In this episode we speak with the co-founders of Gr8ful Connections, Heather Dugdale and Stephanie Kowack. We explore the power of gratitude, the importance of being connected with your local community, and about the wonderful work they are doing with their organization.

 























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Stephanie Kowack and Heather Dugdale

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SHOW NOTES:

BIOS:

Heather Dugdale is a mom of three teenage daughters at Earl Warren Middle School and Torrey Pines High School.  She calls herself a never-at-home mom who is usually out and about at her children’s schools and various volunteer endeavors.  She is currently the PTSA President at Earl Warren and President of the North Coastal Council of PTA’s along with several other roles with the San Dieguito School District and her children’s sports teams.  Heather is also a proud Girl Scout mom, and member of the National Charity League San Dieguito Chapter. In a former life Heather earned the professional credentials of Juris Doctor and Certified Fundraising Executive.  Every once in a while, Heather uses her credentials to assist non-profit organizations with strategic planning and fundraising. After peeling away all the layers of “titles and roles”, Heather is most proud of and grateful for her role co-parenting three girls with an incredibly supportive husband and a growing village of people whose only goal is the health, happiness and wellness of all of our kids – hence her co-founding role in “Gr8ful Connections”.

Stephanie Kowack has been focused on health and wellness in our community in various leadership roles over the past ten years.  Stephanie has served in several PTA roles including President at Carmel Valley Middle School and Solana Pacific Elementary School.  Currently, Stephanie is the VP of Health and Safety with the North Coastal Council of PTA's, representing 23 schools, and she serves on the Wellness committee at CCA and at the San Dieguito District level. Stephanie is also a mom of three teens, with her oldest daughter in her sophomore year at UC Santa Cruz.  She has a senior daughter and a junior son at CCA.  Stephanie co-founded "Gr8ful Connections" with the mission of making meaningful connections for a lasting impact in our community.  This passion project is just beginning and our goal is to host community parent forums to address concerns like social media and stress and anxiety, while building connections between local resources and our families.  Our focus is positivity and gratitude, a place to be open and real without judgment. 

OTHER RESOURCES:

• https://www.gr8fulconnections.com/

CREDITS:

Intro and Outro Song: The Soft Pack - Mexico