Soapbox mama is a unique way for moms to share their knowledge, list their opinions, express their ideas and if they want to, say their peace. It isn’t for the faint at heart, those who tend to follow, or the mother who does everything by the book. This is a real forum where real topics go hand in hand with real life. Nothing about being a mom is typical and we want to address those topics in a fun and insightful way.

Soapbox Founder

Leading the pack of soapbox mamas is founder and creator, JB Sacallis. She has been in the fashion industry for the last 18 years. She obtained her degree in Fashion Design and worked in mass market, couture, bridal, custom and created her own label; Simply JB.

Currently she is head designer and president of Agoo® Apparel Inc. (www.agooclothing.com).  Agoo® is a line of innovative active wear for kids on the move. It specializes in performance fabrics; including UV protection, wick-away, stain resistance and anti-bacterial. They also use eco-friendly, sustainable fabrics such as bamboo and Repreve™ fleece.

In addition to designing clothing, JB is also a published writer.  Her inspirational book “Letters for my Mother” was written to help adult women heal and improve their relationships with their own mothers.  It was sold across the country, and resulted in numerous speaking engagements and healing seminars.

She has been a fashion correspondent for various news programs, and wrote a syndicated newspaper column.  She is also a guest contributor for a number of children’s magazines and websites, along with having her own monthly newsletter at http://www.agoomom.com.

She spent over ten years in the wardrobe department as a set supervisor for film and television, working on major motion pictures and winning television series.

Having two children herself and being an astute mother, designer, stylist and business woman, JB is always looking for great products to endorse and great information to share with the thousands of women who read her reviews, value her opinion and want to make the most out of motherhood. Despite many career experiences, she says “my children are my greatest accomplishment”, with a three-year-old son and eight-month-old daughter, she has her two most cherished experiences right at home.

Momperts

Anya Clowers, Travel Expert

Travel Expert Anya Clowers, RN, a post-surgical specialist and thirty-year veteran of air travel, acts as a liaison between the medical field and the travel industry. As a consultant to manufacturers of both medical and travel goods, she has the unique role of contributing to business development, implementation, and evaluation of the product or service while in use.

As a Niche Travel Specialist, she has educated a variety of travelers, including Families, Seniors, Adventure Travelers, Business Travelers, International Travelers, and those Traveling with Children- including terminally ill or disabled children who travel both for medical appointments and family vacations.

Her flight experience covers 34 years and over 400,000 miles. Her International Nursing Career has included Community Nursing in Nottingham, England, a position as a Clinical Research Nurse, as well as pre and post surgical nurse positions at the Mayo Clinic Hospitals, Stanford, and Sutter Davis. This superior training allowed Anya to easily transition into the roles of Researcher, Educator, Consultant, and Author. Her many contacts in the travel industry and medical field allow her to continuously research and consult with experts in a wide variety of travel. She has chosen to focus her seminars (www.JetSevenTravel.com) and writing on the practical side of travel, having realized that the best trips are when the small details are covered and peace of mind is the foundation of all “packing lists”.

Anya flies monthly testing and reviewing products and services with her toddler son. She is the Author of Jet With Kids, the book, website, newsletter, and blog. When she is not at 37,000 feet or in an airport, she resides in Northern California with her husband and son.

Susan Enslen, CRPA Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Susan Enslen and Anne-Louise Parry are two moms who are both BCRPA Certified Group Fitness Instructors and specialists in pre and post natal fitness.  Anne-Louise is mom to two daughters, Emma and Sofia and Susan is mom to two boys, Colton and Carson.  The moms both find passion in sharing their love of fitness by promoting healthy family lifestyles with their mommy clients.

Susan and Anne-Louise own and operate, Stroller Strides is an exercise program where mom can get a great workout with baby in tow and at the same time have the opportunity to interact with other like minded moms. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for moms and a great workout for any level of exerciser.  The classes are equally beneficial for babies as the instructors will weave songs through the workout and incorporate activities to make it fun.  Stroller Strides allows women to exercise in a social atmosphere and children can benefit from watching their moms participate.

Taking it one step further these ladies have created The Lulu Ladies & Babies social group for moms looking to connect with other moms in a social environment.  The Lulu Ladies & Babies group is more than your average playgroup, from unique mom and baby play dates to activities and events for just mom.  The Lulu Ladies & Babies provides its members an outlet of support and understanding in the strange new world of parenthood.

For more information about Susan and Anne-Louise visit http://classes.strollerstrides.net/richmondbc/location/index.aspx

For information about a stroller strides program near you visit http://www.strollerstrides.com/

Anita Kaiser, certified yoga instructor

In 2007, Anita Kaiser became a certified Itsy Bitsy Yoga instructor and began teaching yoga to children. She now operates Kids Love Yoga in conjunction with her MiOrganic business. Teaching baby and kids yoga makes her heart sing like she never thought possible. She loves watching the children grow and learn and is continually amazed at what they teach her.

In her spare time these days she can often be found going on hikes with her family and trying to show her girl all the wondrous things this world has to offer. She is also an avid gardener and looks forward to spending some real quality time in the yard this year now that her girl is a bit older and can join her. She can also often be found at Namaste Yoga Centre working on her own personal yoga practice. Reading is also something which takes up a good portion of her day. From personal growth to fitness, child development to fiction, she enjoys a diverse range of topics. Her library card gets plenty of use.

Shawna Owen, Registered Professional Counsellor

Our Mompert, Shawna Owen, of Lotus Retreats Coaching & Consulting, also has a private practice as a Registered Professional Counsellor. She integrates various approaches into her work, sharing the tools and techniques that create significant and profound shifts. Shawna is most passionate about guiding and facilitating her clients to experience a deeper connection with both self and others. In her work with individuals as well as retreat groups, Shawna encourages and inspires clients to “create the life they envision!”

Shawna combines her training in Integrative Body Psychotherapy and Posimage Coaching with her background as a Certified Yoga Instructor and Whole Foods Consultant to offer a holistic approach to balancing mind, body, and spirit. Shawna is committed to her own journey of self-discovery and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute in California.

For more information: Shawna@LotusRetreats.ca or see LotusRetreats.ca

Wendy Thomson, Business Analyst

Wendy Thomson is currently a mother to one 7 month old boy, a friendly German Shepherd and one very opinionated cat.  As a new mother, Wendy found the transition from full-time career woman to full–time Mom ripe with unexpected challenges.  Being a lacto-ovo vegetarian for the past 11 years with several food allergies and happily married to a “meatetarian”, Wendy is well aware of the nutritional challenges many people face these days.  She is currently working on a collection of recipes for multi-tasking Moms with young children and plans to publish it once completed. When not busy in the kitchen or with her family, Wendy works as a Business Analyst and Project Manager implementing and supporting large enterprise software programs.

Carrie Gaskin, Creative Director

Carrie Gaskin is Co-Owner and Creative Director for Coast Creations. Coast Creations plans and executes corporate special event workshops and private retreat functions. They promote the use of crafting to strengthen corporate team structure, ignite creative thinking and release imagination. They offer customers a fresh and different type of team building event that will foster positive relationships between employees. They most certainly bring an enthusiastic and professional attitude to any and every event.

In addition to Coast Creations, Carrie is an Independent Demonstrator for Stampin’ Up!® - a rubber stamping and scrapbooking company. She offers classes, clubs and workshops as well as amazing papercrafting products. Her love of crafting has translated into international publication as well as spots on local television.