Nov 14 Speaker Bio - Shelley Row

Shelley Row, P.E. MBA

A Few Words About Shelley

Shelley J. Row is a life-long over-achiever and recovering over-thinker. Her career as a transportation engineer started in 1987 when women engineers were few. She learned to excel in a man’s world by being strong and tough, and preparing thoroughly. Logical, rational thought was the key – to a point.  In time, Shelley realized that she could not think her way to the executive level. It took the power of both her intellectual and intuitive mind to reach the top. 

As a senior executive, Shelley served as the Director of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office where she managed a staff of highly-skilled, technical professionals and a $110 million annual budget. Shelley is an award-winning leader with top honors in her agency.  But life guided from her intuitive mind had more to offer. After five years of planning, Shelley and her husband left it all behind and moved to France. Shelley is the author of three books filled with stories written while living abroad.

With Moms, Inc., Shelley will conduct an interactive session on the pitfalls of over-thinking. Each participant will receive a copy of Shelley’s new minibük, “Leadership Pitfalls of Over-Thinking: Five Ways that Thinking too Much Keeps You from the Top.” Additionally, Moms, Inc. will raffle off one free hour of coaching which includes one of Shelley’s travel books as a special gift.

What Others Say About Shelley
"Shelley was outstanding.   She captivated the entire audience throughout the presentation.  Her message was practical, straight forward and punctuated with her real life stories.  Everyone had practical tips that they could put into action the very next day.  Thank you Shelley."
--Kirk Steudle, Director Michigan DOT, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, President, 2011

Nov 14 Speaker Bio - Donna Dettling

Simplify and Organize for the Holidays

Donna Dettling, Professional Organizer and Owner

Simpler Life Solutions

After leaving an accounting career that spanned over 30 years working with small businesses as well as large, global corporations, Donna decided to change direction and reinvent herself.  She now utilizes her strengths in organization, problem-solving, relationship-building, process improvement and communication in her own business, Simpler Life Solutions.  As a professional organizer, Donna strives to help her clients achieve calm, order, simplicity, efficiency and peace of mind in their homes, offices and lives.  She works with them to create an organized and clutter-free environment, reduce the accumulation of possessions, turn piles of paperwork into orderly file systems, find storage solutions that maximize space, and design customized workflow and time management processes.  Simpler Life Solutions provides services to busy professionals, hectic parents, new moms, seniors and shut-ins, and anyone needing help to put order in their life.

In addition to a strong commitment to her business, Donna is dedicated to her family, church and community.  She is held in high regard for her compassion, patience, and excellent leadership and communication skills. Donna values creativity and learning, and pursues artistic endeavors and continuing education opportunities.  She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), the International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Association (ICLMA) and the Gaithersburg Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC).

Donna will present tips and information to help us simplify and organize in preparation for the holiday season and the New Year ahead.  With the right approach, this special time of year can be one of joy and celebration rather than overwhelming chaos!   

Do You Know Your SWOT? Find Out on Oct 17 with Larry Rudwick

We are pleased to have Larry Rudwick, business coach and owner of BusinessTune-Ups.com return to give a second presentation to us! The title is "Learning to Do a SWOT Analysis". S.W.O.T stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. A SWOT analysis is an process of taking an honest evaluation of a business, and can be a great start to creating a new, revised business plan!

Larry will teach us how to do a SWOT Analysis for our businesses, by facilitating a SWOT analysis for one or two of our attending members' businesses. For more information about SWOT analyses, click swot-analysis-examples.

Larry suggests you do some thinking about your business, and consider volunteering to have us help you do a SWOT analysis of your business! In addition, you may also find it helpful to take his free 5-step "Jumpstart to Positive Change" exercise, available on his website. It includes one-on-one coaching time with Larry. 

