Meet Our Writers

- FAMILY: I am married to Sam and have two not-so-much kids anymore, Adrian who is 18 and Hana who is 15
- ABODE: Livonia
- HOMETOWN: Royal Oak
- CAREER: Speech and Language pathologist, writer, parenting coach
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Supinos
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: South Haven
- INTERESTING FACT: I could never breakup with pizza! And I love yoga and any type of dance cardio 🙂
Albiona Rakipi

Writer
- FAMILY: Mason, age 13
- ABODE: Livonia
- HOMETOWN: Livonia
- CAREER: Middle School Teacher
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Buddy’s Pizza
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- INTERESTING FACT: I am a certified Turn Up (dance fitness) and PiYo Instructor!
detroitmom.com/author/allysondunn
Allyson Dunn

Writer
- FAMILY: four-year-old son, Luca
ABODE: Macomb

HOMETOWN: Macomb
- CAREER: Advertising Account Supervisor
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Ottava Via
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Traverse City
- INTERESTING FACT: I was in two commercials as a kid, one was a Super Bowl commercial!
Amanda Fogolini

Writer + Social Team
- FAMILY: My husband and I have been married for nine years. We have two children: a dino-loving six-year-old named Sully, and a strong and sweet three-year-old named Lennon.
- ABODE: Troy
- HOMETOWN: Canton (home of IKEA)
- CAREER: I am in my 16th year of teaching. I currently teach at two high schools as a Resource Room English teacher.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Green Dot Stables (simple, delicious, and kid-friendly)
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Corey Lake
- INTERESTING FACT: I have watched every single episode of all 25 seasons of Law and Order SVU!! Olivia Benson is my HERO, and Detective Stabler is one of my Hall Passes. 🙂
Annie Gallagher

Writer + Social Team
- FAMILY: I am a mom of two toddlers, Jax (4) and Jade (2). My husband Victor and I have been together for 15 years and married for 7!
- ABODE: Waterford
- HOMETOWN: West Bloomfield
- CAREER: I am the broker and owner of a boutique real estate brokerage, Higher Living Real Estate.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Hmmmmmm......any middle eastern restaurant or steakhouse. I am basic af.
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN:Burt Lake or Saugatuck
- INTERESTING FACT: I am an introverted extrovert.
Ashley Oshinsky

Writer + Social Team
- FAMILY: Married with three kids ages 3, 5, and 7, and a dog.
- ABODE: Troy
- HOMETOWN: Livonia
- CAREER: I am an occupational therapist, specializing in neurological rehabilitation.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Grey Ghost
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Traverse/Leelenau area, Higgins Lake, East Lansing (Go Green!)
- INTERESTING FACT: My ten-year-old dog has flown on a private plane, and somehow I still haven’t.
Brittany Fike

Writer
- FAMILY: I'm married to my high school sweetheart, and our family’s story is a wild, beautiful ride. From fostering and adoption to the heartbreak of losing our sweet boy, and now we are currently in the beautiful chaos of raising two boys and a girl.
- ABODE: Oak Park
- HOMETOWN: Fredericksburg, VA
- CAREER: I'm a therapist dedicated to guiding individuals and couples through the complex journey of perinatal mental health, parenthood, grief, and loss. I belong to a fierce collective of women who inspire and support each other like family. Additionally, I run transformative intensives for couples who have experienced perinatal loss, helping them navigate healing and connection.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: SheWolf
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Traverse City
- INTERESTING FACT: I landed a full-ride theater scholarship but chose a different path instead!
Brooke Stone

Writer + Social Team
- FAMILY:Hubs, 2 kiddos, 2 bonus kids
- ABODE: Harper Woods
- HOMETOWN: Detroit
- CAREER: Education (Early Childhood)- Facilitating Specialist
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Marrow, Detroit Fleat
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Frankenmuth
- INTERESTING FACT: I attended Dominican, the only all-girl Catholic high school in Detroit. We were the last graduating class (2005).
Carmin Issa

Writer
- FAMILY: I am the mom of two sons aged 11 and 9, and have been married to my husband for 12 years. We are a hockey family so you can usually find us at one of the local rinks!
- ABODE: Livonia
- HOMETOWN: Westland, Livonia, and Garden City
- CAREER: I am a preschool assistant who recently went back to work full-time after a decade of staying home.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Las Palapas
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Saint Joseph
- INTERESTING FACT: I read magazines from back to front.
Casey Sorensen

Writer
FAMILY: I am a dedicated mother of two, Cali (7) and Jack (5), who loves exploring new adventures with my children.

