Austin Moms

Alex believes that celebrating is a lifestyle and stands for a world where growth and health are the highest currency. Originally from the Dallas area, she happily moved back to Texas in December 2019 with her husband, Clay, after a four year stint in northern California. Since then, they've birthed three businesses and a baby, Georgia (3 months). As an upper cervical chiropractor, Alex owns and practices at The Specific Chiropractic Centers of Austin. Along with her husband, she is also part owner in a local CBD shop and digital media company. She is a personality test junky, loves keepin' it real and co-hosting her health podcast "You Crack Me Up". Her favorite ways to de-stress are having a quick dance party, watching cookie decorating videos on Instagram, or anything on HGTV. The way to her heart is through deep conversation over bottomless coffee.

Amy is the Baylor trophy wife to Dan and mommy to their 4 kids: Norah, Beckett, Rory and Eden. After moving cities every 2 years for 10 years, Amy's family settled in Austin in 2015. She started Amy McLaughlin Photography with a passion for documenting the beauty of real life and stories that matter for families and non-profits. Her photography style is intentional and meaningful. She also part-time homeschools her kids and volunteers with a local organization that seeks to help fill the gap in parental services for families whose kids are in state custody. She enjoys small-group gatherings, espresso, good books, and yoga.  And she is not one to turn down dessert.

Andrea is a stay-at-home mama of two littles, Everett (2013) and Ellie (2019). Prior to staying home, she was an elementary school teacher for over a decade. She holds her 300 hour yoga teacher certification with the Yoga Alliance and currently teaches vinyasa and yin yoga in Lakeway. Her lifelong passion lies in developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and sharing this knowledge with like-minded individuals. During her free time, you will find her exploring new and fun places in Austin, practicing yoga, actively volunteering in her local community and school district, and spending quality time with family and friends. Follow this Austin mama on Instagram @andreasteimle.

Angela De Hoyos Hart is a mostly local yokel who loves multilingual puns, broad nerdery, and over-thinking how to raise her children to make good trouble. Born in Monterrey, Mexico she works in tech, loves to dance, and lives in a multi-generational household in Belterra with her husband Corey, step-daughter (13), son (3), baby girl (8 months), Abuelita, and doberman Chico. They are currently hosting an amazing au pair from Colombia and loving the cultural exchange!

My name is Ashley Brown and I have been an adopted citizen of Austin since I was 6 years old. I’m a country kid from the Delta of Mississippi chasing city dreams – I’m a Texissippian. I'm an Army vet, and now I'm helping the youth in the Austin area grow on the basketball court--teaching life skills through basketball. I’ve always wanted to be a mom for as long as I could remember. I took a non-traditional route and I hand-picked him and that’s what makes our bond a little more special.  If I’m not in the gym coaching and mentoring kids, or in the arcades with my kiddo & crew, I am on the hiking trails trying to find the quiet within the storm that is growing Austin. I also like to catch up on the latest food spots to grab a tasty bite.

Ashley Rew-Hunter is described by a friend, as an explosion of rainbow sprinkles. Ashley embraces the notion that you only have one life and you need to make it count. With that being said, Ashley’s family motto is “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop”. Ashley and her family have called Austin home for 22 years. They  now reside in the Bee Cave area. Ashley has worked for almost 20 years with Special Education Students, runs a successful naturally based haircare business and LOVES connecting through social media. You can keep up with Ashley, and her family @curlmecrazyashley

Barbara Grant Boneta is Founder, Developmental Specialist, and your overall parenting guide at Nudge and Cradle, as well as founder of the kinkeepers event series. She has over a decade of experience supporting young children and their families in a variety of contexts, and is passionate about empowering families to raise socially conscious, empathetic children while taking care of themselves. She has been working in early intervention for over ten years, and works as an educational consultant, graduate professor, and full time mama. Barbara was born in Mexico, where she still has family and visits frequently, and was raised in a bicultural, bilingual household. She is a proud Latinx mama who lives in Austin, TX with her partner, dog, and very adorable toddler.

Becky is a transplant from New Mexico and has been in the area for 2 years now. She has her Bachelors of Science in Education from New Mexico State University and has been involved with Big Bothers/Big Sisters; Habitat for Humanity; and TRiO EDucational Talent Search. She is engaged to Ryan and the mother to a feisty 20 month old named Olivia.  Becky enjoys exploring Austin and the surrounding areas, not a weekend goes by that her and Olivia aren't trying a new activity, attending a festival or playing in a new park.

Belinda Mays is an award winning author, speaker, and IT professional. Her writing style captivates children while entertaining adults. She is the author of four children’s books; My Amazing Dad, 7 Days With Daddy, I Am, God’s Affirmations For Little Girls, and I Am, God’s Affirmations For Little Boys. She has received a Purple Dragonfly Award, Christian Indie Award, and a Book Excellence Finalist Award. Belinda is also a published poet and an award-winning speaker. Her synergy of communication and technical skills allows her to connect with diverse audiences at an intimate and individual level. She has given numerous presentations during conferences, community events, and business luncheons. Belinda obtained a BS in Computer Science and Communication from Huston-Tillotson University and received her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Texas at Austin. Belinda uses her “pleasant speaking voice” and “energetic stage presence” to educate, entertain, and influence others. Subscribe to get notifications of new releases and book giveaways.

As an entrepreneur and speaker, Bianca spends her days in a green spinny chair putting her creative peddle to the floor or booking marketing workshops with one hand while passing out snacks with the other. Her Business Make It Bloom Media is a digital marketing agency that helps women create a jaw-dropping brand aesthetic and build an unforgettable online presence that you may have seen on the CW Austin. Born and raised in Mason, Texas, Bianca got her first dose of wanderlust in 2015 when spontaneously making the move to Pennsylvania with her husband David. Since then, the two have traveled up the Northeast US every six months to a year in their RV  before they realized a car seat would be an added accessory on future trips. To become closer to their families during this time, their landing inched nearer to their hometowns when finally landing in Austin in 2020. As a wife to an adventure enthusiast and mom to 2 energizer bunnies, you can often catch them frequenting Austin parks, farmers markets, festivals, the lake, diving into DIY projects, and throwing steaks on the grill.

Brittany Churchill is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and single mom of two kids with a big heart to help women awaken to their worth and tap into their personal power.

Her work began with the launch of her book called Tap In Not Out: How overwhelmed moms can reclaim peace, cultivate a better life and thrive.  She opens up in a candid, old-close-friend kind of way about her struggles and breakthroughs in motherhood while offering life-changing mindsets, perspectives and tips.

Since launching her book, she has developed what she calls the TAP IN Method where she guides women through their inner blueprint to ignite a more fulfilling life. This is a self healing method that naturally sheds unconscious beliefs and empowers people to cultivate a life fully aligned to who they are.

Her online community called Women Igniting Women’s Worth is a free private community where Brittany supports others who are ready for connection, inner empowerment & growth toward their best life.

When she is not working, Brittany loves being a mom, cycling, playing at the lake, eating Mexican food, & crushing limiting beliefs. You can connect with her on all major social media platforms.

Carla Jian Primero is the founder of Carla Jian Wellness. CJW is a platform and space for women to move, breathe, and to find their calm in their busy lives through mindful self-care practices like yoga, sculpt, and meditation. Carla’s lifework is to be of service to other women, especially those that are coming into a whole new world or stage of motherhood. After years of healing she has found the harmony in the hard times and she is passionate about holding space for other mothers to do the same. Whether it’s teaching a meditation class to let go of anxiety or sharing a candid messy motherhood moment on Instagram, Carla wants to be that reminder to other moms that they are not alone.

For over 30 years, Chalimar has called Austin her home. Inspired by the luscious Hill Country and sacred springs, Chalimar can be found most weekends wandering barefoot with her wildlings Rubye (2015) and Solomon (2017), showing them the beauty of nature and simplicity of life. Chalimar is married to her best friend and soulmate, Tatenda, a youth soccer coach. Her passions are photography, cooking and gardening. For the last 13 years, Chalimar has taught middle and high school History. After giving birth to her daughter, she also became a birth and postpartum doula with a goal of providing advocacy and eradicating the disparities in healthcare equality for birthing people. You can find Chalimar on Instagram (@chaliiib) and at MoonTribe Doula.

Chelsea is a born and raised Texas girl, originally from the Dallas area but has been living the Austin life for 10 years with her husband Evan. Former Division 1 volleyball player and Human Resource Coordinator that has traded the knee pads and timesheets in for all the necessities of being a stay at home mom. Chelsea is a mom to Ryver (2015), Nova (2018), Nixon (2020), one heavenly angel Jones (2017), and 2 very silly Golden Retrievers; Rainey and Renly. A true creature of habit, failing protectionist, and sourdough bread maker (the one good thing to come from Covid Quarantine) Her days start with lots of coffee, prayer, and usually end with a peloton workout and a glass of wine. However, somewhere in the middle she can be found loving, playing, taxing around, and doing everything she can to point her kids to the love of Jesus. Chelsea resides in Dripping Springs, Texas where they are in the process of building their forever home. You can keep up with Chelsea and her favorite people on IG (@ryver_runs_wild)

Dominique is a new resident of Austin, recently moving to Texas by way of California. She is a proud wife to her husband Bode and together they are raising three dynamic children - Phoenix, River, and Quest. She enjoys good food, good music, and great company. She has a passion for maternal health and is currently a birth doula here in the city of Austin with aspirations to be a Nurse Midwife in the near future. Dom believes that there's nothing an impromptu dance session and a good cup of coffee can't fix!

Elisa met her new husband in 2017 thanks to Austin Moms. She was contributing back then as a single mom and once, after being laid off from her job, asked their Facebook group for any leads on open positions.She landed a role and met Dave at work two weeks later. Elisa graduated from Texas State University with a BA in Journalism. She took a very long hiatus from writing, but now she’s back! Elisa and Dave live with her stunning teenage son, Dre, their pandemic pup, a ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Amber (her soulmate), and two cats, Jon Snow and Tom Holland.

Erin owns Events by Erin, a custom event planning business and co-owns Ellis Designs LLC, a custom woodworking business with her husband, John Ellis. Together, their greatest design is their wonderful daughter, Elizabeth. Erin is an Austin native and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in English. She lives in Round Rock, enjoys running, going to the movies and the beach, and of course, writing for Austin Moms Blog!

Jacy is a Nebraska native, married to Sebastian Knoop-Troullier from Hamburg, Germany whom she met at a Renaissance Festival. She has two step kids, both teenagers, Katie and Kera, who are at Meridian I.B. World School. The family likes to travel, try new restaurants, volunteer at Pioneer Farms, and explore “haunted” locations. Jacy and Sebastian are in the process of growing their family and have been on their fertility journey since their 4th of July “Pandemic" wedding in 2020. When Jacy’s not busy trying to translate just exactly WHAT her husband is saying to his family on the phone in German, or trying to learn the latest TikTok trend to keep up with the teens, she’s a Travel Coordinator for the TV Show, “WALKER”. She’s also an avid traveler and photographer, and mini zoo curator with her family’s 2 Dogs (Apollo & Atlas), 3 Cats (Harmony, Lafayette  & Jack), two Pet Rats (Scabbers & August), and Rescue Turtle, Günther.

Former music biz New Yorker, now Austinite entrepreneur (don’t worry, I was raised in Texas before I did time in the Big Apple!) First time mama after 40. Enneagram 8, wing 7. Follow me @jamistig on Instagram or let your hair down with with me and my team over at @divadancehq

Janina Roberts, M.A., LSSP, a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology married to her college sweetheart, Allen, Sr, for almost 14 years. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Trinity University. She and Allen have two children, Allen, Jr. (7 y.o.) who is very active in sports and a loving gentle soul and Aelicia (2 y.o.), who is very independent and a spit-fire. Janina is what some would call a military brat who moved frequently. She was born in Louisiana, moved to Las Vegas, NV then Abilene, TX where she graduated high school. Janina is currently pursuing her Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership while also working full-time. She is avid party planner especially her kid's birthday parties and loves eating ice cream from Amy's. On the weekends you can find her at the track field, at basketball and football games cheering on her son, AJ.

Jennifer is a hotelier, living in her hometown of Austin after years spent in Fabulous Las Vegas, Chicago, to eventually return home and reconnect with a friend of 20 years…and to marry him! The romantic film clip of Jennifer and Chris seeing each other across the lawn at ACL Festival after 10 years of travels on each side, they ran towards each other, embraced as he twirled her around (can you see it?!) Jennifer and Chris reside in South Austin with their kids Hendrix (2010), Stevie (2018) and Townes (2021). Traveling, food, and experiences are all passions for her and are important for the family. They pride themselves on their upcycled backyard garden and covid passion project – a 1955 Spartan Imperial Mansion (aka Pearl), vintage trailer that is serving as their weekend vacation home in the hill country.

