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Alexis and her husband moved to Lafayette in 2019 when she was 5 months pregnant with their first child. Now, they live in Broussard with their 4-year-old son, Cam, and 2-year-old daughter, Marlo. Having grown up in New Orleans and living in Baton Rouge for over a decade, Alexis is happiest on this side of the Basin. Alexis loves all things Acadiana - from the never-ending events and festivals to the vibrant culture. She is the content specialist for a local startup and a contributing writer for Acadiana Lifestyle Magazine. When she isn't interviewing locals or brainstorming her next article, Alexis is most likely reading about nutrition and healthy living, having a dance (or paint) party with her kids, or sending her husband links to vacant lots (probably out of their budget) to build her dream home. Follow Alexis on Instagram.
Allison is a mom to two precious girls, Leigh and Rhylan, and a wife to Ian. They live together in Lafayette, Louisiana. Allison graduated from UL in Elementary Education, and has been working in the education system since 2013. Her daughters are constantly teaching her that motherhood is the greatest and most challenging gift that she will spend a lifetime trying to figure out. You can frequently find Allison arranging play dates (and mom dates) for herself and her girls, drinking coffee, reading, trying to squeeze in time for a creative outlet, and enjoying her husband’s cooking!
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who owns Soleil Counseling Practice. I received a bachelor’s in psychology from University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2006 and a Master of Arts degree in clinical psychology from Sam Houston University in 2008. I hold two separate licenses and one certification. I am a licensed professional counselor in the states of Louisiana and Texas, Licensed Psychological Associate in Texas, and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. I provide counseling services to teenagers and adults. I’ve also recently joined the board for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) a nonprofit organization that advocates for children in the foster care system. I have two children, Bella (15 years) and Julien (2 years). In my free time, I enjoy running and taking fitness classes. I also love the various community events that Lafayette has to offer such as Downtown Alive, Rhythms on the River, and Festival International.
Emily Beatmann is a Louisiana native born in Shreveport, Louisiana. She went to UL Lafayette and earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations in 2012. It was here that she fell in love with her husband, Jude, and the city of Lafayette. On the weekends, you will find Emily at a festival, the farmer’s market, enjoying a Mardi Gras parade, or eating at one of the many delicious restaurants in Acadiana. Emily and Jude have two children named Mia (6) and Patrick (2.) She is a Marketing Director by day and mom by night! Emily has a passion for reading, Harry Potter, theatre, coffee, wine, spreading financial literacy, her friends, and family.
Jess Allain is a mom of two, an attorney, a triathlete, and a yoga teacher. She is a member of the Junior League of Lafayette and serves on the board of The Family Tree. When she isn't swimming, biking, running, reading, practicing yoga, litigating, or cooking something up in the kitchen, you will find her playing with her two beautiful girls. Adventure is out there!
Jessica is a marketing manager who loves bopping around Lafayette for the best burgers or bands in town. She is a full-time marketing strategist with a passion for storytelling. She and her husband Chris have two littles at home (Jane and Clark) where there is lots of giggling and always a cup of coffee brewing. Jessica is passionate about community-building and empowering working mothers. She is a board member for Downtown Lafayette Unlimited and the Lafayette Re-Entry Coalition, a graduate of Leadership Lafayette, and a survivor of being a mother of 2 under 2.
A kid at heart, Katie loves all things writing, Harry Potter and musicals. At any moment, she is down for either a cup of coffee or margarita. Her passions are building and improving her community of Lafayette, where she was born and raised, and teaching her one daughter to have a British accent. (Not so successful at that last part yet). She spends her day as a credit union storyteller, believing that building strong personal finance habits can be the secret to a fulfilled life. She also contributes to the local finance and community-centric blog, the Meri-tea Community.
I am an over the moon first time mom at 49 to a beautiful 3 1/2 year old daughter. I am also the wife of an extremely hardworking husband who is originally from Mexico. I am a native Texan, born and raised in Dallas. I am a stay at home mom, which is my dream come true job. My husband and I met in 2011 in Lafayette at Walgreens (in the Hallmark aisle). We have built a great life here in Cajun Country. We enjoy our weekends as a family with our daughter's soccer and tumble and cheer and church along with different events happening throughout Acadiana. Otherwise, you will find us at home working and playing in the yard and just enjoying the simplicity of life being a family of three.
Lacie Soileau is a Louisiana Native originally from Ville Platte. She went to UL Lafayette and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. She then went on to earn her Teaching Certification at Louisiana College in Pineville as well as a Master’s Degree in Teaching. She also recently completed her Educational Leadership Certification. She has been in education for ten years and is currently a Third Grade Teacher at Milton Elementary School. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 12 years and together they have 2 children – Rylie who is 10 going on 16 and Nathan who is 6 and is our little energizer bunny!. Lacie loves to read, write, shop and exercise! One of her favorite things about living in Lafayette is all of the delicious food! Her favorite things are coffee, any type of spicy food, and spending time with her husband and kids!
Hi! I’m Lori Ward, a Virtual Assistant who loves bringing creativity and detail into every project. I find joy in helping others while balancing my beautiful family life with my husband Ethan. When I’m not working or wrangling my 5 kids, I enjoy sitting down with a good book (and coffee of course)! As you follow me along on the Lafayette Mom blog, you'll witness my unwavering commitment to empowering fellow moms. Together, I hope we will celebrate victories, share laughter, and create a supportive community where we can all thrive.