ABODE: Woodhaven

HOMETOWN: Chesterfield

CAREER: I am a multimedia professional with nearly 20 years of experience in broadcasting and video production. I founded Pedal to the Metal Media to empower others in video and podcasting. I help clients develop the skills to create compelling content and engage effectively with their audience.

FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Olin Bar & Kitchen

FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Traverse City

INTERESTING FACT: I am mixed-handed, favoring my right hand for most tasks while using my left for eating and other activities!
China Haley

Writer
- FAMILY: I’m a single mom to a sweet, animal-obsessed seven-year-old who inherited my soft heart and fierce spirit. Together we’re rewriting what family feels like, choosing peace, safety, and love every day.
- ABODE: Oak Park
- HOMETOWN: Flint and Hart (both raised me)
- CAREER: My career began in dental hygiene (Veteran’s Administration) before I transitioned into federal law enforcement, where I’ve served federally for 15 years as of 2025. I hold three degrees (Dental Hygiene, General Studies with a Fine Arts minor, and Forensic Science) which reflect both my creative side and my love of detail. Every part of my background shows up in my work and in the way I move through the world.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: La Lanterna (Bolognese Lasagna). I’m a foodie, just trust me!
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Honestly, back home to Hart, it’s beautiful and comfort there. Also, I love Saugatuck, Traverse City, and still many more I need to venture to.
- INTERESTING FACT: I tried out for American Idol and The Voice.
Christina Reinhardt

Writer
- FAMILY: I am a mother to three beautiful kids: Nevaeh (15), Vinnie (10), and Sophia (8).
- ABODE: Macomb Twp.
- HOMETOWN: I am a Navy kid so I lived in many different places, but most of my childhood and teenage years were in Roseville.
- CAREER: I work remotely from home as a Disability examiner. I also am a bartender and have been for over 10 years.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Las Tortugas
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Traverse City
- INTERESTING FACT: I was born in Texas!
Deandrea Valverde

Writer + Social Team
- FAMILY: I have a six-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, and a fantastic husband! We spend our spare time at gymnastics, playing catch, finding parks, and watching the Red Wings!
- ABODE: Berkley
- HOMETOWN: Grand Ledge
- CAREER: I work as a product owner for Ford! I graduated with my MBA in May and switched from FinTech to Auto and love it so far.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Such a tough choice. Detroit proper has to be Vincente’s, and Metro Detroit is probably Imperial.
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Pentwater
- INTERESTING FACT: I was on the rowing team in college! I’d never rowed before. 🙂
Emily Fideler

Writer
- FAMILY: Husband Pat, twin boys Patrick & Michael
- ABODE: Shelby Township
- HOMETOWN: Algonac, MI
- CAREER:Resident District Manager for Chartwells Higher Ed at Oakland University (oversee all campus food service operations)
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: The Hudson Cafe
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Petoskey
- INTERESTING FACT: Early in my career I was a pastry chef and met my husband while working on the Ovation yacht.
Evol Gazzarato

Writer
- FAMILY: I’m happily married and we have three beautiful kids: one boy who’s 12 and two girls ages 7 and 9.
- ABODE: Dearborn
- HOMETOWN: Dearborn
- CAREER: I’m a social worker and have worked in various settings and am currently working with moms running mom groups.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Oyaki Sushi
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Petoskey
- INTERESTING FACT: I just started to learn to crochet!
Faten Saad

Writer
- FAMILY: I’ve been happily married to my husband for 12 years, and together we have two sons who are passionate about hockey. In addition to family life, we own and operate the Auburn Café in Ecorse.
- ABODE: Grosse Ile
- HOMETOWN: Riverview
- CAREER: I am currently a first grade teacher. While I love teaching, my ultimate goal is to become an elementary school principal, where I can inspire and support students and educators on a larger scale.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Vincente's Cuban Cusine
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Mackinac Island
- INTERESTING FACT: I started writing a children’s book about anxiety to help kids understand and cope with their feelings, but life took me in other directions, and I never finished it.
Fotini Callis

