In 2015, we launched our new Awesome Mama series. One of our favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid is the chance to connect with other moms in our community. Often times these connections inspire us and remind us of the ability of one person to make a difference. Our hope is to introduce you to some amazing moms living right in our communities who not only are doing unique and wonderful things, but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
Moms is an authentic “come as you are” group that includes all mothers, regardless of religious affiliation or age of children. It engages its members with respect and inspiration and encourages mothers to mentor one another. Moms provides each mother with a forum to connect with peers and provides resources that 1) supports her as the primary caretaker of her children and 2) helps her to cultivate a home environment grounded in love and respect.
Led by professional speakers and community leaders, the topics discussed during Moms monthly meeting facilitate each woman’s desire to improve in her role and provide insight to newsworthy events which foster a deeper sense of community. Moms meets every third Tuesday - 9:30-11:30 AM. No registration required; except for childcare.
Macaroni Kid is so pleased to introduce you to Susan Husa, the mom behind this local group where mothers are welcomed, informed and inspired in their community.
What is your MISSION? What do you want to accomplish?
My personal mission is to be supportive in creating a place where women can come together for the purpose of connecting. As a group, Moms mission is to welcome, inform and inspire. Moms is a place for women to connect with peers, community leaders and professionals that help influence the role of a mother and her aspirations for her family.
What inspired/encouraged you to create the Moms Group? Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?
As a homemaker I wanted a place to go to where I could meet local business owners and leaders in our community as well as other moms that are interested in learning new information to help with raising kids, managing a home and provided moral support in general. Since there wasn’t a group like this in our community, I decided to create it. I did have a moment when the vision of Moms came to me, and I immediately stopped what I was doing and typed out a plan to make it happen.
How did your life before children influence the mom you are today? What part do your children play in your current mission?
My mother was a perfect example to me of what a homemaker does. She is the one that influenced me to pursue that profession. In high school I took child development classes with the thought of nurturing my own children in the future. Later, as I worked with an organization in personal and professional development, I attended many classes, conferences and training sessions and applied those principles which to this day influence my parenting.
Reciprocally my children play a part in my personal mission, in that they are able to discover through their interactions that each of them is unique and has something to offer to each and every other person. The scope of that includes their talents, gifts, ideas, or experience. Just as I encourage my kids to be engaged with this mindset, my hope is that the women that attend Moms discover the same reciprocity. My personal mission statement depicts this kind of interaction.
What lessons/values are you learning through this process? What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning?
Moms confirms how important establishing relationships are in my community. I value the women that encouraged me to move forward with my idea. Kristin Moomaw’s leadership inspired me to move on the idea. Janelle Coughran and Laura Rosner volunteered countless hours to establish our vision and mission statements. Rochelle Clayton-Strunk and Kerry Beymer from Encompass that partnered with us to initiate Moms first meeting. Nate Perea and Kaylee Hardman of the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce partnered with us to initiate relationships with chamber members for vendors at Moms.
I value the many people and organizations I rely on to accomplish the home environment that I serve. I value the women and organizations that participate at Moms as each of them bring a unique piece to the whole experience. I value the organizations that support us every meeting; Encompass from an organizational standpoint and Snoqualmie Valley Alliance generously providing the space and complimentary coffee and tea service. I value the volunteer officers - currently, Erin Chamberlain, Denise Myers, Janelle Coughran, my co-chair Marsha Quinn, and Rochelle Clayton-Strunk as well as others that come in and have volunteered their time to help.
I am learning that we never have to be in a hurry rather trust in the process. Each meeting has its own unique group where connections are made between all parties and are enjoyable to witness. So many women experiencing moments of discovery for themselves. As I share my experiences of Moms with my kids, they learn about not only the importance of relationships and education in whatever profession you choose but also the camaraderie in social settings. They see my commitment to my community in the hopes of making it a better place for all.
I value the many people and organizations I rely on to accomplish the home environment that I serve. I value the women and organizations that participate at Moms as each of them bring a unique piece to the whole experience. I value the organizations that support us every meeting; Encompass from an organizational standpoint and Snoqualmie Valley Alliance generously providing the space and complimentary coffee and tea service. I value the volunteer officers - currently, Erin Chamberlain, Denise Myers, Janelle Coughran, my co-chair Marsha Quinn, and Rochelle Clayton-Strunk as well as others that come in and have volunteered their time to help.
I am learning that we never have to be in a hurry rather trust in the process. Each meeting has its own unique group where connections are made between all parties and are enjoyable to witness. So many women experiencing moments of discovery for themselves. As I share my experiences of Moms with my kids, they learn about not only the importance of relationships and education in whatever profession you choose but also the camaraderie in social settings. They see my commitment to my community in the hopes of making it a better place for all.
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
In the morning I take the time to have quiet time. I exercise in a gym with a group, schedule time with friends and on occasion will get a massage. Since I’ve established that decorating my home is a hobby for me, when seasons change I take the time to refresh my home inside and out. This takes time and I find great pleasure in doing it. I am thankful to label it a hobby as it gives purpose to placing value for a home environment that feels good to be in.
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WENDY STONE is on a mission to "live life to the fullest" which led her - and two other friends - to launch a local winery called Pearl and Stone Wine Co.
HEATHER MATTHEWS is on a mission to make a difference in her community by raising money and awareness for the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.
KAYSEE HYATT is on a mission to build community awareness for pediatric stroke and hope for impacted children and families.
KRISTEN BRANTNER is on a mission to make a difference in the future of rare disease and created a local non-profit called RAREevents.
CHRISTIE MALCHOW is on a mission to make sure the city hears the voices of young families and is running for Sammamish City Council.
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Find out about our other MOMS ON A MISSION:
RACHEL MARK is on a mission to start the Wildcat Swimming Club to share her love of swimming with others in our area.
RACHEL MARK is on a mission to start the Wildcat Swimming Club to share her love of swimming with others in our area.
DIANE GOCKEL is on a mission to share her love for animals and tell their stories to kids and their parents.
WENDY STONE is on a mission to "live life to the fullest" which led her - and two other friends - to launch a local winery called Pearl and Stone Wine Co.
HEATHER MATTHEWS is on a mission to make a difference in her community by raising money and awareness for the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.
KAYSEE HYATT is on a mission to build community awareness for pediatric stroke and hope for impacted children and families.
JULIE PARKER is on a mission to complete a marathon in every state by the time she turns 50 years old. 50 by 50.
JAMIE MENOLD is on a mission to raise awareness of and funds for pediatric cancer research.
KRISTEN BRANTNER is on a mission to make a difference in the future of rare disease and created a local non-profit called RAREevents.
CHRISTIE MALCHOW is on a mission to make sure the city hears the voices of young families and is running for Sammamish City Council.
