2025 WOMEN of Influence
Brought
Saratoga County’s Women of Influence through the years...
2008
Marianne Barker
Julie Bonacio
Kari Cushing
Marie Glotzbach
Susan Halstead
Terry Lee
Margie Rotchford
Dee Sarno
Linda Toohey
Dottie Nixon
2009
Elizabeth Alexander
Susan Dake
Karen Deandrea
Krystle Nowhitney
Benita Zahn
2010
Karen Dake
Francine Dingman
Sandy Foster
Barbara Glaser
Natalie Sillery
2011
Michelle Larkin
Sara Mannix
Rabbi Motzkin
Cindy Munter
Mary C. Powers
Jamie Williams
2012
Sue Commanda
Stephanie Ferradino
Mary Gavin
Valeri Muratori
Melissa Ward
Melissa Zeiker
2013
Joanne DiMarco
Cynthia Hollowood
Meg Kelly
Michele Riggi
Holly Schwarz-Lawton
Theresa Skaine
Robin Solomon
2014
Colleen Carlson
Karen Flewelling
Kathleen Fyfe
Jessica Patriccione
Heather Straughter
Amy Sutton
2015
Paula Fidalgo
Kim Klopstock
Tara Pleat
Amy Raimo
Patty Riggi
Nancy Trimbur
2016
Shelly Amato
Libby Coreno
Gayle Lasalle
Jane Mastaitis
Laura Obrien
Miyo Reed
Christianne Smith
2017
Lisa Breen
Robin Dalton
Teddy Foster
Karen Heggen
Jane Kromm
Lynette Whaley
2018
Angela Amedio
Laura DiRado
Patty Laudicina
Michele Madigan
Cindy Phillips
Dora Lee Stanley
2019
Maggie Fronk
Bo Goliber
Dr. Renee Goodemote
Megan Harris-Pero
Elizabeth Sobol
2020
Rev. Kate Forer
June MacClelland
Molly McMaster
Morgoslepov
Kathy McNeice
Lisa Moser
Shelby Schneider
2022
Lt. Laura Emanatian
Michele Funiciello
Lisa Mitzen
Heidi Owen West
Laura Perretta
2023
Samantha Bosshart
Stephanie Collins
Sister Charla Commins
Linda Kranick
Deneen Palmateer
Maddy Zanetti
2024
Sabrina Houser
Maria Moran
Trina Lucas
Sybil Newell
Judith Boyd Nelson
2021
Lisa Avila
Catherine Hover
Dr. Katrin Ramsey
Elizabeth Schlegel
Mary Solomons
Kate Towne
2025
Heath Ames
Corinne Scirocco
Jennifer Haley Zeisler
Lida Varone
Marissa Vollmer
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HEATH AMES pg. 8
Marissa Vollmer
Daring to invest in the journey.
AA propensity for numbers is hardwired into Marissa Vollmer’s DNA. While growing up in Liverpool, NY, Marissa’s father was an accountant and her grandfather, a math teacher, so when a high school aptitude test indicated she would be well-suited for a career in finance, she wasn’t surprised.
Once Marissa began working in the financial advising field, while also studying and playing volleyball at Union College, she fell in love with it, she said. Marissa’s parents had always impressed upon her (and her three older sisters) the importance of having financial independence and the ability to support themselves.
Since 2019, Marissa has worked at Graypoint LLC and is currently a Vice President and Partner developing personalized solutions that guide clients on their own unique financial journey.
By daring to do the extraordinary in the decade since her graduation, Marissa’s bubbly nature and competitive spirit have secured her greatest asset – clever investment strategies and a portfolio of satisfied clients.
Navigating the Family’s Financial Future
To foster financial growth, Marissa gains a deeper understanding of her clients’ goals and assesses their risk tolerance. Women, she’s found, tend to be more fiscally conservative than men because for them, caring for the children is often paramount.
“Families traditionally take a divide and conquer approach, where men handle the finances and women care for the children and the household,” said Marissa, but the advent of STEM curriculum in schools is changing that. Today, more women than ever are emboldened to pursue occupations in STEM, creating unprecedented opportunities in the field and expanding a woman’s role in securing her own and her family’s financial future. Of all the advisors at Graypoint LLC, approximately half are women.
“It’s definitely not common in the financial industry, by any means, but it’s nice to see other people like you, around you, and encouraging you,” she said.
photo provided
"When you think about what things are important to you, it comes down to family & giving back."
