive Pueblo content. He served as the Business Development Coordinator for the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce, organizing special events, developing workshops, and managing various projects to benefit members. Dante is also involved in his family business, Anthony’s Paper Supply, where he generates and fulfills orders of paper, janitorial, and food service supplies. In high school, Dante co-founded Bulldogs For Change, a community service organization dedicated to spreading kindness. Each year Bulldogs For Change provides the Expression of Care Scholarship to a local Pueblo high school senior planning to attend college. He co-organizes Startup Pueblo, a community of entrepreneurs and businesspeople that meet monthly to learn from a speaker and network. Dante enjoys playing sports with his friends, spending time with family, and being out in his community. 

Pueblo West Martial Arts is a premier martial arts school committed to providing top-quality Taekwondo training for students of all ages and skill levels. Founded and led by Laura Barkus, a 3rd-Dan Black Belt with nearly two decades of experience, we take pride in offering a dynamic and supportive environment where individuals can build physical strength, confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills. Since 2006, instructor Barkus has been dedicated to the art of Taekwondo, continually honing their expertise and passion for teaching. At Pueblo West Martial Arts, we believe martial arts is not just about physical technique but also personal growth. Our mission is to empower our students to excel both on and off the mat, fostering life skills such as respect, perseverance, and leadership.We offer a wide range of programs designed for kids, teens, and adults, from beginners to advanced. Whether you're looking to stay fit, learn self-defense, or develop discipline and focus, Pueblo West Martial Arts is the place to achieve your goals in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.