THE RIDDICK FAMILY’S JOURNEY OF LOVE, SERVICE, AND SUCCESS
THE RIDDICK FAMILY’S JOURNEY OF LOVE, SERVICE, AND SUCCESS
Love is in the air, and we’re excited to feature two of Stafford’s lovebirds, Michelle and Saeed Riddick. Learn more about their love story and initial spark on the subway, as well as how they serve the Stafford community. This month, we are also spotlighting a special group at Mountain View, a charity offering community support, and much more. If you know of any incredible individuals or groups who deserve to have their stories shared, please let us know. As always, thank you to our amazing business sponsors who make this magazine possible each and every month.
Happy reading,
Mallory Hardgrove
Contact: Dori Stewart
Email: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com Phone: (540) 288-7928
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS: Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES: Content is due by the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication.
HOME COMFORT
Justin Dobson | Comfenergy and 3 Pros Basement Systems 800-604-2252 comfenergy.com | 3prosbasementsystems.com
OUTDOOR LIVING
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Dori Stewart at BVM at: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com or 540-288-7928 SALON / HAIR
Paul Gardner | Artscapes, Elf Pros, Ignite Illumination 540-371-2566 artscapespro.com, elfpros.com, igniteillumination.com
PLUMBING
Ryan Deane | Pro Service Plumbing and Gas 540-735-8005 proservicenova.com
Kat Halstead | Kat’s Beauty Lounge @ Chatham Heights Beauty Co 410-322-7692 linktr.ee/ChathamHeightsBeautyCo
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
Ryan Seidman | Heaven’s Best Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 540-752-0160 staffordva.heavensbest.com
SEPTIC SERVICES
David Stewart | Dominion Septic 540-737-1008 DominionSeptic.com
TREE SERVICE
Patrick Wade | Arbor Tech Tree & Landscaping Service 540-522-6103
KITCHEN REMODELING
Chris Romero | Kitchens For You 540-720-2022 kitchensforyou.com
BATHROOM REMODELING
Brian Beck | FXBG Construction 703-609-7825 fxbg-construction.com
Ginger Walker | Give Back Team of Coldwell Banker Elite 540-306-5585 GiveBackTeam.com
By Brian Beck, Photos provided by FXBG Constructions
Picking the right contractor for your remodel can be daunting. Many start by looking for the lowest price or fastest start date; however, there is another aspect to consider: How well does your contractor communicate with you during the pre-construction phase? This is the period when you and the contractor will develop your project plans, agree on your budget, and finalize all project details. While the pre-construction phase may feel uneventful, it is where many of the problems that occur during construction are avoided or identified and resolved.
The contractor who effectively communicates during the pre-construction phase will be asking questions. What is your timeline? What details are your “must-haves”? Are there any accessibility constraints? Asking these questions provides clarity around the project scope from day one. The contractor will be able to obtain materials and schedule the labor to complete the job efficiently, avoiding costly delays. In general, projects with effective communication in pre-construction tend to finish significantly faster than those with limited communication.
The reality of renovating homes: Changes and surprises cost money. Contractors who begin a project without a plan will frequently encounter unforeseen issues that lead to changes once work begins. Contractors should conduct a thorough assessment of the project site to identify potential problems before the project starts. They will also provide you with a realistic budget and identify potential hidden issues. This will prevent you from experiencing the frustration of an unexpected and costly change order.
Renovations are stressful enough without added communication issues. Contractors who dedicate time in the pre-construction phase to educating you on the construction process, clarifying expectations, and defining how you will communicate throughout the project will create a more comfortable environment for you. You will know who to call with questions, understand what to expect each week, and have confidence that the contractor will understand your vision.
When meeting with potential contractors, observe how they communicate with you during the initial interview. Did they listen attentively to your requests? Were they able to explain concepts and procedures clearly? Did they patiently answer your questions? How the contractor communicates with you during the meeting will forecast how he will communicate during the project. Ask the contractor about their pre-construction process. A skilled contractor will describe a step-bystep pre-construction planning process and provide you with a written proposal outlining your project.
At FXBG Construction, we believe great projects start with excellent communication. We take the time during pre-construction to understand your vision, plan thoroughly, and set realistic expectations—saving you time, money, and stress.
