Meet A Mom
Meet A Mom: Kelly
Kelly Fakhoury is a local wife and mom who spends her days as an attorney and her nights and weekends as the Operations Director for Gracie Barra Libertyville, a jiu jitsu academy she and her husband, Jamil Fakhoury, own and operate with their five children. Kelly is a Grand Rapids, Michigan native who has always loved to shop and support local. Read more to learn about Kelly and her family’s busy life and where they love to play around Libertyville.
Meet Ali – Founder of Suburban Jungle
Suburban Jungle is one of our favorite resources for families moving to the ‘burbs. It’s a real estate business founded by mom and real estate veteran Alison Bernstein, totally focused on helping buyers learn about different towns before making the leap. We spoke to the Greenwich mom of four about her family life in Back Country, her growing brand and her favorite spots in the area.
Meet a Mom: Optometrist Vlada Nakhlis
I'm happy to introduce you to Dr. Vlada Nakhlis, owner and optometrist (Doctor of Optometry) of the bustling Optometry offices, EyeSee, located in the heart of Lincolnshire and Des Plaines! The super busy mama of three young children has worked very hard to be where...
Meet A Mom: Shannon
You may recognize this local Mom from her fashion & lifestyle blog “This Lovely Life of Mine” or her children’s clothing company brands: Mustard Pie Clothing, Jak & Peppar & Little Prim. You may also recognize her from around town since she is a wife and mom of 3 who moved here 7 years ago with her family from Naperville. This St. Louis native is grateful to live in this community full of young friendly families where her children feel rooted. Read more to learn about their local favorites like Independence Grove, Lake Minear Beach, Ivanhoe Club, Dairy Dream, Main Street Social, Milwalky Taco and Mickey Finn’s!
Meet Two Moms: Brittany & Melissa
Brittany Dobslaf & Melissa Ackerman Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area? Brittany & Melissa both grew up in Buffalo Grove. After going off to college and some other post college ventures, life would find them...
Meet A Mom: Sara Hood
This inspiring mom started life in a Sudan refugee camp—and that was only the first challenge she overcame on her path to health and happiness. Read on to learn about this Mom who is such a positive force in her two son’s lives. Her and her husband, Evander “Ziggy” Hood of the New Orleans Saints were college sweethearts. I hope you enjoy her powerful story and advice.
Meet A Mom: Heather
Heather is a wife and Mom of two who has been working at Mundelein Park & Recreation District for the past 13 years. She’s been dancing since she was three years old and teaching it since she was 16 years old. She has a Master’s in Education which helps with her role as the Dance Coordinator. Her love for her job shines through in her interview! Read on to hear what she loves best about her job and how she balances her work and life.
Meet A Mom: Lara
Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area? I’m originally from California and moved into the Vernon Hills area about 27 years ago because of my job. Do you have child(ren)? Age(s) Yes, a daughter who is 13. What are...
Meet A Mom: Annie
Lake Forest based Fill a Heart 4 Kids (FAH4K), began around a kitchen table with Annie McAveeney and her daughters Lilly and Ellorie. Now FAH4K helps over 1,350 unaccompanied homeless youth and foster children in the Chicagoland area every year with...
Meet A Mom: Marilyn
Marilyn is the heart of a fabulous family we are grateful to call neighbors! She is a Mom of three sweet, kind kiddos, wife to one of the best Dads around and her sister also lives down the street. This family was drawn to the Libertyville community from the city 7 years ago after attending the annual tree lighting in Cook Park with her sister. They loved the tight knit community and vibrant downtown. Marilyn is proud to be an Instructor at Heather’s Gym, her community within a community. She is a recent member turned instructor and shares her experience in this full interview. Come see how her love of fitness, music and motivating others shines through in her classes! Check the HG website and app for a listing of Marilyn’s classes!