We're joining the Friday Introductions bandwagon, and taking time each week to introduce you to some of our amazing volunteer staff! Because our wonderful staff has grown so much, (amazing, truly.) We are doubling up each week on the introductions. This week, two of our Cafe' team members - they show up early, stay late, help with set up and tear down, get new mamas plugged in and basically we couldn't function without them! First, we introduce you to Brenna, one of our Cafe' team members. She is just the sweetest and has such a heart to connect with pregnant women and other local moms.
1) Introduce yourself!
I am Brenna Beakler, I have 2 kids. Colton is 2 and Annsley is 9 months and I stay at home!
2) How did you come to work with TMC?
Since becoming a mother and as my friends started having babies, I realized I had a huge passion to encourage and support new moms trying to navigate this new life. I had known about TMC for awhile but never gave it try. I met Lauren at the Vintage Sale and told her about my passion. I attended my first Cafe' in December and was hooked! I am in awe of the work TMC does and am so thankful to be a part!
3) How do you take your coffee?
Black and strong first thing in the morning. Although a good iced latte is always a need in my life.
4) If you could pick any vacation in the world, what would it be and why?
Anywhere with a warm sunny beach to lay on.
5) What has been the hardest part about your motherhood journey?
Adjusting to two kids. I thought I was a pro at motherhood because my first was so easy. Then little Annsley came and rocked my world! She is strong willed and different in every way from my son. I felt like a new mom all over again.
6) What has been the best part?
Seeing the beauty of growing kids even in the midst of my so many flaws and failures as a mother.
7) Leggings as pants: yay or nay?
Depends on what kind. Workout leggings/yoga pants ALWAYS AS PANTS! Thin leggings need a long shirt to cover the booty.
8) Favorite TV show?
Oh the list could go on forever. Blacklist, Grey's, New Girl, Quantico, Gilmore Girls, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, Hart of Dixie… I love them all SO much. I can't choose one.
9) Favorite junk food?
I love french fries and anything sweet.
10) Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Don't be hard on yourself. Give yourself lots of grace. Asking for help isn't a weakness or sign of failure.
Kathleen has recently joined our team (so recently that we don't have her picture yet!), and we couldn't be more excited! She's passionate, smart and committed to helping other women become confident in themselves and their mothering choices.
1) Introduce yourself!
Hello! I'm Kathleen. I am a mother to a strong, independent 4-year-old boy and an almost 5-month-old sweet, sweet baby girl. I am also so very fortunate to be the bonus mother of a sensitive and loving almost 3-year-old little boy. In addition to volunteering with TMC, I am also the Chapter President of The Rebecca Foundation Cloth Diaper Closet in Virginia.
2) How did you come to work with TMC?
I have truly been able to define myself not only as a mother, but also as a woman and receive the support I didn't know I needed through the Collective. After moving to Lynchburg from Jensen Beach, Florida in 2012, I only knew two people in the area. Through TMC, I have developed a strong identity and have been given genuine education and resources time and time again through the Café programs. After the birth of my daughter, I knew it was time to become more involved.
3) How do you take your coffee?
Iced and so, so very sweet that you cannot taste the coffee. I'm working, so far unsuccessfully, on cutting back the excessive pumps of vanilla.
4) If you could pick any vacation in the world, what would it be and why?
I would LOVE to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in my next life. There is so much right here on the east coast that I have yet to experience. I have only hiked portions of the A.T. and would love to spend the majority of a year exploring the organic beauty that the trail offers, with occasional Wi-Fi.
5) What has been the hardest part about your motherhood journey?
I have been a single mother, a step mother, a working mother, a student and now I am really a combination of them all, somewhat of a hybrid mother. Being the ultimate decision maker for tiny humans can be so hard!
6) What has been the best part?
Aside from being able to be the smartest person in the room most of the day, the best part has been growing with my children and discovering myself through them. We are ever-changing, molding and learning, both together and individually. SO MUCH LOVE.
7) Leggings as pants: yay or nay?
When I leave all of my clothes in the washer for three days after fluffing the same load in the dryer a million times, what choice do I have?
8) Favorite TV show?
Although I do adore Chelsea Handler and truly appreciate all that Netflix does for me, my true unhealthy television love affair is with the ID Channel.
9) Favorite junk food?
Brownies with as many chocolate chips that the pan can hold... Then times that by five.
10) Best advice you’ve ever been given?
"Your efforts to always be a better parent mean that you are already a good parent." –Carol Tuttle, The Child Whisperer