Aug 26, 2020 | Meet-A-Mom
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I was born in NJ and moved to Cary when I was 15. When I got married, I moved to Raleigh and have been here for 20 years.
Children and Ages?
Jackson (16), Savannah (14), Madelyn (11), and Bentley (7)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
People are often surprised when they find out where I am from. I have totally become a southern girl!

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
Definitely my mom! I am the oldest of 4 so she knows exactly what it is like raising 4 kids. She is also a therapist which has been so helpful as we navigate the teen years. I will often call and say, “ok, I need therapist mom not grandma!”
Favorite things to do with your kids?
We love to have family nights at home! We cook our favorite meals, play games, watch movies and have a campfire. It’s the simple things that can make memories that will last a lifetime.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world?
I am a developmental play therapist who works with children birth-3 years. I also own The Happy Home, a creative/lifestyle blog and online boutique who encourages women to create homes filled with joy!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Community changes everything. Surrounding yourself with women who encourage you, support you and cheer you on is vital! So often I have gone to my circle with issues that were weighing so heavy on me to find out that I wasn’t alone. Just knowing that lifted a weight. Being able to support each other during the hard times and celebrate the successes makes this journey of motherhood seem not so lonely.
7 Baby & Toddler Sleep Truths from the author of The Happiest Baby on the Block
In 2001, Dr. Harvey Karp co-founded The Happiest Baby, a multi-media parenting brand that provides advice through bestselling books, videos, and now products. We sat down with him and learned some key sleep truths.
Arugula Corn Pear Salad
This recipe is shared with us from Lauren K. Stein, author of Fresh Made Simple, a family-friendly illustrated cookbook. I like to make this for my family because the kids may not eat “salad” but they are almost certain to eat all the components deconstructed on their plate and some goat cheese spread on crackers.
Organizing with Kelley: An Interview with a Licensed KonMari Home Organizer
We had the privilege to interview Kelley Jonkoff, a licensed KonMari Method home organizer in the Raleigh area. Kelley is the founder of Organize with Kelley, a successful business she runs to help people tidy up.