Lynda Lantz
Executive Team Member
& Managing Editor
Lynda Lantz grew up in Northern VA. She graduated with a degree in music from George Mason University and went on to work in campus ministry at four universities in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida. She was living in PA when she met her husband, Steve, on eHarmony and moved to Miami in 2011 just a few days after their wedding. Shortly before becoming a SAHM, she was employed as an adoption caseworker while working part-time in campus ministry at UM and later Johnson & Wales University. Since then, she’s been heavily involved in organizations dedicated to serving women. She loves working with Miami Mom Collective and introducing people to this city she’s come to call home, where she lives with her husband and two children. Connect with Lynda @mybalantzedlife on Instagram.
Valerie Barbosa
Executive Team Member, Spanish Editor & Director of Non-profit Partnerships
Valerie is a Venezuelan-American mom of three. She moved to Miami to study and build a career, and while doing so, ended up building a family with her Brazilian husband. Inspired by her learning experiences as a wife and mom with a career and a ministry, she started writing and sharing her thoughts on her instagram account, Familia With Purpose. A multicultural parenting blog, Familia with Purpose reflects her trilingual family and their faith in Christ at the center of their lives to find wisdom, strength, joy and purpose. Valerie is passionate about sharing Biblical encouraging truths applied to purpose-driven motherhood and family life. Follow Valerie on Instagram @writingwithpurpose.val.
Bella Behar
Executive Team Member & Social Media Coordinator
Isabella “Bella” Behar is a working mom with an MBA and a background in education. She absolutely loves her tropical home of choice, Miami, and its eclectic neighborhoods. In her past-time she used to blog and write about Miami’s well-known sites as well as its hidden gems. Her whole life changed when her son David was born in May 2018. She felt reborn in her role as a mom so she started redirecting her blogging and social media activities to focus on her life as a parent and became deeply involved in Miami’s mom community. She spent her free time going to mom events, mommy and me classes, and other family-friendly activities where she met a lot of like-minded mom bloggers and “mom-influencers.” Connect with Bella on Instagram @themiamimami_.
Illiett Ojeda
Executive Team Member
& Event Coordinator
Meet Illiett! Known to walk to the beat of her own drum. She strives for constant growth and isn’t afraid of the climb to achieve it. Illiett is an energetic and soul-spirited wife and mom to a supportive husband of 13 years and momma to a dynamic duo: Kash and Maui. This pair are collectively her tropical island and the proud owners of all her grey hairs (ha). Her children’s busy sports schedule has allowed her to master the very gracious bleacher hop which she wouldn’t trade for the world. Being a mom is just one of her many passion projects. When she is not working her corporate 9 to 5, she picks up her second wind and works on her side hustle. The need to have a creative outlet and a full calendar has always been something that drives her. Illiett has set out to use her past teaching and communications degrees – as well as her innate passion for inspiring to create connections through motivational speaking and DIY workshops. Her recent project of #Chasinbalance is a platform that allows her to empower and provide resources through intentional vision board sessions, wellness retreats, DIYs, and fitness guidance. She invites you to follow along @illiett to experience the journey of balancing the unpredictable mom-preneur life.
Madeleine Wilson
Executive Team Member & Director of Operations
Madeleine grew up in Northeast Louisiana. Her love for teaching and working with children eventually led her to Türkiye, where she taught at an international school. In 2024, Madeleine moved back to the United States and began working with Miami Mom Collective in 2025. She is passionate about equipping and encouraging women and loves supporting the mothers in her community. She hopes to faithfully use the gifts God has given her and is grateful that Miami Mom Collective provides such a meaningful avenue to do so.
Krystal Giraldo
Hospitality & Events Calendar Coordinator, Senior Contributor
Krystal Giraldo works full-time and is a momma to one rambunctious toddler and step-momma to one thriving pre-teen. Her bachelor’s degree in psychology has really allowed her to excel at work and at home in the role of mom and stepmom. She has lived in Miami all her life (although born in New Jersey, her Puerto Rican mom and Colombian dad moved her here to Miami just shy of 3 months old). She met the love of her life online (like a true millennial) and has embraced all life changes with good books and cafecitos. She tends to overwork and overthink which is what makes her so relatable to other moms. She is also an exceptional planner which helped her land the position as coordinator in the Domestic Violence Unit for the 11th Judicial Circuit. Krystal enjoys traveling, attending community events, eating sushi and trying all the red wines. This momma strives to continue strengthening and growing her village through her family and friends, both local and out of state. And cannot wait to connect more with her virtual tribe within the Miami Moms Blog community.
