Living Gently Archives - Forsyth Woman Magazine

Carolyn Peterson

Senior Writer

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2006. Originally from Pfafftown, Carolyn now calls Clemmons home. Carolyn was a model for 20 years, and for five years, she was a hand model for Bojangles’ print and television advertising. She has a degree in journalism and psychology. Carolyn’s day job is as a pharmaceutical sales representative and, in her free time, she enjoys cooking, the arts and traveling. “I love learning about the businesses and people in my community who are making a difference in big and small ways, many of whom I am blessed to write about in my articles,” said Carolyn. Carolyn is also the magazines’ resident go-to writer when it comes to anything with animals. She has three dogs and loves all wildlife.

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Denise Heidel

Senior Writer

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2008. Denise hails from Gastonia, but grew up in Kernersville. With two brief stints living in other states (Texas and Ohio), Forsyth County kept calling her home, where she plans to stay. Denise has a grown son, Charlie, and shares her home with husband, Wayne, a local drummer. Denise loves her coffee and also loves animals, especially cats. In her spare time, Denise is an active volunteer for Proverbs 31 Ministries and serves in several capacities. Denise also writes a faith-based blog, MyGraceFullLife.com. On writing for Forsyth Magazines, Denise said, “I am so blessed to be a part of this incredible team, to meet these wonderful local business owners and to interact with our super-supportive readers!”

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Meghan Corbett

Senior Writer

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2009. Meghan Corbett grew up in Winston-Salem. She graduated with honors with a degree in mass media communication and a minor in journalism from NC State University. She married her high school sweetheart, Will, in 2008. Meghan and Will, along with rescue dogs Moze and Charlie, welcomed a baby girl to their family in 2016. Meghan loves to shop, read and take vacations. In fact, she’s been to Disney World 13 times and never gets tired of it! Meghan writes for all four titles in the Forsyth Magazines family and serves as backup editor. When asked what she loves about her job, Meghan said, “The people I get to work with! It is an amazing job where you feel supported throughout every aspect of your life.”

Brittany Orie Leak

Bio coming soon.

Debbie Barr

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2017. Debbie Barr earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Pennsylvania State University and her master’s degree in health education and promotion from East Carolina University. She is a master certified health education specialist (MCHES) with interests in work site health promotion, Alzheimer’s and dementia education, health literacy, and Christian growth. A versatile writer and enthusiastic speaker, Debbie is the author/co-author of four books, more than 600 disease-specific patient education articles, low-literacy employee benefits materials, medical education scripts, and newsletters for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers.

Elisa Wallace Coppede

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2010. A Winston-Salem native, Elisa now calls Charlotte home where she works as a middle school English teacher. Elisa has two degrees – communication studies and Spanish as well as a master’s in writing. She lives with her dog, Bella, who is a Lhasa Apso and enjoys antiques, arts, music, reading, traveling and baking (though she says she cannot cook). “I love working with such a talented and ambitious team,” said Elisa. “I like the flexibility I receive when pitching new story ideas.”

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Jean Marie Johnson

Writer

Jean Marie Johnson is the first to say that she entered this life “with an inquisitive mind, a mush-melon heart, a significant degree of sass, and a passion for all things beautiful.” She has spent her journey focused on making meaning of it all. She secured her first full time summer job at the age of twelve as a babysitter, sold Avon and babysat through high school, won a scholarship to a commuter college and tutored and worked in the placement office for extra cash.
The ensuing decades filled her mind and her heart with the experience of the professional workplace. There she hired, trained, coached, promoted, fired, laughed and cried with others at all levels and developed a reputation as a wise and unconventional leader who held others accountable while always focused on doing the right thing. Over time, she evolved as a writer, speaker, and provocateur, channeling years of life experience to support women on their journey to embrace and express the person they were born to be.
Close to Jean Marie’s heart is the poem, “God Speaks to Each of Us” by Rainer Maria Rilke. A “spiritual believer” with no specific religious affiliation, these words resonate:
God speaks to each of us as he makes us,
Then walks with us silently out of the night.
These are the words we dimly hear:
You, sent out beyond your recall,
Go to the limits of your longing, embody me.
Flare up like a flame and make big shadows I can move in.
Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.
Nearby is the country they call life. You will know it by its seriousness.
Give me your hand.
Currently the author of the blog, secondstagelifestylecoach.com/, Jean Marie focuses on personal style while offering insight and inspiration for cultivating an authentic, “perfectly-imperfect” life. In addition to providing one-on-one style and closet curation services, Jean Marie continues to write with and for leaders, crafting communication that supports organizational change and enhances the employee and customer experience. Jean Marie holds a BA in Social Work and an MS in Human Resource Development and Counseling. You will frequently find her walking, tending her herb garden, feeding her backyard birds, hunting for great finds, and always cultivating the beauty and the raw authenticity around her.

