Personal Stories 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 four dogs and loves all wildlife.

VIEW ALL POSTS BY CAROLYN

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!”

VIEW ALL POSTS BY DENISE

Meghan Corbett

Senior Writer

Meghan Corbett grew up in Winston-Salem and has been with the magazines since 2009. 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 welcomed a baby girl (Avery) to their family in 2016 and a baby boy (Hugh) in 2018. They also have two rescue beagles named Moze and Charlie. Meghan writes, edits, and manages the calendar of events for the Forsyth Magazines family of publications. She moved to Wilmington in 2015 and loves coastal life, but she also loves being able to continue working with so many wonderful people through the magazines!

Angelia Cornatzer

Angelia Cornatzer was born and raised in Nashville, TN, and moved to Winston Salem after marrying her best friend, Jackson, in 2021! She comes from a big family of four parents, six siblings, and four dogs between two houses! After studying a degree in public relations at Lee University, Angelia discovered her passion for words and people. She has previously worked at a public relations agency, in the entertainment industry, for non-profits, and as a youth ministry coordinator. She now has her dream job as an Area Representative for Forsyth County Fellowship of Christian Athletes where she works in Forsyth County schools to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. Angelia loves to enjoy Jesus, church, plants, crafts, reading, coffee, walks, and friends. Before moving to Forsyth County, Angelia learned so much about this amazing town from reading Forsyth Mags and knew she had to get involved. She loves all they do and is thankful to be a small part of it!

Leslie Speas

Leslie Speas is a local author who recently released the book, Confessions of a Hot Mess: From Mess to MESSage. Leslie shares her “hot mess” through her book and blog to help others with theirs. She lives in Winston-Salem, NC with her husband, Tracy, and her dogs, Izzy and Marley. Leslie and Tracy have a blended family with four daughters in their 20s. Leslie has had a long career as a Human Resources leader working in the manufacturing, healthcare, service, and technology industries. You can follow Leslie on her website –www.lesliespeas.com or her Hot Mess to MESSage Facebook page.

Genevieve Condon

Genevieve is an international best-selling author of over 15 published novels and short stories. She holds a double masters degree in forensic psychology and law with a deep passion for education. Working as the senior lead faculty of psychology at an all women’s college, she loves helping women pursue their education. You can often find her advocating for education reform and mental health awareness, both areas extremely important to her.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, she now resides in Winston Salem with her husband, teenage daughter, toddler son, mother and fur baby. She loves spending time with family, traveling, writing and shopping.

Karen Cooper

Born in Raleigh, NC, Karen took a detour to NYC for college, where she stayed for 12 eventful years before moving back to the South in 2001. She’s lived all over North and South Carolina and is now happily at home in Clemmons with her husband, Phillip and her two teenage sons, Max and Sean. Karen has two bachelor’s degrees, one in business and one in nursing. In fact, she went to nursing school at age 41 after a long career behind a desk which she says was a dream come true. She loves working in the hospital and having a hands-on, direct impact on people’s lives. Karen has always loved words and language and says writing has always been her creative outlet. In her spare time, you can find her trying out new restaurants or attending one of her son’s tennis matches. She is happy to be a member of the Forsyth Magazines team!

Brooke Orr

Brooke Orr is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, mom, and wife. She is an adjunct professor at Wake Forrest University co-leading the study abroad program Blue Zones: Lessons in Wellbeing from Ikaria, Greece. She enjoys traveling, cooking, yoga, pilates, tennis, board games, and reading. She is happiest spending time outside with family and friends!

Amy Hill

Amy relocated to Winston-Salem in 2019 from Durham, NC. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in human resources from Western Carolina University. As a child, Amy spent hours writing stories in her bedroom and always had a passion for writing. Growing up with a pilot for a father, she was fortunate enough to discover the joy of traveling at an early age, and began solo traveling as a young adult. When she’s not working or traveling, you can find Amy working out at the gym, hiking, or trying out new restaurants in the area.

Debbie Barr

Debbie Barr is an author, speaker, and health educator with a passion for encouraging people as they journey through tough times. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Pennsylvania State University and her master’s in health education from East Carolina University. A master certified health education specialist (MCHES), Debbie has special interests in worksite health promotion, Alzheimer’s disease, health literacy, healthy lifestyle, and Christian growth. She is the author/coauthor of six books, including Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-day Devotional for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Caregivers, whichwas named Best Inspirational Book at the 2018 Digital Book World awards.