Alejandra Escalante
Team Photographer
Alejandra is professional family photographer and mother of 2 daughters. She was born into the warm embrace of Mexico, where family connections and memories are truly revered. As she grew up, her father took countless pictures of her and my two sisters with his always ready camera. To this day, those childhood memories are framed on the wall of her parents’ home. As time passed, she discovered she had a passion for photography and began to tell her family story through her own lens.
Adita Yrizarry-Lang
Founding Contributor
Adita Yrizarry-Lang is a SuperPower aficionado and mother of 2. Her “Journey” started as a fitness instructor 30+ years ago. Since then, she expanded her endeavors, from a biomechanics and resistance training expert to nutritional guru, mind-body coach, author of SuperPowers, A Busy Woman’s Guide to Health and Happiness and SuperPowers of the Family Kitchen, and women’s advocate for healthy living. Adita holds a degree in Holistic Nutrition, is a Lv3 Holistic Lifestyle Coach through the Chek Institute, and has been accredited by several health organizations. She has trained thousands of fitness professionals worldwide and often speaks at schools, Fortune 500 companies, and private organizations on the benefits of quality foods, longevity, and amazing health.
Adita’s mission…encourage individuals to live Inspired. She wants to bring out the challenges and offer solutions to make SuperPowers shine and life thrive on! Visit AditaLang.com, to join her for recipes and more.
Ana-Sofia Navarrete DuLaney
Senior Contributor
Ana-Sofia is a Miami native that chose to never leave her hometown. She attended FIU and is an attorney that graduated from the University of Miami School of Law. Ana-Sofia finally became more than friends with her childhood neighbor after more than 10 years, and now they are happily married! She was a proud dog mom before she became a human mom, and after the birth of their now two-year-old son, Ana-Sofia has been lucky enough to work from home. She loves traveling with her husband and son but also loves staying home curled up on the couch. An avid Dave Matthews fan, Ana-Sofia is also a grammar freak, Harry Potter obsessed, Heat and UM cheering, and gardening loving mama that hopes she’s doing right by her son while trying to reduce her ecological footprint. Follow her on Instagram as she tries to live each day fully @TheAnaMachine.
Rachelle Haime
Senior Contributor & Graphics
Rachelle is a public relations manager turned SAHM. She was born in Miami but spent most of her life moving between Florida and Colombia, finally moving back to Florida in 2017 with her husband and 2 kids. Her experience with postpartum depression inspired her to become a maternal mental health advocate, and she started The Plentiful Cup blog and social media accounts because no mom should feel alone or unsupported. Rachelle shares her story in hopes that other women will feel more comfortable speaking up, asking for help, and practicing self-care to support their mental health. Moms gladly do everything for our families, but then what happens to us? She wants moms to know that taking care of themselves is just as important as taking care of their families and that they shouldn’t feel guilty about practicing self-care. We cannot fill anyone’s cup if ours is empty!
Sandra Jacquemin
Senior Contributor & Events Team
Sandra was originally born and raised in Miami attributing her upbringing to be of Brazilian influence from her mom and French by her father, so soccer, food, and a lust for life are her love languages (besides the 4 languages she is fluent in). After graduating from Gulliver, she pursued a degree in elementary education in college and then earned her bachelor’s with double majors in marketing and international business from FIU. While finishing up her university studies, she opened her marketing agency working with a vast roster of global brands for 15 years. Fast forwarding, she and her husband Julio (aka ‘Marine’), a former U.S. Marine, are first-time parents to son Marcelo. They currently reside in Pinecrest. She is still in marketing, balances life as a new mom, and will soon be launching a new business with her husband. Sandra joined Miami Mom Collective to encourage and empower other moms by sharing her entrepreneurial experience, Disney adventures, and journey transitioning to a nontoxic life.
Holly Farver
Senior Contributor
Holly has built her life around the value of family first. She is a native of Miami and has lived between Hialeah and Cooper City over the years. She is happily married to her husband of 36 years. They have two adult children that are both married with a child each. Pouring into the next generation is a passion she and her husband share as they both work in local public schools. Entering the season of being a Mimi has been exciting and she loves the giggles of toddler grandchildren. Holly’s faith is very important to her and she enjoys serving her community through the local ministries led by her children. Holly also loves music, reading, traveling, and sweet tea. Her heart is to share with other moms that the role of motherhood can be hard, but she is living proof of the great rewards to come. You are welcome to follow her journey of faith and family @hollefarv on Instagram.
