Who we are and why we’re here.

Julie ~ Founder/Author

Philly girl transplanted to L.A. via a good stretch in San Francisco, Julie stays busy and likes it that way.  Between being the divorced mother of two amazing girls, ages 3½ and 6, working, and pursuing a teaching degree, she’d go nuts without finding time for her favorite creative outlet; writing.  With a children’s book in the illustration phase (not by Julie ~ she draws like a 4 year old) and writing for the blog In the Know Mom; the time and inspiration had come for a new project and a place to start a community where adults in children’s lives (not just parents; the whole Village) could have an open forum to discuss the ins and outs of raising our kids right.  And of course, there’s no one right way.

Stephanie ~ Co-Founder/Author

Stephanie is the resident pre-parent (at least for the next 6 months) here at takesavillage.net and a self proclaimed “cosmetic junkie”. Originally from Los Angeles, she has lived in San Diego, Chicago, New York City, and a few places in the bay area. Taking with her the culture and wisdom each city has to offer. She is an avid traveller that can’t wait to share her journeys with her child and husband of three years. Coming from a “big ass” Mexican family she knows first hand that it truly does take a village and all its participants to raise a child in the loving and caring atmosphere each child deserves.

 Rajina ~ Co-Founder/ Author

Rajina was born in Santa Monica, CA. Of Indo-Fijian descent. Married to Steve since May 2007. Been together since May 2000. After years of trying and finally some fertility help we conceived our first child Aleena Mei. She was born November 28, 2010 and it’s been a happy adventure ever since. I am the eldest of 6 siblings. 3 sisters and 3 brothers. Growing up in such a huge family was awesome!   My single mom along with my grandmother and aunts raised us. Presently, my family lives in Salt Lake City, UTAH. My mom moved us there in 1991 from Los Angeles. I became a flight attendant in 1998 and ended up in Chicago for 9 months and then moved back to Los Angeles in 1999. Haven’t worked since March 2010 and now planning on returning to the friendly skies Dec. 2011. After Aleena’s birth I had the opportunity to stay home and enjoy every moment of her first year. The adventures we’ve had and many more to come.

Melissa, M.A. ~ Expert Contributor

 

Melissa received her Masters in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies.  Melissa has worked extensively with couples and individuals in a private practice setting and also as an elementary school therapeutic counselor in Marin County.  She has numerous years experience guiding couples from the family planning stages, during and after birth, and through the child’s early school years.  She has completed certification in Body Centered Hypnosis for pregnancy and childbirth and is certified in Prenatal & Postpartum Counseling. Being a mother of three small children informs her work and deepens her ability to empathize with parenting and family issues.  She has compassion and patience to help each individual and family with their own unique situation and help empower them to achieve their goals.

Merriam, M.S. ~ Expert Contributor

Merriam has a BA from Brown University and a Masters in Science in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Dominican University of California, where she graduated with honors.  She specializes in child and adolescent learning & behavioral disorders and families in transition from divorce.  Merriam has worked as a therapeutic counselor in university, elementary through high school, special education and crisis intervention settings.  She is a Certified Mediator in Special Education, Divorce and Parenting Plans.  She has worked at Kids’ Turn and is currently on the board of Matrix Parent Network Center.  Merriam’s three school aged children provide her with a personal understanding of the range of issues a parent can face.  Her calm, insightful and solution-focused manner provides a safe, collaborative environment to guide families through change.

Brooke ~ Author

California native (3rd gen on mom’s side and 5th gen on dad’s) who moved back to Los Angeles in April after a grueling 10 months in Seattle.  I grew up all over lovely CA but I can say without hesitation and with a world’s worth of travel that Los Angeles is my favorite place on earth.  Julie has been one of my dearest friends since we were both pregnant with our little ones.  I studied entomology at UC Davis but I’m currently following my passion for jewelry design by taking fabrication classes AND getting a GIA certification.  Sometimes it’s a little more than I can handle.  On top of that I have a very active but very sweet 3 1/2-year-old boy who is my little love bug but wears.me.out.  My latest passion is hiking the trails in Griffith Park near my house.  I’m a no-nonsense kind of mom, just as my own mother was with me, and that approach works with varying degrees of success.  I’m happy to be part of the Village family!

Alex ~ Co-founder/ Social Media Specialist

 Alex Hernandez is a full time Mama with a passion for all things Social Media. Recently transplanted to Portland Oregon with her husband of 2 years, Mark (by way of Los Angeles by way of Washington DC) Alex keeps busy exploring her new town with her daughter Scarlett -who is 19 months- and building Online Communities.  She has her Masters in Communication Management specializing in Social Media from University of Southern California. She is most passionate about healthy and green living, saving money and providing the best possible channels of communication for Moms everywhere. You can learn more about Alex here:  http://about.me/alexhernandez.

 Rachel ~ Author

Rachel is a native of Philadelphia/South Jersey, she currently resides in Altanta with her husband and two young sons, ages 5 and 2 1/2. In 2009 Rachel’s oldest son Blaise was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Prader-Willi Syndrome, with a diagnosis of autism to follow shortly after. The diagnosis was traumatic and forever altered the course of her life. Rachel has made it her mission to educate the world about children who have special needs, parents who raise children with special needs, and how to educate the world on how special these children are. She writes a blog 3wordsfor365 in her spare time between doctors appointments, therapy sessions, and the normal stuff everyday parents do. Rachel and her sister, Jennifer also run a charity called G.A.M.E. Yoga.(www.gameyoga.org) They provide yoga for free to children with special needs.

Jeremiah ~ Author

 

 

Jeremiah is a dad to to two amazing girls and husband to one amazing (and patient) wife. He’s a graphic designer by day and musician when everyone is sleeping, which is a little less these days. He’s also very greatful to Julie and Stephanie for including him in the blog!

Gabrielle~ Author

Gabrielle Hursh-Cesar was born and raised in Washington, DC with her sister, by two incredible parents. Her home growing up was both multicultural (Mom was from Mauritius, Dad was from Minnesota) and bilingual (french/english). Her parents lived and breathed non profit work and international community development and that spirit of being a part of the greater good, lives on in her. She studied Sociology with a focus on gender and ethnic issues at Oberlin College. Gabrielle enjoys motocross, riding bicycles, camping, the beach and hanging with her family. She is currently working on a childrens book based on a concept created by her father. She is thrilled to be a contributor to Takes A Village! Gabrielle is a SAHM/housewife (and proud to be!) who lives in the greater Los Angeles area with her husband, 2 year old daughter, 4 month old son and 2 dogs.

 Erica ~ Author