Debbie Linville

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2016. Although Debbie has lived as far south as Florida, as far north as New York and as far west as Texas, she loves calling North Carolina (Winston Salem, in particular) home. Debbie married her high school sweetheart and they have two grown, married children. Their nest is far from empty – two adorable Havanese, Lola and Millie, keep them on their toes and fill their home with joy! Debbie recently retired from a long career in the educational arena. She holds a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus in literacy education. After 20 years in the elementary classroom, she spent the next two decades teaching and supporting pre- and in-service teachers. She still continues to promote educators in myriad ways, but is thoroughly enjoying the flexibility of a schedule she crafts to engage in activities of her choosing. She loves spending time with family and friends, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and Crisis Control Ministries, pursuing hobbies such as card making, quilting, and photography, cooking, reading, traveling (as often as possible!), and writing on a consistent basis for Forsyth Magazines!

Elisa Wallace Coppede

A Winston-Salem native, Elisa has been writing for Forsyth Family, Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Woman Engaged! (now known as FW Engaged) for many years. Today, Elisa calls Charlotte home, where she works as a middle school English teacher. She has three degrees – a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies & Spanish, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Professional Writing. When given downtime, Elisa enjoys spending time with her husband, two little ones, and dogs. She also enjoys running, yoga, and of course writing for the Forsyth Magazines! “I love working with such a talented and ambitious team,” said Elisa, when asked about how she enjoys writing for the publications. “I like the flexibility I receive when pitching new story ideas.”

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 secured her first full time summer job at the age of twelve as a babysitter, sold Avon and babysat throughout high school, won a scholarship to a commuter college and tutored and worked in the placement office for extra cash. In the ensuing decades, Jean Marie travelled extensively, both domestically and abroad, supporting organizations in their quest to enhance the employee and customer experience. Over time, she evolved as a writer, speaker and provocateur, channeling years of life experience to support women on their journeys to embrace and express the person they were born to be. While continuing her work as an organizational learning strategist and writer, Jean Marie also writes about the joys and challenges of cultivating an authentic, “perfectly-imperfect” life. Jean Marie holds a BA in social work and an MS in human resource development and counseling. In her spare time, she can be found 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 senior at Liberty University, majoring in digital marketing/advertising with a minor in creative writing, and has been named to the Dean’s List. In the past two years, she has self-published her first cookbook (Farmers Market to Family Gatherings) and established her healthy food blog. 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 in need of a tasty and health-minded recipe. Inspired by childhood memories of thoughtful lunches, picnics and picking fresh produce from local farms, Lauren tries to create family recipes that will satisfy both parent and child.

Martie Emory

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2012, Martie is originally from High Point, and 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 has two grown sons, Beau and Matthew, who are the light of her life. An adorable terrier mix named Murray joined their family last year as well! Martie enjoys traveling and listening to music, and she loves the camaraderie of the women involved with the magazines, and the women we reach!

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.

Susan B. B. Schabacker

Susan B. B. Schabacker is a proud writer, team member, and fan of Forsyth Magazines and writes multiple articles every month for Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family. She loves writing and is also pleased and honored to write for National Geographic and National Geographic Kids. Susan is a co-author of a children’s book, Huckleberry Robin, based on a three-generation true family story and hopes to write more children’s books. Susan is also a local singer/songwriter/musician (and aspiring artist) working on recording her third album about COVID-19 (Coronavirus), called Beyond the Virus, that has become both a local and international collaboration. Currently, she lives in the Winston-Salem, Piedmont Triad area of NC, where she has resided for over 20 years. Susan graduated with a B.A. in Corporate Communications and a minor in dance from Elon University. She has had the opportunity to travel internationally to Budapest, Hungary for classical ballet, when she attended UNCSA (University of North Carolina School of the Arts); 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 also had another marketing internship in London with the Bramah Museum of Tea. Susan is the founder, owner, and master tea blender of a local tea business, Tea-lation! (@Tealation on FB + IN), which she has designed ads for in Forsyth Woman. She hopes to share her love for life + teas and encourages everyone to share, sip, and savor their cuppa happy! Susan looks forward to writing more articles and books and embarking on a long and successful career in music. Susan’s other passions include: photography (@SBBSPhotography on FB + IN), acting, cooking, and arts + crafts.