The Magic of Compound Interest
Both men and women fear market volatility, but a willingness to venture into the unknown can be empowering and yield a significantly higher return on your investments.
“In any industry, people have the tendency to make assumptions, but I let my knowledge and experience do the talking,” said Marissa, who at just 32 years old, is already firmly focused on building a solid foundation for a 30+-year-long relationship with her clients – one that will last generations.
“I work with teens who are just beginning to learn about investing and savings, all the way up to clients in their 90s who have seen, been through, and lived much more than I have,” said Marissa. “At the end of the day, I’m thinking about longevity and developing a relationship that you can pass down to your children and grandchildren.”
Squaring the Balance Sheet
At its core, developing financial security is all about finding balance. To recharge away from work, Marissa enjoys going on thrilling travel adventures. Her trips take her around the world and on exhilarating experiences, including cliff jumping, ziplining, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and more.
Marissa’s propensity for making informed decisions extends into her off-time. She likes to push the boundaries, but within reason, she said, which is why, on a trip to New Zealand, she chose to go skydiving instead of bungee jumping.
“There’s an element of risk in all things, but the way I look at it, I’m putting my trust in someone to do their job just like people put their trust in me to do mine,” she said.
Once she’s made a decision, she just closes her eyes and goes for it, said Marissa. “When I get done, I’m always glad I did it. It’s always so fun and so worth it.”
photo provided
Creating Lasting Impact
Along with enjoying the glory of triumphantly pushing beyond the limits of her comfort zone, this summer, Marissa will be travelling to Spain and Portugal. She’ll also be volunteering as a board member of Make-A-Wish® Vermont & Northeast New York.
Graypoint LLC has strong partnerships with many area non-profit organizations, a collaboration that encourages community involvement, and a connection that Marissa said she feels fortunate to be a part of, but it has been the passion of Make-A-Wish® President and CEO Jamie Hathaway, who embodies the organization’s mission, that truly inspires Marissa, she said. Wish Kids come to the wishing space and can engage in dreaming up their wishes in their immersion room which is personalized for each child.
“It creates a feeling of normalcy for a child who is dealt a really hard hand. They are critically ill, but this gives them the chance to feel like a kid who isn’t sick,” said Marissa. Whether these children are afforded advanced medical treatment, an unforgettable excursion, or the latest technology, the investment is one that produces increasing dividends.
“When you think about what things are important to you, it comes down to family and giving back. Make-A-Wish® is a really nice way to do something that is impactful, tangible, and really makes a difference in their lives,” said Marissa.
photo provided
Heath Ames
Stepping Up to the Challenge
A rocking restauranteur sets the pace with a cocktail of
caring.
HHeath Ames leads by example. As the co-owner of Broadway’s Cantina Restaurant, she stands out, succeeding in a challenging industry known for its fast pace and high pressure while simultaneously showing others how to run their best race.
When she was growing up in Greenwich, Saratoga Springs was the city where her family went for just about everything, remembers Heath. After graduating from prep school, and a brief stint in Boston, Heath moved to San Francisco, where she worked in tech marketing, promoting children’s products. “It was a blast! I loved kids’ products. It was a market that I understood,” she said.
Although San Francisco was wonderful, said Heath, it has been the heartwarming connection she’s found within the Saratoga community since she and her husband, Jeff, opened Cantina Restaurant on Broadway in 2007 (less than a year after their son, Nicky, was born) that she really loves.
“The restaurant industry is challenging, so I was pleasantly surprised by how gratifying it is in Saratoga. I really feel like I’m part of the community, have a responsibility to the community, and that I have the ability to impact it,” said Heath. “If I could speak to the woman I was then, when we first opened, I’d say to her, ‘It’s going to be more fun than you think!’”
"Sometimes the problems of the world feel overwhelming, but there’s always a way to help in your community."
Taking the Route Less Traveled
During the first year Cantina Restaurant was in business, they launched their “One Bite at a Time” program, which donated 100% of the proceeds from the sales of their kids’ meals (totaling $12,000!) to the Saratoga Hospital for their new emergency department.
In 2008, Heath launched the Cantina Kids Fun Run, a fundraiser for the hospital’s pediatric patients, to show her gratitude for the care they had received during their daughter, Tessa’s, frequent visits. Tessa was born in 2001 and has special needs. That first year, the grassroots event raised $10,000 and attracted 300 participants, many of whom attended Lake Avenue Elementary School with Tessa.
