When asked Ginger Gearhart what kept her in her career for so long, her response is what you’d hope all educator’s response would be. “Hands down, my answer would be the INCREDIBLE students I have had the pleasure and privilege of teaching over these past 34 years.”

That’s Virginia “Ginger” Gearhart in a nutshell. She loves her students and even continued to be a substitute teacher after retirement. Her retirement wasn’t a choice, unfortunately it was a requirement. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2012. Sadly, she had to have six months of weekly chemotherapy and a radical double mastectomy in October of 2012. Ginger’s energy level was completely zapped. She could not give her students the usual 150% each day, so reluctantly she had to make the decision to retire.

Being an educator is a labor of love for Ginger and you can hear it throughout the podcast.

Phone: 540-898-4445

What do you do when life takes an unexpected turn? You step back, close your eyes, take a deep breath and allow yourself to dream of all the possibilities. That is exactly what Jacqueline did as a result of being downsized after 27 years at her last company and ending a career of 30 years within the Pharmaceutical Industry. After four days of contemplating the option of taking another position or a retirement package, she opted for the latter. On day five, she said to her husband “I am stepping out on faith. There has to be something else for me to do”. Thus began Jacqueline’s journey in appreciating the true power of faith and life lessons that come with accepting the unexpected.

My journey allowed me to realize my passions and begin taking steps to pursue my purpose.

– Jacqueline Robinson

Jacqueline started Retire and Reinvent as a result of two questions: “How are you doing after retiring?”and “Can I talk to you because I am thinking about what I want to do next?”. She is passionate about helping people become the person they were meant to be and live life at their best. After becoming a Certified Seminar Leader through the American Seminar Leaders Association and developed “Passion & Purpose: A Guide to Rewriting Life after Retirement”. The goal of the seminar is to help you define your passions and let them guide you to your purpose.

Website: http://www.retireandreinvent.com/

With a career spanning many years, Maryanne G. Courtney started out as a psychology major at Ohio University. In the midst of trying to figure out what she was going to do with that degree, she realized her true desire was to make a positive mark in a young person’s life. Similar to one that a high school teacher made on her’s. From there she went on to pursue her degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities.

Maryanne has taught all levels of education ranging from pre-school to 21 year olds and still gets teary-eyed telling stories about their accomplishments.

Gillian (Jill) Karatinos, M.D. is Board Certified in General Psychiatry and in the subspecialty of Neuropsychiatry. She has special interests in manic depression, couples therapy, women’s issues, psychopharmacology, head injury, and syndromes where medical and psychiatric problems overlap. A special area of focus is in managing medications for both general medical and for psychiatric problems. She currently does only outpatient treatment. Dr. Karatinos passed the ten year recertification exam given in February 2014 by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with an excellent score. Fifteen major subdivisions of psychiatry were tested.

Website: http://www.jillkaratinosmd.com/

THE ROLE OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM IN PSYCHIATRY, 2ND EDITION

Life-long learning is her passion. Dr. Carrie Register-Haley’s career includes retirement from the Army after almost 21 years of service and nine years with Department of Defense, working in Human Resources. This career-path has led to a life of living and learning in other countries, embracing diversity and a love of travel.

Website: http://www.roi-coaching.com/

“The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides us with a sense of destination and the energy to get started.”

All the medical advancements are phenomenal, have helped so many people, and the continued research keeps updating our knowledge. But we need to also take a common sense approach to our health and well being. This blog was started because I want to encourage people to be more engaged and thoughtful about their health. Don’t take it for granted.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer twice…8 years apart. A rare benign brain tumor (a vestibular schwannoma) was discovered 3 years after the first cancer. The tumor is slow growing but required treatment because of the size when found. This will be monitored the rest of my life and, hopefully, can stay away from surgery.

Those that know me best have been surprised at the health issues I’ve encountered…I always ate right and exercised regularly (still do!). Don’t ignore your instincts, especially if diagnosed with a major medical condition…do your research and due diligence. Be a part of the solution. There is hope.

Website: http://brigittecutshall.com/

Cindy Marvin is a parenting coach, educator, speaker and founder of Repairenting, LLC. Her mission is to help families reconnect and begin to enjoy their time with one another by bringing harmony back home. Through her ability to deeply listen without judgment and create a safe environment, Cindy helps families create positive changes in their lives that have dramatic lasting effects for years to come.

Website: http://repairentingllc.com/

Diana’s story is one that starts in the family business.  She began her career when she was first able to harvest produce with her family, by picking onions.   Even to this day, she is out picking and harvesting with packers or pickers.  She takes pride in participating with them day in and day out.

“I Look Forward to Igniting Your Inner and Outer Beauty!”

Brenda’s singing career began at the age of 14. She sang in her hometown church whenever she was given the opportunity. It was then, she realized this was her hearts desire to share her God given talent with the world, which also led to performing in local and state fairs, weddings, events of all kinds and singing the National Anthem for minor league baseball games.

In 1986, she received the talent award and the volunteer service award for the Miss T.E.E.N. Pageant. Brenda has also participated in and won numerous vocal contests locally and have sung with various gospel groups and bands in and around her hometown.

Since 1998, Brenda has been actively involved in her local church Easter Drama “His Story” at Virginia Avenue Church of God for 15 years.

In August 2006, Brenda was selected to perform in the “Nashville Music Network Showcase”, held at “The Gibson” in Nashville, TN . She also won Director’s Award for her Songwriting skill “Truck Drivin’ Man”.

November 2006 she was selected to participate in the “USA World Showcase” in Las Vegas, Nevada, held at the “MGM Grand Hotel” and placed First Female Vocalist in the Gospel Division. It was televised on National PAXTV.

May 2007 & 2008 Brenda had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for the WNBA at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC for two consecutive years.

Brenda also has been singing for the Open Ceremonies for IBR & PBR Rodeos and AIFA & CIFA Games numerous times.

In July 2007 & July 2008, Brenda auditioned for the “Colgate Country Showdown” and was selected as one of the twelve (out of 60 auditions) for two consecutive years, held at the Cancun Cantina West in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Brenda continues to express her God-given talent through song and prays she will continue to be an inspiration to the lives of many.

Website: http://brendaeyler.com/

The owner and broker, Patty Vergano, began her career in 1987 and has successfully built County Cottage as a highly reputable organization of friendly professionals you can trust. This family owned and operated company has established the trust of many returning clients.

Website: http://www.countycottagerealtyllc.com/