Audra McNicholas was born and raised on a small ranch in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. She attended Colorado Mesa University (CMU), where she served as a CMU Ambassador and competed on the CMU Rodeo Team. Audra graduated with honors obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree with an Elementary Education endorsement. Following graduation, Audra taught kindergarten and first grade and worked as a certified Reading Recovery Specialist. 

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In 2009, after being crowned the 54th Miss Rodeo Colorado (MRC) at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado Audra went on to represent Colorado at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, placing as a Top 10 finalist. 

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During her reign as MRC, Audra met her husband, Sean McNicholas, President and Owner of SSA Group. She and Sean currently live in Greenwood Village,  Colorado with their two daughters and son. 

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In addition to being a busy mom and supporting her husband in his many corporate endeavors, Audra continues to model for several companies and serve on a number of community boards and committees, including the National Western Stock Show. She also enjoys coaching young girls for pageants and teaching horseback riding lessons and clinics. 

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In 2018, Audra founded the non-profit, McNicholas Miniatures. The organization’s miniature therapy horses provide mobile therapeutic benefits to children and adults through horse-assisted activities and visits in a variety of settings including schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice facilities.  

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Despite her busy schedule, Audra remains actively involved in the world of horses as a member of the Colorado Stars and Stripes riding team and as a civilian volunteer for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's mounted unit.