Becky Roth and Brenda Bradley - Speaker Bios - September 19, 20012

Managing Your Energy and Time - Becky Roth

With over fifteen years of experience in the employee assistance, work-life and wellness field, Becky has dedicated her career to coaching individuals toward achieving success, balance and fulfillment in their lives and careers.  Becky’s approach to coaching is to serve as a thinking partner to individuals wanting to improve their path forward. With her goal-oriented approach, Becky can help you create and manage to an individualized life or career plan.  As an employee assistance account executive, she has consulted and conducted leadership development trainings for a diverse clientele from small and large companies in the Washington Metropolitan area.  Becky has presented customized trainings to an array of companies in Baltimore, Chicago, and Philadelphia in areas such as stress and resiliency management, time management, dealing with difficult people, conflict resolution, managing change and team building.  Becky has also collaborated with human resources and management to develop leadership programs for senior leaders.

Becky attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a minor in Communications.  She received a Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland specializing in occupational social work. Becky is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, and has earned certifications from various organizational development programs.  At present she completed a post graduate training as a Certified Professional Coach from the College of Executive Coaching and the International Coaching Federation.

Moving You Forward

Becky Roth, MSW, LGSW, CPC

Career and Life Coach

(240) 233-4188/ Brothcoach@gmail.com

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Thirty-One and Willow House - Brenda Bradley

Brenda received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Univ. of MD and worked as a Recreation Therapist on the inpatient psychiatric ward at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for over 12 years.  She quit to become a stay-at-home mom when her daughter Seneca was born almost 14 years ago.  She also has 2 sons, Garrett 11 and Dylan 9.  In 2005 she became a Southern Living at HOME Consultant which is now Willow House.  She loves the home décor products and loves to decorate her home and help others decorate their homes.  Last year, Willow House started a multi-divisional company and opened a jewelry division with hand-crafted jewelry by Sara Blaine. Now, Brenda helps others style their nest and look their best.  This past spring, Brenda also became a Consultant with thirty-one, a company that sells totes, purses, bags and accessories.  Brenda likes to help women simplify and organize their lives with style.  She likes the fact that with both businesses, she can schedule her parties around her families schedule and help with the family finances while still being a stay-at-home mom.  Brenda has a heart for women as she leads 2 women’s Bible Studies and a adult woman’s Sunday School class.  She also likes to scrapbook, bake and read a good book on the beach.

Brenda Bradley
http://www.brendab.willowhouse.com/
http://www.mythirtyone.com/brendabradley/
brenda.biz@verizon.net

Lisa Stearns and Suzette Salandy - Speaker Bio - July 18th, 2012

Lisa Stearns 

Founder/creator of the Finding Your Voice Program℠
Speaker, coach, author, athlete, Lisa’s programs create women with confidence, purpose and clarity. Through fun, easy exercises delivered in a welcoming, safe setting her clients acquire the tools they need to confidently represent themselves in their everyday lives.

Easy Tips For Better Communication: Make your point, be understood, and be remembered.
Are you tired of being ignored or overlooked? Do you have trouble making a point or struggle with nervousness and just can't find the words to form a coherent thought? Lisa will offer some easy to use tips that will put you on track to more powerful, purposeful communication.
Lisa Stearns


Lisa Stearns

'Finding Your Voice'

www.LisaStearns.com

Lisa@LisaStearns.com

Facebook.com/LisaStearnsInspires

BodaciousWoman.blogspot.com

410-381-5777

Suzette Salandy 

Ms. Suzette Salandy, founder of Salandy Enterprises Inc., is a native of the beautiful island of Trinidad.  Ms. Salandy has worked as an executive and strategist in human resources and organizational development for more than fifteen years, focusing on talent management, performance management, employee relations, executive coaching and organizational development.  Ms. Salandy believes in the philosophy of providing human resource solutions to maximize human potential.  Some of her philanthropic interests have enabled her to donate her time and talents to various charitable organizations, including Dress for Success, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping under-privileged women succeed in the work force. As a facilitator and image consultant, she conducts workshops and consultation sessions helping individuals of all ages improve their self-presentation and makeup/grooming habits. Ms. Salandy has applied her passion of public speaking and motivating others to seek their passion and enhance their personal image and professionalism. Ms. Salandy’s true passion is mentoring and empowering individuals to develop their personal skills and individual talents. She has co-authored several books, entitled:  Customer Service and Professionalism for Women, A Young Woman’s Guide to Success and Survival Skills for African American Women.

