151: Leading with Love: Jan Plourde's Inspiring Journey with the REAL Program

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jan Plourde, the founder of the REAL Program. Discover how Jan's passion for education and community service led her to create a program that impacts countless lives. Learn about the challenges she faced, the triumphs she celebrated, and how leading with love became her guiding principle.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Introduction to Jan Plourde and the REAL Program: Background on Jan's career and the inception of the REAL Program.

* Challenges and Triumphs: Insights into the obstacles Jan encountered and how she overcame them.

* The Power of Community: How the REAL Program fosters community involvement and support.

* Leading with Love: Jan's philosophy on leadership and how love plays a crucial role in her approach.

* Impact Stories: Real-life stories of individuals who have been positively affected by the REAL Program.

* Future Vision: Jan's aspirations for the future of the REAL Program and her ongoing commitment to education and community service. 

MEET JAN:

Jan Plourde, M. Ed., founder and Executive Director, has over 40 years of experience as an educator, non-profit and business leader. As founder of First Friends Daycare, The Learning Tree Store, Fulton Publishing/Developmental Teaching, LLC and early childhood professor at North Shore Community College Jan employs a community-based approach to improving the lives of children and young adults. This community-based approach is a basic tenet of The REAL Program.

Notable Quotes

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." – Jan Plourde

"When you lead with love, you create an environment where everyone can thrive." – Jan Plourde

Call to Action:

* Visit the REAL Program Website: Learn more about the program, volunteer opportunities, and how you can contribute.

* Connect with Jan: Follow her journey and get inspired by her work in education and community building.

Additional Resources:

The REAL Program Website - Explore more about the program's mission and impact. https://www.therealprogram.org/

Jan Plourde's Contact Information - [email protected]

Starting Small Preschool - https://www.therealprogram.org/starting-small

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• WEBSITE: www.outdoor-classrooms.com
• EMAIL: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/
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OUTDOOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES:

• The Outdoor Classrooms CIRCLE Membership
• Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program
• Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck

Thank You for Listening!

We appreciate your support and dedication to enhancing outdoor education. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes.