Austin Moms

Alison Bogle is a writer living in Austin with her husband Scott, daughter Ana (2006) and boy/girl twins, Reed and Sofia (2011). A former marketing manager turned fourth grade teacher, she now works at home as a unicorn. Seriously. Magical thinking is the only possible explanation for how her family thinks she could pull off all they ask of her! She loves travel, reading, running, blowing off steam with friends, being outside, and the Don Juan taco with a passion. She can usually be found biting off more than she can chew and, of course, writing about it. Check her out at www.mycontrolexperiment.com or monthly in Austin Family magazine.

Alison is a lover of boybands, cheese, and a good leather jacket (not always in that order). Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, she left her career as a radio personality to move to Texas with the love of her life, Ed. In three short years, she became an Austinite, wife, and mama to sweet little Simon (2). Alison works as a nanny and a venue manager at dreamy One Eleven East in Hutto. She loves salsa dancing, nail salons that serve champagne, and sneaking snuggles when her toddler will let her. Although she misses her family, the seasons, and the sea back East, Alison is happy to call Austin home with her boys.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cortney is a mother of two, #atxfoodie and lover of fitness! She married her soul-mate, Max, after a love at first sight experience in Las Vegas. Together, they have two children Zander (7) and Zia (5). As a family, they love exploring Austin, trying new restaurants, s’mores by the fire, and vacationing in CO & Cali! Her passion lies in health and wellness. She adores grocery shopping, farmers markets, cooking new recipes, and exercise! Cortney is on a quest to keep her family healthy, dining on the cleanest ingredients, while still having fun and eating paleo chocolate chip cookies!! She started a Health Coaching business in 2019 to help families find the joy in living and eating healthfully! Follow her journey and learn more about her coaching services @happydinneratx and www.happydinneratx.com

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!

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!

Hannah Haro, PT, DPT is a physical therapist, wife to Daniel and mom to Mina (2018). She was born and raised in a small northern Michigan town, is bilingual, helps run a soccer clinic for kids with disabilities, is a Christian, and a partner at the Austin Stone Community Church. Though Hannah currently works as a PT in Bastrop, she has previously worked as a babysitter, downhill ski instructor, math teacher, barista, health coach, and pediatric PT. She likes to say she is in the business of rehabilitation: of people, as a PT; and of homes, as she and her husband are now on renovations for house #4 in as many years. She also loves coffee and anything chocolate, enjoying the green spaces of Austin, and a really good sci fi/fantasy novel while curled under a blanket.

Hayley lives in, what can only be described as, a frat house, with her three little frat boys.  Besides the obvious loves...wine, coffee, nap time, and Netflix binging....other things that make her happy include the smell of a new book, the chipped tooth smile of her five year old, a coffee mug with something witty written on it, and twinkle lights. Follow her on her blog, Mother Freaking.

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.

Born and raised a California girl, currently residing in Southwest Austin. Jenn is the wife to hubby, Ronnie, and mama to sweet baby girl, Stella Rae. She spends her days working full time from her home office as a Business Development Manager. Life never slows down while she continues to juggle being a mama and wife while balancing her love of wine, enthusiasm for hosting parties, traveling, shopping online, reading blogs, attending class at barre3, and indulging in sweet treats.

Jessica is a Boston girl turned Austinite as of 2016. She is a wife to Kyle and mama to Hayley (2004), Colin (2013), and Graham (2016). Though she misses many things about the East Coast, she absolutely cannot complain about the active, taco-infused lifestyle of Texas. She is a former OB/GYN Nurse Educator turned digital media agency owner and lifestyle photographer over at Jessica Rockowitz Photography. When she's not busy behind the lens, you can catch her caffeinating, desperately trying to find a cheer carpool, and obsessing over microfashion. You can also follow her antics over on Instagram, where she admittedly spends way too much time. 

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.

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

Khaki has a business degree from Saint Leo University and by day utilizes that with her tenure in Corporate America and is currently serving as the Controller for an Austin nano-technology start-up. By night and every other waking hour, she is the taxi driver, team manager, room mom, tutor, chef, logistics coordinator, event planner, referee, housekeeper, and single mother to her 3 teen-aged boys, elementary aged daughter and 3-year-old standard poodle. She moonlights as a writer to ease the creative and sarcastic voices that constantly banter in her head. A native Texan that has tried to finish reading the same book for over a year, is fueled by coffee, and loves watching NBA basketball and professional soccer.

Lauren Samuels is a Michigander who was eager to move away after graduating from college in 2010. In the past 10 years, she has lived in Florida, California, Nevada and now in Texas. She worked in professional sports for most of her adult life until becoming a SAHM in 2018 after the birth of her daughter, Amelia. She is married to Zach who is her best friend. Their family moved to Lakeway in June 2019 and quickly fell in love with the area. Lauren discovered her passion for photography while capturing special memories of her daughter. She is now a natural light, lifestyle photographer over at Lauren Samuels Photography. She specializes in family, maternity, newborn, fresh 48 and everything in between.

Lindsey is a lifestyle content creator at Blog Joie de Vivre where she posts about skincare, date-night ideas and product reviews. Her best friend is her husband Ryan — they are parents to toddler Alexandra & live in Steiner Ranch. Lindsey is a member of the Junior League of Austin & the University of Texas Golf Club. She loves barre3, hiking with family and attending Fearless Mom. Follow her Insta: @BlogJoiedeVivre.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Liz is a UT grad who has called Austin home for 17 years. During the week she works full time in pharmaceutical sales, but otherwise can be found wrangling her two toddler boys, loading the dishwasher, trying to find time for a glass of wine with her husband and attempting to sleep. She also moonlights as a patient advocate for her younger son who was born with a rare syndrome. You can follow her family’s journey at www.happinesssyndrome.com and on Instagram @lizbarnettsmith.

