Every human being is created with a unique purpose and set of natural gifts that are meant to be shared. Our story is written before we even take our first breath. Although challenging, it is up to us to figure out what that purpose is and how to use the gifts we were given for good.

Some chapters of our stories involve a great deal of loss, trauma, pain or illness. While these chapters are immensely difficult, it is very important not to allow those experiences to give us a false sense of identity. Often it is in our struggles that we stumble across our strengths.

While no two stories are the same, adults and children alike share the same human emotions like doubt, fear, grief, and disappointment. Humans were meant to be in connection with one another and we can connect on a deeper level through our experiences.

Uniquely U was created to help you become the author of the remaining chapters of your story by nurturing your mental, physical or spiritual wellbeing in order to unlock your full potential.

Various adults and trusted professionals will offer you tools and encouragement here in addition to peer-to-peer support.  Our goal is for you to become the dominant force in your life instead of allowing life's circumstances to define you.

Let's GOOOOOOOO! Click the link below to learn now to navigate this one-of-a-kind learning environment.

Meet the Uniquely U Community Leaders

Kate Gallihugh spent 19 years of her life practicing pediatric medicine.  During her medical career, she relized patients would be more apt to bring their wall down during a sensitive conversation if she could connect with them through parts of her own life story.  She also discovered that some of the best parenting advice (that actually worked with her kids) came from other parents, not her textbooks! 

Kate has seen the healing power of belonging to a like-minded community and sharing our stories after she reclaimed her own mental and physical health with the OPTAVIA program in 2018.  She elected to become an Independent Certified OPTAVIA Coach to pay the gift of health forward to others.  Her passion is to empower parents and young people to create a healthier family unit by providing them with tools and support to gain control over their emotions, mindset and lifestyle. 

Kate had a vision in 2020 to create two separate communities where parents and teens/young adults could share stories and wisdom acquired through life experience for the good of others.  She knew the communities needed to be safe, moderated and allow for anonymity.  A pivotal conversation on the beach with Jeff Bateson led Kate to Convene Communities, "a platform with a purpose," and these communities became a reality.  Within Convene, Kate and Jeff co-lead Uniquely U (for teens/young adults) and Uniquely Yours (for parents).  Kate is also wife and mother of two adolescent boys and loves to remain open and curious to learning new things.  She is excited to learn from you in this space as well!

Jeff Bateson is a life-long educator, working as a head collegiate soccer coach for 20 years, close to two decades as a youth soccer coach and director of coaching, and most recently entering the classroom for his fourth year as a middle and high school teacher. His wife, Kristy, is a pediatric physical therapist and he is the proud father of two young ladies entering the 8th and 9th grades this year. He holds a degree in Elementary Education from Alma College as well as a Master's degree in Athletic Administration from Central Michigan University. Jeff has also been helping grow Convene Communities since 2015. He is a part of Convene's Core team as the Chief Operating Officer, as well as a Community Leader for the Soccer, Coaching, Teachers and Adventure communities (both Coming Soon). 

Having grown up in an extended family full of teachers and educators, Jeff has always had a desire to help others become the best versions of themselves. He used this inclination while coaching, making sure that his players not only become better players but more importantly become better people in the long run. Jeff still has those same desires for his students today while teaching and coaching his high-schoolers.

Jeff wants to use this community to continue to help others by connecting young people in need to those who can help. He also sees this community as a great way for himself to learn from others. Learning from others, especially our young leaders, will only allow Jeff to guide his students in a more positive way through life, his ultimate goal in teaching and coaching.