In 2012, a pair of mothers saw the need for an online community of Mothers in the Big Easy, and New Orleans Mom was born. Since then, a community of more than a hundred New Orleans Mom contributors has helped deliver online content, advice, stories, directories, news, and reviews that help make life better for Mothers in southeastern Louisiana.
Our current team of New Orleans Mom contributors has grown to more than 30 members, many of whom you can meet below. Like our loyal readers, our contributors live, work, play, and love in the New Orleans community. From their local experience, they are able to bring insights, ideas, discoveries, and inspiration, from their neighborhoods to yours.
If it’s about Moms or New Orleans, our contributors have it covered, with the latest news, information, and perspectives.
New Orleans Mom writers pay close attention to Health & Wellness issues, with valuable information that can help Mothers filter through the noise to find what’s important. We’re there with advice on how to navigate Marriage & Relationships while offering our own Perspectives in Parenting.
Our contributors offer Family Travel Tips that can open up new parts of New Orleans and the surrounding areas to visitors and locals alike. And for those staying close to home, our writers have plenty of DIY & Home Improvement content, with that local New Orleans flair, that’s perfect for Moms of all kinds.
Our writers produce in-depth guides on all sorts of topics and are there with critical information on Hurricane Preparedness. And as always, our readers can count on a variety of Mom Hacks, Tips, and Tricks from our contributors that will make life in the Big Easy just a little bit easier.
Want to learn more about the writers bringing Moms content from across the spectrum? Meet them below, where we feature more than 30 of the contributors who, week in and week out, make New Orleans Mom the leading source of parenting news and information in our region.
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Hi! My name is Ashley but most everyone I know calls me Ash. I was born in New Orleans East and have lived in Mandeville for the past thirty years. Most evenings and weekends you will find me on the baseball field with my scorebook and ranch sunflower seeds watching my boy play. Or the basketball courts during the winter months! When I’m not living my best sports mom life, I’m probably working, or at Target, or binge watching my latest favorite, or making a to-do list I won’t completely check off, or cooking. Homemade zoodles, roasted veggies, and infused water are my staples! I’m not what you would call outdoorsy (like AT ALL!), but becoming a boy mom has taught me to appreciate nature. I love spending time on the river, running along the lakefront, of course the beach, going for bike rides, eating on patios and walking through the grass barefoot is now a regular habit. Motherhood is something! I believe children are the most precious souls on this earth, and we must be fierce in our efforts to protect them.
Brittney Dayeh grew up in the Catskills of Upstate New York but considers herself a New Orleanian. She moved to New Orleans in 2006 with her husband, whom she met while teaching English in Japan. She immediately fell in love with the culture, history, and vibe of this city. Brittney teaches third grade social studies at a local public school and lives in Algiers with her husband, who is also a local teacher, and her two children, ages 11 and 7. She has a passion for children’s literature and Louisiana history, dreams about kayaking with manatees, and now loves to run.
Bryoni is a New Orleans native, but just moved back after 17 years of bouncing around other states. She and her husband Fen reside in Metairie, La., where they are raising their three little girls Brooke (9), Kate (7), and Blake (5). She graduated from Lamar University with a degree in Hospitality Administration and Culinary Arts. She is the owner of Bryoni Catering and a program coordinator for Electric Girls. Her favorite motto is “ there is not enough time in the day” because she is always on the go! From, driving the kids back and forth, to preparing 5 course meals for other families, she rarely takes a moment to sit! When she finally gets a minute to herself, she can often be found driving around searching for the best poboy and snowball!
Cailin was born in Metairie, but moved to Slidell at five years old and never left! She is now raising her three daughters, Genevieve (Evie, 5, highly intelligent, brutally honest, hysterical), Josephine (Jo, 4, intuitive, brilliant, fiery), and Bernadette (Bettye, 2, smarty pants, no sense of fear, doesn’t believe in rules), with her husband, Andy (her favorite human), in Olde Towne Slidell. Cailin received her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Political Science from LSU, and her J.D./D.C.L from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU Law. She has her own practice, Law Office of Cailin K. Allain, LLC, and is currently navigating the ins and outs of expanding her business while working from home. When she’s not working, raising babies, or dancing in the kitchen with her husband, you can find her curled up in bed with a good book/comfort movie, some chocolate, and hot tea. On the weekends, Cailin enjoys going to concerts and comedy shows with her husband and any one (or all!) of her six siblings, and hanging out with her in-laws in Bay St. Louis.
