In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Sarah Gallahan, a talented muralist whose artwork is transforming communities, one building at a time. Over the past 7 years, Sarah’s business has flourished as she continues to paint vibrant, large-scale murals on the sides of buildings, both locally and in surrounding areas. We’ll explore her journey from a passionate artist to a thriving business owner, and how she turned her love for art into a career she adores. Sarah paints every mural freehand, bringing a personal and creative touch to each piece that leaves a lasting impact on the community. Tune in to hear how she’s using art to inspire and uplift neighborhoods, and the challenges and triumphs she’s faced along the way. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

 In this episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," I sit down with Vicki Harris-Williams, the visionary behind A Safe Haven for Seniors, an invaluable resource providing expert guidance to families of elderly members at no cost. Vicki dives into the crucial role her business plays in filling the existing gaps within the senior care industry. She sheds light on how many families struggle to navigate the complex landscape of available resources for aging parents and how her initiative helps ease this burden. By offering personalized advice and support, Vicki and her team empower families to make informed decisions, ensuring their elderly loved ones receive the care and dignity they deserve. Join us as we explore the heart and dedication behind A Safe Haven for Seniors, and learn how compassion and expertise can transform challenges into pathways of care and support. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

 Join us on this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon as we explore the life of Laura Bergmann, an exceptional athlete and the founder of Fascia Lines. Laura shares her compelling journey of overcoming significant health challenges through a holistic understanding of the body's interconnectedness. Her passion for helping others led her to start Fascia Lines, where she harnesses her deep knowledge to aid in her own recovery and ascend to becoming an award-winning athlete. Beyond her personal triumphs, Laura is dedicated to empowering women, particularly those recovering from breast cancer and surgeries like C-sections. Through her innovative approach to strengthening and healing muscles and tissues, Laura helps women reclaim their strength and lead pain-free lives. Tune in to hear how Laura transformed her trials into triumphs and how she's changing lives by promoting comprehensive physical healing. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," we sit down with Terin Fetty, the inspiring force behind Sky Climb Sensory Development Center. Terin recognized a critical need to support children facing various challenges and dedicated her career to uncovering their potential through occupational therapy. Taking a leap of faith, she opened her own business, specializing in a collaborative approach to therapy that blends innovative methods within a sensory-rich environment.

Terin works with children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, learning disabilities, and more. Her focus is on solutions, not labels, providing a customized approach to each child's unique challenges. This holistic strategy ensures that not only the child but the entire family thrives.

Join us as Terin shares her passion for helping children climb higher and discover their potential, highlighting her journey and the transformative impact of her work.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this inspiring episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," we sit down with Abby Rodriguez, Marketing Director at Shenandoah Valley Orthodontics and a spirited DJ, who shares her compelling journey through adversity. Abby opens up about how maintaining a positive attitude was pivotal in navigating the challenges of being a single mother and overcoming a personal tragedy. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of a smile and a positive outlook, which not only propelled her career forward but also established her as a beacon of hope and positivity. Join us as Abby discusses her passion for lifting spirits through music and her dedication to being a role model, reminding us all of the joy and resilience that a simple smile can bring. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," we dive into the heartwarming world of aging actively and healthily with special guests Rachael Hite and Leila Orndorff. Both Rachael and Leila are dedicated to enhancing the lives of the elderly through innovative programs at Westminster Canterbury Shenandoah Valley. They share their experiences and the unique challenges they face in creating environments that not only support but also encourage an active lifestyle for their residents.

Throughout our conversation, Rachael and Leila highlight several programs designed to integrate physical activity, social engagement, and mental stimulation into daily routines. They emphasize the importance of community involvement and how they facilitate connections between residents and local activities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and productive life.

Listeners will gain insights into the thoughtful approaches Rachael and Leila employ to combat the common misconceptions about aging. By fostering a culture of health and activity, they help break down the barriers that often sideline the elderly. This episode is not just about the initiatives at Westminster Canterbury but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for families and caregivers looking to encourage a vibrant lifestyle for their aging loved ones.

4

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this heartfelt episode of 'Keeping it Real with Sharon,' we sit down with Kathy Nerangis, a pillar of the Winchester community and a visionary business leader. Kathy opens up about the early days with her husband Nick, when they took a daring leap of faith to open Winchester’s very first McDonald’s franchise. Facing numerous challenges, their persistence and unwavering dedication not only overcame these hurdles but also paved the way for expansion into multiple franchises. Kathy shares the story of how their family business grew, their ongoing commitment to community support, and the enduring impact of their entrepreneurial spirit. Join us as we explore the journey of struggle, success, and community engagement that defines Kathy and Nick's legacy. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, we have the honor of interviewing Dr. Mercedes Abbet, the Executive Director of the Sinclair Health Clinic in Winchester, VA. Dr. Abbet's inspiring journey began in Argentina, where she embarked on her medical career. Seeking new opportunities and driven by a desire for change, she moved to the United States.

Upon entering the U.S. medical field, Dr. Abbet identified a critical gap in the healthcare system: minorities often struggled to access quality medical care. This realization ignited her passion for helping those in need, shaping her career and leading her to her current role at the Sinclair Health Clinic.

Join us as Dr. Abbet shares her remarkable story of resilience, purpose, and dedication. Learn how her commitment to serving underserved communities has made a profound impact, and discover the driving forces behind her leadership at the Sinclair Health Clinic. This episode is a testament to the power of following one's passion and purpose in creating meaningful change.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Join us in this inspiring episode of our podcast as we sit down with Alex Vidal, President of ERA Real Estate, a leader in global real estate located in 30 countries with over 40,000 agents. With no college degree, Alex's extraordinary journey to the top is a testament to the power of setting goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and harboring a relentless passion for success. In our conversation, Alex shares the pivotal moments and key decisions that shaped his career and life. Moreover, as a recent Ironman athlete, he discusses how the discipline and endurance required in sports translate into his business practices. Don't miss this deep dive into the life of a true visionary who builds success one goal at a time.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Wendy Werner, the past executive director, and Courtney McCalley, the newly appointed executive director of Friday's Child Adoption Services. Together, they explore the multifaceted world of adoption, discussing various scenarios and educational approaches for children of all ages. Wendy and Courtney provide an insider’s view on the meticulous steps involved in placing a child with a waiting family, emphasizing the profound impact of each placement. Both directors share heartfelt reflections on their roles and express their deep honor in being part of such transformative moments in people's lives. Join us as we delve into the challenges, rewards, and profound emotions that shape the journey of adoption at Friday's Child.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download