Jen Oleniczak Brown

Jen Oleniczak Brown is the Founder of The Engaging Educator (EE), a women-owned and operated company dedicated to helping people find their unapologetic, authentic and best voice, communication style, and self through improv-based education and Fearless Winston Salem, a collaborative collective for and by women. Jen’s work can be found in publications like Bustle, Fast Company, Forbes and Moneyish, as well as her first self-published book Improv(e): Using Improv to Find Your Voice, Style and Self (Balboa Press, 2018) and the upcoming Think on Your Feet: Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Impromptu Communication Skills on the Job (McGraw Hill Education, November 2019) and Care and Keeping of Museum Professionals (May, 2019). A firm believer in the idea that Yes, And can change the world – so firm it’s tattooed on her arm, Jen’s personal mission is to empower as many women as possible to stop playing small and know their incredible supernova powers. She currently lives in Winston Salem, NC with her husband Alex, dog Drumstick, and about two-dozen houseplants.

Julie Fritz

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2018. Julie Fritz moved to Winston-Salem in 2013 and has been writing professionally since 2012. She has two small children and enjoys hiking, trail running, swimming, travel, cooking, and volunteering. Julie graduated from college in 2006 and is a dental hygienist.

Lauren Sephton

Lauren Sephton is currently a Junior in Liberty University’s online program studying digital
marketing/advertising and creative writing and has been named to the Dean’s List. In
the past year, she has self-published her first cookbook (Farmers Market to Family Gatherings), established her blog and is anticipating the August, 2019 release of her first app, “Farmnic,” that will include
healthy lunchbox recipes for all ages. Lauren is a self-taught baker who is in
love with the idea of creating recipes that inspire others in the kitchen. Lauren founded
ABrightMoment.com blog to assist with her cookbook in hopes that it will help save a little time for those with busy schedules including parents, college
students and anyone that needs a tasty and health-minded recipe after
a busy day. Lauren believes each of us has a choice to make a positive impact in someone’s life. Lauren is hoping her new Farmnic app with 40+ yummy lunchbox recipes will release in August, 2019. Farmnic comes from her childhood memories of thoughtful lunches, picnics and picking fresh produce from local farms.

Lisa Doss

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2012. Lisa is originally from Maryland and, after living in New York, Colorado and Texas, she’s proud to finally call North Carolina home. Lisa shares a home with her husband of 10 years, Kevin. Together, they have daughter, Sayre and their angel-son, Finn who lived two years. Their family also includes two dogs. Lisa has a degree in education and, as such, writes many educational articles for the magazines. Lisa enjoys traveling, is an avid reader and gardener and has done extensive work on her family’s genealogy. When it comes to writing for Forsyth Magazines, Lisa said, “I love writing spring themes in winter, back to school articles in the heat of summer, and, best of all, starting to anticipate the Christmas season in October.”

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Martie Emory

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2012. Originally from High Point, Martie now calls Greensboro home. She has a degree in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill and is a Carolina girl in every sense of the word – she loves Carolina basketball! Martie works for Randy McManus Designs and has two grown sons, Beau and Matthew, who are the light of her life. She has a dog (Lucky) and cat (Dusty) and loves to travel, read and listen to music. “I love the camaraderie of the women involved and the women we reach,” said Martie. “This is a great outlet to promote the success of small businesses.”

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Megan Taylor

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2015. Born in Texas, Megan was brought to North Carolina when she was only two months old. A recent graduate from Salem College, Megan has a degree in communication with a minor in history. She has a toy poodle named Gidget and, in her spare time, she loves cooking, music, reading and travel. Megan has also spent time in film, having appeared in two movies – an independent production and as an extra in studio film. “I love listening to an interviewee’s story and then sharing it with the community. Everyone has a story to tell, and I’m glad I can be a part of it,” said Megan.

Sara Wiles

Forsyth Magazines Writer since 2017. Sara Wiles has called Winston-Salem home for most of her life. She has a bachelor degree in communication from East Carolina University, with a minor in geological studies. Sara is married to Evan and in her spare time, she enjoys cooking, arts and crafts, dancing, gardening, music, and travel. Sara is also a blogger. Her page is SaraFromScratch.wordpress.com and on it, she explores fun, DIY recipes for healthy eating and meal prep!

