Originally Aired August 2025

A peace-filled boat ride winding through the Pine Barrens to catching waves along the Jersey Shore with a most incredible community.

In this episode of Healthy in the Garden State, we venture from a peace-filled boat ride winding through the Pine Barrens straight to catching waves along the Jersey Shore with a most incredible community.

Host Kate Cherichello Tente explores how nature, movement, and human connection can transform our well-being. Pinelands Adventures introduces us to one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and the restorative power of spending time outdoors, then we meet the incredible volunteers and families of Heart of Surfing, a nonprofit creating life-changing surfing experiences for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Health is about exercise and getting outside, yes, but it’s also about community and a sense of belonging.

We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed creating it.

🎥 Who are we?

Healthy In The Garden State is a New Jersey–based streaming series and community media initiative highlighting practical, expert-backed approaches to living healthier across the Garden State. Our mission is to be a resource serving New Jersey, helping in any way we can to support a healthier community.

Host & Producer: Kate Cherichello Tente
Director of Production: Isaac Perez
Social Media & Marketing Intern: Gabby Lamboy

Links to Additional Resources:

Pinelands Adventures

Pinelands Alliance

Heart of Surfing

Additional sports and fitness programs for people with disabilities (partial listing):

–Special Olympics New Jersey provides free, Olympic-style sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
–North Jersey Navigators coordinates adapted sports training for youth and junior athletes, including track and field, swimming, archery, and road racing.
–The Center for Disability Sports, Health, and Wellness
–Children’s Lightning Wheels
–Spectrum Sports

More on trails & parks from Healthy In The Garden State: S1E1

First Aired May 2026

Health is about more than the physical. Confidence, connection, and belonging are all important parts of overall well-being. 

In Season 2 Episode 1 of Healthy In The Garden State, we explore the importance of social and emotional wellness through two inspiring New Jersey organizations helping young people thrive: Girls on the Run and The Miracle Project.

From movement and mentorship to music, theater, and self-expression, this episode highlights how community-based programs can help build resilience, self-esteem, communication skills, and lasting confidence.

At Girls on the Run, girls learn lessons about leadership, healthy relationships, emotional wellness, and goal-setting, with physical activity as a tool for empowerment, not competition.

At The Miracle Project, young people with autism and other special needs discover confidence, friendship, creativity, and belonging through theater, music, dance, and storytelling.

This episode is a reminder that health is not one-dimensional. It’s physical, social, emotional, and deeply connected to the communities around us.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe to support more stories highlighting health, wellness, and community across New Jersey.

What programs or experiences helped build your confidence growing up? Let us know.

🌿 Healthy In The Garden State explores the people, places, and resources helping New Jersey residents live healthier, more connected lives.

Host & Producer: Kate Cherichello Tente
Director & Production: Isaac Perez, NJ360tv
Intern: Gabriella Lamboy

Thank you to our Season Presenting Sponsor, Hunterdon Health.
Thank you to our Episode Presenting Sponsor, Solara Suncare.

Links Related to this Episode:

Girls On The Run (locations throughout NJ)

The Miracle Project at Mayo PAC in Morristown

Recommended searches:

Children’s Theatre Programs in NJ

After School Confidence-building Programs in NJ

Music Enrichment for Children

Teen Programs Free in ___ County