Danielle is a native New Orleanian. She graduated from Ben Franklin and attended the University of New Orleans' undergraduate and graduate schools. She and her husband Abraham married in 2017 and welcomed their son Blaise in 2019 and son Beckham in 2021. She balances motherhood with working full time as the Director of People and Culture in the local healthcare and education industries. She is learning to embrace the chaos of life as a Mom. Danielle’s current struggle is navigating preschool options for her oldest and managing the endless appetite of her youngest. This type-A mama can usually be found on the go with a to-do list and a plan. She enjoys trying new things, thrifting, and is always in the middle of glittering or a DIY project. Additionally, she never turns down a happy hour or beach vacation. She is excited to experience New Orleans as a mom and is truly proud to call it home.
Erica lives in Kenner with her husband Michael and her three sons, Benjamin, Joshua, and Elijah. After graduating from UL Lafayette with a degree in advertising and landing her dream job, she left her chosen field and now works part time as an administrative assistant for a Catholic retreat movement. She spends the rest of her time at home with her boys, finding lost toys and actively ignoring various messes. In 2019, she self-published her first book, The Sister. There's not a lot of free time between working, reading and writing, and chasing her kids, but in those moments she's usually sprawled on the sofa in casual denial about just how messy her house is.
Erika is a native New Orleanian, born and raised. She attended St. Mary's Dominican High School and the University of Holy Cross. She is married to her husband Chris for 8 years. They have 2 children: Zane and Finnley. They have one fur baby - Nelson a mutt rescue. They recently lost their beloved American Bulldog, Laney. Erika has worked in the healthcare industry for over 15 years and is currently the Director over the provider engagement/relations team for a national healthcare consulting company. She and her husband own Clockwork Performance, a strength and performance gym located in Kenner, which is 100% run by her "health and fitness advocate and jiu jitsu brown belt" husband. On the weekends, you can find Erika spending time with her family and her friends. Fun Facts: Erika loves jury duty, Judge Judy, helping with homework/projects, drawing and painting.
Ja’Nae was born in Houma and raised on the outskirts of New Orleans known as the Westbank, where she still resides. She’s currently dating her boyfriend of 3 years and together they raise their daughter A’nylah. After attending Jackson State University, she moved back to New Orleans and then earned her master’s at Full Sail University in Public Relations, she currently works part time at a local Bra Boutique where she enjoys helping women feel good about themselves. In her free times she’s looking for the latest fashion trends, working out, learning how to organize her life, relaxing by enjoying a good movie or series and finding fun things to do with her new family.
Jeanne is a proud Westbanker and inordinately blessed wife, full time working parent, and middle child. She and her insanely handsome husband of 15 years have 2 daughters, aged 11 and 2. Her hobbies include cake decorating, reading, devouring movies, and slowly turning into her mother. When they are not patronizing local restaurants, she and her family enjoy driving around to take in the surroundings of their home, from Lafitte to Folsom, and all points in between. Jeanne has contributed her time and skills to a number of organizations, including WRBH Reading for the Blind, and the Jefferson Chorale. She observes the seasons- champagne brunch, Saints game day Abita, summertime Daiquiri, and Celebration in the Oaks with a flask.
Wife to my high school sweetheart, Ross, and mother to 4 children: Trip, Conner, McKenzie, and Piper, I am a born and raised Southern Louisiana Lady. I am a graduate of Mt. Carmel Academy, received my Bachelor’s in English with a concentration in Secondary Ed. from LSU followed by my Master’s of Education from UNO, and for the past 12 years, I have been outwitting high school boys as an English teacher at Holy Cross School. When I’m not grading papers, driving to baseball practices, or making grocery runs, I can be found cheering on my LSU Tigers, cutting up with my girlfriends, and crafting (I love a good project!). I’m all about sippin’ some wine during the sunset while the kiddos play in the yard and the hubby works the grill. I’m living my best mommy life these days and am always happy to share the journey with others!