Visit us at FXBG-Construction.com to learn more about our process, or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Ready to discuss your renovation? Email us at emily@fxbg-construction.com. Let’s build something amazing together!
Design your dream home or remodel your existing home to suit your needs and lifestyle! Emily & Brian will partner with you to realize the vision that you have for your dream home.
By Mallory Hardgrove
Photography by Karen Presecan Photography & Courtesy of Michelle Riddick
A chance encounter on a New York City subway laid the foundation for a family legacy that has transformed Stafford County’s event-planning landscape and strengthened community bonds across the region.
The couple, Michelle and Saeed Riddick, still remember that fateful day on the subway, where Michelle had “her discman playing and a book in her hands” after a day of errands and shopping. Saeed Riddick was heading home from work when their eyes met. “Something about her presence drew me in,” Saeed recalls, and he started a conversation that neither of them could have imagined would change their lives forever. “That chance meeting turned into dates, laughter, and a love that only grew stronger with time,” Michelle adds.
Today, more than three decades later, that subway romance has blossomed into both a thriving marriage and a successful business partnership. The Riddicks, who will celebrate their 27th wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day, are the powerhouse duo behind Riddick Entertainment, Inc. The lovebirds founded this full-service event planning and travel firm in 2002, the same year they settled into the Stafford neighborhood they still call home.
Before launching their award-winning company, both Saeed and Michelle built impressive professional foundations. Saeed studied business and worked as an office manager for a foster agency before joining Amtrak as a chef on the Auto Train, where he served until his retirement in 2021. Michelle, meanwhile, gained invaluable experience working with several Fortune 500 companies, developing the corporate expertise and leadership skills that would become crucial to their entrepreneurial journey. Their decision to start Riddick Entertainment stemmed from a shared vision and
complementary skill sets. With Saeed’s organizational strengths and Michelle’s creative vision as CEO and certified event planner, the company has grown into a trusted brand recognized as Stafford County’s Best of the Best Travel Agency for four consecutive years.
Their portfolio reads like a celebration of life’s most precious moments: weddings, baby showers, galas, social celebrations, conferences, expos, and destination events spanning the globe. In addition to their event and travel services, the couple also manages The Beehive Event Center in Fredericksburg, which has become a premier community venue for gatherings of all kinds.
The Riddicks’ commitment to Stafford runs deep. In 1999, they relocated to Stafford “to
be closer to family” and because they “believed it would be a wonderful place to raise our children,” Michelle explains. That decision has proven wise; their three now-adult children– two sons and one daughter– were raised here, and the couple now dotes on six grandchildren ranging in age from 1 to 18.
“We love our community and the strong village we have built here, surrounded by family, friends, and lasting connections,” Michelle says. That village mentality extends beyond words into tangible action. The Riddicks have become neighborhood fixtures, beloved for their thoughtfulness and generosity.
“We have lived in our neighborhood since 2002 and absolutely love it here,” Michelle shares. “One of our favorite traditions is celebrating the neighborhood children by putting
dedicates significant time to community service, volunteering with several nonprofit organizations, including the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, Community Palooza, and Loisann’s Hope House.
Travel remains a cornerstone of their relationship, just as it is for their business. “We love the Caribbean and travel often.” But perhaps their most memorable adventure was their 25th wedding anniversary celebration. “For our 25th wedding anniversary, we decided to celebrate in a big way with a 25-day vacation that took us to San Francisco, Napa Valley, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Barbados, and Miami”—a fitting tribute to a love story that began with a simple conversation on a train.
The Riddicks remain optimistic about Stafford’s future. “We are excited about the continued growth in this area and are especially looking forward to the opening of the new Kalahari Resort,” Michelle notes, already envisioning the possibilities for both their business and the community.
up yard signs on the first day of school so they can take pictures.” This is just one small way and a kind gesture the couple provides to “share in the joy of their milestones.”
When they’re not orchestrating unforgettable events for clients or celebrating neighborhood milestones, the Riddicks pursue their individual passions while maintaining shared interests. Saeed enjoys watching sports, traveling, and reading. “He is an avid learner,” Michelle shares, “always seeking out opportunities to study and explore different subjects.” Michelle enjoys her travel and literature as well, but also
As they continue building their legacy through Riddick Entertainment and The Beehive Event Center, the Riddicks exemplify what it means to be true community entrepreneurs, creating memories, strengthening neighborhoods, and investing in the fabric of Stafford County.
