Our fearless leader, Monira, founded reBlossom in 2010 after her daughters Miriam (14) & Nadine (12) were born. She was a photojournalist turned ESOL teacher, so why not start a business dedicated to families making the transition to parenthood? In 2021, Monira founded Athens Parent Wellbeing to support parents' optimum mental health.
The Silks love to travel, explore nature and play dress-up with their dog, Sweet Pete, and their chatty cat, Gabby. True story: the first words her husband ever said to her were, "Will you marry me" in Arabic!
As Director of Development, Tess works to pursue grants and develop the funding base for Athens Parent Wellbeing. She's from Athens, GA (she graduated from Clarke Central High School). She and her partner live on a little homestead just east of Athens with their daughter. They all love to be outside and play in the dirt! ReBlossom has been a lifeline for Tess in her postpartum period. She was able to connect to a loving, supportive community. She's so excited to be part of APW’s mission of parental mental health.
Lali Serrano serves as the Theraparent Peer Support Program Coordinator for Athens Parent Wellbeing. She works tirelessly to match parents who are seeking support with our trained volunteers and checks in with them every step of the way. Working with APW is so important because when Lali had her first child, six years ago, she experienced Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety. Thanks to the new parents group at reBlossom, Lali found the support she needed, her home away from home. Over the years she has learned more about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and how it affects parents.
Amy has always enjoyed working with children birth to 6. She started as a camp counselor, then mom to two boys followed by a 25 year career as an early childhood educator. At the store she loves helping families pick out their child’s first pair of shoes. She is a founding board member of the Athens Area Diaper Bank and is currently serving on the friends board of the Georgia Museum of Art. You may see her mixed media art work in shows around Athens. She also loves walking in the botanical garden, yoga and reading.
Whitney is a mom to a few little minions. (Stepdaughter, Mollie, stepson, Jacob, and youngest son, Dean keep her busy most of the time). She was an art teacher and Photo Booth owner in a previous life, but currently stays home with Dean. She enjoys making things, getting outside, eating, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and being involved in Athens Parent Wellbeing.
She and Dean have always loved visiting reBlossom together for everything from breastfeeding help to Halloween parties! It’s definitely a safe space for her and she’s made so many great mama friends here over the years.
Pascale started babysitting in Stellarton, Nova Scotia when she was 12. She graduated from Dalhousie University and UGA. After her son and daughter were born she made a drastic career change from scientific research to teaching four and five year olds at Emmanuel Day School. Retirement brought another big change and working at reBlossom is the perfect fit. When not at the shop, she can be found walking or running on local trails, biking around town, section hiking the Appalachian Trail, or taking classes at Canopy Studio. She has served on the boards of Athens Track Club, Run/Walk for Home, and the Athens Area Diaper Bank.
Emily is a La Leche League leader in Athens as well as the mother to three children. She is passionate about birth, breastfeeding and offering support and encouragement to parents. Her favorite thing about Athens Parent Wellbeing's ReBlossom shop is meeting all the people who come in the door!
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Kelsey is mama to not one, but two pandemic babies, having had her first in March 2020. She spends her days rocking motherhood with her brilliant and chatty daughter, Mary June, and her younger snuggle brother, Ben. Kelsey is an old soul, a trained occupational therapy assistant, who has worked with elders overcoming great hurdles in their lives. Her patience and reassuring nature was honed while caring for them and her horse, Kramer, who she rode & showed throughout her childhood and young adult life. She is married to Alan, nuclear engineer, camping enthusiast and puzzler extraordinaire. She enjoys walking with her family and three dogs and hosting surprise parties at their home in Pemberville, Ohio. Fun fact: she's also Monira's niece!
Theresa is an Athens native and was happy to make her way back to Athens after graduating from Michigan State with a BA in Human Development and Family Studies. She is a mom to two fiery little girls, Evelyn and Liliana. After two difficult pregnancies, medical complications after her second delivery, and her own journey through PPD and PPA, she felt a pull to work with and support other parents in the Athens area. She is also a part time preschool teacher and teach dance at a local studio. Theresa says she is excited to be a part of this wonderful team and work in her favorite shop in Athens! In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family playing and watching soccer.