Martine is a native New Yorker who (along with her husband Chris) lived in several different cities over the course of a decade until fate brought them to Austin, where they would finally plant roots and start a family. Even though they live far from their respective families and miss them dearly, they are loving raising their first child--a curious, brave and hilarious 20 month old boy named Julian and their dog Coco in this great city.  Despite being more than a year into this wild ride called parenthood, she still feels like a newbie mom and knows there is a ton more to learn about her amazing child, husband and herself as they navigate this new and exciting life together. Passions include travel, live music, spontaneously dancing to her perfectly curated Spotify playlists and doing silly things to make her son laugh.

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.

Michelle is a Virginia girl living in Texas. She was born and raised in Alexandria, VA and graduated from Hollins University, an all-women’s school, in Southern Virginia. After meeting her husband in college, they moved to Washington, DC to pursue their careers in politics.

Noelle is a mama to two spirited and hilariously cute tiny humans, Lucas (4) + Zoë (2), 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.

Patrice was born and raised a Georgia Peach, and thanks to her military service in the U.S. Air Force, she has lived in several states. Patrice is a Grantham University graduate student, holding her Bachelor’s in Business and her M.B.A. She is the wife of Daniel and mom to Dana and Alana. Passionate about her family and running the family business with Daniel, she is always looking to learn something new. Writing, traveling, and dancing is just a shortlist of her hobbies. You'll often catch her with her head in a book, enjoying all of the local Tex-Mex restaurants, and exploring Austin’s most beautiful hiking spots.

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.

Shani is a born and raised Austinite who co-owns and oversees as the Operations Manager of the private music school, Franklin Music Academy, where she wears many hats. When she is not working, she is dreaming up DIY projects at home and gets inspired by going to way too many open houses for sale, which keeps her husband on his toes. She is married to her best friend and love, JP, of almost 9 years and, regrettably, they have no kids yet. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Shani and her husband enjoy owning a business that cultivates the growth, development, and education of children by way of their community, in south Austin where instructors teach music to kids of all ages in-studio and online. Our business has been the lifeline in our marriage that always forces us to engage even when times are difficult. We are firm believers that life with music is a miracle worker in many ways. Shani has a wealth of experience in infertility ranging from miscarriage, IVF, to surrogacy and has tons of knowledge in music education and parenting via her business and family. Follow me here: @sincerely.shani + @franklinmusicacademy

Fiery. Ambitious. Witty. Extroverted Introvert. Taco Enthusiast. Amateur Chef. Songbird. Outside of being a mother, those words best describe me on any given day. For me, every day is an Eat, Pray, Love moment. I actively consume things that bring me joy and do my best to discard things that deplete my energy. In college, I studied what interested me rather than what I thought would generate the most income (I do question my sanity sometimes). That led me down the path of Sociology and English Literature, which resulted in a bachelor’s and master’s degree (respectfully) from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. Professionally, I’ve worked in a variety of fields, including domestic violence and substance use prevention, higher education, and healthcare. Ultimately, I land wherever my heart leads me, and I bloom where planted. I am continually inspired by the work and life of Zora Neale Hurston, who quoted in her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” Over time, I’ve learned to ask the right questions. Aside from being able to write novels full-time (and survive), some of my biggest dreams are to sing in a choir/group led by Kirk Franklin, be a participant on the Amazing Race, and compete on Chopped, Sugar Rush, or the Great British Baking Show. Oh, this is a moms’ blog, right? I almost forgot. My philosophy on motherhood is to be responsible for my own happiness, so my children can learn to do the same as they evolve into adults. I generally employ a semi-hands-off approach in order to give them room to breathe, grow, and develop their natural skills. However, every now and then, I have to steer the ship back on course. We are only here for a little while, so we might as well dance. Check out my latest work at www.yellowandolivepress.com and follow me on IG and Twitter at @thewriteshan.

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

Born and raised in Texas, Tara moved to Austin shortly after earning her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications in December of 2006. After spending a little over 10 years living in South Austin, the opportunity to work with Texas Hill Country wineries beckoned. As a media professional, including four years at The Austin-American Statesman, the opportunity to apply those skills to Texas wine was a dream come true. At that time, childcare in Austin seemed near impossible to find. So, a kismet meeting on a trip to Fredericksburg (with the woman that is still her son's nanny to this day) helped to solidify the Guthrie family’s decision to make a big move. Today, Tara, husband Chase, and four-year-old son Everett reside about an hour’s drive from their former greenbelt-facing apartment on Spyglass. Since relocating to Fredericksburg, she is now a certified level 2 sommelier and owns a bespoke cocktail bar with her husband, Chase's Place Cocktails + Kitchen. As a top market for Texas hill country wine, Tara finds herself in the city weekly, but no matter how much she is in town she will always miss having a Taco Deli within walkable distance.

Trisha was born and raised in Houston, migrated to New York City and Las Vegas after graduating college, and finally found Austin to be her home for the last 12 years. After aspiring to be a professional Broadway dancer, she found her career as a Technical Recruiter where she "recruited" her husband, Jason while both working for their previous employer. They have three beautiful children, Julia (5) and Winston (2), and their newest addition, Olivia. This SAHM is also a medical mama, as she manages Julia’s medical care and advocates for her diagnosis, Trisomy 18/Edward’s Syndrome. When not taking care of her little humans, Trisha enjoys exploring Austin as a wannabe foodie, trying out different fitness outlets, attending events in town… with a glass (or two) of wine.