Sara Migliarese

Sara Migliarese lives in Advance, NC, but is originally from Tyler, Texas. She holds a bachelors’ degree in biology and master’s degree in physical therapy from Texas Woman’s University, as well as a PhD from UNC Greensboro. She is currently an associate professor at Winston-Salem State University in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, where she leads the WSSU-Novant Health Clinical Neurologic Residency program and the MSFit pro bono multiple sclerosis clinic. Her areas of research, teaching, and service include fall prevention in older adults, wellness and fitness for adults with multiple sclerosis, and vestibular rehabilitation. She has four grown children, four grandchildren, and spends her spare time hiking, running, and keeping up with her boyfriend, Ron Willard.

Tabatha Renegar

Tabatha grew up in western and central New York State before migrating her way south to Winston-Salem. She has an associate degree in travel/tourism and aptly so! Her first job was on a cruise ship when she was 18 years old, and she has visited more than a dozen countries. Tabatha and her husband Bobby are the proud parents of Beau, who is a sailor in the U.S. Navy. Now they share their home with two crazy Boston terriers. By day, you’ll find Tabatha in Reynolda Village where she is the Sales Manager for The Barn at Reynolda Village and her “side hustle” is Twin City Floral. Working with the Forsyth Magazines team is a great outlet for her enthusiasm for weddings and community! In her rare moments of spare time, Tabatha enjoys kayaking, painting, and RVing.

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 muses about her life as a crafty working mom in her blog, Gray Hair or Glitter, by night. She lives in a self-proclaimed “Art Gallery House” with her husband, Matt, and their two 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, reading, running, and she is never one to turn down an adventure.

Taryn Jerez

Taryn Jerez joined the Forsyth Magazines team as a freelance writer in 2015! She enjoys writing all different kinds of pieces for Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family, but her favorites are the Hustle & Heart small business column and the Art Beat of Forsyth Woman column, which features local artists. Founder of One Crafty Miss, LLC, Taryn is a brand expert, creative business coach and speaker with a heart centered on teaching women how to elevate their business by homing in on what they want most and the steps they need to confidently go after it. Taryn also hosts the Empowered for Profit Collective, an online membership for women creatives to make meaningful moves in their business. She loves spending time with her husband and adorable son exploring and supporting local businesses in Winston-Salem and getting her hands dirty with DIY projects.

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 and her husband of 28 years, Jeff, call Lewisville home! 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 three boys and now a daughter-in-law, hiking, and still trying to train her dog, Sierra.

Kim Beane

Content Editor

As Forsyth Womancontent editor since 2005, Kim Beane is an original member of the Forsyth Magazines team and has edited all of the publications at one time or another. Kim is from Nashville, TN, and has a BA from Vanderbilt and a JD from Wake Forest. Her “day job” is as a litigation consultant at Womble Bond Dickinson, where she has worked for over 25 years. Kim lives in East Bend, NC, along with her two rescue pups. She enjoys reading, walking her dogs, and spending time with friends.

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.

VIEW ALL POSTS BY VONDA

Shonda Bravinder

Executive Assistant & Events Manager

Shonda joined the Forsyth Mags family in 2018 after a move from Minnesota introduced her to the magazines as a great resource to get settled in her new community. “I started reading Forsyth Woman at my daughter’s swim lessons,” Shonda said. “It had everything I needed being new to the area – fabulous restaurants, unique stores, things to do, etc. I got a job working for Busy as a Bee Concierge because I saw an ad in the magazine. I liked the concept of helping people and getting more familiar with the area.” After a chance meeting with Brooke and Keela, Shonda began assisting with the magazine’s monthly Girls’ Night Out events, and the rest is history! “It has been the biggest blessing for me,” she said. “I love being a part of this amazing team!” In her spare time, Shonda enjoys fostering rescue puppies, paddleboarding, cooking, woodworking, being outdoors and spending time with her husband and two kids, Zach and Courtney.

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.”

Tamara Bodford

Senior Account Executive

As a Forsyth Magazines account executive since 2012, Tamara Bodford divides her time between Winston-Salem and Lake Norman. She and her husband Paul have two children, Katie, a recent NC State grad living in Charlotte, and Zack, also an NC State grad, who lives in Kernersville. Tamara has a degree in psychology from UNC-Charlotte and enjoys reading, traveling, paddle boarding, and watching football. Tamara sells advertising for all titles under the Forsyth Magazines umbrella and says, “I love interacting with the best clients, publishers and co-workers I could ever imagine!”