From that chance subway meeting to building a business empire and raising a family, Saeed and Michelle Riddick have proven that the best partnerships are built on love, mutual respect, and a commitment to serving others. Their story reminds us that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with the simplest moments—and that success is sweetest when shared with the community you call home.
In need of event services? “RElax let us curate your next event.” Send an email to michelle@riddickent.com and let Riddick Entertainment take the stress out of your next celebration.
Spring
is a great time to schedule family and senior portrait sessions.
Karen Presecan, M.Photog.,CPP
karen@kpresecanphotography.com www.kpresecanphotography.com
By Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP, Comfort Paws Integrative Veterinary Care
Your dog yelps while playing in the yard and comes up lame, or your cat suddenly stops jumping on the bed. You head to your family veterinarian, who performs the vital “detective work.” They conduct an exam,
The Human Connection
Imagine a person recovering from a significant back injury or knee surgery. Once they leave the hospital, the healing is only half-finished. To return to their everyday life, they work with a Physical Therapist (PT) who designs a medical plan to alleviate pain, regain strength, and restore balance.
It is important to remember that in human medicine, Physical Therapists are doctors with years of specialized medical training. Our pets deserve that same level of expertise. When a pet receives this type of specialized “PT,” we call it Veterinary Rehabilitation.
More Than Just a Treadmill: Medical Toolkit
agnostics, such as joint fluid sampling, lab work, or imaging (X-rays and CT scans), to get to the root of the problem.
• Prescribing the Plan: Just as a Doctor of Physical Therapy would, a veterinarian prescribes a specific rehabilitation plan tailored to that pet’s health history.
• Medical Treatments: Providing advanced care such as acupuncture, laser therapy (Photobiomodulation), manual therapy, and medical injections to reduce inflammation and “reset” the nervous system.
• Managing Medications: Adjusting prescriptions and supplements as your pet heals to ensure they stay comfortable without being over-sedated.
Many people think “rehab” for pets is just exercise on a fancy underwater treadmill. While treadmills can be great tools for some patients, they are only one piece of a much bigger medical puzzle.
• Prescription Exercise: Designing specific movements you can do at home to maintain strength and improve balance.
• Weight & Nutrition: Assessing body mass to prescribe a weight management plan, including specific foods and supplements that aid healing.
n Acupuncture
n Rehab & Laser Therapy
n Food Therapy
Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments
Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments
Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care
Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments
Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care
True rehabilitation is a complete medical plan to identify and alleviate pain while restoring balance and mobility. It is not just for pets recovering from surgery; it is also for pets with arthritis, injuries, or progressive diseases where surgery isn’t an option. Because rehabilitation is a medical process, it should be led by a veterinarian trained in pain management and rehabilitation who can look at the “whole picture.”
• Spotting New Problems: Reassessing and identifying subtle new signs of pain that might require a change in the overall medical strategy.
n Herbal Medicine
n Hospice & Palliative Care
Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care Now partnering with Cladda Veterinary Emergency to provide integrative medicine services like acupuncture, pain management, and rehabilitation/physical therapy services at their location in Fredericksburg.
Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine
n Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments
A doctor-led recovery plan includes:
Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine
Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine
540-300-1213
540-300-1213
540-300-1213
540-300-1213
comfortpaws.com
www.comfortpaws.com
Food Therapy
Food Therapy
Food Therapy
Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP
• Medical Record Review: Analyzing your pet’s history to ensure a definitive diagnosis and to understand how other health issues (such as heart disease or diabetes) may affect recovery.
The damp, cold February weather in Virginia can make injuries and arthritic joints feel much stiffer. Without a medical plan to keep them moving, pets often start putting too much weight on their “good” legs. This “compensation” can lead to new injuries in other parts of the body.
• Advanced Pain Assessment: Performing specialized neurological and orthopedic exams to find “hidden” pain that a standard exam might miss.
info@comfortpaws.com
ComfortPawsLLC
info@comfortpaws.com www.comfortpaws.com
info@comfortpaws.com
info@comfortpaws.com www.comfortpaws.com
• Comprehensive Diagnostics: Recommending and performing advanced di-
If your pet is finishing a recovery or seems “creaky” this winter, remember that a diagnosis is just the beginning of the story. By bridging the gap from injury to recovery with rehabilitation and pain management, we can ensure our best friends aren’t just surviving, but truly enjoying their best lives.