“I was thrilled!” remembers Heath. Funding an extra layer of patient care with technology, comfort items, and training for the hospital’s incredible staff was a “natural fit” for them, she said.
In 2014, Cocktails for a Cause was launched to complement the Fun Run event and increase Cantina’s impact. This May, while fundraising for their 17th Annual Cantina Kids Fun Run, donations surpassed $1 million, making a difference to more families than Heath ever imagined. “We’re just trying to make what is already a stressful situation – a visit to the emergency room - as good as it can possibly be,” she said.
A Springboard for Success
Expanding their reach even further into the community, in the fall of 2011, Cantina for a Cause was launched. Happening on Wednesdays from November to February, the program donates 33% of the day's sales to charity. To date, they have raised $206,518 for 40 different Saratoga charities, including the Saratoga Senior Center, Saratoga Bridges, and more.
After a decade in business, Heath was on a roll. She used her knowledge and experience to help buoy the dreams of Cantina’s staff, including restaurant manager Ashley Freeman and chef Nick Cook, owners of the retro-cool Airstream Catering Co., a collaboration that served up crowd-pleasing farm-to-table dishes with a contemporary flair from a renovated Airstream trailer.
In 2018, Heath and Jeff jumped at the chance to move the Cantina Restaurant down the street to their current location. Although the space had been home to the famous Lillian’s Restaurant from 19742013, it was a clean slate when they moved in, allowing them to recreate Cantina’s fun, festive vibe with décor, music, and an emphasis on service that creates a positive atmosphere and an enjoyable dining experience for all. “Opportunities come at you, and you have to make choices. I loved our old space. There’s a beautiful bar and we were doing very well there, but this opportunity presented itself and when that happens, you have to take it and go for it,” said Heath. “Here, we just lean into the casual feel, and the customers do the rest.”
With Cantina’s help, Chris Luriea opened The Mercantile Kitchen and Bar, known simply as “The Merc”, in their former location. “I appreciate talent, and when I see it in someone, and I see that person is going places, I want to go with them,” said Heath.
Bounding Over Hurdles
Although they were excited by their new multi-level opportunity, The 408 Saratoga, their second-floor event and occasion space, opened in the fall of 2019, just before the pandemic put a crimp in Saratoga’s party scene for quite a while. The comfy Cantina Rooftop opened in 2021.
“It was all new to everyone, and we were all just doing the best we could,” remembers Heath. Even during difficult times, Heath said she feels fortunate to find working fun, adding, "Having a great team makes all the difference. Jeff and I have worked with so many talented people, and our General Manager, Heather Southwell, is truly a stand out." Heather has been with Cantina since 2014 and is now a partner.
In 2024, Heath joined the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, a collaboration focused on creating a thriving local economy. “I learn so much and see how much people care for the community. I add what I can to the conversation, and am inspired by a business community that is dedicated to the overall success of the town,” she said.
Community Voices
When Heath isn’t sprinting to break the glass ceiling, she can be found outdoors, enjoying nature, or travelling to Europe and immersing herself in different cultures.
With so many pressures being put on women today, she said she admires and has learned most from those who show up and try to solve problems in their community. “Sometimes the problems of the world feel overwhelming, but there’s always a way to help in your community,” she said.
After the pandemic, Heath joined Rock Voices, a community choir for adults. “There’s just the right balance of challenge and fun. Singing in a group has a magic to it,” she said.
Corinne Scirocco
Finding Common Ground
Samaritan builds rapport and recognizes similarities, bolstering a history of
hope.
SSaratoga Springs is a city that looks much different today than the one Corinne Scirocco grew up in. A fourth-generation Saratogian who has traced her family’s heritage back to ancestors that sailed on the Mayflower, Corinne said her once working-class neighborhood is now barely recognizable.
“People no longer know who their neighbors are, and the political climate has changed into one that is the opposite of mine,” she said.
Yet, all the neighbors know that if they need help, they can always turn to her.
Do Onto Others…
Corinne’s life is centered around her faith. As a child, she attended St. Clement’s Catholic School. She first saw her husband of 54 years, Anthony “Skip” Scirocco riding by on his bicycle nearby. They sent their two boys, Anthony and Mark, to school there. Corinne worked as a Lake Avenue crossing guard for 34 years, while also employed as an independent hair stylist. She also spent four years at St. Clement’s preparing students for confirmation with board games and fundraising activities. She remembers taking the class on a shopping trip to the Pyramid Mall to pick out holiday gifts for the less fortunate.
