GRETCHEN DUPPS

Wife, Mom, Believer, Advocate, Gatherer, Encourager, Educator
​Likes: Family time, faithful friendships, traveling, sunshine, the beach, good food, coffee, happy endings, boating, my dogs.
Dislikes: Negativity, bullying, scary movies, being cold, laundry, slime

Gretchen is married to her college sweetheart, BJ. Together they have moved throughout the Midwest to complete their education and training. The last stop on the training journey was in Cleveland, where they have found the most wonderful community and dear friends on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie. They have been in this community since 2004 where they are raised their three children, Alexandra, Christian and Adrianne. They are thrilled that this has been the place they have been able to put down their roots.

Gretchen has served in various positons for the American Medical Association Alliance (AMAA) and the Ohio State Medical Association Alliance (OSMAA). She served as President of the OSMAA for the 2018-20 years. These organizations offer support to families in medicine and help to educate our communities about current health issues. The most recent health advocacy has been to educate about the dangers and consequences of the Opioid misuse epidemic. The impact of this epidemic on children and the foster care system has been significant.

Gretchen earned her Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in Retail Management and her Masters of Education from The Ohio State University. She taught in the Columbus Public School District in Kindergarten and First grades. Prior to founding Cleveland Angels, Gretchen devoted her time to her family as well as many volunteer jobs. When she was young, her family fostered children in their home. Gretchen has felt called to do something to support children in foster care. She feels honored to lead these efforts to change the foster care experience for children, families and youth in Cleveland.