Episode 9: "Pretty Personal" Series – Kristina Bontempo on Women’s Health, Philanthropy & Why ‘Stay-At-Home Mom’ Doesn’t Even Begin to Cover It

🎧 Episode Summary:
Welcome back to another Pretty Personal mini episode—a short, soulful behind-the-scenes moment with co-host Kristina Bontempo ("T"). In this special installment, Kristina opens up about her path in healthcare, her work in women’s health, and the heart behind launching a foundation that’s changing lives in her community. From early lessons in service during Catholic school to her specialized focus in breast imaging, Kristina shares the turning points that led her to create OAH Strides—a movement-based philanthropic initiative rooted in wellness, empathy, and collective impact.

This episode is part of our Pretty Personal series, where we unveil personal stories that give you a deeper look at who we are as hosts. As we continue to bring on guests and experts in their fields, we want to share the experiences that have shaped us and the conversations we’re passionate about.

💬 In This Episode, Kristina Shares:
✨ Her early connection to healthcare and why breast imaging became her passion. On Oct. 1, 2009, Connecticut passed a law stating that insurance companies should allow for a baseline mammography for women ages 35-39 and should cover a total screening every year for women 40 years and older. The law also stated that if dense breast tissue is found during a mammogram, the patient must be informed. https://densebreast-info.org
✨ The emotional weight and sacredness of women’s health work
✨ How motherhood reshaped her purpose and reignited her desire to serve
✨ The story of founding OAH Strides and what “movement” really means
✨ How everything—from Catholic school to career to kids—has come full circle

💗  Pink Spotlight:

Kristina's: OAH Strides, Kristina's "other baby" and the foundation she created – Learn more at oahstrides.org

Christinas:
Come Join us at Fillies Night Out Tuesday, April 22nd at the Farmington Polo Club. You can buy tickets here, all proceeds benefit The Dreamride Experience and Hometown Foundation's event season.

🌸 Final Thoughts:
“All of our journeys look different, but the more we share, the more supported we all feel.”
Tune in next time as we dive into real talk with experts who are changing the game in women’s wellness—from hormone health to infertility and everything in between.

*We referenced the Conversations with Cam podcast, and the book The Power Pause by Neha Ruch and discussed taking a break from your paid career, and how to reframe that in a positive way.