Jessica Socarras
Events Team
Jessica is a mom, wife, and Realtor®. A Miami native, whose variety of life experiences has molded her into the giving and passionate person she is today. Jessica and her husband have been married for 4 years and are currently navigating the turbulent waters of 2 boys under the age of 2. Becoming a mom has inspired her search for a community of strong, encouraging mothers and a willingness to support others on the same journey balancing family and entrepreneurship. Follow along @jessyourmiamirealtor on Instagram.
Diana Garcia
Senior Contributor & Events Team
Diana Llanso Garcia is a Miami native who is currently living down south in Homestead! She’s a stepmommy of a teenager and mom of 2. Did she mention they’re all girls? Her poor husband, even their family dogs are girls. She is currently a full-time claims adjuster for homeowner claims. She went to school abroad for college although she is not currently practicing what she went to school for. She loves spending time with her girls and her husband exploring new things in their city. Starbucks and Target runs are a definition of a good time in this household! One thing for sure is their house runs on faith, love, and coffee! Follow her on Instagram @Diana.Garcia_16
Jennifer Espino de Sera
Events Team
Jennifer Espino de Sera is a disciplined business professional with a strong logistics and strategic planning background specializing in the automotive industry. Originally from New York, Jennifer moved to Miami at the age of eight and later pursued the art of Flamenco dancing, among other artistic expressions. She received her degree in psychology, and subsequently her MBA at Florida International University where she met her best friend and husband, Julio. They have two amazing and curious little boys: Julio IV (5) and Joshua (3). Jennifer loves enjoying what Miami has to offer by exploring local parks, Zoo Miami, the myriad museums in South Florida, as well as live music events. God comes first in Jennifer’s life, and that of her family; a message that she aspires to bring to the lives of all of those around her.
Ivetsy Fernandez
Events Team
Ivetsy Fernandez a single, full-time working mom to a beautiful 7-year-old baby girl named Sophia. She was born in “Quisqueya la Bella,” Dominican Republic and her parents flew her to New York City from a very young age where she was raised with her two siblings. She moved to Miami in 2016 looking for better opportunities, and fell in love with the city and its warm weather! You can follow Sophia and Ivetsy’s adventures on Instagram @Lovelylife_Rose
Amanda Bond
Events Team
Amanda grew up in Northwestern Pennsylvania as an athlete with a passion for health and fitness. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in 2004 and a master’s in elementary education from the University of Miami in 2006. Amanda quickly fell in love with the beautiful city of Miami and has since resided with her husband Craig, daughter Jayda, and son Terrence. Amanda and her family enjoy traveling, cruising to new places, and living an active lifestyle. Prior to growing her loving family, Amanda worked as an elementary teacher and swim instructor. With a passion to continue in the field of health and fitness, Amanda is now a certified coach for The FASTer Way and a Zyia Active rep. She has taken her love of education from the classroom, to the online community where she empowers women to feel confident and be the healthiest version of themselves. Follow her on Instagram @fitfam.mom2.
Zoe Costa
Contributor & Events Team
Dr. Costa is a military spouse who is currently stationed in Miami, FL. Her husband serves Active Duty in the the Coast Guard. Together they have two beautiful girls who are 6 and 3 yrs old. Moving every 3-4yrs made it challenging to pursue her career as a chiropractor, due to her husband’s job. Together, they made the difficult decision to pause her career until both of her girls were in school. Dr. Costa had the opportunity to share her knowledge and love of the human body teaching anatomy and physiology at the college level when stationed in Long Island, NY. Since moving to The Sunshine State, she has dedicated and focused her time to raising her daughters while working part-time as an online health and fitness coach. Dr. Costa continues to educate her clients on how to live healthy and fulfilling lives through proper nutrition and fitness. Follow along with her @survivalofthefittish_mom on Instagram.
Natasha Arias
Senior Contributor & Events Team
Natasha was born and raised in Miami, FL. She is a proud UPS wife to a very hardworking husband. She is a proud mom of 3 magnificent kids: Nicole (23), Kaytlin (20), and Steven (17). She loves spending time with her family and going on vacation… who doesn’t?! She owns a small business called Limitless Tee Co. It started off as a hobby but took off into what it is today. She’s also on Etsy. She has had the business since 2019.