Writer
- FAMILY: Mark the hubs and my 3 little birds: Benny, Ellie, and Norah
- ABODE: New Baltimore
- HOMETOWN: Dearborn Heights
- CAREER: Virtual Learning Specialist at Verizon
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Los Galanes
- FAMILY FAVORITES IN DETROIT: Riverfront Splash Pad and Dequindre Cut
- HOBBIES: Movies, TV, and Books! Also, LOVE outdoorsy stuff.
- INTERESTING FACT: You give me a problem, I’ll give you the silver lining. I am the QUEEN of seeing the bright side in anything life can throw at me.
detroitmom.com/author/jfreeman/
Jamie Freeman

Writer
- FAMILY: I have 2 sons, Carter (4) and Louis (6). My husband, Fred, and I are both lawyers and have worked together most of our careers. We also have a geriatric dog, Jake.
- ABODE: Detroit
- HOMETOWN: Detroit
- CAREER: I work as an in-house attorney for General Motors, focusing on dealer franchise law and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. I am also an adjunct professor at Wayne State law school, a writer, and perform in local music theater productions.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Selden Standard
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Up North
- INTERESTING FACT: I can do the splits!
Jennifer Dewey

Writer
- FAMILY: My husband Greg and I have been together since 2007, and we have four boys affectionately known as the “Whiskey Brothers” and our dog JoJo. Our days are full of early morning school rushes, soccer balls bouncing off walls, and the kind of chaos only four boys can deliver.
- ABODE: Washington Twp
- HOMETOWN: Baltimore, MD
- CAREER: I run my own business in the property preservation and mortgage inspection industry. It’s a niche field that runs in my family through my grandpa, my mom, and now me.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Pegasus Taverna in Greektown
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Onaway, MI. My family has a place on Black Lake. I love spending May-November up there.
- INTERESTING FACT: I’ve never broken a bone.
Jessica Plunkett

Writer
- FAMILY: Husband, Mark, Matteo (one year), Vincent (4 years)
- ABODE: Detroit
- HOMETOWN: Allen Park
- CAREER: Realtor
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Barda
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Anywhere on the West Side.
- INTERESTING FACT: I can read tarot cards!
Kaitlyn Pangrazzi

Writer
- FAMILY: Our family is small--we were a one and done family and have a 7-year-old daughter. We recently welcomed a furry friend to the home, Sally our Cavapoo.
- ABODE: Grosse Pointe Park
- HOMETOWN: Marquette
- CAREER: I am a former corporate finance and data manager turned Perimenopause Educator and Health Coach. I help corporations implement menopause training in the workplace as well as help women ease perimenopause symptoms and feel like themselves again.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: I can't just pick one! Top 3: Vertical, Shewolf, and Selden Standard.
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: The UP
- INTERESTING FACT: I want to retire in Europe.
Karissa Pfeffer

Writer + Sales
FAMILY: My little family unit consists of my husband Trevor, two sons The Tornado Bros, and our dog. At any point in time I could have an extra nine nieces and nephews around--my home is kid chaos central!

ABODE: Farmington Hills

HOMETOWN: Saginaw

CAREER: I work as an engineer at a gas utility company--solving problems to make sure everyone can stay warm!

FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Los Galanes

FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Sleeping Bear Dunes

INTERESTING FACT: My favorite song is “Smooth” by Carlos Santana featuring Rob Thomas.
Karli McNeill

Writer + Social Team
- FAMILY: Married with 3 kids and a pup
- ABODE: Clawson
- HOMETOWN: Berkley, MI
- CAREER: Writer, at-home mom
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Either Vinsetta Garage or Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: It depends on the season! I love Glen Arbor and Saugatuck.
- INTERESTING FACT: I had each of my three kids in a different state.
Kate Lochner

Writer
- FAMILY: I have been married to my husband for nine years, we have three children together, Walter, Arlo, and Lennon. We also have two fur babies, our golden doodle Marshmallow, and our rabbit, Maple.
- HOMETOWN: Macomb
- CAREER: Photographer, Business Owner, Entrepreneur
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Lumen
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Suttons Bay
- INTERESTING FACT: Traveling is my passion, I’ve lived in two different countries for a short time, and love to travel with my family, on my own, and with friends.
Katie Jones

