I am so thankful for great partnerships in this community! I have several writers that cover various topics. The topics range from Disney travel to mom tips and encouragement to health and wellness and everything else in between. If you have an area that you are passionate about, please reach out to me about being a contributing writer. Now without further ado – I would love to introduce you to my fabulous contributing writers team! Thanks, Rachael Walkup
Jessica McKee – Travel Editor
For years, Jessica has embraced the fun, adventure, and growth that comes from family travel, prompting her to become a travel agent in early 2015. As a Family Travel Specialist and a mom to two teen boys, Jessica has fully experienced every thrill attraction and enjoyed everything Star Wars at Walt Disney World. She knows how to save the day with the Marvel heroes at Disneyland. And she knows the award-winning service and relaxed fun aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Plus, outside of Disney destinations, she’s cast a magical spell with Harry Potter in Universal Studios. And she’s experienced the world aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
Wherever your family chooses to adventure, she can’t wait to help you create magical memories together. Jessica, her husband Matt, and their two sons have lived in Cumming since 2012.
For Disney news & travel specials, follow along online: Website
Dr. Kristin Marchman, Essential Wellness Chiropractic – Health & Wellness Editor
Dr. Kristin Marchman is excited to serve the Cumming community and assist in educating about health and wellness. As a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and Georgia Birth Network, Dr. Marchman is dedicated to providing optimal health to her patients through chiropractic care. She is certified in the Webster Technique for pregnant women, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nervous system and balances maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments. This in turn reduces torsion in the uterus, a cause of intra-uterine constraint of the baby, and allows for optimal fetal positioning in preparation for birth.
While Dr. Marchman specializes in pregnant women, children, and athletes, she welcomes patients of all ages and from all walks of life. Dr. Marchman has a passion for serving others and cannot imagine doing anything else. Outside of the office, she an active member of Browns Bridge Church and the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce. She spends her free time staying active and spending time with her husband Tyler, two sons Tanner and Brody, and daughter Keelie.
Connect with Dr. Marchman Online: Website | Facebook
Office Phone: 470.522.7801
Karen Stubbs, Birds on a Wire – Motherhood Tips & Encouragement Editor
Karen Stubbs is the founder and leader of Birds on a Wire, a ministry designed to equip moms through truth, encouragement and community. Karen is the wife of Greg Stubbs, they have four children, Kelsey, Emily, Taylor, and Abby and reside in Cumming, Ga. After graduating from Auburn University, she and Greg moved to Virginia Beach where Greg served in the Navy as a fighter pilot. The Navy was where Karen gained her passion for motherhood and grew in her reliance on God to get her through the tough Navy years as a young mom. She is passionate about challenging moms to experience motherhood in the way God intended it for them and their families.
About Birds on a Wire:
Birds on a Wire is a ministry designed to encourage moms and equip them with Godly practical advice so that they will be able to parent with confidence and feel confident in their ability as a mom. As a mother of four, I know firsthand how difficult raising a child is in today’s society. A mom can feel isolated, ill-equipped and unsure of herself and her mothering skills. BOAW pulls alongside moms to give practical advice and assure them that their heavenly Father is with them in this journey. If you have little ones or teenagers or any age in between, join us on this journey of motherhood.
Connect with Karen & Birds on a Wire Moms Online: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Amy Churchill, Just One Africa – Non-Profit Editor
Amy has lived in Forsyth County with her husband Clay and their three kids for 17 years. During her kids early teenage years, their family traveled to Kenya over Spring Break with their church. They returned to the U.S. deeply challenged by what they saw and learned but inspired by the amazing people they met. Just a few months later they launched their non-profit, Just One Africa. Their foundational belief if that JUST ONE person can make a difference, and that JUST ONE person is worth making a difference for. Amy loves the opportunities to build relationships with the wonderful local leaders in the Kenyan communities she serves while away from the states. Upon returning to the US, she connects with schools, churches, and businesses to share ways that our local community can change the world for good.
In Kenya, Amy can often be found walking home to home conducting follow up interviews on their Clean Water Program or sitting with the Masai mamas who handmake the paper beads for the world-changing jewelry they offer online or talking with the girls in the rescue program. Coming from a long line of family members who dedicated themselves to caring and serving others, it seems only natural to continue on with the biggest blessing, which is being able to serve together in such significant ways as a family. Seeing how her children have embraced the changes they have made as a family to start up and grow Just One Africa, have been a constant source of inspiration and reinforce that it really does take JUST ONE person to make a difference!
