Meet Our Team
-
ContributorAmy is married to her active duty Army husband and together, they have 5 children. Though Amy was an Air Force brat for part of her childhood, she considers Pensacola, Florida to be home. Before becoming a stay at home mom, she earned her M.Ed in Deaf Education and worked as a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Amy is passionate about her faith, mothering, families and embracing the military lifestyle. She enjoys adventuring with her family, traveling, new experiences, cooking, listening to audiobooks, and trying to keep the chaos of her house under (somewhat) control. She and her family are currently stationed in the Midwest.ContributorAshLeigh, a veteran of the United States Army, formally served as a Captain in the Logistics Corps. A graduate from Pennsylvania State University, AshLeigh holds a Bachelors of Arts in International Relations: National Security. Her husband, Jake, serves as a Captain in the United States Army. They have two children, James and Wren, and currently live in Vicenza, Italy. AshLeigh enjoys writing, reading, cooking, traveling with her children, pottery making, and is beginning to train for her first triathlon. AshLeigh hopes through her writing with The Military Mom Collective, she can inspire mothers to know creativity can thrive in the margins of motherhood.ContributorConnie is a passionate storyteller who wishes to travel more. She is a devoted wife and mother of three, with two decades of marital experience under her belt. As a retired Marine Corps spouse, her life has been rich in adventures and stories. She brings a wealth of wisdom, humor, and real-world insights to her writings. As the creator of the "Real. Raw. Woman." brand, Connie has established herself as a voice of empowerment, authenticity, and resilience. Her work, deeply rooted in her personal journey, resonates with those navigating the complex tapestry of love, relationships, and self-discovery. Connie’s writing style is a unique blend of heartfelt honesty and playful wit. She seeks not just to inform her readers, but to connect with them on a deeper level, fostering a community where stories are shared and diverse perspectives are celebrated. Her commitment to a balanced lifestyle of mental and physical wellness is reflected in her advocacy for self-care and persistence, even in the face of life’s challenges. Join her on this journey of exploration, where each word is an invitation to experience the full spectrum of life’s highs and lows through the lens of a realist in love.ContributorBorn and raised in coffee country (looking at you, Seattle), Courtney Boyer is passionate about helping others gain clarity in their lives and relationships so they can live more authentically. After marrying her college sweetheart, she began her career in sexuality education and counseling eventually finding her home in coaching and energy work. Throughout her Army husband’s early military medical career, Courtney stayed at home with their three children, connecting and volunteering with other military spouses. Courtney is the founder of Courtney Boyer Coaching Coaching, a speaker, contributing writer, and running enthusiast. She has never strayed from her coffee roots and enjoys meeting new people over a steaming cup of joe (or glass of red wine). Courtney and her family are currently living the OCONUS life in Germany.ContributorEllen Kehs was born and raised in Evanston, Illinois where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, Mason. Together they’ve traveled the world, most recently touching down in Florida in June 2022. She’s a mom to three little boys, Theodore (eleven), Woodrow (nine) and Maximus (six). Life is never boring with her boys! Ellen loves being a military spouse and she embodies the “bloom where you are planted” mentality. In addition to soaking up whatever current city she’s living in, she is passionate about reading and getting books in the hands of children, as well as helping other mamas connect with each other. She has a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education, a master’s degree in adolescent literacy and technology, and she teaches full-time online, in addition to being a stay-at-home mom. Her hobbies include, exploring, reading, swimming, napping, snapping pictures, playing games, baking, and loving on the little men in her life.ContributorErin grew up in Widefield, a small town just south of Colorado Springs, CO. Although she was surrounded by the military, she did not meet her husband, an Air Force Pilot, until they had both graduated from college. Erin has spent almost 20 years in education working as a classroom teacher, Literacy Specialist and Coach. Although Erin holds a MA in Educational Leadership and is also a National Board Certified Teacher, the best education Erin has ever received has been the gift of teaching across the nation. She credits the military with providing her the opportunity to learn more about education than she ever could have throughout her college years. Erin is a woman of faith and a mom to two young children. She is passionate about mental health support for spouses and also raises awareness regarding the dangers of Fentanyl. Erin and her family are currently serving their 7 th assignment in New Hampshire. She enjoys reading personal growth books and researching educational topics, but ends up spending the majority of her time playing with her kids, creating systems in her household, building a supportive community for spouses and dreaming of her forever home. She is also an occasional podcaster.ContributorHeather is a writer and grad student living the dream in Central Florida. Her greatest titles include Mama of 5, Wife of a Wounded Warrior, and Unashamed Daughter of God. She believes life can be messy and beautiful at the same time, which is why she enjoys writing stories with a little bit of grit and a lot of grace. When she's not writing, Heather can be found playing with her two furbabies (Murphy & Maisy), spending hours at the dinner table laughing with her family, reading a good book, or binge-watching a good period drama. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Composition from Liberty University. Heather also donates her time to a wonderful non-profit that shines light into the dark places. She serves as the Communications Director at Love Missions Global, an organization that fights human trafficking by empowering survivors and educating the community. To follow Heather's writing and her quest to publish her first novel, visit www.heathertabers.com.ContributorHey I'm Jenn, NYer turned OKie after my husbands 30 year ARMY career. We have four pretty amazing adult kids, two of which are active duty soldiers, so yes we are "empty nesters" But that didn't last, we bought 40 acres called The Roost and a few chickens to fill that void.Though my career was Physical Therapy many years ago, I chose to stay at home with our kids during my husband's active duty career with lots of volunteering added to my resume.I dabbled in substitute teaching at many duty stations and started contract work with R. Riveter as a Remote Leather Riveter, RR131 :).I love to cook, garden, create garden/field to table recipes and listen to audiobooks while doing that.My goal is to "keep moving" so staying active as long as I can through running, yoga, biking is my go to, but I do enjoy a frothy cup of black coffee, a glass of wine and chips and salsa.Here with Military Mom Collective I want to inspire, guide, share tips and tricks that we have learned through our military journey. Also to help other empty nester moms out there who have kids that are active duty. It is a different ball game when your kids are active and deploying, but we can get through it together.ContributorJulie is the mother of three kids, ages 10, 6, and 3. Although she knew little about military service when her marriage began, she promised to follow her husband wherever the Army would send him. To her continuous surprise and delight, the Army has brought her family to Italy for a second time. A former piano teacher and worship leader, Julie has recently shifted her creative energy to writing. She has contributed to Legacy Magazine and She Is Kindred – A Storytelling Collective. Julie believes that telling our stories can help us understand each other’s unique journey and perspective, ultimately bringing us closer to one another. In her free time, Julie enjoys reading, cooking, sight-seeing, and learning Italian. Julie shares snapshots of her family’s life overseas on Instagram at @juliecodabarnes.ContributorKailyn Rhinehart is an Air Force wife and mama to two blond babes (ages 6 and 3). She was born and raised in New England but currently calls Missouri home. She has spent the last eight years in five different states and unashamedly favors the Southern year-round sunshine most. With a degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, she is a kindergarten teacher turned freelance writer. Kailyn is an avid list-maker, horse lover, and consumer of coffee in any form. She hopes to connect with other mamas and military spouses in this crazy life. You can say hello at kailynrhinehart.comContributorKatie is a proud Air Force wife of over 15 years and a mom to 2 amazing boys (ages 7 & 12), as well as a dog mom to the rambunctious Maverick. She’s a Registered Nurse turned entrepreneur and has her own small business, Love and Lettering by Katie. Katie is a Wisconsin native who can be found cheering for the Brewers, Bucks, Badgers & Packers! In her free time, you can find her reading a book or digging into her creativity through painting, crafting, and hand lettering.ContributorLaura Longmire is the owner and founder of two small businesses, Air Force wife, and mother of three boys. She's passionate about helping people feel comfortable in their own skin, especially military spouses. She has over 20 years of experience as a military spouse, including 12 moves, 5 states, and 8 jobs. Laura considers herself a displaced Texan, and is a lover of Dr Pepper, Tex-Mex food, and chocolate. She enjoys reading, traveling with her family, and shopping.ContributorLisa is a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), active duty military spouse and mom of three busy boys. Lisa has been a CCLS for 14 years and counting and has worked in several different settings ranging from hospice to rehab to non profits as she and her family have moved up and down the east coast and overseas twice due to military orders! Lisa is passionate about bridging the gap between civilian and military worlds by bringing child life services and resources to the military connected community. Lisa is currently living overseas and loves anything outdoors (especially the beach), spending time with friends and family, cooking and traveling.ContributorMo is a Mortgage Loan Officer that was born and raised in South Louisiana. Her youngest son is an Airman currently stationed in Montana. His military journey led her heart to lend support, prayers, and encouragement to families of military service members. She is currently a part of the AFWM (Air Force Wing Moms) family that help people navigate their lives when a family member leaves for basic training. Mo loves reading and writing and drinking coffee with her favorite humans.Contributor
Nicole Cowan, or Nikki to those that know her well, is an active-duty Army spouse for nearly 17 years and a mom of a teenage daughter Elizabeth, as well as a 5-pound Chihuahua named Athena. Nicole and her husband Matthew are high school sweethearts and have been together since 1998.