Writer + Social Team
- FAMILY: I’ve been married to my husband Ryan for eight years. Together we have a six-year-old son named Cooper and a nine-year-old Cockapoo named Callie.
- ABODE: Livonia
- HOMETOWN: Redford
- CAREER: I am a full-time corporate work-from-home mom as a Market Sales Coach with Allstate Insurance. Our family also owns a mobile sauna business called Sisu Mobile Sauna where we rent out our 8x12 mobile barrel sauna unit to private, public, and corporate spaces.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Green Dot Stables
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Upper Peninsula!
- INTERESTING FACT: My husband and I got engaged in a hot air balloon!
Katie Moore

Writer
- FAMILY: Husband, Scott, and six-year-old daugther, Autumn
- ABODE: Lakes Area, Michigan
- HOMETOWN: Houghton, Michigan
- CAREER: Lifestyles Director / Senior Citizen Advocate / Freelance
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Calexico
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Mackinaw, Houghton, Marquette, Detroit
- INTERESTING FACT: My favorite animal is a Manatee!
Kay McMahon-Boggess

Writer
- FAMILY: I’m a solo mom to a vibrant, energetic nine-year-old girl who is the heart of my world. I’m grateful to be held by a rich community of chosen family: my partner, co-parent, parents, sister, and friends.
- ABODE: Canton
- HOMETOWN: Detroit
- CAREER: I work at the intersection of art, public health, and social work, centering queer, polyamorous, and kinky people. My art and practice are unapologetically values-driven, liberation-focused, and rooted in community care.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Baobab Fare
- INTERESTING FACT: I don’t believe the systems we’re living under are working for most of us, especially those they’ve historically harmed. I’m committed to dismantling white supremacist, patriarchal structures and co-creating liberatory, pleasure-centered systems grounded in community and care.
Kelz Cousins

Writer
- FAMILY: Married for almost 14 years to my husband, Matthew, and we have two boys: Victor and Jaxson
- ABODE: Ypsilanti Township
- HOMETOWN: Port Huron
- CAREER: Child Welfare Trainer and DEI consultant
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Ima
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: The Lake in the thumb- Lexington area
- INTERESTING FACT: I am addicted to true crime podcasts, books, and documentaries. I am a HUGE lover of 90's pop culture including all things Boy Bands. Which leads me to say that JC was the best singer in N*SYNC, not Justin.
Kenisha Coon

Writer + Social Team
- FAMILY: My husband Josh and I have two little girls, ages 3 and 5.
- ABODE: Brighton
- HOMETOWN: Lake Orion
- CAREER: I am a former dental hygienist, now a full time SAHM.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: The Peterboro
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Traverse City
- INTERESTING FACT: The best concert I’ve even been to was Prince in the early 2000s.
Laura Herr

Writer
- FAMILY: Husband: Cyle. Children: Harper (4) & Henry (2)
- ABODE: St. Clair Shores
- HOMETOWN: Harrison Township
- CAREER: Journalist
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Vicente’s
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Traverse City
- INTERESTING FACT: I love a good ghost story! I've even had multiple experiences myself.
Lindsay Gizicki

Writer
- FAMILY: Husband and two awesome daughters. My girls are campaigning hard to add a dog to the family--I'm not quite there yet, but I’m getting close to caving!
- ABODE: Huntington Woods
- HOMETOWN: Montreal, Canada
- CAREER: I’m a therapist for moms, helping moms (and myself) navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood. I’m also a social worker at Tamarack Camps, proudly reliving my sleepaway camp glory days.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Hazel's
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Grand Haven
- INTERESTING FACT: I worked on a couple of cruise ships in my 20s--definitely my adventurous era!
Marni Alekman

Writer
- FAMILY: My family consists of my husband Matthew and two young boys, Vincent (3) and Jack (1).
- ABODE: Wyandotte
- HOMETOWN: Wyandotte
- CAREER: I am a board certified pediatric nurse working in utilization review and cath lab on call.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Green Dot Stables
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Mackinac Island
- INTERESTING FACT: I am the youngest elected official on election day in the history of the City of Wyandotte.
Megan Jalbert