A fun fact about her is she’s a huge I Love Lucy fan and collector, as well as a funko pop collector. She loves curling up on the couch with her husband and playing video games till late hours. She’s also a devoted fan of the New England Patriots and looks forward to football season. Life threw her a curveball when she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2012, so she believes in living life to the fullest. She’s a firm believer that “Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage does,” and that’s something she has instilled in her kids. Follow her on IG @limitlesscouple305.
Inge Lange
Events Team & Video
Inge Lange, aka Cookie, is married to her life coach–as she calls her husband–with two children, 9 and 11 years old. She’s a project manager for a luxury cruise line and a member of the Miami Springs Woman’s Club, where she serves as corresponding secretary.
Inge was born in New York to Ecuadorian parents. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Universidad Laica in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and a Project Management Certificate from the University of Miami. She’s been living in Miami for almost 28 years, working exclusively in the travel industry, from airlines to cruise lines. This has given her the opportunity to travel and learn from different cultures and realities. From her love of crafts and organizing birthday parties for her kids, Tutu Factory by Cookie was born.
She is happy and grateful to be able to collaborate with Miami Mom Collective.
Jaselyn Herrera
Events Team
Jaselyn (Jazzy to her friends) is a Cuban-American quality assurance manager by day and a full-time problem solver around the clock! She was voted most unusual in high school and was president of her school’s gay and straight alliance club. Her household consists of a hardcore plumber, a toddler teenager, one mighty pug, and a feisty bearded dragon named Betty.
When she’s not working hard on enriching her career path, Jaselyn can be found enjoying South Florida in all its glory, from its delectable cuisine to its many year-round outdoor activities. Accompanied by her adventurous toddler, Mr. Mason, and her sometimes reluctant but accepting partner, Jasmanny, to experience new things, since Ren fests are always a must!
A true Aries at heart, she is determined, courageous, against negativity, quick-witted, direct while having a caring outlook on the world, and slightly intimidating at times in the best way. Jaselyn is never afraid to help anyone in need or fight for a good cause while keeping a sense of professionalism and humor.
Miriam Leon-Vazquez
Events Team
Meet Miriam, born and raised in Hialeah, FL. A lover of dancing, working out, music, football, Sunday family nights, coffee dates, beach days, traveling during the fall and winter, and trying new restaurants. She’s a mom of three: 2 stepdaughters and a son (Taylor, Andrea, and Liam). Miriam is an active sports momma. Aside from working full-time at a law firm and when she’s not on the football field cheering her son on or multitasking in the chaos at home, she’s consulting women-owned small businesses and creating workspaces. Fun fact: Miriam and her husband (married for 16 years) had a business building and refurbishing furniture. You would be able to find them as a pop-up shop at different markets. She’s an advocate for self-care and self-love, passionate about empowering women, and believes in supporting and learning from each other as women and as mothers. Miriam has a mass communications/journalism degree and a paralegal degree as well as a certificate in interior decorating. She finds growth and inspiration when attending women’s networking events, workshops, and meet-ups with women in business. She’s grateful to join Miami Mom Collective and is excited about sharing resources with other moms within the football community. Connect with her and say hi on IG @iam_miriamleonvaz.
Minerva Roca
Events Team
Minnie is an outgoing, sweet, caring, and trustworthy 30-year-old Miami native of Cuban nationality. I am a mommy of 3, an 11-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, and a 1-year-old girl. I am a special needs mom. I love everything having to do with self-improvement for the mind-body and spirit. I have struggled with, and currently have, depression and anxiety. I am book smart, love school and learning, and have managed to finish my associate’s degree, finish a certification in event and wedding planning, and am finishing my bachelor’s degree in human resources and marketing. I have used my knowledge in marketing to build my Instagram, @imperfectlyminnie, am currently launching my own blog, ImperfectlyMinnie.com to help other women and moms, and might look into YouTube in the future. I love to travel and dance and you can usually find me at therapy with the kids, at school, or at my grandpa’s house.
Jeany Vega
Events Team
Jeany was born and raised in Miami. She presently resides in West Kendall with her husband, 11-year-old son, 2-year-old daughter, and their 2 fur babies. Along with being a full-time mom she also runs her company, DuElite MPR and DuElite Productions. Additionally, she works as an executive manager. She loves being involved in the community and is always looking for amazing resources and products for moms and kids. Another joy of hers is helping parents find fun things to do/places to go with kids. Reading is a passion of hers as is traveling, crafting, and photography.
