About Us

At The Person Center for Education, we are dedicated to developing professionals who make a real impact in the lives they serve. Central to our mission is the belief that maintaining a person-centered approach is paramount in delivering top-tier services.

Mission

PCE exists to create and deliver transformative educational experiences to equip professionals with the strategies and skills necessary to support others. We aim to deliver development training for human services, economic development, public health, and early childhood sectors.

Vision

We envision a world where education is dynamic, relevant, and deeply personal—where individuals and frontline professionals have access to the training needed to make informed and adaptive decisions. PCE strives to create a learning environment centered on the lived experiences of those it serves.

Who Do We Serve?

PCE serves those who are on the front lines of supporting individuals in various professional capacities, helping them become more effective and impactful in their roles. Whether working in education, human services, leadership, or professional development, PCE provides learning opportunities that enhance skills, knowledge, and adaptability in a changing world. Our primary audiences include:

  • Frontline Professionals

    Professionals across various sectors including education, human services, leadership, professional development. Those who seek to magnify their impact in their roles.

  • Policymakers & Funders

    Those who influence, fund, and support initiatives that advance professional development, education, and workforce effectiveness across multiple sectors.

  • Institutions & Organizations

    Nonprofits, government agencies, financial services, and workforce development programs that need educational tools and strategies.

  • Individuals & Learners

    People seeking to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and enhance their effectiveness in their professional and personal lives.

We bring together a dynamic team of experts in adult learning, learning technology, and learning evaluation. We strive to create a culture of efficiency, efficacy, and empathy in the community of helping professionals.

Our Team of Experts

Shawn Young, MFA, MA.

For over a decade, Shawn B. Young has been dedicated to helping individuals' make changes to their financial and health behaviors through educational programs, seminars, and workshops. Through extensive research in behavioral/neuroeconomics and the long-term impacts of financial stress, he founded non-profit organizations like Frontier Asset Building (2007), Colorado Asset Building Coalition (2008), and Financial Health Institute (2012).

Shawn's innovative contributions have earned national recognition from esteemed organizations like the National Disability Institute, the Internal Revenue Service, and Forbes.com. His work has positively impacted over 55,000 individuals nationwide. As a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer for dozens of agencies, Shawn has been featured at notable events including those hosted by AARP Colorado and the National Head Start Association. Holding Master’s Degrees from the University of Arkansas and Michigan State University, Shawn is a published author on several financial help books and a well-established Education Program Specialist.

Joanne McLain, PhD.

Joanne McLain facilitates stories through writing, art, curriculum design, coaching and counseling. She has over thirty years of experience working with people to help them gain skills to create the life they want to live. She designs curriculum for online, in person, and blended courses. Her experience includes six years with a rural Department of Human Services, where she was the Deputy Director and managed family programs including services for families involved in child welfare, adult protection, and all benefits programs.

She has been a mental health and substance abuse counselor in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, private practice, nursing homes, a volunteer fire department, emergency rooms, and inpatient units. Joanne has a Master’s Degree in Psychology, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Addictions Counselor and an Accredited Financial Counselor. She also earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Innovation from the University of Colorado Denver.