LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Gretchen Bradvica was nominated by Marina Porter, a member of the community.

"I met Gretchen about three years ago, when my stepdaughter briefly attended Balboa Middle School," said Porter. "She was assigned as my stepdaughter's guidance counselor and really connected with her in a way that no other school educator had been able to...My stepdaughter felt really comfortable with her. Gretchen creates a safe space, and my daughter gained so many useful tools that have helped her.

Ms. Bradvica facilitates a teen Al-Anon group at the school for students with parents who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. She's particularly concerned with students who are living in homes where abuse, neglect, and heavy drinking/drug use is occurring, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Gretchen is doing as much as she can to stay connected with students during this time. She's supporting them both academically and emotionally from the mandated social distance," said Porter. "Her genuine concern for these students, along with her desire to want to give them a safe space to be in instead of home, resonated strongly with me. We both really connected on the 'ripple effect' that these efforts have on our upcoming generation of leaders."

Ms. Bradvica started her career as a teacher. She's in her current position because of how much more impactful she can be helping her students navigate really difficult home situations. Students adore her, and she has such a gentle, understanding way about her.

"From firsthand experience, I know the incredibly positive impact Gretchen Bradvica had on my stepdaughter in the very short time she was at the school," said Porter. "I can only imagine how many other students Gretchen has helped, and I wish we had more teachers/guidance counselors like her!"