Carol Huegel
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm a wife, mom of 3 daughters, Gigi (grandmother) to 4. I grew up in Orlando, FL and moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida (Go Gators!) I met my husband at UF and we raised our family in Gainesville. Our oldest daughter attended UF also, but our twins went to Penn, and as a result for past 13 years have lived half year each in FL (current FL home in Safety Harbor) and Center City Philadelphia. I'm a physical therapist and currently work multiple part time jobs seeing patients, providing telehealth, consulting and teaching. My favorite therapy treatments are aquatic therapy and hippotherapy (use of the horse).
What brought you to Women’s Connection Coast to Coast?
I have joined the Philadelphia Chapter but there is no Chapter currently in Safety Harbor (between Tampa and Clearwater.)
What transition are you anticipating going through or contemplating?
I feel my life has been in a state of transition since we began living half the time in Philadelphia, and it hasn't gotten any easier.
What advice do you have for Coast to Coast members who are considering a career change?
If you feel passionate about something, I encourage you to go for it.
What advice do you have for Coast to Coast members who are planning to retire?
I'm afraid I don't, as I never personally want to fully retire.
How do you have fun?
I love to travel, read, walk for miles, spend time with family and friends, eat out at great restaurants, and I still find most of my work to be fun.
What have you learned from all the transitions that you have experienced in life so far?
Always be open to learning
What new things do you want to explore?
I would like to travel more. I would like to take art classes like I did when I was a kid.
Describe a personal transformation you are most proud of and why?
The fact that I agreed to move north (from FL) for even half the year and to live within the city rather than in the suburbs was a serious challenge for me that has really made me step out of my comfort zone time and time again.
What do you love most about the place where you are currently living?
Philadelphia is so rich in history and it seems I am always learning something! Safety Harbor is on Tampa Bay and is a beautiful area. Safety Harbor was named by USA Today this year a Top 10 Small Town and a Top 10 Main Street.
What keeps you engaged and vibrant?
Work, grandkids, webinars to learn professionally and personally, opportunities to meet new people, travel
What are your passion projects?
American Hippotherapy Association, Inc - educating therapists both nationally and internationally how to incorporate horses into treatment – I am a faculty member.
What is next on the horizon or what are you enjoying in the present moment?
Just got back from family vacation in North Georgia on Lake Chatuge – we’ve gone most years for the past 40 years and it never gets old! Have a Panama Canal cruise scheduled for the Fall.
What motto do you live by or what quote inspires you?
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. (Maya Angelou)
What fun fact about yourself would you like to share?
I had the opportunity to travel to Dubai early this year to teach the first course ever offered there in hippotherapy. (Thus, the pics I’ve shared.)
What’s one unique skill and talent you have that only your closest friends know about you?
My grandkids think it's amazing I can burp "on command.”
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to who you were ten years ago?
Don't stress over what you can't control
How do you keep your vitality?
Exercise, walking, working with babies and young children, teaching new therapists
Can you share what it has been like for you to be a member of a chapter that meets virtually?
I've just begun as a member and I’m looking forward to it.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I look forward to making new connections!