Julia is a born and raised proud Texan. She was born in Corpus Christi but raised near South Padre Island, so to say she’s a Beach Lover is an understatement. Julia lives in Round Rock with her husband Joel and sweet daughter Jessa. Their older daughter Nichole lives her best life with her husband, Logan. Julia has been a Mom for 20 years, a young mom, a divorced mom, a single mom, a loved mom, a special needs mom, a fixed mom, a loving mom, and most importantly, a Mom who helps Moms.

Kahala Castillo is a mother, wife, sister, cannabis activist and supporter of women. She was born on Oahu, and recently moved from Maui to Austin with her husband Patrick and son Koa (2021). She’s worn many hats throughout her life; cocktail waitress, cannabis farmer, yoga teacher, manager and she now holds the prestigious position of stay at home mother. She loves reggae music, cooking breakfast, dancing hula and deep conversations. You can find her on Instagram @mamakahala_

Kaitlyn is a Native Austinite that loves exploring the ATX and surrounding areas with her Hubby: Jeff, and their 4 children: Kinsley, Jay, Kallie, and Kylan. For over a decade Kaitlyn has specialized in all lines of Commercial Insurance. She enjoys helping business owners understand the Risk they face and the coverages available for their protection. She has also helped thousands of families protect their home, cars and everything else in between. As a work from home Mom herself, she survives the chaos with Mocha Frappuccinos and finds her strength through Jesus. She hopes to inspire others by sharing some of the trials and tribulations she has walked through. Follow her journey and explore the good ole’ ATX with her on instagram @goaustinite!

My name is Kamisha York, I'm the wife to Wesley, and mother of three beautiful children Jayden, Wesley Jr., and Peyton.  I'm a food allergy advocate and blogger, but I'm a wife and mother first.  My family is my everything, I feel my greatest accomplishment is being a mother to my three children.  My husband and I just started a nonprofit Peyton's Allergy Shield of Hope in honor of our 12 year old daughter Peyton who has multiple life threatening food allergies.

Kate is a transplant from Wisconsin. She is an infertility warrior and advocate, mama of two through embryo donation, wife to her husband Tony, lover of margaritas, coffee, and happy hours, and TV junkie. Kate has a jewelry shop where she designs, makes, and sells infertility inspired jewelry as well as an infertility account she runs to help others along the journey. A former teacher turned SAHM turned intake coordinator at a surrogacy agency. She can be found with her family exploring Austin's many breweries, wineries, and outdoor markets. Also, finding all the local gluten free spots to eat!

Keita Brock is married to Nick and together they have three amazing children, Amari, Aiyana and Aiden. She is a middle Tennessee native, proudly born and raised. Her husband is an Air Force veteran and although traveling the world was an amazing adventure, calling Texas home has been such a blessing. In her free time she is a volunteer & mentor in her kids' school district. She enjoys reading, cooking, scrap booking, dancing, yoga, music, traveling with her family, beach trips, hot tea and football(Hook EM)! She is looking forward to learning more about the great state of Texas, getting more involved in what makes her soul happy and helping other mamas find their inner strength through the good times and the bad.

A favorite scripture and what she lives by, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

Kelly I. Hitchcock is a literary fiction author, humorist, and poet in the Austin, Texas area. She is the author of three books and has published poems, short stories, and creative non-fiction works all over the country. Raised by a single father in the small town of Buffalo, Missouri, Kelly has fond memories of her poor rural upbringing in the Ozarks that strongly influence her writing and way of life. She’s a graduate of Missouri State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing. She has six-year-old identical twins and a full-time job, so writing and picking up LEGO are the only other things she can devote herself to.

After spending most of her life in the greater New York City area, almost seven years ago, Leigh moved to Austin with the love of her life, Justin, to embark on a new adventure. As a former marketing project manager now turned stay-at-home mom, Leigh enjoys exploring new places with her daughter Hazel (July 2019) and eating her way through the ATX vegan scene. Prior to the pandemic, Leigh ran the food blog @aroundtownvegan, where she promoted how easy it is to eat vegan at restaurants around Austin. After spending most of her days venturing to new playgrounds with her daughter, and spending less time eating out, she shifted gears from the foodie scene by recently launching @austinplaygrounds. When she’s not busy trying to squeeze down the ridiculously tall slides the newer playgrounds have to offer, you can find her hiking with her family and loveable dog, Juno, testing out new vegan + gluten-free dessert recipes, and prepping for baby #2 on the way in September.

