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Dr. Patricia Cepeda-Russell

@cepedarussell

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Follower of Christ, wife, mother, disabled veteran, Ed.D., adjunct professor, mental health practitioner, author, humanitarian.

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🥋🇺🇸 BIG NEWS AT GRACIE ELITE!

We are incredibly proud to announce that Gracie Elite is now a participating academy with the We Defy Foundation, providing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scholarships to disabled veterans. 🇺🇸❤️

And we couldn’t think of a better person to help us represent what this program is all about than Patty—rocking her signature Army Green We Defy gi and bringing her A-game every time she steps on the mats.

Patty is an absolute pleasure to have at our school. She shows up ready to learn, ready to work, and ready to push through whatever challenges are in front of her. Physical limitations may change how you train… but they don’t get to decide whether you train. 💪

She reminds all of us that Jiu-Jitsu isn’t about being the strongest person in the room. It’s about problem-solving, adapting, persevering—and occasionally getting folded into a position that makes you question every decision that brought you there. 😂

We are honored to be part of the We Defy Foundation and to provide a place where disabled veterans can train, build confidence, find community, and discover just how capable they really are.

Patty, we’re lucky to have you on our mats. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep smashing expectations. 🥋🔥

🇺🇸 Proud to have you at Gracie Elite.

#WeDefyFoundation #DisabledVeterans #GracieEliteWellington
#BJJafter40 #JiuJitsuForAll taken in Gracie Elite Jiu-Jitsu Wellington by @cepedarussell

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2 months ago

Happy Anniversary Papi @campsr ❤️ by @cepedarussell

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3 months ago

Sean is not my son’s biological father, but he chose to be his dad.

Thirty years ago, when we needed him most, he stepped in without hesitation.

My best friend chose to make a life with us.

He chose to love my son, raise him as his own, and stand beside him through every season of life.

Fatherhood isn’t just about biology—it’s about showing up, making sacrifices, and loving unconditionally.

The good man my son has become is, in large part, because of the example, guidance, and love Sean has given him over the years.

Happy Father’s Day, Sean @campsr. Thank you for choosing us, for loving us, and for being the father our son needed.

We love you more than words can say. ❤️ by @cepedarussell

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4 months ago

Mother’s Day will be different from now on, but I’m finally reaching a place where my tears are filled with JOY instead of sorrow. ❤️
God truly blessed us with the very best mama. I miss her deeply every single day, but I’m so grateful for the love, strength, and beautiful memories she gave us.

Forever thankful to call Minerva my mama.🌷✨ by @cepedarussell

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5 months ago

Getting a little better each day (although it doesn’t seem like it). Thanks @gracie_elite_wellington and @sofmissions for the continued support 🫶🏼 by @cepedarussell

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5 months ago

What can I say about these past three weeks in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico 🇲🇽… they’ve been everything my heart needed filled with incredible food, cherished family moments, and so much joy.

There’s something so special about returning to my parents’ hometown; it grounds me, reconnects me, and reminds me of who I am.

Mexico’s beauty is more than what you see, it’s what you feel. Every time I’m here, I come alive in a way that’s hard to put into words. ❤️ #méxicolindo #familia by @cepedarussell

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6 months ago

Happy birthday mama 🎂❤️ I miss you every second of everyday. by @cepedarussell

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7 months ago

Happy birthday Sean @campsr! 🎂🎉

55 years ago, the world was blessed with your birth and what a blessing you continue to be.
You are smart, handsome, funny, and incredibly hardworking.
There’s truly nothing you can’t figure out, and your determination and creativity make you someone people admire and rely on.
We love you ❤️ by @cepedarussell

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7 months ago

Happy birthday Marcel Rinzler🎂🎉 Reconnecting with you after 30 years has been awesome! Thanks for your years of service to the community and for being such a generous soul. ❤️ by @cepedarussell

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7 months ago

SOF Missions – Warrior of the Year

It’s time to honor one of our own.
After an incredible year of impact, service, and resilience, we’re proud to announce our 4 finalists for Warrior of the Year:

🏅 Cliff Beard
🏅 Robert Benillo
🏅 Patty Cepeda Russell
🏅 Misty Brehm

These warriors have gone above and beyond to live out the mission of SOF Missions—showing leadership, grit, and heart for their fellow veterans.

💥 NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO DECIDE.
Cast your vote for who you believe should be named SOF Missions Warrior of the Year!

👉 How to vote:
Comment the nominee’s name below 👇
(One name per comment = one vote)

📣 Voting closes soon, so rally your friends and make your voice heard!
Let’s celebrate the warriors who refuse to quit and keep pushing forward. by @cepedarussell

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7 months ago

Happy Birthday, Andy! 🎉 I am so proud of the man you’ve become. Congratulations on your marriage and on starting your new role in the ER—what an incredible chapter ahead. Per aspera ad astra. ⭐️ @babybag0fd0nuts @jesscepeda__ taken in Wellington, Florida by @cepedarussell

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9 months ago

My dude, my boy, my first love 💕 @babybag0fd0nuts taken in Wellington, Florida by @cepedarussell

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a year ago