Mallory, a Louisiana native born in Opelousas, spent most of her childhood years in the surroundings of Carencro. She and her husband met in Eunice, and together they embarked on a journey guided by her husband's Marine Corps service. San Diego, California, became their cherished home, where they raised their three children before life led them back to Louisiana in 2019. Mallory has navigated the legal realm for the last fifteen years. Her path took an exciting turn recently as she embraced the broadcasting world over the previous four years. On the weekends, Mallory finds solace in the pages of books - usually reading Neil Gaiman or her book club's chosen book of the month. She cherishes moments spent walking the family dogs and embarking on bike rides with her kids and husband.
Marissa is a Las Vegas native who transplanted to Acadiana 6 years ago. Her blended family consists of Brandt (10), Jackson (2), her husband Justin and an ever expanding herd of animals. They live on the outskirts of Lafayette and love gardening and raising chickens. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Culinary Arts. She worked in several restaurants before realizing that her real passion was for teaching. She is now in elementary education and is hoping to gather enough interest to have an after school cooking club like she did at the last school she was at. She spends her time volunteering with Lafayette Education Foundation, writing for Lafayette Mom and is in the middle stages of writing her first children's book! Motherhood of full of ups and downs but hope is always consistent.
Melany grew up in the heart of Cajun country in the small town of Mamou, famous for its Cajun music and food. She holds a Bachelor of Science from McNeese State University and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix. Later on in her career, she earned a Gifted education endorsement from Northwestern State University.
I am Merrika, mother to Mikayla and Mason. I am originally from Oakland, CA. I first came to live in Lafayette in 2012, left in 2014 to go back to Oakland and came back in 2019. Needless, to say I have moved around quite a bit, it wasn't by choice it was to make a better life for my children. No apologies there.I have Associates Degree in Liberal Studies, from Chabot College in Hayward, CA. Education is important to me. At my age now, I am not focused on my education my perseverance comes to focus on my kiddos.Currently, I am the owner of Monique's Sweets and Treats LLC. In the next five, ten or fifteen years I hope to accomplish many goals and dreams. In five years, I plan to own land and food truck . In next ten years, make sure my kiddos graduate high school and guide them though into adulthood. Lastly, within the next fifteen decide if I want live back in California or move to Hawaii.
Natalie is a mom to an energetic busy 5 year old, Brody, and a wife to Andrew. They live together in Opelousas, Louisiana. She was born and raised in Lafayette until 2021. Natalie graduated from UL in Early Childhood Education and ULM in Educational Technology Leadership/Instructional Coaching, and has been working in the education field since 2012. Recently, she became her own boss in two different ways. One is with Pampered Chef and the other one is with Chustz 3: Camp, Creativity, and Chef, LLC.
My husband and I are Lafayette natives and both attended UL. I have a degree in secondary education and a Master's degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute, and currently serve as a local teacher. Together we have three kids under the age of 6. I love to read and write and drink coffee!
Rochelle was born and raised in Lafayette, LA. She is a passionate writer and new mom, navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood. Married to her high school sweetheart, she cherishes the journey they've shared together in Acadiana. With an unwavering belief in the power of community, she is passionate about building connections and uplifting those around her. Rochelle believes that together, through sharing a smile, lending a helping hand, or offering a listening ear, we can create a world filled with love and positivity.
Sicily grew up in Acadiana and graduated from UL Lafayette in 2011 with a degree in fashion merchandising and design. She has spent the last decade moving around the world while her husband served in the military. She returned to Lafayette in 2022 to raise her four daughters in Cajun country. Her daughters Evie(9), Talulah(6), Gemma(4), and Sylvie(1) keep her house messy, her schedule busy, and her heart full. These days she’s traded her fancy clothes for a strong cup of coffee, comfy leggings, and a good book. Her hobbies include going to local music festivals and farmers markets, trying new restaurants, running, and starting a bookclub with her daughters. She is also currently writing her first children’s book. You can follow her on Instagram HERE.
Torilyn Williams is a Louisiana native, born and raised in New Orleans. She moved to Lafayette to attend UL Lafayette, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Applied Life Sciences. Tori is blessed to be the wife of her ambitious and hardworking husband, Damian. The devoted mom of Tatum Marie (6) and Aubrey Malia (5) and bonus mom to Damian Jr. (20). Tori has been working in the banking industry for over fifteen years. She is a member of Junior League Lafayette. Tori has a heart for volunteerism, she loves to give back to the community and mentor the youth. Tori is a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan. She is also a self-proclaimed foodie that loves to chronicle her food adventures on Instagram (@Dashofwilliams). Outside of work you can find Tori spending time with family and friends, traveling, trying new recipes, and working out. Tori is always down for a good meal with family or a shopping trip!
Vivian is a country girl from the small town of Loreauville, where her family owned a farm. She moved to Oakland for several years, where she discovered her passion for travel and seeking new adventures. A proud Ragin Cajun, she earned her bachelor's degree from UL-Lafayette and later completed her master's degree at UL-Monroe. Vivian and her husband have been happily married for 13 years, residing in the Lafayette area. They have two children, a nine year old son, an eight year old daughter and two dogs. Vivian and her husband often find themselves playing the role of "Uber" for their kids, chauffeuring them to numerous extracurricular activities. As a self-proclaimed foodie, Vivian cherishes living in an area with fantastic food choices. Whenever she can find a moment to herself, you'll likely find her enjoying music, catching up on TV shows, and savoring those precious moments of peace and quiet.
