Joyful Journeys

This week, we're excited to welcome Lisa Hershaft from Fairfax County Public Schools to discuss the importance of friendships! As a Social Worker, Lisa dives into how kids build friendships, what makes a good friend, and how the digital age and life post-pandemic have shaped the way kids communicate. She also offers practical tips for helping kids create positive social circles and safely navigate...

Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Communication with Teaira Abston In this episode, Teaira Abston, founder of Dreamcatcher Creative Studio, shares her expertise on mastering communication. From active listening to boosting emotional intelligence, she breaks down the essential skills for avoiding miscommunication and building strong connections. As a branding expert helping women entrepreneurs, Te...

On this episode of Joyful Journeys , we’re joined by Ali Newman, marketing professional and GOTR NOVA Coach, to explore the topic of conflict resolution. Ali shares her top tip: 'Stay curious.' She explains how approaching conflict with curiosity, rather than judgment, can lead to more effective and empathetic resolutions.

This week, we’re joined by Rona Jobe, CEO and Founder of LVL-Up Strategies, a strategic consulting firm empowering small businesses to reach their goals. Rona lives and breathes goal setting—whether for LVL-Up Strategies or her clients—and she’s here to share her top insights with you! Her #1 piece of advice? “ Allow yourself to dream! ”

We’re joined by local entrepreneur and GOTR supermom, Tanya Jaklis, to chat all things self-awareness! From sparking curiosity to mastering communication skills, Tanya dives into why it’s so crucial to help kids build these core foundations. The best part? The stronger those skills are now, the stronger they’ll be as they grow!

The wait is over, and we're rowing into a brand-new season of #JoyfulJourneys! Kicking things off with the incredible Claire Collins, American rower who recently represented Team USA at the Paris Olympics!   Get ready for some behind-the-scenes Olympic village vibes and a peek at how she unknowingly channels her inner GOTR spirit in every practice and competition.

As our Joyful Journeys mini-series wraps up in honor of Women's Equality Day, we're thrilled to spotlight three powerhouse women: Kristie Kelly, Sienna Britt, and Jazmyne Claggett of the DC Divas! Tune in as they share their experiences navigating professional careers in male-dominated fields and excelling in a sport traditionally dominated by men. These trailblazers shine a light on the hurdles t...

Trailblazers in action! Cheryl Long and Carly Hutchison from the Arlington Fire Department are breaking barriers and inspiring young girls to follow their passions, no matter the field. Their unique perspectives as women in a male-dominated industry are making a big difference!

Meet Kera Drabick, who traded in event planning for a hard hat and a supportive sisterhood! As a proud member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), she's here to share her journey of empowerment and breaking barriers in the construction industry. Tune in to hear her take on why men may populate the field, but they sure don't dominate it!

Meet Shanika McCloud: a powerhouse in the financial world, defying the odds in a male-dominated industry. Tune in to hear how Shanika offers a fresh perspective on financial advising, empowering women to take control of their financial futures. 

Meet Shauna Moller: a trailblazing Manassas City Police Officer and inspiring Girls on the Run Coach! Tune in to hear her unique journey as a female officer breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Discover how her passion for community led to the start of a GOTR team powered by the dedication of police officers! 

It is the final week of the spring 2024 Girls on the Run season and as our participants are preparing for the big celebration this weekend, we are joined by Nicol and Nia to chat about goals! Goal setting is a large part of Girls on the Run, whether the participants realize it or not! They set and evaluate their goals EVERY practice by setting a lap goal and then reflecting on it at the end of pra...

Northern Virginia native Danielle Craddock shares about the nonprofit Girls Inspired & Ready to Lead, Inc. (GIRL), which she founded in 2010, and the book she recently published. Danielle supports high school-aged girls in finding their career path through different experiences and events. She is a big believer in learning through services and talks about the community service projects her tee...

City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine S. Read joins us this week to discuss the impact youth have in the community, American Civil Rights leader Barbara Johns, and key skills we should all master.  Not everyone knows Barbara Johns, but she was an important historical figure. Listen to why Mayor Read believes her story is so impactful and important for today's youth to learn. Key skills we should all wor...

In this episode we are joined by Vineeth Lagouit, Principal at Loch Lomond Elementary School in Manassas, Virginia. Vineeth highlights the school's rich diversity, sharing how it fosters unity among its members. She also emphasizes how the school strives to be more than just an academic center, aiming to make it a place for everyone in the community. The Girls on the Run team at Loch Lomond is jus...

Abby Drexler, GOTR NOVA alumni and SoleMate, joins us this week to talk about the importance and power of friendship! Abby recently completed the Marine Corps Marathon as a GOTR NOVA SoleMate (you can too, visit www.gotrnova.org/SoleMates) and shares her experience from the beginning to the end, with a sweet story along the way.

Marie Hamilton, President of P.S. You Are Fabulous joins us on #JoyfulJourneys this week to share about the importance of embracing our individuality and being true to ourselves.   Marie has turned her passion for fashion into her mission to enrich the lives of the blind, visually impaired, and disabled so they may become the best version of themselves through fashion.   Listen in to hear why it i...

Hannah Flanders is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and GOTR NOVA Coach. In this episode, she talks to us about the importance of teaching and understanding emotions and feelings! Listen in for: Hannah's tips to help kids express their feelings Her thoughts on anger as a secondary emotion Her most significant piece of advice on how to support kids

This week our program participants are learning that all bodies rock and we Ashleigh Aviles, creator of Empowered with Ash, which focuses on helping women become confident through different aspects of health and fitness. Follow along to catch why Ashleigh believes it is critical for young girls to practice a positive mindset.

This week is all about finding our happy pace in every aspect of life! Listen in for the 3 daily tasks Kristen completes to bring balance to her life.

This week we are chatting with GOTR NOVA Alumni, current Junior Coach, and Coach Advisory Council member, Jenna Jumaili!