Joey is a New Orleans native, Dominican alum, and LSU grad who joined the ranks of motherhood in the summer of 2019. She and her Colorado born-and-raised husband, Phil, left their Mid-City apartment for a house on the Northshore about ten days before they welcomed their son, Sam, into the world. Though she’s always had a passion for writing, it’s her work as the Director of Marketing for a Louisiana-based electrical firm that pays the bills. She’s a longtime member of the dance troupe The Muff-A-Lottas and when she isn’t covered in glitter and dancing through the streets of New Orleans, she’s usually cooking, trying new restaurants, and listening to true crime podcasts. A consummate Pinterest fanatic, she’s always looking for looking for her next DIY project or recipe to try. She believes good senses of humor and random acts of kindness make the world go ‘round.
Nola Native, Julie Couret is Mom of Emma Mae (9) & Helen (7). She co-parents with her ex-husband & is known for candid posts on her life behind the scenes. Julie is an Executive Coach who coaches and speaks nationwide on leadership, conflict resolution, and employee engagement. 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year Julie is a regular guest on WWLtv, ESPN New Orleans, and local podcasts. Julie is a Charter Member with the Mystic Krewe of Nyx, Past-President of the GNO Executive Assoc., & has served on several business boards in the city. From taking her kids on solo road trips to being self-employed, Julie loves the hustle! Learn more about Julie here.
Kathy is a Metairie native who lives in River Ridge with her husband, Mike, her children, Finn and Nina, and her 3 pups and a cat, Rex, Beau, Hans & Toula. She enjoys double dating with friends on Friday or Saturday nights and brunching with her girlfriends. A lover of all people (particularly babies and children), she is usually volunteering in various organizations and supporting her children in their extracurricular activities. You may catch her reading about World War II or listening to an assortment of music. An avid traveler, she can be found in her parents’ homeland, San Pedro, Belize, enjoying time with family, snorkeling, riding golf carts around town and eating the best food in the world.
Kelley Lockhart Delaune was born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana. She is married to her husband Ronnie and she has two young boys, Roman (5) and Remy (3). Kelley is interested in wellness and healing. She went to LSU in Baton Rouge where she received a Bachelors in Psychology. She returned home to New Orleans and received a Masters in Social Work at Tulane in 2002. She is a psychotherapist in private practice in New Orleans where she focuses on helping others to heal themselves and their relationships. She loves the beach, her friends, her family, transparency, a good coffee and her CrossFit community. Writing has always been a love of Kelley’s. She enjoys writing about mental health and real life stuff. She shares her family’s journey @romanandremy.
Kelly first moved to New Orleans to attend Tulane University, from which she earned a B.S. in Psychology and English and an M.A. in English. She quickly discovered New Orleans was the place where she had always belonged and her high school sweetheart, Jeff, soon followed her here. They have now been married for 12 year and have two beautiful girls, Emma Jane (7) and Hannah (3). Kelly is a lover of all things nerdy and a proud fangirl. Though she loves to stay busy and involved, she recently left her job as a high school English teacher and sponsor to focus on her family and health. She is now teaching composition part time for a local university, working to revive her love of reading and writing, and focusing on being a more present mom.
Kristina is originally from Miami, Florida but calls New Orleans home for the last 5 years. She got her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and her Podiatric Medical Degree from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Kristina and her husband moved to New Orleans to lay some roots in the Big Easy. She currently is co-owner and practitioner at NOLA Sole Podiatry. She has a lovable and amazing daughter, Victoria Isabel. In her downtime, she loves being out and about with her husband and daughter. They love trying new restaurants and going to festivals. We love exploring different cultures and cultural events here in New Orleans and loves exposing her daughter to them. She also loves going to parks with her family and furbabies. Kristina loves supporting dog rescues and wishes she could rescue all the adoptable dogs in NOLA but will settle for 2 right now.
Maya lives in New Orleans with her husband, two daughters, and their beloved fur baby. She has 15 years of experience working in early childhood education, including roles in schools, local nonprofits, and state government. Maya currently works as a curriculum developer, where she gets to focus on one of her top interests, which is teaching reading. Her other top interests include her girls (of course), podcasts and audiobooks, anything outdoors in warm weather, and experimenting with new recipes.