Writer
- FAMILY: I have three kids, two boys and a girl, who are still in their elementary years and a Mini Cockapoo fur baby (emphasis on baby). My husband and I are high school sweethearts.
- ABODE: Hartland
- HOMETOWN: Hartland
- CAREER: I started as an elementary school teacher but transitioned to higher education within a few years of teaching. I've now been with the University of Michigan for almost a decade.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Traffic Jam and Snug (praying they return!)
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Tawas
- INTERESTING FACT: Instead of souvenirs when we travel, I try to log a run on my Garmin app at every location we visit and usually make my husband begrudgingly join me.
Megan Moore

Writer
- FAMILY: I am married to Mark, Googler, and have four children: Delia, Calum, Camilo, and baby number 4 on the way. We love snuggling on the couch and spending time at the ice rink.
- ABODE: Grosse Ile
- HOMETOWN: Trenton
- CAREER: I am a full time special education teacher at my local high school and own a small business, Styled in the Wild, where I style families for their family photoshoots.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Roman Village
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Cadillac
- INTERESTING FACT: I won best dancer in high school my senior year.
Megan Napier

Writer
- FAMILY: Wife to Satish; Mother to Lily (8), Eliza (6) & Daisy (4)
- ABODE: Livonia
- HOMETOWN: Plymouth/Canton, MI
- CAREER: Full-time SAHM, Part-time Writer
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Shatilla Bakery
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Pentwater
- INTERESTING FACT: Heart Disease and Mental Health Warrior
Molly Ann Nagelli

Writer
- FAMILY: Married since 2012 to my husband, Brandon. We have a daughter, Layne, and two cats.
- ABODE: Farmington Hills
- HOMETOWN: Williamston
- CAREER: I am a full-time stay-at-home mom and a part-time life coach.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Green Dot Stables
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Whitehall
- INTERESTING FACT: House Hufflepuff (IYKYK)
Natasha Kearney

Writer + Social Team
- FAMILY: I come from a very large extended family with many cousins, but the family I’ve built is a small and close-knit trio: my husband, our 13-year-old daughter, and our beloved cat.
- ABODE: Detroit
- HOMETOWN: Birmingham, MI
- CAREER: I’ve spent over 15 years in the fashion industry as a model in NYC and Jersey City, which led me into entrepreneurship and eventually education. After returning to the Midwest, I now work as a dance teacher at a charter school in Detroit while continuing to pursue my entrepreneurial goals.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Empire
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Belle Isle
- INTERESTING FACT: I’m so conditioned to reducing waste that I wash and reuse my plastic bags and take home even tiny leftovers rather than throw them away.
Nia Reid-Allen

Writer
- FAMILY: Husband, Daughter (11), Son (9), Son (9)
- ABODE: Northville
- HOMETOWN: Melbourne, Australia
CAREER: Interior Designer & Professional Organizer
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Le George
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Mackinac Island
- INTERESTING FACT: I have lived here for 15 years but still have my accent. Visiting Australia with my kids strangers thought it was weird I had kids with American accents!
Orna Fathers

Writer
- FAMILY: My husband, Ryan, my bonus sons, Nick (15) and Will (12), and my toddlers, Jack (4), Maisie (3), and Ben (1).
- ABODE: Roseville
- HOMETOWN: Warren and Sterling Heights
- CAREER: Stay at Home Mama
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT:I have a few! Brass Rail Pizza Bar, Downtown Detroit, Osaka in Shelby Twp. and Crazy Gringo Mexican Cantina in Clinton Twp.
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: I love the Frankfort and Traverse City areas, as well as Mackinac City!
- INTERESTING FACT: I LOVE road trips and I have a goal to visit all 50 states at least once! So far I am at 33!
Paige Martinek