“What a trip that was - what they did with that money was just amazing!” she said. “My only hope for the whole experience was that they would grow up and do for others what they couldn’t do for themselves.”
"I’ve found I can always learn something from somebody when I’m the listener. I took the approach of: this is who we are, and we’re not going to be any different for you, or anyone else."
Fulfilling Philanthropy
Corinne’s charitable work began when she was still a shy high school student. Beginning at age 11, she watched over Bruce, her “special brother”, taking him with her wherever she’d go. The oldest of her five siblings, Bruce, has special needs. Corinne organized a group of advocates who organized bake sales, garage sales, and dances to raise money and awareness for individuals with disabilities.
Today, Corinne has been a member of Saratoga’s Ladies of Charity for 28 years and has helped to raise an average of $20,000 annually. As a 28-year member of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary, Corinne has served as both trustee and guard, raising funds for many charitable causes. For nine years, she was a Saratoga Senior Center board member, and also served on the Saratoga County Office of the Aging Advisory Board for a decade helping seniors navigate housing, transportation, and financial challenges. “There really are a lot of seniors in need of a lot of help, and it’s great to have another resource out there to help the people who need it,” she said.
“Everyone puts on their shoes the same way every day – one foot at a time. No one is better than anyone else. All people hurt. The question is, ‘How do we make life more joyful and easier for them?’” said Corinne.
Held in the Highest Esteem
When Corinne’s husband, Skip, died suddenly of cancer, Corinne received a lot of support from those around her. “You never know what it’s going to be like until it actually happens,” she said. “So many women have lost their spouses, too. I learned I was not alone. In a situation like that, you can’t help somebody, you can only be there for them, and they were there for me,” she said.
Skip held many jobs serving the City of Saratoga Springs, and Corinne was always by his side. Starting as the city’s animal control officer, he later became Saratoga County Supervisor, and then Commissioner of Public Works from 2008 until his death in 2022.
“Every night we went out somewhere,” said Corinne. Whether they were checking-in on the city’s latest project, partying with the band he founded, Skippy and the Pistons, or attending a formal function, Corinne’s compassion always shined brightly. “God created us all equal. We’ve shared a lot of laughter through the years, and I’ve found I can always learn something from somebody when I’m the listener. I took the approach of: this is who we are, and we’re not going to be any different for you, or anyone else.”
It's a philosophy that carried the couple through the sometimestumultuous world of politics (like when Skip received considerable backlash and 400+ angry letters in response to his role in blocking the expansion of what was then called the Saratoga Racino and is now the Saratoga Casino Hotel. “You can respect someone’s opinion, even when it’s different than yours,” said Corinne. “At the time, Skip said to me, ‘I have to do what I have to do so I can sleep at night’, and I said to him, ‘By all means’.”
Many preservation projects in the City of Saratoga Springs were completed under his leadership, and in 2024, The Anthony "Skip" Scirocco Music Hall, named in his honor, opened on the third floor of Saratoga's City Hall building.
One for the History Books
As a stylist and wife of a career politician, Corinne has been a diplomatic sounding board that people confide in. She has spent thousands of hours mastering the art of conversation, a valuable skill for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaborations. She has also manned the concession stand at her sons’ Little League and Pop Warner Football games, and spent a decade raising seven dogs to be compassionate Guiding Eyes for the Blind companions.
She also loves history. It’s a passion she’s proud to share with her children, and four grandchildren, Schuyler, Madison, Vince, and Ethan. Corinne has been promoting patriotism for 23 years as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (where she served as Regent for six years) and has helped nearly 90 people discover their lineage. She was involved in the 225th Commemoration of the Revolutionary War, currently serves on the Board of the Saratoga Springs Historical Museum and is excited to be participating in the Saratoga 250th’s celebrations, which include providing a scholarship for an area junior.
If history has taught us anything, it’s this, said Corinne: “Treat other people the way you want to be treated, and do to others as you would like to have done unto yourself.”
The tireless dedication of a woman with her heart set on
L benevolence.
Lida Varone is a cradle Catholic whose faith and capacity to love have grown with each of life’s milestones. When she married Joseph Varone, now the Interim Pastoral Associate for Parish Operations at The Church of St. Peter in Saratoga, 36 years ago, and had two children, Michelina and Philip, her heart opened to the divine blessings bestowed upon her.
