Connect by Story

"Attitude is Everything" has been the slogan at Palo Verde Elementary School for a very long time. I would know, because that is where my siblings and I attended K-8th grade. Julie Anne Garcia is the youngest of 4 and is my baby sister.As a student at Palo Verde, Julie found her passion to one day become an elementary school teacher. It all started for her in the first grade.Listen in to the Season 1 final episode as Julie takes us on her journey to becoming a teacher, the changes and challenges that she is currently facing as a teacher, and her positive perspective on overcoming difficult situations.I hope you enjoy.See you in 2021 for Season 2!!

From Buckeye farm boy to Buckeye restaurant owner and City Councilmen, Tony Youngker has a beautiful story. Facing adversity and overcoming obstacles helped shape Tony into who he is today. And the future is looking very bright based on the plans he has in store for his restaurant.Listen in as Tony opens up about his childhood, his passions and his dream.I hope you enjoy!

Just in time for Father's Day weekend, this episode is a sit down with my Uncle, Jerry Kerr. In this sit down we share stories about a very important man in our family; John Kerr. Uncle Jerry opens up about my Grandpa Johnny and shares beautiful stories on what it was like to have him for a dad. I end this episode by sharing stories of my own about sweet Grandpa Johnny. We laugh, we cry, we open up and we connect over stories about a man who was incredibly special to us both, and to many others.And I would like to wish all the dads a heartfelt "Happy Father's Day"!! I hope you enjoy.

Focus, determination, challenges and perseverance are the words that come to mind when I think of these two strong, kind and beautiful African American sisters.In this episode, Terri and Shantel open up about the struggles they endured at home and at school while growing up. They talk about how they stayed driven to succeed even when the odds were stacked against them.We even discuss, what I call, "uncomfortable White girl questions", which provided me with insight to some experiences they have had due to the color of their skin.Their story encourages me. Their experiences enlighten me.I hope you enjoy!

Sherry puts on her Agriculture hat for this episode! She shares her journey through Farm Bureau and her appreciation for their stellar leadership programs. Sherry also leaves a heartwarming message of encouragement for us all.I would love to hear from YOU! Send an email to:Connectbystory@gmail.comPlease share positive and uplifting stories and experiences you have had during this COVID-19 pandemic. I hope to hear from you!SHOW NOTES:Please click on the links below to be directed to the websites for more information.American Farm Bureau:https://www.fb.org/Ag in the Classroom:https://www.azfb.org/Programs/Agriculture-in-the-ClassroomArizona Farm Bureau:https://www.azfb.org/

What a treat to sit down with my dear friend, Sherry Saylor. In this episode, Sherry shares stories from her childhood and also gives us an inside glimpse of the hard work and incredible lengths her elementary school is going to make sure their students, teachers and parents are taken care of during school closures due to COVID-19.Sherry always has a way of lifting me up and I hope you find encouragement and connection with her as well. Part 2 with Sherry is coming next and you won't want to miss it as she shares about her experience in leadership roles and gives an encouraging message for everyone.SHOW NOTES:I want to hear from YOU! I am asking you to email positive and encouraging stories that you have experienced during this COVID-19 pandemic. I would love to feature some of the stories on a few of the upcoming episodes. I look forward to hearing from you!*Please email me at:  ConnectByStory@gmail.comFor more information on resources and organizations mentioned, please click on the links below.Buckeye Elementary School District:https://besd33.org/All Faith Community Services:https://www.allfaithcsaz.com/Buckeye Super Heroes:http://buckeyesuperheroes.org/

A very special episode just in time for Mother's Day! I had the honor of sitting down with my mom, Sine Kerr, and recorded stories about her grandmother, her mother and about her own journey to motherhood. You won't want to miss the heartwarming stories she shares. It was such a treat to connect with my mom in this way. Hopefully, you'll find a connection as well. Hope you enjoy!

Welcome to the Connect by Story podcast! My name is Erin Kuiper and I am so glad you are here.We are all built for connection and relationship. Sharing stories has always been a way for people to connect.Join me on this journey as I gather stories from people I have known my whole life and from people I have just met. I believe strongly that, with hearts open, we can all learn and grow from one another's stories.This podcast will be raw, real and authentic. I can't wait to get started!