Ms. Salandy was a spokesperson on the 2008 National Tour promoting a new skincare product line developed by Dr. Katie Rodan & Dr. Kathy Fields, the dermatologists who also developed the skincare product known as Proactiv.   She was a keynote speaker for the Professional Women’s Network Conference where she shared her passion about “Dress for Success, Rebuilding Women’s Lives.”  Ms. Salandy has also hosted the 2008 conference in the island of Trinidad entitled “Create Your Vision & Own It”

Ms. Salandy has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.  She has certification in both makeup artistry, and customer service application and behavior.  Ms. Salandy is a board member for the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), a member of Society of Human Resource Management and the National Association for Female Executives.  She is the former chairperson for the Professional Women’s Group, Dress for Success, Delaware Chapter.

http://salandyenterprisesinc.com/

June 20th - Member Presentation - Kathy Kitts

Kathy is married with 2 grown sons, one 23, one 18.  She also has a Jack Russell Terrier, a cat, and currently 6 kittens (she was told the cat was male!).  She has a BS from UMD, University College, in Microbiology and Behavioral & Social Sciences.  She also has been trained at The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia.

For the past 23 years, Kathy has been involved in creating brain stimulation programs for babies and kids.  She has also used what she has learned in creating classes and summer camps for places like The Smithsonian Associates, Maryland Science Center, and The Levine School of Music.  She began her stimulation and development programs with her own two kids, and is pleased with the results.  Kathy continues to teach camps and tutors and is currently working on a book.  She hopes to open a brain development center for parents with their kids in the near future.  She is currently learning how to attract seed capital, and recently attended a 10-day outstanding business training and mentoring forum.

This past Saturday, Kathy debuted her new radio program called, "The Resilient Brain,” which airs Saturdays at noon on PerfectWorldNetworkRadio.com.  She hopes to continue spreading the word about the incredible opportunities we have to help our kids.

www.NeuGrowth.com

kathy@NeuGrowth.com

June 20th Guest Speaker Bio - Becky Logan

Becky was born and raised in Montgomery County. She along with her parents, grandparents and now her children all attended Sherwood High School. Becky is proud of her deep roots and gives make to the community which has given her and her family so much. Her commitment to the community led her to become Territory Owner for RelyLocal. In so doing Becky has joined with other entrepreneurs from all over the county committed to rebuilding the national economy by supporting local businesses. RelyLocal offers a unique marketing opportunity that begins and ends with the community, Becky calls it community based marketing. By combining the best of traditional, local and online marketing, community-based marketing builds brand awareness and customer loyalty through community activity.

Becky will discuss how to integrate community based marketing into your overall marketing strategy. From social media sites to networking, business or community groups Becky will discuss which ones are worth your time, money and effort.

Becky Patton Logan Owner, RelyLocal Tel: 301-660-RELY (7359) www.rlrockolney.com

May 16th - Member Bio - Linda Quinones

Linda is a mom of 4 children who are now 24 (and married), 21, 19 and 18.  Linda has been a work at home mom for nearly all her parenting years.  When she started her Pampered Chef business  17  years ago she had  3 small children ages 2,4,6 years, and then three years later they added a fourth child adopted from the Philippines.

She started by doing 2-4 shows a month for a little extra spending money but later realized this would allow her to be able to pay for her children to go to Christian School.  As each child started school she increased her income with her business.  She currently does about 2 cooking shows a week and works with a team of about 70 consultants. Pampered Chef has allowed her to make a significant contribution to her family budget while setting her own hours, traveling to places, like Paris, that she once only dreamed about - but most important, being there for her children.

Linda loves teaching people how to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less using great tools that make if fun and easy.  She will share with you a little about the corporate Help Whip Cancer program this month, as well as give you some Grilling Tips.  

May 16th - Guest Speaker - Anita Moore

Stop the insanity! Is your business taking over your life?