Susan Schabacker

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2018. Susan Schabacker was blessed to be adopted as a baby and made her journey from South Korea to Massachusetts where she arrived safely into her adoptive mother’s loving arms. She later moved to New Mexico and, after a few years, moved to Winston-Salem, NC, to study classical ballet at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts from the eighth grade through high school. Susan has lived in the Piedmont Triad area for nearly 20 years and had the opportunity to travel to Budapest, Hungary; London, UK; and Beijing, China, where she studied abroad through Elon University. In Stockholm, Sweden, she had a marketing internship at Hachette-Filipacchi, publisher of Elle and other magazines. She graduated with a B.A. in Corporate Communications and a minor in Dance from Elon University. Susan loves writing and is pleased to have written for Winston-Salem Journal’s “Teen Page,” Triad Living, KernersvilleMagazine, and of course, Forsyth Mags. She is a co-author of a children’s book, Huckleberry Robin, based on a three-generation true family story. Susan is grateful for her faith, family, and friends and is happy and excited to be part of the Forsyth Mags team. She spreads the word about Forsyth magazines and enjoys reading and sharing them with her family and friends every month.

Sara Migliarese

Sara Migliarese lives in Advance, NC. She is an associate professor at Winston-Salem State University in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She has been a physical therapist since 1985 and specializes in the evaluation and treatment of adults with neurologic conditions. She believes in the need for kindness and the redemptive power of hope.

Tabatha Renegar

Tabatha grew up in Buffalo, NY before migrating her way south to Winston-Salem. She has an associate’s degree in travel/tourism and aptly so! Her first job was on a cruise ship when she was 18 years old! Tabatha has been married to her husband, Bobby, for 18 years. They are proud parents to 14-year-old Beau and share their home with a Boston terrier named Norman and a fat cat named Shiraz. By day, you’ll find Tabatha working in Old Salem Museums and Gardens, where she helps plan events, but working with Forsyth Woman Engaged! is a great outlet for her great love and enthusiasm for weddings! In her spare time, Tabatha enjoys cooking, photography, camping and arts and crafts. And, of course, with a degree in tourism – she loves to travel!

Tabi Falcone

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2018. Tabi Falcone has lived in Winston-Salem since 2014 and finds it is the perfect mix of country and city for her lifestyle needs. With a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, she works in the apparel industry during the day and runs a small business, Annabelle Beet, selling her art by night. She lives in a self-proclaimed “Rainbow House” with her husband, Matt, and their two young children Liam and Maxwell. With a background in art, she dabbles in just about every craft imaginable and enjoys sharing this passion with her children. Her other interests include camping, hiking, running, and she is never one to turn down an adventure.

Taryn Jerez

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2017. Originally from New York, Taryn grew up in Florida and moved to Winston-Salem in 2014 and has loved the city ever since. Taryn is a lifelong DIYer, creative business coach & public speaker with a heart centered on serving women who have a vision for their business and their life. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design & Marketing and is the founder of One Crafty Miss, LLC a brand that brings motivation, encouragement and community to creative women building handmade businesses. When she isn’t at home on a weekend watching Netflix with her husband, Leo, and fur babies, Luna and Izzy, you can find her rummaging through thrift shops or going to craft fairs and flea markets. Taryn’s favorite thing about writing for the magazine is being able to connect with so many amazing people in the community and create pieces that resonate with its readers.

Aron Daniels

Graphic Artist

Graphic designer since 2016. Aron Daniels is originally from Charlotte, NC and currently lives in Greenville with his wife Amy and their two adorable boys, Elijah and Malcolm. Aron earned his degree in graphic design from Western Carolina University. Aron enjoys reading, photography, drawing, computer games, and camping. On working for Forsyth Magazines, Aron shares, “I love the variety about my job. We have a great team in place and with the diversity of each design project, I stay moving and creative all the time!”

Laurie Dalton

Graphic Artist

Graphic designer since 2016. Laurie Dalton calls Lewisville home! She shares her home with her husband, Jeff. She is 2/3rds of the way to an empty nest, with one grown son, one son currently at Appalachian State, and the third still in high school. Laurie graduated from UNC-Wilmington and has brought a fun, open and airy design style to Forsyth Family magazine! In her spare time, Laurie enjoys spending time with her boys, kayaking, and training her new puppy, Sierra.

Kim Beane

Content Editor

Forsyth Woman content editor since 2005. Born in the heart of country music, Kim Beane hails from Nashville, TN, though she now calls East Bend, NC home. Kim has a law degree from Wake Forest University and is an original member of the Forsyth Magazines team. Kim and her husband, Jody, have been married since 2002, and have two dogs and three horses. One of her horses, Raven, was once a popular featured columnist in Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family magazines. Kim loves her role as content editor and, in her words, “being a part of something that touches the community.”

