In our latest podcast episode, I was joined by Emily McCue, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Sticks & Sprouts, for a conversation about the power of nature-based play and how it supports children’s growth. Emily shares how her background in OT and passion for the outdoors led her to build a thriving program rooted in curiosity, exploration, and connection. We dive into why unstructured outdoor play matters, how nature helps kids regulate and develop confidence, and simple ways families can bring more outdoor moments into everyday life.

This week on The Monmouth Moms Podcast, I sat down with George Haviland of the Middletown Sports Complex to talk about the evolution of MSC and everything it offers local families.

We covered the history of the NJ Titans, the growth of year-round programs available to kids, and how the complex has become a go-to spot for skating, training, camps, and community events.

One of the most exciting updates? A brand-new outdoor rink is opening soon — bringing skating, holiday movies, family nights, and winter fun to Middletown all season long.

A great episode for families looking to learn more about what’s happening at MSC and what’s coming next.

Listen now on The Monmouth Moms Podcast! 🎧

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Russell, career coach, podcaster, and founder of Second Act Success, to talk about what it really means to start over — and the courage it takes to build something new.

After spending 16 years as a television producer in New York, Shannon made the bold decision to pivot into education, entrepreneurship, and now coaching women through their own career transitions. We talk about the mindset shifts that come with reinvention, how to tune out the noise of “should,” and the practical steps to creating a second act that feels aligned and fulfilling.

Whether you’re craving a career change, thinking about a new business, or simply need the reminder that it’s never too late to begin again — this conversation will leave you inspired to take your next step forward.

The Monmouth Moms + Hackensack Meridian Children's Health Family Healthcare Series

Thomas Priolo, MD, is our featured expert from K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, who is among a team of pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and others who provide consultation, evaluation and referrals for a number of conditions including: anxiety, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, neurologic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and more. In this episode, he shares what to be aware of during ‘Back to School’ time and during any other transition period in your child’s life.

To learn more about pediatric inpatient, outpatient and emergency behavioral health and psychiatric services at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health visit https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/specialties-and-services/child-behavioral-health-and-psychiatry.

In this special episode, we welcomed Keri Campbell, a Monmouth County mom and co-owner of the legendary family-owned Delicious Orchards. Keri shares the incredible story behind this iconic local staple, what it’s like working alongside her siblings, and her experience balancing life as both a mom and business owner.

We also chat about some of our favorite weeknight dinner recipes, how Delicious Orchards can make mealtime easier during the busy back-to-school season, motherhood, and so much more.

It was such a joy getting to know Keri — we know you’ll love this conversation as much as we did! 💕

🎧 Listen now to Episode 85 of The Monmouth Moms Podcast!

This week, we sat down with local Monmouth County moms (and sisters!) Jamie Sztoser and Marissa Klein Kay, founders of the dreamcatchers — a career strategy and job search firm built to empower job seekers with clarity, confidence, and success.

With their refreshingly personal approach, they’re helping college students, early-career professionals, and recent graduates navigate today’s job market. In this episode, we talk about what young adults should keep in mind when landing their first job, how job search strategies have evolved, and what’s really changed about the process.

💡 If you’re guiding a teen or young adult through career decisions — or just curious about finding the “dream in the job” — this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen now on The Monmouth Moms Podcast!

We sat down with Jason Bauer, owner of Head Over Heels Gymnastics, to talk all things after-school activities. From the benefits of gymnastics for kids — including how it builds strength, confidence, and skills that carry over into other sports — to what’s planned for the fall season, this is a great listen for local families!

Tune in to hear how gymnastics can be a game-changer for your child’s growth and development.

Learn more about Head Over Heels!

https://headoverheelsgym.com/

🎙️ In our latest Family Healthcare Series with Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, we’re joined by Heather Appelbaum, MD, FACOG, division chief of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center—part of the Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health network, ranked #1 in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report.

Why would my child need a pediatric gynecologist? Heather Appelbaum, MD, our featured expert from K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, is among a team of pediatric specialists who treat menstrual irregularities, reproductive concerns, congenital gynecologic abnormalities, and other gynecologic issues in patients from birth to young adulthood through unique surgical interventions and other specialized treatments.

To learn more about additional pediatric gynecological services at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health visit https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/specialties-and-services/gynecology.

🎙️ Episode 81: The History and Future of Voyagers' Community School with Founder Karen Giuffre, M.Ed., and Director Lisa M. Adao, M.Ed.

On this episode of The Monmouth Moms Podcast, Kate sits down with two inspiring women behind one of Monmouth County’s most innovative and child-centered schools—Karen Giuffre, M.Ed., Founder and CEO of Voyagers’ Community School, and Lisa M. Adao, M.Ed., the school’s Director.

Karen shares the fascinating story behind why she started Voyagers’ over 25 years ago, how it evolved from a small homeschool resource center into a progressive, forward-thinking school now located on the Brookdale Community College campus in Lincroft, NJ, and the passion that continues to drive their work today.

You'll hear about:

The challenges and milestones of running an independent school

How educational philosophy meets nature, technology, and child-led learning

The unique curriculum inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and more

Why Voyagers’ is redefining what learning can look like in today's world

Whether you’re a parent curious about alternative education, an educator, or someone who just loves a great local story—this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and learn how Karen, Lisa, and the Voyagers’ team are helping children grow into thoughtful, capable, and empowered learners—right here in Monmouth County.

Our featured health topic addresses Vascular Anomalies in children, led by experts, Jessica Scerbo, MD, Interim Chair of Pediatrics at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Division Chief – and Mark Kayton, MD, Pediatric General Surgery Division Chief at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.

Their team of pediatric experts specialize in the complexities of these conditions, ranging from common birthmarks like port-wine stains and hemangiomas to more intricate arteriovenous malformations and lymphatic malformations for children of all ages.

To learn more about Vascular Anomaly treatment at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health:

https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/specialties-and-services/vascular-anomalies