Lisa Collins-Haynes is full-time photographer, for the past 7 years. She specializes in client work for motherhood sessions and underwater portraits. She also does commercial work in food and product photography. Before becoming a photographer, Lisa was an International Travel Writer and enjoyed traversing the globe and story-telling to her readership. Writing was an unexpected pathway into the diverse world of photography for her. When not working behind the lens, Lisa enjoys volunteering in the community, cooking, traveling with her husband and spending time with family and friends. She resides in North Austin; has one college-aged daughter and a grand puppy named, Cookie.

I love sunshine and have no idea what a day without coffee would be like. I’m married to my high school prom date. I met my husband Seth in our hometown Juneau, Alaska where we had our wedding 14 years ago. Seth has my name tattooed on his bicep and we go back to AK every summer. I’m a #boymom to three wild, funny, charming, energetic little men. I like to think of parenting as a great experiment...it’s too soon to tell if it worked or not! While we wait for the results, I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

Melissa Acosta is the Founder and Owner of mama wears pants, an online wellness community and social network for busy mamas. When not at her day job or running her business, you will find Melissa having fun outdoors with her husband and two boys. Sunshine, music, and dance are what motivate Melissa daily and through her social media platforms, she strives to inspire others to believe in themselves to support their personal growth and wellness journey. At the age of 41, Melissa eliminated alcohol from her lifestyle and describes this small, yet profound adjustment as “life changing”. In addition to starting her own business, Melissa has over twenty years of experience in public service, with a focus on education, behavioral health, and volunteerism. She currently serves as Board Co-Chair for Todos Juntos Learning Center and volunteers with Communities In Schools of Central Texas. Melissa holds a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Texas and Master’s in Counseling from St. Edward’s University. Connect with Melissa @mamawearspants and @melissaacosta.atx

Noëlle is a mama to two spirited and hilariously cute tiny humans, Lucas + Zoë, and the world’s okayest wife to Bryan. She’s half French and half Texan and loves to tell people she’s a Frexan. She has lived in ten countries, holds two different passports, speaks three languages, and is part of the Third Culture Kid (TCKs) tribe. Before turning her long-time photography hobby into a business, she spent the first 18 years of her adult life climbing the corporate ladder…and loved every minute of it! She still does some contract work for a few companies here and there, but is way more into being behind a camera than a desk these days. If you’re feeling adventurous (or bored) you can check out her work at Noëlle Westcott Photography or Instagram.

2X Best-Selling Author Patrice Hernandez was born and raised in Georgia. This Air Force Veteran has planted roots with her family in Austin, Texas. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Business and Master's in Business Administration(MBA). Patrice is an Entrepreneur, Writer, and Educator. She enjoys sharing magical moments in her life with hopes for others to see that we all experience beautiful moments each day. Moments that are filled with gratitude, love, and hope for all that we desire in life. You will often find this introvert writing her holiday script, educating others about the value of creating a vision board, or exploring the city of Austin and its most beautiful hiking spots. Discover the magic of positivity, kindness, gratitude, and all things LADY with Patrice.

Born in New Hampshire and raised in Florida, Rachel got to Texas as quickly as she could. She has spent the last 20 years in this amazing city as a student, wife, mother, friend and professional. She met her husband, Jonathan, here in Austin and the two share all things Longhorns, as well as a love of football, traveling, and being amateur foodies. When not carpooling the social butterfly, Claire (11), or watching the world through the eyes of a toddler, Diana (1), you can find Rachel researching, planning, and booking their next travel adventure. She is an unapologetic Patriots fan and a firm believer in self-care; eat clean, train dirty, and never under estimate the power of a fresh mani/pedi.

Rachel is a "momedian," get it?! ...she's a mom plus a comedian! She's a biracial mama both Hispanic and Caucasian, 50/50 with an extra helping of ADHD. She's an Air Force brat (and wife) born on a military base in the UK but has also lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, Monterey, California, San Angelo, Texas, Destin, Florida, Stafford,Virginia, Tokyo, Japan, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Springfield, Virginia, Alexandria, Virginia, Arlington Virginia, Silver Spring, Maryland, Santa Monica, California and now hangs her vintage hat collection in good ol' Austin Texas. She's an elder millennial in recovery for an eating disorder and body dysmorphia, committed to a lifetime of therapy because she wants to teach her two daughters to eat intuitively and love their bodies. Her favorite things about Austin include a Chuys burrito with ranchero sauce, thrifting, all the crafty coffee spots and the fact that she can get anywhere in less than 30 minutes driving. You can find her on Instagram @rachelnicolefrey