“With each of the large milestones in life, I take the opportunity to reflect on it and get closer to God. With each big event, there’s a lot to be grateful for,” said Lida, an active parishioner at St. Joseph’s Church in Greenfield Center.
Love Finds a Way
Today, Lida’s gracious and giving nature has imbued a sense of peace within her, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t experienced her share of hardships. For 23 years, Joe served in the US Navy’s nuclear submarine community, a job that required the family to pick up and move throughout the country every few years. They relocated seven times, and each time they were uprooted, Lida patiently took on innumerable responsibilities to resettle the family in their new neighborhood, enroll the children in school, find a new church to attend, and a new physician to care for their health.
“Being a military wife definitely took on a different form than I’d imagined. I didn’t realize how strong I’d have to be,” said Lida.
In July 2005, the Varones moved to Saratoga, a friendly community that, in addition to being beautiful, feels more relaxed and welcoming than other places they’ve lived, she said.
" when you give love, you get love."
A Heart of Gold
While stationed in Hawaii, Lida lost her father and missed out on the time they could’ve spent together before his passing. “It left a hole in me that needed to be filled,” she said. Despite not having any experience or training in specialized palliative care, in 2006, Lida joined Mary's Haven, A Community Home for the Dying, founded by Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties, in cooperation with The Community Hospice, Inc., and individual supporters.
“I was told not to worry. I’d never be left alone, and my only job was to show love. I said, ‘I think I can do that’,” remembers Lida. “Everyone deserves to die with dignity and deserves to have people with them in a beautiful place. I don’t look at it as them dying, I look at it as giving love.” Lida’s compassionate character, patience, and commitment to those she cares for are palpable to patients and their families during their final stages of life. This is especially true for women, who have traditionally taken on the role of caregiver. Women often carry a burden that takes a toll on their physical, emotional, and financial well-being, but Lida’s kindness and generous nature encourage authenticity, giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings, and fears.
“Women are very appreciative because a lot of stress has been taken off them – they can just let go and take a breath,” said Lida.
While some of the women she cares for are filled with worry and concerned about their family during their final days, others have a wonderful relationship with God and are ready to go home, she said.
Love That Makes the World Go ‘Round
Lida is a woman who wears her heart on her sleeve. For the last 15 years, she has volunteered with the Ladies of Charity to raise funds that are distributed to the needy in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. In 2018, Lida co-founded the Women’s Group at St. Joseph’s Church, an opportunity for women to provide love and support for each other, the parish, and the community. During the pandemic, she helped move St. Joseph’s services outdoors. For a decade, she also served as St. Joseph’s Youth Minister, encouraging middle schoolers to become productive, contributing members of society.
photo provided
“Middle school is brutal. It’s a tough, tough age for kids. They have a lot to navigate in today’s world, and COVID was a sad time for them because it was hard to connect on a certain level. Which is why we bring faith into it, so they can lean on Him,” said Lida. “They learn that it’s ok to make mistakes and that there are people out there, so if they need something, they can go to them. They know we are here to help.”
Girls struggling with questions about where to go, what to do, and the things others say often need to be told that everything is going to be ok, said Lida. As a woman who has been managing Type 1 diabetes for 52 years, she remembers how tough it was for a shy girl going to a large school in Pittsburgh, PA, while navigating life with a disease that people didn’t understand. Today, it’s a different world, an age where a rumor can spread online like wildfire, which can be hard to handle. “I know I’d definitely be doing a lot of praying,” she said.
Love for Love’s Sake
Today, Lida is where she wants to be, she said, but there are still struggles.
“When I do start feeling down, I go sit in church and it rejuvenates me. It gives me everything I need, and before long, I’m in a good place again,” she said.
In her free time, Lida cares for her garden and home. She also enjoys spending time with her granddaughter (who is “just pure love”, she said) and her 9-year-old rescue, a Dachshund Yorkie named Milo.
“We all need love. We take care of one another because that’s what we’re called to do. We’re prone to step up and give that helping hand,” said Lida. “My role in life is to love God and serve people. When you give love, you get love.”
(above) photos provided
Jennifer Haley Zeisler
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA STUDIOS (UNLESS NOTED)
Encouraging women to take back their free time in
a big way.
IIn the two years that Jennifer Haley Zeisler has been the Town of Greenfield’s Recreation Director, she has added nearly a dozen new programs and increased participation in long-time favorite activities. Jennifer is a “Ringleader of Fun” who bolsters personal pride while supporting local businesses, all in a community that believes we’re “Better TOGether”.