Connect with Amy & Just One Africa Online: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Ashley Jansen, Forsyth County Resident & Mom – Reviews Editor
Ashley Jansen is wife of 17 years to Mark and mom to three boys, Hamilton (12), Luke (8), and Garrett (5). Originally from Texas, she has lived in Forsyth County for the last 17 years. She graduated from Baylor University with a BBA degree in 2001 (before Chip & Joanna Gaines put Waco on the map). She loves Mexican food, watching football and baseball, reading a good book, making Excel spreadsheets, and prefers Diet Dr. Pepper over Diet Coke. She was a teacher at Forsyth Central High School for a 3 years, on staff with North Point Ministries, Inc. for 7 years, and a stay-at-home-mom for another 10 years. She recently started working full-time at Browns Bridge Church where she and her husband are also active members serving as adult small group leaders, 2to1 premarital mentors, and GroupLaunch connectors. She serves on the Advisory Team of Titus2 Mentoring Women. She is a breast cancer survivor, but still prefers purple over pink.
Connect with Ashley Online: Facebook | Instagram
Craig Crawford, Southern Way Insurance Agency – Insurance Editor
Craig was pretty much “born” in the insurance industry. He started working for his father’s insurance company doing odds and ends on the weekends at age 14. Once he graduated from Georgia College and State University with a business degree he wanted to continue on the insurance path. He started working with Unisun Insurance Company based out of Charleston SC in the claims department. There is no better way to learn an insurance policy than being in claims! He then wanted to move back home to Atlanta and worked for Progressive Insurance Agency in their claims department. In 1995 Craig had the opportunity to join Southern Way Insurance as an agent and managing the office. In 2002 he was named Vice-President and owner of the agency. Craig strives on being your local insurance expert and consultant. He makes it a point to get to know each client in a personal way in order to best serve their insurance needs.
Connect with Craig online: Facebook | Website
Julie Brennan, publisher of My Forsyth Magazine – Forsyth Foodie Editor
Julie Brennan has been publishing My Forsyth magazine since 2010. She has served on the United Way Board of Directors and Community Investment Committee, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Mentor Me North Georgia and No Longer Bound. Julie volunteers as part of the Kick It Up and REACH programs for MentorMe North Georgia, South Forsyth High School Culinary School Program, and the Forsyth County Schools College and Career Development Program. She is a graduate of Leadership Forsyth, the recipient of the Forsyth County Court Appointed Special Advocate Light of Hope award and the Cumming Forsyth Chamber of Commerce Steve Bloom Award. Julie holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She is a Paul Harris Fellow and past-president of the Rotary Club of Woodstock. Julie was born and raised in the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Connect with Julie & My Forsyth Magazine online: Facebook | Website
Sarah Cothran, Sarah C. Photography – Photography Editor
Sarah is a local family and senior photographer, yogi, & creative. While photography is her passion, she also loves to paint, run, read, eat & sip coffee in the morning sunshine. When she started her business, she focused mainly on weddings only to realize that families are where her heart is. She’s always loved children, holds a degree in social work and child advocacy and volunteers with children in foster care alongside her photography business. In addition, to photography, Sarah recently opened Village Yoga in Vickery Village!
Connect with Sarah: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Office Phone: 678 856 6313
Jill Thornton, Cumming Strength & Fitness – Fitness Editor
A mother of two, wife, and gym owner- her passion for helping others is infectious. She channels her passion for fitness from her athletic background as the co-owner at Cumming Strength and Fitness located just west of downtown Cumming. Today, Jill is a competitive weightlifter and a top CrossFit athlete. What Jill loves about spreading her passion for fitness is having the opportunity to coach people in reaching their goals and seeing them build relationships through Cumming Strength and Fitness. Jill leads a professional coaching staff at CS&F that is changing lives through education and inspiration to aid them in reaching their goals.
Connect with Jill and Cumming Strength & Fitness: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Paula Glover – Literacy & Culture Editor
Paula Glover is a card-carrying bookworm and that makes her a perfect fit for working in publicity and programming at the Forsyth County Public Library. She spends her days reading, writing, and experimenting with new ways to connect the Forsyth County community to all the great books and fun, free programs at the library. Paula loves learning and holds three degrees in business. She can also be found holding a book (or eBook!) nearly every waking moment; but, her favorite thing to hold is her young daughter while they read a story together.