Raevan is an Austin native and graduate of Texas Christian University. She loves all things fitness, women empowerment and food related. Her love for fitness began as a child dancing with Ballet Austin and continued into adulthood as she added different fitness regimens to her own routine. As a mother of three young daughters, she became passionate about helping others in their own prenatal and postnatal fitness journeys. In 2021, she had the opportunity to open Birthbabybody with her chiropractor and create a women owned and focused business. Having just celebrated Birthbabybody's one year anniversary, she and her business partner have started to build a strong and supportive community for parents and children to receive holistic care. At BirthBabyBody, Raevan leads the rehab department including spearheading our Defeat Diastasis program.

Stephanie Howard is the owner of Stephanie Anne Studios specializing in creating artwork for your home with Newborn & Maternity Portrait Photography. Originally from DFW she moved to Austin to attend UT and never looked back. With 16+ years of experience including dual degrees in Studio Art and Advertising, her professional life culminated in her dream Photography studio that is now located in West Austin. Mom to 2 spunky tiny humans + 2 crazy sweet dogs + her veteran hubs. Lover of outdoor life, yoga, whiskey & family dance parties. Follow me here: @stephanieannestudios + on Facebook

Although Theresa Bastian is a recent empty nester, she's most definitely still "mom" to Lukas, who is serving as a United States Marine and Sophia, who is a student at the University of Arkansas. As the owner of Let's Move Austin, Theresa spends her days helping her clients navigate Austin's high stakes housing market. She is a dedicated community volunteer and she's in the process of finding the right agent for her recently completed memoir. For fun, Theresa enjoys listening to live music, boating, and traveling.

Tina is the very proud momma of two, a kindergartener and a college student. She graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Broadcast Communications. Drinking coffee, being a football/cheer mom, and writing books for people (a ghostwriter) are how her days are spent. Occasionally she binges Hallmark movies or True Crime documentaries….depending on the day.

Tori is a wife, mother of 2 girls, a Birthfit coach, & personal trainer. Tori works in the home to raise her babies while also running her online personal training business helping moms during pregnancy & postpartum. When she's not "momming" or working to grow her business you can find her checking out a new coffee shop, beer garden, or working out. Her favorite foods include coffee, donuts, beer, & beef. She loves a good podcast or book she can learn from and believes that finding the simple joys in life are what make it so special. Catch Tori on Instagram @coach_tori_ or attend the pregnancy & postpartum support group she hosts the last Friday of every month at Truly Chiropractic.

Whitney Otstott is the owner of GirlPower Fitness, a private fitness studio in southwest Austin that’s just for women. Whitney has been in the fitness industry for more than 25 years, teaching numerous group fitness formats and offering personal training in a way that helps women get stronger and healthier in a nurturing and empowering environment. She's passionate about helping women build confidence as much as strength. She lives in Austin with her husband, two teenage daughters, and two poodles, and loves doing paint-by-numbers while listening to true crime podcasts.

Yuri Kendrick is a native Texan and has called the Greater Austin area home for most of her life. She is unashamedly a follower of Christ and a devoted wife to her favorite human and hubbeau, Tay. Together they are nurturing four beautiful souls, this she believes is her greatest honor in this life. She is a freelance creative, a worship leader, and a willing advocate for any cause that helps us all love one another better. Yuri loves so many things but maybe nothing more than a good laugh, a good meal and good conversation and she rightfully rejoices in the occasion that they occur simultaneously. Whether speaking or writing, she prides herself on being a genuine and conscious sharer. It is her heart's desire to be ever-evolving in her journeys with a passion to be both the “Salt and Light” along the way.

Zana is wife to Esteban and mama to her four children, Joaquin, Teodoro, and twins Roma & Rosalind. She is a Senior Retail Technology Manager and Co-host of The Strong Sunflowers & Los Girasoles Fuertes podcasts. She was a competitive cheerleader at Hawaii Pacific University, where she pursued her Bachelor’s in Public Relations and Advertising. She is currently working on an online Master’s in Global Strategic Communications from The University of Florida (Go Gators!) She advocates for whole-hearted living and constantly looks for ways to improve her mind, body, heart, and soul. She loves songwriting, singing, and musical theatre and has already warned her kids when they are all over 18+; she is moving to New York City to audition for Broadway.