Meet Carli Gastineau

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

Hi Carli, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started EmpowerConnect Services because I knew what it felt like to face overwhelming systems without enough support. As someone deeply connected to the disability community, I saw families struggling to find resources, navigate complicated processes, and feel truly included. Those experiences lit a fire in me—I wanted to change that. My thought process was simple: if I could use my lived experience, my skills, and my passion to build bridges, then families wouldn’t have to walk this journey alone. I envisioned a space where advocacy meets compassion, where resources are accessible, and where community connection is at the heart of everything.
Launching my own business wasn’t just about entrepreneurship—it was about answering a calling. I wanted to amplify voices that often go unheard, create systems that empower rather than exhaust, and bring people together in ways that spark lasting change. Every partnership I’ve built, every event I’ve hosted, and every resource I’ve shared reflects that vision.
EmpowerConnect Services is my way of living out my belief that inclusion isn’t optional—it’s essential. And as an individual, this work is deeply personal. It’s my story, my mission, and my commitment to a world where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

What should our readers know about your business?
EmpowerConnect Services was born out of both lived experience and a deep calling. I saw firsthand how families in the disability community struggled to navigate fragmented systems, and I knew there had to be a better way. What sets us apart is that we don’t just provide resources—we build bridges. We connect families to services, organizations, and partners in a way that feels human, accessible, and empowering. What I’m most proud of is the heart behind this work. Every partnership, whether with The Shine Project Foundation or Kate Farms, is rooted in the belief that inclusion isn’t optional—it’s essential. I’m excited about how these collaborations expand the reach of our mission, offering holistic & Resource support to families & amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
Getting here wasn’t easy. Starting a purpose-driven agency meant facing challenges like limited resources, skepticism from systems resistant to change, and the personal balancing act of health and leadership. But I overcame those challenges by leaning into my community—the same village I mentioned in my Shoutout. Their encouragement reminded me that even small steps forward matter. I also learned to set boundaries, to pause when needed, and to trust that sustainable leadership comes from caring for myself as much as I care for others.
The lessons along the way have been powerful:
Collaboration is everything. No one changes systems alone.
Clarity matters. Families need resources that are simple, accessible, and trustworthy.
Mission before ego. It’s not about me—it’s about the movement.
Resilience is built in community. Challenges become lighter when shared.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: EmpowerConnect isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. It’s a story of turning lived experience into action, of building systems that empower rather than exhaust, and of creating spaces where families feel seen, supported, and celebrated. My story is deeply personal, but it’s also collective. Every success belongs to the community that believed in me, and every step forward is about making sure no one has to walk this journey alone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
DAY 1 — Arrive + Ground Afternoon:
Check into your condo, open the windows, let the ocean breeze in.
Unpack slowly, set the tone for a restorative week.
Hydrate, stretch, breathe.
Dinner: Old Town Mexican Cafe
Or pick up something simple from Taco Shop
Evening:
Sunset walk on the beach.
Early bedtime to reset your system.
DAY 2 — Ocean Morning + Spa Afternoon
Morning:
Gentle beach walk at La Jolla Shores or Coronado Beach.
Sit on the sand for a few minutes of grounding.
Lunch:
Shelter Island — wellness bowls, matcha, fresh juices.
Afternoon:
Spa day at The Spa at Rancho Valencia (luxury, quiet, eucalyptus steam)
The Catamaran Spa (bayfront, tropical, peaceful)
Dinner: Pho
DAY 3 — Torrey Pines + La Jolla Calm
Morning:
Horseback ridding therapy
Hike Torrey Pines State Reserve — choose an easy trail like Guy Fleming.
Breathe in the ocean air, take it slow.
Lunch: Chinese food
Afternoon:
Visit the La Jolla Tide Pools or sit at Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
Optional: Kayak or do a gentle ocean paddle if you’re feeling adventurous.
Dinner: Italian food
Beaming for a light, nourishing dinner.
Evening:
rest and relaxation by the pool
DAY 4 — Yoga + Pool + Slow Living
Morning:
Yoga class at Pilgrimage of the Heart, Yoga Six, or Riffs Yoga (outdoor classes).
Or do your own flow on the patio.
Lunch: Brig
Afternoon:
Pool time at the condo — float, read, nap.
Let your body lead.
Dinner:
Mexican Cafe
DAY 5 — Balboa Park + Japanese Friendship Garden
Morning:
Slow walk through Balboa Park — gardens, fountains, quiet corners.
Lunch: Food at the condo
Afternoon:
Optional: Sound bath at Sojourn Healing Collective
Dinner: Food in condo
Evening:
Sunset at Sunset Cliffs — one of the most healing places in San Diego.
DAY 6 — Encinitas Wellness Day
Encinitas is the heart of San Diego wellness culture.
Morning:
Meditation gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship — peaceful, ocean views
Lunch: Food in the condo
Afternoon:
Reiki session + Breathwork + Acupuncture
Float therapy at Float North County
Dinner: Food Spread
Evening:
hang out in the condo or Airbnb
Drive back along the coast with windows down.
DAY 7 — Integration + Ease
Morning:
Brunch at Fig Tree Café or Breakfast Republic (light options available).
Or make something simple at the condo.
Late Morning:
Visit Liberty Station Public Market for a gentle stroll.
Or walk the Harbor Island waterfront.
Afternoon:
One last beach moment — toes in the sand, deep breaths.
Pack slowly, reflect on the week, set intentions for home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am dedicating my shoutout to my supportive team since the very beginning, When I think about where I am today, I know without a doubt that I didn’t get here alone. My journey has been shaped, supported, and sustained by an incredible network of people who have believed in me since I was young and who continue to walk alongside me in this venture. From the very beginning, I’ve had a team—a village, really—that has surrounded me with encouragement, mentorship, and love. They’ve reminded me that my mission matters, even on the days when the road felt uncertain. Their belief in me has been the fuel behind every step forward.
My godparents deserve a special shoutout. They have been a vital part of my success and my story, offering wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support. Their presence has been a steady anchor, reminding me that I am never alone in this work.
My family has been my foundation. They’ve lifted me up, cheered me on, and helped me get to where I am today. Their sacrifices, encouragement, and unconditional love have made it possible for me to pursue this mission wholeheartedly.
Beyond that, I’ve had a village of people—friends, mentors, healthcare providers, & community members—who have believed in me, supported me, and walked this journey every step of the way. They’ve encouraged me no matter what, and their faith in me has been a constant reminder that this movement is bigger than just one person.
This shoutout is dedicated to all of them. To the ones who saw the vision before it was clear, who believed in the mission before it had a name, and who continue to stand with me as it grows. My story is not just mine—it’s ours. And I carry their love, encouragement, and belief with me in everything I do.

Website: empowerconnectservices@gmail.com

Instagram: theempowerconnectservices.co

Facebook: The EmpowerConnect Services Co