For 10 years Anita has owned and operated several Gymboree Play and Music franchise locations in Maryland. She currently owns 3 in the Baltimore area, and co-owns 1 location in Bethesda. Prior to owning the franchise, Anita spent over 10 years in IT management at various local companies including Discovery Communications and Freddie Mac. She has extensive experience in customer service (both B2B and B2C), staff training, operations, and marketing.

Anita is currently branching out as a business consultant and can assist you with a variety of small business needs including: Business planning, Customer Service, Operations process development, Team organization and training. Contact her to see if she can help you grow your business by improving your team!

On May 16th, Anita Moore will lead an open discussion on the challenges and strategies of successful entrepreneurs.  From startup, maintenance, growth and beyond we will explore easy ways to grow traffic, improve processes,  gain control, stay motivated… and restore balance to your life!

Member Bio - Julie Holley - April 16th, 2012

Julie was not a fan of exercise except for the occasional brisk walk through the park. The walks allowed for time to clear the mind and to practice moving meditation. One day she borrowed a yoga tape (yes, that’s when folks still had VHS) and fell in love with the movements and the challenge and of course the feeling of relaxation and wholeness that occurred after the practice. She then re-discovered yoga at a downtown DC gym and learned the benefits that an instructor could add to her practice. That experience not only showed her how an instructor’s expertise can help her into postures and help to perfect her form in others, but how that teacher’s leadership could lead her into a deeper sense of what “yoga” could be. After a short break and an attempted home practice, Julie found herself at Blue Heron Wellness in Silver Spring, Maryland where she had the opportunity to study with Claudia Neuman, Ashley Litecky and Donna Britt. These ladies ignited a true love for yoga in Julie.

A couple of more years passed and Julie moved her esthetics practice (see the skincare page) to Blue Heron Wellness. During her first six months there, a flyer was posted announcing a yoga teacher training program there at Blue Heron Wellness. Lead teachers included Ashley Litecky and Claudia Neuman, two of the three women that stoked Julie’s yoga fire. Of course she signed up. She learned from teachers of various traditions including: Anusara, Ashtanga and Kundalini.

Julie uses this background to provide her students with an interdisciplinary approach to their yoga practice.

*RYT- Registered Yoga Teacher as designated through Yoga Alliance. For more information, please visit yogaalliance.org.

Speaker Bio - Valerie Cook - April 18, 2012

As the founder of Synergize Your Biz, Valerie “The Small Biz Partner”, helps small businesses solve problems around growth, strategy, marketing, and product/service offerings. Valerie started this business because she remembers the challenges when starting her first business 10 years ago. “I quickly help small business sort through the haze and maze of all the information about what they should be doing in their business.” Valerie is committed to helping small businesses and volunteers her time as a Small Business Mentor with SCORE, which is funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Valerie is also President of Transformation Solutions Group “TSGroupConsulting.com”, a global consultancy that provides integrated business transformation solutions to the Public and Private sectors. With over 20 years of experience, Valerie helps organizations navigate the challenges associated with managing and implementing large scale technological and organizational change initiatives. In addition, she has led and managed high performance consulting teams for Booz Allen Hamilton and IBM Global Services. Her clients have included: General Dynamics; CGI-Federal; Northrop Grumman; U.S. Treasury; U.S. Navy; U.S. Army; U.S. Postal Service; U.S. Bureau of Census; District of Columbia (Washington, DC) Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO); LT Associates; and Mowatt Inc.

Valerie loves seeking new adventures, traveling the world, boating, and live music. She holds an M.S. in Marketing Strategy and a B.A.S. in Psychology and Business Administration.

Picture and more from our March gathering!

(From left, back row) Beckie Valenzuela; Brenda Bradley of ; Julie Holly; Cathy McNair; Becky Roeberg Roth; Larry Rudwick; Marsha Smith (front row) Glira Goldman; Yihung Mohs; Linda Quinones

If you missed our March gathering, our guest speaker, Larry Rudwick of Business Tune-ups has generously offerd a FREE 5-step Jumpstart to Making Positive Changes. Here is the link.