Elena Jimenez
Events Team & Graphics
Upon moving from Colombia to Miami at the age of 16, Elena went to South Miami High School and later enrolled in a fashion design program at Miami International University of Art and Design. Besides her primary studies, she has various side professions including colorist/textile and teaching.
She’s a proud mother of two wonderful kids–Isaac, who is 8 years old, and Ivanna, who is 3 years old. Motherhood has its share of highs and lows, but the love and comfort she receives from her partner always helps her get through challenging days. They have known each other for 17 years; their relationship has lasted for 10 years and continues to grow stronger.
In her free time, when she is not with her family, she enjoys making crafts and working on her small business creating pinatas and party crafts. You can find me showcasing my creations at @faustinadesigns. She loves being creative and bringing joy to others through her handmade items. Creating unique pieces brings her happiness and satisfaction, and she hopes to continue perfecting her craft in the future.
Ilana Lipson Cohen
Contributor & Events Team
Ilana counts her blessings as a beyond-full-time working mom and wife who has the romantic notion that she can cook like Ina yet appreciates the reality that Trader Joe’s is the most brilliant source of dinner.
Her career began in New York’s film industry and over the years evolved into communications, branding, and growth strategy within a range of industries. At the intersection of creative development and data-driven strategy, her contributions are for the long-term: elevating brands, creating new sources of revenue, fostering engagement and building teams to achieve sustainable momentum. She offers fractional as well as in-house services, committed to supporting purpose-driven companies and organizations that are meaningful to her family. That commitment to values reaches beyond the office with volunteer work being central to family life. Proud to be a first-generation American-born on her maternal side and a second-generation Miamian on her paternal side, she has a degree in public relations from the University of Florida’s School of Journalism.
Grateful for collaboration, Ilana values networking, fostering new connections, and nurturing longtime relationships: a perfect fit for Miami Mom Collective! Find her on Facebook, @holdinghandsforeverbook, and at HoldingHandsForever.com.
Jackie Fiat
Contributor & Events Team
Jackie is a born and raised Miami native of Colombian and Peruvian nationality. She graduated from Florida International University where she studied digital marketing and communications.
After 10+ years of personal and professional experience in the corporate world, she decided to venture out and leave her 9-5 position. She founded a small marketing agency in 2021 during and after the pandemic. Her main focus has been to help small to mid-sized businesses with their marketing efforts through social media management and digital marketing.
She has been happily married to her husband since 2017, and they are now proud parents of two beautiful toddlers: Nathan and Camila. And let’s not forget their first baby, a very energetic chocolate Labrador named Mia. It’s safe to say her household is a beautiful chaos!
Jackie is constantly juggling mom life, while running a small business but continues to balance it all with determination. She likes to describe herself as a homebody at heart while finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Felicia Shtivelman
Contributor
Felicia Shtivelman is the founder and chief impact officer at Capabee, a professional training, coaching and organizational consulting firm. She brings over 20 years of consulting, management and leadership experience, helping clients (organizations and individuals) navigate complex business issues, organizational changes, team dynamics, and leadership development /career needs. She is an ICF & Board Certified Professional Coach and holds her MBA from the University of Miami (Go Canes!).
Felicia was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Miami in 2015. She is an expecting mother and now resides in Coral Gables with her husband, two young boys (4 and 2), her grandparents-in-law (
She is excited to be a part of the MMC community and looks forward to supporting moms as they navigate their careers, pursue their goals/professional development, and balance the demands of family life.
Connect with her on Instagram, LinkedIn or at Capabee.com
Natalie Donoso
Events Team & Video
Natalie Donoso is a 27-year-old Miami native, wife, and first-time mother to her 9-month-old daughter, Violet. Professionally, she balances roles as a music teacher, piano instructor, and speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). Deeply rooted in her Cuban, Mediterranean and Spanish heritage, Natalie treasures living near her large family, where they enjoy exploring the city’s diverse food options and kid-friendly spots together.