My name is Nicole Deano. I was born and raised in Chalmette, La. After Katrina, my family moved to New Iberia, La. In 2008, I moved back to New Orleans. At 26, I was diagnosed with stage 2b triple negative breast cancer. At the end of my treatment I reunited with a grade school crush, and 7 months later we found out I was pregnant with our miracle baby! We bought a house in Chalmette and settled back into our roots. We welcomed our beautiful baby girl, Emily, August 27, 2013. We continued to grow as a family as we welcomed our second baby girl, Talia, in April 2016. We decided to tie the knot on November 1, 2017. We had a small ceremony with close family and friends in DISNEY WORLD! Which was a dream come true! I love Disney, I love my family, and I especially love being a MOMMY.
Pam is a Happiness Engineer for Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, and is the mom of identical triplet boys Linus, Oliver and Miles. She started blogging ten years ago while training for a marathon, and over the years has written about weight loss, wedding planning, pregnancy and raising triplets. If she’s not photographing her boys, it’s only because they’re asleep and she’s enjoying the peace and quiet, most likely with a glass of wine. Pam was born in New Orleans but raised in Baton Rouge. She and her husband George married in 2005, and are residents of Algiers Point.
Rachael lives in Kenner with her husband Steven and her two sons, Wyatt and Sawyer. After graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University, she began working as a Speech Language Pathologist. Her current focus is with adults with neurological disorders. When not at work, her favorite place to be is on her swing in her backyard watching her kids play. From the outside, people think she's the organized, crafty mom, but that is far from the truth. Like most moms, she's doing her best to survive the chaos of this crazy, beautiful life of motherhood. In 2023, she dreams of living a more minimalistic life and really focusing on the present.
A New Orleans native and entrepreneurial mom, Rachel maintains a daily balance of running her own marketing firm, 30|90 Marketing, managing her kids’ schedules, and maintaining an active extracurricular life including teaching dance, volunteering, and instructing a digital marketing class at UNO. Rachel lives in Mandeville with her best friend and husband Lenny, daughters Addison and Amelia, and step-son Luke. With a growing family (baby number 4 is on the way this summer) and a million balls in the air, Rachel keeps things light by continuously learning, spending time with amazing friends, blogging, finding any route to a concert or outdoor festival, and planning her next get-away with her husband. A sense of humor can get you through almost anything, so she tends to surround herself with fabulous and very-funny people. You can learn more about her here.
Robyn is a New Orleans Native, mom to Anthony (5), Scarlett (4), and Violet (0). She has been married to her husband, Joseph, for 11 years and currently resides in Metairie. She went to Dominican, later graduated from LSU, and after found a passion for real estate where she now is an Associate Broker for Mirambell Realty for the last 14 years.When she’s not touring homes and neighborhoods, she’s chasing her kiddos, living vicariously through them, and exploring the city. She’ll never pass up an opportunity to eat crawfish, loves a good cup of coffee, an ice cold Purple Haze, is hoping to get her running shoes back on again soon.
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Sarah moved to New Orleans in 2009 after graduating from the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!) and is proud to call New Orleans home. She is a CPA and the Finance Director at a local real estate development company. Sarah lives in the Freret neighborhood with her husband, Matt, and their three kids: Elizabeth, Paul and Isaac. You can often find them roaming the neighborhood streets, taking streetcar rides, or enjoying one of the many local parks. In her non-existent free time, Sarah loves to try the newest local restaurants, cook, read, and dream about traveling.
Seleigh is a New Orleans native currently residing in Waggaman with her husband and two daughters. She stayed local and received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University New Orleans and Master’s from the University of New Orleans. She currently works at a New Orleans charter school as a School Operations Leader. As a life long civil servant she has found her passion dedicating her days to NOLA’s youngest residents! Seleigh spends her weekends running between extra curricular activities for her girls, festival hopping and enjoying dinner at her favorite restaurants
Stephanie Davi McNeely has been in and around the nonprofit fundraising space for nearly twenty years. She oversees development and strategic partnerships, for the ACE Mentor Program of America, a national nonprofit mentoring program based in Philadelphia. There she is responsible for corporate and individual fundraising initiatives, as well as the growth and development of national partnerships with design and construction firms. In her spare time, she plays mom’s league softball, watches her son play soccer, takes French class through the Alliance, and serves as the First Lady of the University of Holy Cross in Algiers. She resides in New Orleans, Louisiana with her husband and 11-year-old son.