Join us next time! Contact me if you have any questions: yihung.mohs@dreamdinners.com

Member Bio - Gloria Goldman - March 21, 2012

Gloria Goldman is the owner of A pampered Affair which provides dessert parties using superb European organic chocolate. She is also a certified Event Planner. Gloria will speak on combining her efforts as Event Planner and her life's expereinces as she now is about to launch Gitel's School for Widows and Windowers with Courage (SWWC) that provides Surviving Spouse Education - the first of its kind in this country.

Her GSWWC website serves as a working model for her vision for the school. It focuses on dealing with surviving spouse's identity, community, culture, education and advocacy. Her vision is to help surviving spouses cope with their loss as well as their individual renewals with skill acquisitions via a 12 month certificate program, The GSWWC school combines compassionate network meetings with workshops.

Gloria Goldman410- 997-3838

Speaker Bio - Larry Rudwick - March 21st, 2012

Larry Rudwick, owner of http://www.businesstune-ups.com/ is a business coach unlike most others.

Larry has been a serial entrepreneur all of his life. He co-founded a business shortly out of college which grew to be the #1 supplier for wheelchair parts in the US, growing to 65 employees. The business was sold when Larry was in his early 40s, and he could have easily retired.

But Larry didn't retire. His passion is business and helping people to become more successful, and he discovered business coaching.Larry will discuss why most people don't truly master what they do and what it takes to make positive changes happen.

Feel free to check out his website and do the FREE 6-step jumpstart. If you want to grow, here's a quick way to begin. And don't forget to bring your questions to the Q&A!

Speaker Bio - Laura Rhode - Febuary 15, 2012

Laura Rhode, owner of What a Party Promotions, Events & Apparel, LLC has been involved in the event and promotions industry for over twenty years. Starting out as a wedding and event planner, Laura worked with clients in a variety of settings, bringing impeccable customer service and an eye for detail.

As business grew, clients began requesting promotional services for their businesses and corporate events. It wasn’t long before What a Party added a promotional and apparel division, assisting business clients with marketing plans, logo branding, customer targeting, development and retention, and employee incentive and recognition programs. What a Party, LLC, a full-service marketing company, has been serving clients for 12 years.

What a Party clients include Lombardi Cancer Center, Relay for Life, school athletic, spirit and incentive programs and many small businesses and corporations. Laura takes personal interest and gratification working with Foundations and fundraisers, offering her expertise to groups looking to raise money and secure services for worthy causes and those in need.

In this challenging economy, businesses more than ever are now looking for cost effective ways to stay in the public eye. Laura will be speaking on how to develop a marketing plan for your small (or large) business - without breaking the bank!

Speaker Bio - Terri Holley - Febuary 15, 2012

A tech-savvy, insightful, and highly creative new media "maverick" who is always operating outside the box, Terri understands the nuances of interactive marketing, emerging technology and how both are used to build deeper relationships with prospects and customers.

Along with serving as CEO of Holley Creative, Terri has been a contributor to Women Grow Business, recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the best marketing and social media blogs written by women.

A sought-after speaker, Terri regularly presents at national conferences to engage in robust conversation about social media and interactive marketing. She is known for skillfully taking on emerging technology skeptics and enjoys sharing the story about her 80-something mother learning how to text.

Literally walking her talk, Terri is an active user of Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. She also authors two popular blogs and is the producer and host of Social Media Voices, a podcast that features small business social media success stories. Many podcast guests are clients.

Leading a strong team of marketing, public relations and technical professionals, Terri is passionate about helping businesses grow. She is always willing to go the extra mile, ensuring interactive marketing benefits the bottom line. Her methodologies and perspective are strongly influenced by her professional training as a co-active coach. Terri adamantly believes that businesses that exercise co-activity will be the winners in the post-recession economy.

Social Media Marketing: Driving Business Value With 69% of the US population using Facebook, reading blogs, listening to podcasts, and watching online videos, social media is a wonderful way to connect with your target market, generate more leads, and increase your revenue. Have you jumped in? Are you still waiting by the shore?

