We at Journey in Parenting are so glad you have come to visit us! Please read on for more information about our backgrounds and passion for parenting…With questions, comments and concerns, please email JourneyinParenting@gmail.com

Debra-Lynn B. Hook: Debra-Lynn is a syndicated family life columnist with McClatchy-Tribune News Service (formerly Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service) and the author of a compendium of those columns, Bringing Up Mommy: The Tender Years. A graduate of Louisiana State University’s School of Journalism, she has spent more than two decades writing and reporting for newspapers, magazines and websites on a wide range of topics. She has also taught Journalism at the college level. Debra-Lynn is a native of South Carolina, a former resident of New Orleans and Geneva, Switzerland, and currently resides in Kent, Ohio with her husband, political scientist, Dr. Steven W. Hook and their three children, Chris, 19, Emily, 15 and Benjie, 11. In addition to writing and managing her family, Debra-Lynn is an avid photographer and gardener and a student of African drumming and voice. She travels as often as possible to New Orleans, which she vows to help resurrect.

Lisa Flaherty: I am a working Mom with a husband, two amazing children, a 22-year-old cat and a puppy. My children have 37 first cousins (nope, not kidding). Almost everyone is local so our weekends are always full of family functions. I work as a Communications Consultant writing business newsletters and operational communications. I have a graduate degree and absolutely L-O-V-E teaching. I hope to return to teaching one day. I spend most days trying to juggle many things, accomplish some, remain sane, and find the joy in each moment. Chocolate helps! And my childrens’ amazing resilience and joy help a lot, too

Kay Duke: Kay is the mother of 3 wonderful daughters ages 11, 9 and 5. They each have their own little unique personalities and styles. Kay has been married to her tolerant, supportive husband for nearly 15 years. She was a special education teacher in the public school system for 10 years prior to her current position as a stay-at-home parent.