A Podcast Recommendation from Dr. Gramma Karen:
Ready, Set, College: The Health Advice Every Family Needs.
Calling all parents and grandparents: If you have family members heading off for the first time, or returning to college, you may want to listen to this podcast, “Ready, Set, College: The Health Advice Every Family Needs.”
LINK TO PODCAST
Sending a child off to college is one of life’s biggest milestones. Between shopping for dorm essentials and saying goodbye on move-in day, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important parts of the transition: your student’s health.
Heather Ouida
Co-Founder of Her Health Compass
Breast Cancer Warrior & Survivor.
Co-founder of thegameHERs & Mommybites.
Heather Ouida is a breast cancer survivor, passionate advocate, and seasoned entrepreneur dedicated to creating supportive communities that inspire change. Her personal journey through a 2024 diagnosis and recovery drives her commitment to raising awareness about early detection, comprehensive care, and empowering others navigating similar challenges.
In addition to her advocacy work, Heather is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in community building, marketing, and product development. She was the co-founder and CEO of thegameHERs, a platform devoted to empowering women gamers and fostering inclusivity in the gaming world. Heather also co-founded Mommybites, a thriving community for new and expectant moms, which she sold to a Manhattan media company in 2016. Most recently Heather extended her professional expertise to luxury travel and lifestyle services, where she serves as a Senior Consultant at KAX Lifestyle, a bespoke travel advisory.
Whether advocating for breast cancer patients, fostering community and inclusivity for women, or redefining lifestyle experiences, Heather Ouida’s work is united by her dedication to empowerment, connection, and innovation.
Yonni Wattenmaker
Co-Founder of Her Health Compass
Former Director of Breast Cancer Alliance.
Founder of Yonni Health & Wellness & Yon Appetit.
Yonni Wattenmaker served as Executive Director of Breast Cancer Alliance, a national breast cancer charity, from 2011 to 2024. During her tenure, she led efforts to advance breast cancer research, education, and patient support, establishing herself as a dedicated advocate for those impacted by the disease.
In addition to her successful career in nonprofit leadership, Yonni is the founder of Yonni Health + Wellness and the Yon Appetit health coaching program. She earned her integrative health coaching certification at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and will complete her functional nutrition certification in 2025. In recognition of her contributions, Yonni was named one of “40 Fascinating Women” by WAG Magazine in 2019 and honored as a “Woman Who Inspires” by the YWCA in 2021.
Whether advancing groundbreaking research, supporting clients, or guiding others toward healthier, more fulfilling lives, Yonni’s work reflects her belief in the power of resilience, compassion, and community to create meaningful change.
LINK TO PODCAST
In this episode, Heather and Yonni welcome Dr. Kris Bissell from UConn Student Health to discuss what every family should know before their student heads to campus.
From preventing common illnesses and recognizing signs of anxiety or depression to understanding medical privacy laws once a student turns 18, Dr. Bissell shares practical advice, expert insights, and real-world tips to help families navigate this exciting new chapter with confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for freshman year or sending a returning student back to campus, this episode offers valuable guidance that every parent will appreciate.”
Dr. Bissell studied Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University before earning her Medical Degree from the University of Connecticut. She completed Internship and Residency in Family Medicine at the University of Rochester. After practicing Primary Care for over 10 years, she joined Student Health and Wellness at UConn, where she practices today. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine and serves as an Assistant Clinical Instructor at UConn School of Medicine. She enjoys biking, rowing and spending time with her husband and 2 girls.