By Karie Owens • Photos Courtesy of NK Floors
One of the most impactful updates for a homeowner is new floors! They can transform the atmosphere while adding value and charm. However, the cost of materials and labor can add up quickly. How can you finally afford your flooring upgrade without breaking the bank? Fortunately, beautiful flooring renovations can be executed with careful planning, informed material selection, and knowledgeable installation.
Clarify your flooring vision and budget. First, define your goal. Before you step foot into a flooring selection center or search online, at least have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your flooring upgrade. Which rooms realistically need new flooring? Are you renovating for personal preference, to increase your home’s resale value, or to enhance its functionality? Once your goals are established, you can set a budget. The final cost will include flooring materials, installation, furniture removal, subfloor preparation, transitions, trim, and removal of the old floor.
Select well-performing products within your price range that suit your lifestyle.
Material selection is key to staying within budget. The current flooring industry offers a wide selection of stylish, durable products at competitive prices. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are top choices for budget-conscious homeowners. They withstand heavy foot traffic, resemble hardwood or stone, and resist water. Engineered hardwood can provide the warmth and stability of real wood at a lower cost. Homeowners should also consider pets, children, and heavy foot traffic when selecting a product.
Consider refinishing or buying products in stock.
Existing hardwood floors can be refinished rather than replaced. Refinishing costs significantly less and lets you change the stain color or sheen. Surplus inventory and overstock materials can often be purchased at discounted prices. Timing your purchase during flooring promotions can also save big! Choose a floor-
ing company that offers monthly or military/ service member discounts.
Work with a trusted flooring professional. Partnering with a knowledgeable flooring professional can significantly impact pricing, quality, and craftsmanship. An experienced flooring team can guide you through material selection and provide cost estimates. Request a free, in-home estimate, identify potential challenges early, and track progress. With expert guidance, homeowners can make informed decisions and maximize their investment.
A flooring renovation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Strategic planning, with a focus on wise material and installation choices, enables homeowners to create beautiful, functional spaces without exceeding their budget.
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK NK FLOORS FOR BRINGING YOU THIS MONTH'S HOME IMPROVEMENT CORNER
By Kat Halstead
provided by Kat’s Beauty Lounge
How you feel about how you look affects how you feel about yourself. When your hair looks good, you feel more confident in social settings, more comfortable in photos, and more like the person you want to be. It’s not shallow. It’s not vain. It’s self-care.
And the new year is the perfect time to reinvent yourself and try something new. Maybe it’s that bold color or cut you’ve been pinning on Instagram, the product you’ve been eyeing for months, or finally addressing growth concerns or styling struggles that have been frustrating you. Whatever it is, now is your moment.
What “Updating Yourself” Really Means
Here’s the truth: updating your look isn’t about following trends or impressing anyone else. It’s personal to you. It’s about looking in the mirror and feeling like the version of yourself you want to be in 2026. Maybe that’s finally trying bangs. It could be going shorter, bolder, or softer. Perhaps it’s embracing your natural texture or trying the Grey blending trend you’ve always admired but never dared to try. Whatever it is, it’s yours—and that’s what makes it special for each client.
Why a Hair Update
Your visual appearance is linked to your mental health, and just like any other part of our body, when we take time to invest in ourselves we feel better about dealing with all other aspects of life. Loving the way you look can completely change the way you feel about yourself and I think we underestimate how a little adjustment or adding the right product to the routine can completely change the game for someone. For example, many clients dealing with thinning hair or hair loss like the option of adding extensions. Kat’s Beauty Lounge specializes in customer-colored, maintenance free extensions from Halo Couture to help restore volume and give clients a confidence boost. Finding a stylist and
products, such as Halo Couture extensions, that you trust is vital to achieving the look you have been hoping for.
If you’re thinking about updating your look this year, start by booking a consultation at Kat’s Beauty Lounge. This appointment allows us to have an in depth, one on one conversation about your goals, your lifestyle, and what will realistically work for you. It’s solution-based styling that considers your face shape, hair texture, daily routine, and personal preferences—all in a welcoming, unhurried environment where you’re genuinely heard.
