Changing the World One School at a Time: Nancy Easton's Journey

In this wellness podcast episode, Marion Roaman speaks with Nancy Easton, the founder of Wellness in the Schools. Nancy shares about her journey from a blissful childhood in Florida to becoming a leader in promoting health and fitness in schools. Nancy talks about her early experiences with social injustice, her passion for education, and the inspiration behind her nonprofit work. The discussion highlights the importance of community, education, and the impact of sports on youth development.

Takeaways:

Nancy Easton founded Wellness in the Schools to promote health in schools.
Her childhood in Florida shaped her love for fitness and community.
She became aware of social injustices at a young age.
Education was always her passion, leading her to become a teacher.
Nancy believes in the power of sports to provide opportunities for youth.
Her experiences in Japan influenced her perspective on education.
Nancy's family background played a significant role in her values.
She aims to make a difference in children's lives through nutrition and fitness.
The narrative of life is often not as perfect as it seems.
Nancy Easton started a school called the Learning Project in Manhattan.
The school faced challenges due to its location and the community's struggles.
Nancy reflects on the shame of the school's closure and the lessons learned.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in children's ability to learn effectively.
The idea for Wellness in Schools emerged from her experiences in education.
Building a nonprofit required collaboration with other passionate parents.
The program aimed to provide healthy meals and educate children about nutrition.
Partnerships with culinary schools became a key strategy for improving school meals.
Community involvement was essential for the program's success.
Simple ideas can lead to significant changes in children's health and education.
WITS focuses on training humans to create systemic change.
Change happens through human connections and collaboration.
The importance of scratch cooking in school nutrition.
Funding and resources are crucial for program sustainability.
Education components enhance the effectiveness of nutrition programs.
Partnerships with school districts are essential for success.
Innovative recipes can engage children in healthy eating.
Fitness programs are integrated into school environments.
User-friendly platforms are key for program implementation.
Feedback from schools is vital for continuous improvement.
The fitness program's success is a team effort.
Changing the narrative on health and wellness is crucial.
School meals are often perceived as unhealthy, but there are positive examples.
Scratchworks helps districts improve their food quality without judgment.
Community support is essential for food service directors.
Education can be a rewarding but challenging profession.
New moms should give themselves grace and not strive for perfection.
Being present in both work and family life is important.
Success is about making a difference, not just financial gain.
Everyone deserves the pursuit of happiness, regardless of their circumstances.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nancy Easton and Her Journey
04:01 Childhood Influences and Early Awareness of Social Issues
11:55 Education and the Path to Teaching
17:59 Transitioning to Wellness in the Schools
23:00 Reflections on Life's Journey and Future Aspirations
23:43 The Birth of a School: A Personal Journey
25:04 Facing Challenges: The Reality of Running a School
27:01 Lessons from Failure: Reflections on a Closed School
28:26 The Impact of Nutrition on Education
30:05 Creating Change: The Start of Wellness in Schools
32:55 Building a Nonprofit: The Foundation of Wellness in Schools
39:28 Expanding Horizons: Growing the Program
46:47 Innovative Solutions: Culinary School Partnerships
49:13 The Human Element in Systemic Change
52:32 Balancing Passion and Resources
54:16 Navigating Growth and Partnerships

Find Nancy Easton:
⁠https://www.wellnessintheschools.org/⁠
⁠  / ⁠