mom2mom chapters what our moms are saying
about us
a support group -- connecting us moms to one another online for free, so we can share our stories and our skills, our knowledge and our experience. we are here to support, inspire, help, and celebrate one another and to build our own village of moms;
a gathering place -- bringing us moms together in person through our various events. potlucks, picnics and get2gethers that we moms organize so we can get to know one another better as we forge friendships that can last a lifetime;
a resource centre -- making available to us free of charge, information regarding services, events and products that we need and value as moms and women;
an ethical and ecological show for mommy-run, local, and eco-friendly businesses -- providing moms in business, eco-friendly and local businesses with semi-annual shows where we can promote and sell our unique and ethical products and services while encouraging toronto families to support their local businesses and make ethical consumer choices;
a platform for moms in businesses -- promoting moms in business and providing free-to-members monthly networking workshops just for us moms where we can learn from guest experts, network and share stories and resources;
a public voice and advocate -- giving voice and making a stand for moms and the issues that affect us as women, moms raising our chidlren, working moms, stay-at-home moms, and moms in business;
a caring hand -- raising awareness and funds through our website, events, shows, and sales. in this regard, we are proud to support and promote Jesse's Foundation, The Knights' Table, The Brampton Career Direction Centre, and Peel Children's Aid, and Newman's Breastfeeding Clinic and Institute.
monique [Founder + Chief Inspirational Officer]
I am a happy wife to a great hubby and proud mom to our almost-4-year-old daughter whose mission in life is "to make mischief." Before motherhood, I was pursuing a career in architecture. It took me 2 years of new mommy-hood to realize that I couldn't have it all at the same time and that the best I can do is to not trip (too often) and spill all the things that I try to balance on my chipped but well-loved plate of life. So I decided to create through mom2mom toronto a profession and a place that embraces and celebrates motherhood, and accommodates a woman's constant search for integration in her working and personal life. I believe that when a child is born, a mother is born too, and we new moms need just as much guidance and support as a newborn baby does. I love that we now have this place where we can all bring together all that we've learned, all that we believe in and share them with every mother and family that we reach. Best of all, I love that I get to raise my daughter while working full-time for myself in the company of such incredible moms and women!
Monique has an Honours Degree in Architecture from the University of Toronto, where she was also the editor and graphic designer of her class thesis publication. She now channels all her skills, training, and obsessive energy and passion about everything-mom, ethical and eco-friendly family living into the making and growth of mom2mom toronto. Together with her daughter, she is also training in martial arts for their down-the-road black belt in Tae Kwon Do. When not working obsessively, Monique loves to just veg out with the loves of her life!
my blog chronicles my (mis)adventures and mental meanderings as I teeter-totter my way through life as a mom, wife, mompreneur and woman... (read monique's blog)
deb [Graphic Designer + Forums Moderator]
I am a bit of a late bloomer into motherhood. I spent my twenties living abroad and travelling around South East Asia. I was teaching ESL at a high school in France when my favourtie grandmother had a stroke. I came home to Canada to help her out. Once she recovered I decided to go back to school. I worked as a graphic desginer in Victoria, B.C. then an oportunity to teach Information Technology came up at a secondary school in the U.K. The traveller in me jumped at the chance. I met my husband in London through a friend who, upon introducing us said "You are Canadian, I know a Canadian". We got engaged at the top of the London Eye. When I fell pregnant we decided to returned to Canada in 2004 to be closer to our families (at least they are in Canada). Being new to Toronto and motherhood, I am really happy I found mom2mom.
Deb has a Bachelor of Arts Degree, double majors Theatre and English Literature, from U.B.C., a diploma in Web Design and Desktop Publishing from C.D.I. College of Business and Technology in Victoria and has earned her Qualified Teaching Status in the U.K. Deb is a feminist with strong views about women's rights in society. She is extremely happy with her choice to have an at home water birth with midwives to bring her daughter into the world. Deb's favourite work is voice work, graphic design and photo manipulation. Deb's current parental focus is on the power of language and of positive behaviour management.
manuella [Official Photographer]
I am married to my high school sweetheart and a mommy to two gorgeous and sweet boys. I've always had an interest in photography but the love for it started to really grow once I had my first l'il boy. I couldn't take enough pictures of that sweet little face and I just wanted to capture every moment I could. My love has turned into a passion; not only do I love taking pictures of my little angels, but I also love shooting other little toes, and little fingers, and sweet smiles and careless moments. I want to capture special moments in time and freeze them on print, so they can be cherished for all eternity by their loved ones. The happiness that a picture can bring is priceless; my dream is to make every mommy smile and even cry with joy when she sees her sweet little baby through my eyes.
Manuella has a zest for life, and she does everything she does with enthusiasm and gusto! She loves children and being a mom and loves taking pictures. She loves life and all it has to offer. She is of Greek heritage and spent all her summers as a child in Greece and has travelled extensively ever since. Manuella is currently actively pursuing mompreneurship and a photographry career, selling personalized apparel and products online with her Zoi's Zone Store. She's been employed by Canada Post for over a decade now and is at a crossroads in her life. This may be the time in her life where things take a turn. She is eagerly looking forward to the future and watching her children grow and working hard on making her photography business flourish as well. We invite you to click here and view Manuella's portfolio.
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