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Vonda Henderson

Editorial Director

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2012. Vonda was born in Greensburg, KY. With a father who worked for the railroad, she grew up in several areas including various parts of Tennessee and Alabama. Eventually, Vonda relocated to North Carolina and has called Winston-Salem home for almost 40 years. Vonda has a degree in English and media communications and recently retired from HanesBrands after 37 years. She joined the Forsyth Magazines team a few years ago at the encouragement of her daughter, Denise, who serves as project manager. She enjoys traveling, knitting, cooking and reading (most of all, reading about military history). “I love the variety of articles (including human interest, historical, informational, local businesses, service organizations and humor),” said Vonda.

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Heather Spivey

Account Executive

Forsyth Magazines account executive since 2009. A Winston-Salem native, Heather graduated from Salem College with a double major in English and communications and took graduate classes at the UNC-CH School of Journalism. She has the dual role at Forsyth Magazines of both account executive and writer of the popular Forsyth Family column, “Out and About in Winston-Salem.” She is married to Ron Spivey, and they have a son, Jackson. In her spare time, Heather enjoys reading, photography and travel. “I love working with our team, and the flexibility it gives me — it allows me to spend quality time with my family.”

Morgan Bralley

Account Executive

Forsyth Magazines account executive since 2016. Morgan Bralley grew up with Forsyth Magazines… after all, her mother is Forsyth Family publisher, Robin Bralley! After graduating from East Carolina University with a degree in recreational therapy, Morgan moved home. Morgan is making plans to return to school to study occupational therapy as a complement to her first degree. However, for now, she is enjoying the opportunity to work with her mom for a bit. Morgan is also passionate about volunteerism and mission work. She is preparing for her second mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2017, which is being funded through a side-business she shares with her sister, Sister Act Pallet Signs. In her spare time, Morgan loves spending time with family, especially when they travel to Treasure Island, Florida!

Tamara Bodford

Senior Account Executive

Forsyth Magazines account executive since 2012. Tamara Bodford is originally from Hudson, NC and now divides her time between Winston-Salem and Lake Norman. She and her husband, Paul, have been married for 26 years and have two children. Katie, in her last year at NC State University and Zack, a recent NC State grad working in Cary. They have a Bichon named Chuck. Tamara has a degree in psychology from UNC-Charlotte and enjoys reading, travel and loves to watch football. Tamara sells advertising for all four titles under the Forsyth Magazines umbrella and said, “I love interacting with the best clients, publishers and co-workers I could ever imagine!”

Keela Johnson

Publisher (Forsyth Woman)

Keela Johnson — the one who started it all. Keela is originally from Winston-Salem and has lived in Clemmons for the last 30 years. She and husband, Tim (the recently retired owner of TJ’s Body Shop), have been married since 1984 and, together, they have two grown children, Brooke Eagle (who is a part of the Forsyth Magazines team and Keela’s right arm) and Tanner who is in college at UNC-Wilmington. After being downsized from her position at L’eggs, Keela found her entrepreneurial spirit and, without any publishing experience or background, she began Forsyth Woman. Two years later, she launched Forsyth Family with friend and business partner, Robin Bralley. In 2011, she launched Forsyth Woman Engaged! and, in 2015, Forsyth Community. While the magazines are her true passion, Keela enjoys spending time at Lake Norman with her family and friends, and of course, the Carolina Panthers!

Robin Bralley

Publisher (Forsyth Family)

Forsyth Family publisher since 2007. Robin grew up in Clemmons and has called it home all her life. She has a degree from High Point University and, after finding herself downsized from her marketing position in corporate America, Robin joined forces with Forsyth Woman publisher and friend, Keela Johnson to launch Forsyth Family. She and her husband, Tim, have been married for 27 years and share two grown daughters, Briana and Morgan, as well as a new son-in-law, Briana’s husband, Jonathan! Robin and her family are avid Carolina Panthers fans and enjoy going to the movies and summer concerts. She is also an active member of Sunrise United Methodist Church and volunteers for bimonthly bread pick-up to support the Clemmons Food Pantry. Regarding her favorite thing about Forsyth Magazines, Robin said, “It’s hard to narrow it down to one specific thing, but meeting all the wonderful people I come in contact with and being a small part of local businesses’ success is top of the list!”

Brooke Eagle

Associate Editor & Account Executive

Forsyth Magazines account executive and Forsyth Woman associate editor since 2012. Brooke Eagle is originally from Clemmons and still calls it home. Though Brooke graduated from High Point University with a degree in elementary education, she chose to join the magazines full time after college. Brooke wears many hats for the magazines, but one of her favorites is the management of our bi-annual wedding magazine, FW Engaged. Her strong work ethic, love for community and leadership skills have been recognized by others as well! Brooke is the past President of the Professional Women of Winston-Salem and also serves on the Hospice Foundation Leadership Council. In her spare time, Brooke loves spending time with her family and friends, especially when that time is spent on the water! She is also a fitness guru, loves home décor, reading and cooking!

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