Writer
- FAMILY: I'm a twin mama with boy/girl twins that bring so much joy and fun to my life. With my husband we are building a lovely life in Michigan. Our life is a little messy and chaotic with twin toddlers, but I'm loving every minute of it.
- ABODE: Royal Oak
- HOMETOWN: Toledo, OH
- CAREER: As a tech leader at a startup, my work is fast paced and constantly changing. I build out enablement (sales skills training) for field teams. I help people be the best they can be at their jobs and it's a perfect mix of creativity and purpose for me.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Beppe
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Ann Arbor or Grand Haven on Lake Michigan
- INTERESTING FACT: I have a secret desire to try stand up comedy, but I've never tried it so not sure why lol
Patti Nicholson

Writer
- FAMILY: I'm living the "sandwich generation" life between being a mom of two (12-year-old boy with disabilities from my first marriage and 9-year-old neurotypical girl from my second marriage) and caregiver to parents and grandma.
- ABODE: Macomb County
- HOMETOWN: Macomb County
- CAREER: I'm a writer, wife, and mom. My husband of 10 years and I run my family's industrial metal finishing business.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: If I'm staying local, I'm getting carryout from Phuket Thai. If I'm heading downtown, I'm dining in at Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine.
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Find me rock hunting in Lexington or around Sleeping Bear, or loving the small joys of Frankenmuth.
- INTERESTING FACT: Memes are my love language!
Peanut Butter Jackie

Writer
- FAMILY: Husband of 10 years and two young daughters.
- ABODE: Dearborn Heights
- HOMETOWN: Dearborn Heights
- CAREER: Stay-at-Home Mom/Writer
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Ocean Prime & Fratellis Pizza
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Mackinac Island
- INTERESTING FACT: I’m a Disney and Hogwarts obsessed adult!
Rana Makki

Writer
- FAMILY:Our family is bursting with personality and a true zest for life. My husband, our three daughters, and I thrive on adventures and endless laughter, always embracing the joy in every moment we share.
- ABODE: Birmingham
- HOMETOWN: Valparaiso, Indiana
- CAREER:After spending 20 years in the fast-paced world of fashion retail as a brand strategist and merchant, I decided to take a bold leap. I left it all behind to pursue my passion for writing and entrepreneurship. Now, as an indie author, I've written and self-published three picture books and even started A Pop of Indie: A Traveling Book Fair, combining my love for storytelling and entrepreneurship into one exciting journey.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Oak & Reel
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Charlevoix
- INTERESTING FACT: I minored in photography in college alongside my business and fashion major because I initially wanted to be a fashion photographer.
Renee Bolla

Writer
- FAMILY: We are a busy family of five. I have two stepchildren, ages 12 and 10, and my husband and I have a four-year-old son.
- ABODE: Sylvan Lake
- HOMETOWN: Marysville
- CAREER: I’m a stay-at-home mom and loving it!
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Joe Muer
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Traverse City
- INTERESTING FACT: I worked at Disney for 14 years and was a princess!
Shereena Duncan

Writer
- FAMILY: Husband Dave; Jonathan, Nicholas & Lucas
- ABODE: Northville
- HOMETOWN: Livonia
- CAREER: Stay-at-home mom
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Barrio
- FAMILY FAVORITES IN DETROIT: Detroit Zoo, Maybury Farm, Tigers Games, and The Fox Theater
- HOBBIES: Digital photo booking, photography, yoga, and reality TV guru
- INTERESTING FACT: I've never had coffee
Steffanie Marshall

Writer
- FAMILY:I'm married to my best friend and am a mother to six beautiful children.
- ABODE: Troy
- HOMETOWN: Toronto, Canada
- CAREER: I am an award-winning author, poet, speaker, and coach. Currently, I coach Muslim women authors in successfully building their author platforms and launching their books.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Haraz Coffee House
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: I love Dearborn! Everything about it . . . the coffee houses, the vibe, the shops!
- INTERESTING FACT: I've recently fallen in love with watercolor painting.
Tumkeen

Writer
- FAMILY: Married to Andrew and we have three daughters, plus a German Shepherd!
- ABODE: Rochester Hills
- HOMETOWN: Shelby Township
- CAREER: Former elementary school teacher turned SAHM, also the Managing Editor and Client Manager for Detroit Mom.
- FAVORITE DETROIT RESTAURANT: Noble Fish
- FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IN MICHIGAN: Traverse City
- INTERESTING FACT: I've been to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
Whitney Cornelli

Writer