We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathie Reicher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I never thought of myself as a “risk taker,” until the Miami Herald wrote an article about me having a baby, at the age of 42. In 1986, having your first pregnancy at that age, was considered to be “risky!” Thirty-four years later, it is common to see new moms, even older! I was healthy and had an easy pregnancy and delivery, so I am thankful that I was able to become a mom, and did not miss such an amazing experience! Prior to this, In 1980, my husband & I opened a restaurant in Aventura, having had no prior experience in this industry, Again, we were said to be “risk takers,” due to the high mortality for restaurants, We worked hard (only 7 days a week), and proved these naysayers wrong! Another area where I just decided to “go for it.,” was traveling abroad. I was reluctant to fly overseas! However, once I gave myself permission (telling myself that it was “now or never,”) I was able to open myself up to this life changing experience! Now I am hooked, and my husband & I have ventured overseas 3 times thus far & are hoping for a 4th trip next year!

   

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I received my BS in Speech and Language from Penn State in 1966, and loved my field, right from the start! I was always a “people person,’ which was an asset (my nickname was “Chatty Cathie,” very appropriate for a Speech Pathologist!) Taking a hiatus with a move to Florida, and after the birth of our daughter, I decided to get my Master’s Degree at Nova University, at the age of 45. While challenging, this was another good decision. When our daughter entered kindergarten, I went back to teaching in the schools, as a preschool Speech Pathologist, where I found my niche! Working with 3, 4, & 5 year olds gave me the opportunity to “set the pace,” for so many children. For the next 25 years, I taught many how to talk, say words, put together sentences, & communicate! What could be more rewarding than that? During that time, I worked privately with 2 three year boys with Down’s Syndrome. To this day, I am very connected with them & their families. I feel so blessed that I was able to help so many! Simultaneously, I was an adjunct in the Master’s Program at Nova University, teaching Diagnostics (Testing) to aspiring SLP’s. I was always proud to have an impact on these students, & about 18 of them went on to become interns in my school-based program! I know I was lucky to wear many “hats” .and as I look back on my career, my advice is “you can have it all!” Now in retirement, I find myself still “sitting in the seat of the teacher,” because now I am lucky enough to be a yoga instructor! I teach “gentle yoga at Yoga1, in Hollywood, and I’m still “going strong’ 6 years later!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was to visit me, I am certain a trip to the beach would come first! Being from Pittsburgh, going to the beach never gets old! Hollywood Beach would be my destination (since I live in Hollywood, Fl),and I have always enjoyed walking on the boardwalk! It’s the perfect place for “people watching,” including sunning, swimming & enjoying the ocean, eating, listening to music, plus, running, biking, and just “hanging out!” Walking to Margaritaville, going inside & sitting in the lobby, while having a drink, would just enhance the experience. Visitors gather in the lobby from all over the world, & it is fun to hear the mix of languages & to take pictures in front of Jimmy Buffet’s giant “Flip Flop!” I would definitely want to visit the Hard Rock with it’s iconic guitar beckoning to all! Again, so many restaurants to enjoy,( I like the Hard Rock Restaurant) plus entertainment, shopping, and gambling of course! Also in Hollywood is the newly opened Dania Point featuring eating & shopping. My favorite restaurant there is Cooper’s Hawk, which never disappoints. I love TooJay’s Deli & I am a frequent customer, so breakfast & lunch would be perfect…& dessert!! We might to go to Field’s Pub in Dania, which has nightly entertainment, Irish food, & the drinks keep coming! There is much to do in my State, but I feel fortunate that I don’t have to go far to enjoy! Since my friend practices yoga, I would want her to come to yoga1 to practice with me!!!! Ending her visit with a dinner at Joe’s Stone Crabs, would insure that she would visit again very soon!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband of 53 years, Ricky, deserves a “shout out,” because he has always supported me in everything that I’ve done! My uncle, Dr. Charles Kalstone, deserves a “shout out,” because he encouraged me during my pregnancy, despite “critics” who told me I was too “old” & should stay in bed! My uncle wanted me to be active, because I was healthy, and in the end, he delivered me a healthy baby girl! One last “shout out,” to Dar & Dr. Steve Feinzig, owners of Yoga1 in Ho;;ywood, Florida, because they hired me to teach Gentle Yoga, when I finished with their Teacher Training, despite the fact that I was 70. I hope to be teaching (and practicing)yoga until I am 90!

Website: http://www.yoga1.net/