Your Fresh Start Begins Here
The new year is about feeling good and showing up as your best self. Maybe a new hairstyle can help you do that this year. You deserve to invest in yourself. You deserve to feel confident. And you deserve to start this year feeling like your favorite version of you.
At Kat’s Beauty Lounge, every appointment is designed around you— not a cookie-cutter approach, but a personalized, solution-based experience where your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals take center stage. From thorough consultations to education on maintaining your look at home, Kat’s Beauty Lounge maintains an intimate boutique atmosphere where you’re never rushed and always valued.
Ready to make 2026 your year? Book your consultation at katsbeautylounge.glossgenius.com and discover what truly customized care feels like.
By Mallory Hardgrove, Photos Courtesy of Meadow Church
In a world where families often feel stretched thin and isolated, The Meadow Church offers something increasingly rare: a place where they can be fully supported, both spiritually and practically. Founded by Ebonee Davis, this nonprofit church has grown from a calling that began years before it had a name, evolving from Vaughn’s Meadow LLC into an organization that now serves as the spiritual heart of comprehensive family support.
“The Meadow Church is a nonprofit church created to support children, youth, and families spiritually, emotionally, and practically,” explains Davis, who serves as Founder and Executive Director. What makes The Meadow Church unique is its family-centered approach—not just in whom it serves, but in how it operates. Davis’s twin sister, Mercedees Delcid, serves as Chief Operating Officer, while their mother, Jacqueline Ussery, is Chief Strategic Officer. Together with their spouses and children who comprise the board, they steward a mission rooted in faith, service, and community.
The organization’s journey began with Vaughn’s Meadow, which has been serving families since 2021. The Meadow Church officially gained its nonprofit church status in 2025, a natural evolution driven by the scope of its work and the spiritual foundation underlying everything it does. “My background in education, psychology, behavioral health, and ministry made it clear that families need more than one type of support,” Davis shares. “They need education, faith, community, and guidance working together.”
At the heart of The Meadow Church’s philosophy is a powerful belief: “Every child belongs to God and every family deserves support.” This isn’t just about Sunday services but discipleship through relationship, consistency, and presence. The church offers free activities, faith-based gatherings, and support spaces, including moms’ support groups, moms’ Bible studies, and children’s Bible studies. They also partner with other churches in children’s and youth ministries as they continue building their own programs.
Currently pursuing her doctorate in Christian counseling and theology, Davis brings an impressive educational foundation to her work, including bachelor’s degrees in education and psychology, a master’s in advanced education, and preparation for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. This expertise directly informs one of The Meadow Church’s most impactful offerings: educational and behavioral support programs provided at no cost to families who
lack medical insurance or whose coverage doesn’t include services like ABA or therapeutic consultation.
What drives this work? For Davis, the answer is simple and profound.
“My greatest inspiration is watching children and families step into who God created them to be,” she says. “I am inspired when a child discovers their gifts, when a parent feels supported instead of overwhelmed, and when families realize they are not alone.”
But don’t let the serious mission fool you; it is joy that is central to everything The Meadow Church does. “At heart, I am really just a big kid,” Davis admits with a laugh. “I always say that if I am not having fun, then the kids definitely are not having fun.” You’ll often find her running relay races, jump roping, hula-hooping, or playing tug-of-war right alongside the children. “Faith does not have to feel heavy,” she emphasizes. “Sometimes it looks like laughter, movement, and getting a little out of breath while loving kids well.”
Ugh... is there a better way to get to work?!
I am inspired when a child discovers their gifts, when a parent feels supported instead of overwhelmed, and when families realize they are not alone.
Looking ahead, The Meadow Church is actively seeking grants to offer full scholarships to families to attend Vaughn’s Meadow Academy at highly reduced rates or at no cost. “Our heart is to remove barriers so children and families can receive what they need,” Davis explains. The organization will host events frequently in the new year, with details available on Facebook.com/Vaughnsmeadow.
Davis’s message to the community is welcoming and clear: “You belong here. You do not need to have everything figured out to be part of The Meadow Church. Whether you are strong in your faith, searching, or simply looking for community, there is room for you.”
The Meadow Church isn’t focused on impressive numbers but on meaningful, long-term impact: spiritual growth and generational change rooted in faith, education, and service. As Davis puts it, “This is not about building something for recognition. It is about building something that lasts and blesses the community for generations.”