Jennifer and her Husband, Kurt, moved to their dream farmhouse on seven acres in the Town of Greenfield (TOG) eight years ago to soak up the country lifestyle. Now, along with their two daughters, Zoey Rae, 12, and Cali James, 8, a dog, a cat, and (so many!) chickens, they are settling into a community surrounded by friends and family.
Jennifer was born in Long Island, and her family moved to Washington Crossing, PA, when she was ten. She was friends with everyone in her Pennsylvania high school and was the cheerleading squad captain. Jennifer developed an eye for fashion early on and “worked like a lunatic”, first at a local shop called the Velvet Slipper (to support her Dr. Martens obsession). After graduating from college in Florida, she moved to LA, where her passion for fashion grew stronger, working in and opening up clothing boutiques with Kyle Richards and friends. She then moved back East to open her own high-end, trendy boutique with two partners in Delray Beach, FL, called Trilogy Boutique. While living in Florida in 2010, Jennifer launched her collection and began traveling the country, attending trade and fashion shows with her line of handbags. Jennifer Haley Handbags attracted the attention of celebrities and quickly took off nationwide. They were featured in all of the top fashion magazines and sported by a long list of A-listers.
"Always try to create and do what’s best, not just for others, but for yourself, too."
The Life of the Party
As the pandemic reared its head, Jennifer traded the high-paced fashion world for a work-from-home version of Jennifer Haley Handbags, allowing her to spend more time with family and friends. After having her first taste of a “girls' getaway weekend” at the age of 18 (organized by her cousin, Kara), Jennifer saw the importance of strengthening connections while creating lasting memories. “Women love to gather and want to be part of something. There’s something that happens when women get together that’s just so special,” said Jennifer.
Whether she’s leading her daughters’ Girl Scout troop meetings, collaborating with their school’s parent organization to provide gifts to needy families at Christmas, or organizing record-breaking events for the Town of Greenfield, Jennifer understands the secret to a successful event.
“Creating a sense of belonging is the most important thing,” said Jennifer. With her guidance, the TOG’s soldout scenic train trips, line dancing, and women-only lessons, luncheons, and TOG social hours are welcoming more participants than ever to try activities that may be totally new.
“Within minutes, they’re all falling down and laughing together. If something goes wrong, I just keep smiling. When everyone laughs about it, it’s great, because it doesn’t have to all be so serious,” said Jennifer. “I just try to be super-flexible. It’s the leader who sets the precedent for the party.”
Good Vibes and Great Company
Women are social beings by nature, and keeping them engaged with the TOG’s skiing, golf, and exercise programs is an opportunity for Jennifer to give them the crucial components of a good life – doing things they enjoy, mastering skills, and celebrating victories – their own, and each other’s, together.
These activities allow all the participants to enjoy themselves while simultaneously reaping the health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, boosting energy, and enhancing relationships. When combined, these assets contribute to the creation of a more optimistic outlook on life and a greater sense of fulfillment.
“Seeing kids play sports for the first time is so rewarding,” said Jennifer. “It’s such a good feeling.” In addition to being fun, physical activity provides kids in the TOG’s youth soccer and summer camp programs with role models to admire and aspire to. They have an opportunity to build their confidence, adopt a more positive body image, increase their self-esteem, and nurture their overall wellbeing. Jennifer is dedicated to making a positive impact on society by empowering women and girls.
“There are horrific teen problems for kids living in this moment. They are losing their social confidence,” said Jennifer. As more young girls struggle with a never-ending flow of criticism and social disapproval online, Jennifer, who has garnered a social media following of 30K people, is leaning into limiting cell phone usage. She launched the TOG’s Teen Social Hours to be a device-free zone, and her daughter, Zoey, claims to be one of the only seventhgraders without a cell phone in school.
photo provided
All Work & No Play? Not Today!
Although today her favorite thing to do is to plan new activities and put together raffle baskets for charitable events and fundraisers, Jennifer said she does try to “turn it off” when she’s with her family, being the quintessential “Sports Mom” for her daughters. In her free time, you will most likely find Jennifer entertaining their family and friends gathered around the fire, reading her new favorite book, or out on the front porch, listening to Kurt’s latest playlist, and chatting until the wee hours.
Through it all, Jennifer follows the golden rule of every good hostess: “It’s important to do what makes you feel best,” she said. “Always try to create and do what’s best, not just for others, but for yourself, too.”
(top & bottom) photos provided
