November Pirate ANNEfluencer: Bonnie Jean Kuras
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November Pirate ANNEfluencer: Bonnie Jean Kuras
Born the fourth daughter out of five in Concord, Massachusetts, Bonnie Jean Kuras entered the world with a giving heart—and it didn’t take long for everyone around her to notice. Her mother affectionately called her “The Giver,” a nickname that has followed her throughout her life and continues to describe her essence perfectly.
Raised by a stay-at-home mom and an engineer father who worked in oil refining, Bonnie Jean had the unique opportunity to see the world from a young age. Her family’s international adventures took her to the Netherlands, where she spent her middle and high school years. With the freedom and curiosity of youth, she would often hop on a train and find herself in another country. “I’ve always been able to find my people,” she says. “Just like riding those trains in Europe—I knew if I just waited for the door to open, I would step out and find my people.”
After graduating from the American School of The Hague, her father whisked her away to New York City for a celebratory trip. Her parents dreamed of her becoming an actress, but Bonnie Jean had other plans. Her heart was drawn to helping others through education. She found a little college tucked in the forest of Rindge, New Hampshire—Franklin Pierce College—and there began her lifelong journey in teaching and leadership.
Over the years, Bonnie Jean became a learning and language disability specialist, assistant principal, and principal. She built a remarkable career helping children unlock their potential. After raising her two children, Bonnie Jean’s husband, Jim, voiced what many northerners eventually do: he was tired of shoveling snow. But before their move south, Bonnie Jean’s mother fell ill, and she stepped into the role of caretaker, sharing the role of caring for her mother with her amazing siblings and father—once again The Giver. Before passing, her mother shared a prophetic insight: “You’ll do something different than education. You’ll help families navigate systems.”
A position at East Carolina University brought Bonnie Jean and Jim to Washington, North Carolina. Though she thought her teaching days were behind her, a shortage of educators led her back into the classroom for two years at Falkland Elementary. That return to teaching set the stage for her next chapter—joining ECU Tedi Bear as a Community Educator. From there, her path blossomed into her current role as Director for the ECU Health Center for Family Wellness.
In this leadership role, Bonnie Jean manages staff, operations, and supports prevention programs focused on family and community well-being—covering suicide prevention, firearm safety, safe parenting, child health, and more. She’s directly impacting lives across North Carolina, helping families navigate a complex healthcare system with compassion and strength.
Her personal motto, rooted in the language of Circle of Security—“Bigger, Stronger, Wiser, Kinder”—is more than a mantra; it’s a way of life. It’s about leading with steadiness and empathy, guiding others with wisdom while providing the warmth and reassurance that every person, child, or family needs.
Bonnie Jean Kuras has built her life around connection, courage, and care. From Concord to the Netherlands to North Carolina, she’s continued to find her people—and help them find their way.
We are so grateful for the heart and leadership she brings to the families and children of our state. Congratulations to Bonnie Jean Kuras, our November 2025 Pirate ANNEfluencer.
Your mother’s words ring true—you’ve stepped out, and you’ve found your people