1120 International Pkwy Suite #111, Fredericksburg
SevenSevenBarberZone
sevensevenbarberzone
@sevensevenbarberzone
www.staffordhaircut.com
By Kira Pohwala
Kira Pohwala is a junior at Mountain View High School. She serves as an editor on the school’s literary magazine, Scene, and is a member of the National Honors Society, National English Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Spanish Honors Society. She manages a digital youth literary and arts magazine (Ephemeral Gazette) and volunteers frequently at the library.
February isn’t just about Valentine’s Day. It’s also International Boost Self-Esteem Month, a meaningful moment in the school calendar to focus on confidence, resilience, and kindness towards ourselves and others. In the midst of winter’s routine and academic pressure, this month reminds students that self-worth matters just as much as grades, sports, or weekend plans. At Mountain View High School, this message is championed by the Our Minds Matter club, a student-led group dedicated to promoting mental wellness, connection, and positive self-esteem throughout the student body. Rooted in a nationwide initiative, Our Minds Matter encourages teens to look out for one another, embrace healthy habits, and create a school culture where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
Our Minds Matter (often abbreviated OMM) was developed as part of a broader nonprofit movement committed to adolescent mental health education and support. Over the years, OMM branches have spread to schools across the country, giving students a platform to lead conversations on topics such as self-care, social connectedness, and help-seeking behaviors, all proven protective factors in teen well-being. In February, OMM’s focus aligns perfectly with International Boost Self-Esteem Month. The club creates spaces where students can reflect on what makes them unique, build confidence together, and share uplifting messages around campus. While this time of year can sometimes bring feelings of comparison or stress, the club uses the season to highlight strengths over stereotypes and growth over perfection. This isn’t about surface-level pep talks; it’s about helping students internalize a deeper sense of worth that lasts beyond the month.
Club meetings often include activities that help students identify personal strengths, practice positive self-talk, and support peers through kindness campaigns and wellness breaks. These initiatives echo the broader mission of the organization: to make mental health awareness, compassion, and self-esteem part of daily school life. The impact of these efforts goes beyond February, though. When students learn to value themselves and uplift their peers, they build a more welcoming and resilient school community. Whether through simple gestures or intentional club events, International Boost Self-Esteem Month becomes an opportunity to remind everyone that mental well-being and self-confidence are strengths worth celebrating all year long, and that in Mountain View High School, our minds truly do matter.
By Cherice Taylor
Cherice Taylor, M.A. Education Administration, is a PartTime Career Advisor for Germanna Community College. She is the 2022-2023 Past President of the Rotary Club of Stafford and a Charter Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. She is a relationship builder, poet and a former educator with over 10 years experience at the preschool through high school levels. Cherice earned her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and her Masters in Education Administration from California State University- Dominguez Hills. She is married to LCDR Eric Taylor (retired) and a mother of four sons. A positive attitude and the belief that sharing pearls of wisdom along with the Golden Rule allows for everyone to improve and reach their personal goals. This is demonstrated in the podcast show that she hosts, Time Matters Podcast! Cherice believes that if we all do better, then we all do better, and that is why Cherice is involved in the community.
We love our children and want the best for them, but sometimes we struggle to find the right balance—doing too much or not enough.
Consider the first-grade homework signed in perfect, blue-ink penmanship, or the high school athlete who wouldn’t do extra credit to pass a class. These real-life examples show how well-meaning actions can inadvertently impede a child’s growth.
Love is more than just wanting success; it’s providing the guidance, encouragement, and tools they need to make their own decisions—to succeed or to “fail forward” and learn from the lesson.
It takes a village—from parents and guardians to teachers and mentors—to serve as the “training wheels” as our children navigate toward adulthood. When those wheels come off, they will be wobbly, and they will fall. The most important moment is not when you rush to pick them up, but when you wait a moment, let them regroup, and tell them, ‘You got this.’
By allowing them to try again until they succeed, you teach them grit, perseverance, practice, and effort—the essential “soft skills” employers value. Our role is to be present, engaged, respectful, and supportive so that when we are no longer here, they are truly independent, successful citizens who can share what they learned with their children, ensuring your legacy continues in a positive way.
“No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow.”
- Maya Angelou