Recognizing the challenges of maintaining stability in education amidst the military lifestyle, Nicole homeschools her daughter. She is a huge homeschool advocate and believes that it is important for parents to have that option.
With a background in veterinary nursing, Nicole's love for animals runs deep. Although she no longer works in the field, she still tries to find ways to put her time in the veterinary field to use by answering any questions people might have. She believes that educating the public about animals is crucial for fostering a better understanding.
Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, Nicole's heart belongs to the mountains. Nature has always been her inspiration. She used to have her own photography business, specializing in lifestyle photography of children and animals, as well as macro nature photography. Although she no longer does photography as a business, she still is very much a photographer and does it for fun now. Animals, nature, and kiddos are still her favorites to photograph.
Nicole is currently the owner of Sweetellabella (a nickname she has for her daughter) where she makes jewelry and other fun gifts all inspired by nature for the lover of flora and fauna. She has a booth in 3 Painted Tree locations in Virginia and in Arizona. She also has her work on her own website and sells on a platform named Spouse-ly where all the vendors are military, and first responder affiliated.
When she's not working on her creative projects, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family. One of their favorite pastimes is exploring antique stores on the weekends.
ContributorRachel is married to her active duty Air Force husband, and together they have two children. Before moving with Rob to his first duty station in 2010, Rachel had graduated from college with an International Business degree. Once becoming a stay at home mom in 2015 she grew a passion for fitness and nutrition. This sparked eight years of certifications that helped her become a certified health coach and personal trainer. Rachel loves sharing her knowledge and helping military spouses feel strong and energized. In her free time she serves at her church and volunteers at her kids school. Currently stationed in South Carolina.
ContributorShelly Osborne married her high school sweetheart and is currently the CEO of Home Operations (AKA a stay at home mom). She graduated Eastern Washington University with her teaching degree and soon after became a mom to two wild boys. At their first duty station Shelly decided to pickup her old high school hobby and began photographing military families. She has continued to do photography part time to break away from the mom/wife role and to meet local families. To put her teaching degree to the test she has been homeschooling her boys. So, in the small amount of free time she does have, Shelly enjoys being outside, throwing a frisbee at the beach, camping, exploring, crafting, movie nights, and adventuring with the familyContributorStacey is the wife to her active-duty Air Force husband, Mom to her 10-year-old daughter and dog Mom to 3 loveable dogs. Currently they call MacDill AFB home but are currently knee deep into a cross-country move to Eielson AFB, Alaska. Also, she currently holds the corresponding secretary position on the local PTA board. Stacey has found much passion in volunteering at her daughter’s school, getting back into university herself and creating an inviting space on Instagram that follows her family’s journey through military life called SimplyTheCurries. Lastly, you’ll always find her with music of all genres playing and a coffee in hand (If she doesn’t have a coffee, please guide her to the nearest coffee pot).ContributorZarina, a dedicated and active-duty Marine, finds her strength in service and her family. As a proud wife to her fellow Marine, together they navigate the unique challenges and triumphs of military life raising two sons aged 11 and six. Born and raised in Zambia, Africa, Zarina embarked on a new chapter by immigrating to Atlanta, GA with her family in 2002. Her journey has instilled in her a passion for sharing the inspiring stories and journeys of servicewomen with a particular focus on the experiences of female Marines. Zarina and her family are currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Beyond her military commitments, her zest for life manifests in love for travel, running, reading and engaging in podcasting. Follow along as she shares snippets of her family and career on instagram @zarina.flemming