Either way, it’s important to understand how to use social media to drive business value. Join us as we welcome longtime veteran and early adopter of social technologies, Terri Holley, as she speaks about interactive marketing, emerging technology and how both can be used to drive business value.

Ms. Holley will speak about her successes with social media, lessons she has learned along the way, and pitfalls you can avoid after you jump in. Topics will include:

* Must-do tasks before you begin marketing your business on the social web
* How you can tweak an existing social media strategy to achieve better results
* The most promising social technologies for 2012

Meet our new and renewed members!

Anita Moore -
For 10 years Anita has owned and operated several Gymboree Play and Music franchise locations in Maryland. She is currently branching out as a business consultant and can assist you with a variety of small business needs including: Business planning, Customer Service, Operations process development, Team organization and training. Contact her to see if she can help you grow your business by improving your team!

Brenda Bradley -
Brenda is a proud distributor of Willow House products. Willow House is a multi-divisional company that sells beautify home decor products and now stunning hand crafted jewelry by Sara Blaine.

Samantha Carroll -
Samantha is an independent consultant in the are of strategic communications. She specializes in public relations, communications planning and implementation. Recently she facilitate a marketing round table at Moms Inc. and we all learned SO much!

Kathy Kitts -
Kathy Kitts is the founder of NeuGrowth Brain Fitness & Learning Center. She specializes in brain training for health and wellness education. Besides tutoring, she offers corporate training, seminar workshops, one-on-one coaching. She can show you how to protect your brain growth and relive stress; and overcome dyslexia and traumatic brain injury.

Julie Holly -
Julie launched her Yoga-Stoned classes recently. Yoga-Stoned provides yoga instruction for beginner to intermediate level yoga students. Classes can be provided one-on-one or in small groups at the client's home, office or other agreed upon location. Additionally, we are wellness lifestyle professionals providing coaching, and holistic skincare services. Skincare services are performed at Blue Heron Wellness in Silver Spring, MD.

Member Bio - Ana Blanco-Logsdon & Rebekah - Jan 18th, 2012

Financial planning is on top of minds these days. Do you have all the information to make the right decision? We will enjoy a joint presentation by two personal finance experts among our members:

Ana Blanco-Logsdon from MetLife -
Ana has specialized in retirement income solutions for mature adults. Showing clients how to improve their cash flow and lifestyle by using a HECM (AKA as a Reverse Mortgage) to reach their goal. Come learn about this overlooked retirement tool.

Bekie Valenzuela from New York Life Insurance Company -
Bekie will touch on basics of what happens when long term care is needed and how you can plan for it.

Speaker Bio - Harvey Metro - Janurary 18, 2012

Harvey Metro, along with his father Stuart Metro, formed Metro Metro & Associates in 1994.Together with his father, Harvey maintains relationships with clients that go back more than 30years.

Harvey serves on the board of directors of several nonprofit organizations including HomecrestHouse, Sherwood High School Warrior Club and the Olney Boys and Girls Community SportsAssociation (OBGC) where he also serves as treasurer.

His experiences as a businessman, professional accountant and tax advisor and volunteer nonprofitboard member have given him a unique perspective and understanding for the complicatedissues facing both for profit and non-profit businesses. A sought after lecturer and seminarleader on accounting, tax and business issues related to nonprofit businesses, Harvey has beenfeatured at national seminars as well as a frequent seminar leader and teacher for eventssponsored by the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations. With his broad knowledgeand expertise in nonprofit auditing, internal controls and tax related matters, Harvey has beencalled on to testify as an expert witness on behalf of Maryland nonprofits before numerouscommittees of the Maryland House of Delegates and State Senate.

Harvey is the recipient of many awards for his business and community efforts. Most notably,Harvey was recognized as one of the local D.C. area accountants who are “On Top of TheirGame” by Washingtonian magazine. Additionally, he is the author of Tasty Profits: A Guide toQuickBooks for Restaurants, a resource book for best accounting practices in the restaurantindustry.