Despite the many challenges of being first time parents, she and her husband Christopher are focused on “soaking in every moment” of their daughter’s growth. Now, Natalie is eager to join a community of fellow mothers to offer and receive support, valuing the shared wisdom and encouragement found in connecting with others navigating the same journey. Follow Natalie at @natalie_rose__
Latiffe Ghanem
Contributor
Latiffe “Lati” Ghanem was born in Colombia and moved to Miami to attend college. Raised in a Lebanese family and the youngest of four daughters, she grew up surrounded by strong personalities, lively dinners, and plenty of opinions, which probably explains her lifelong curiosity about relationships, generational patterns, and human behavior.
She graduated from Florida International University with a degree in communications and spent more than 15 years working in high-pressure communications and leadership roles, guiding executives and teams through moments where clarity, emotional steadiness, and thoughtful responses mattered most.
Today, she brings that same lens into her work as a trauma-informed life and parenting coach and the founder of Living in Progress, where she helps people navigate emotional moments, power struggles, and the everyday dynamics that shape relationships with ourselves, our partners, and our tiny humans.
Through Miami Mom Collective, Lati hopes to share reflections and practical tools that help moms feel more supported in the messy, beautiful journey of raising kids. Follow along at @livingin_progress.
Jossylyn Sanchez
Contributor, Events Team & Video
Jossylyn “Jossy” Sanchez is a Miami native, mom of two energetic boys, Presley and Milo, and married to a husband who keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive at home. She is a graduate of FIU with a background in speech-language pathology and a deep passion for nurturing communication, confidence, and empowerment among those around her.
Community and philanthropy is something Jossy holds near and dear to her heart. She believes they are among one of the most important pillars of motherhood, connection, and everyday life. Motherhood is her full-time job, and she proudly considers herself the CEO of her family.
Nothing brings her more joy than the beautiful chaos that comes with raising her boys. An absolute foodie at heart, Jossy loves traveling with her family and exploring the beauty of Miami. Her family is the perfect mix of tech-savvy and nature-loving — equally excited about the latest gadget as they are about a good nature walk, soaking in the sun and the therapeutic beauty of the outdoors. Connect with Jossy on IG @life_of_jossy_.
Jackie Gonzalez-Cuba
Contributor, Events Team & Graphics
I was born and raised in Miami and am proud of my Cuban heritage. I earned my bachelor’s degree in marketing and my MBA with a concentration in hospitality from Johnson & Wales University. I currently serve as the Director of Local Store Relationships (Marketing) for Papa Johns Pizza across South and Central Florida, where I recently celebrated 20 years with the company.
I’m also a proud mom of four—two teenagers and two toddlers—so life is always busy and full of energy. When I’m not “saving the world one slice at a time,” you can usually find me in the stands cheering on my kids at cheer, dance, or karate.
Outside of my family and career, I’m passionate about giving back. I advocate for children through the Miami-Dade County Council of PTSA and help empower young girls through Girl Scouts. I’m also a recent Stage 3 breast cancer survivor, and that journey has strengthened my commitment to living with purpose, gratitude, and resilience every day.
Follow along with my journey on Instagram @jackiegc1014.
Gabriela Caballeros
Contributor
Originally from Guatemala City, Gabriela moved to Miami in 2019 with her husband, Manolo. She loves that the city’s music, food, and language offer a constant “touch of home” while providing the perfect backdrop for their family’s Jeep off-road adventures.
Whether she’s running the Venetian Causeway at sunrise or navigating the seasons of her three children, Gabriela knows that the best views often come from the hardest stretches. From the independence of her eldest daughter and the joyful “firsts” of her ten-month-old, to her son Sammy—whose autism has beautifully disrupted her linear view of education—she is leaning into the wisdom of an unconventional path.
A marathoner and a dedicated Harry Potter fan, Gabriela writes for the Miami Mom Collective to empower others to share their unique perspectives. She believes that in the variety of our journeys, we find the most magic.
Sandra Velazquez
Contributor & Graphics
Sandra Velazquez is a mom, educator, and children’s book author passionate about kindness, inclusion, and neurodiversity. Born and raised in Miami, she’s a proud first- generation American with Cuban roots and now raises her son, Carter, with her husband in the community she has always called home. After more than 15 years working in education, Sandra believes deeply in helping children feel seen, understood, and celebrated for who they are.
Sandra is also an autism mom, which inspired her to create Call Me Tunes Books & Merch, including the Call Me Tunes children’s book series based on Carter. Through her stories, school visits, and community events, she encourages empathy, celebrates differences, and reminds families they are not alone.
She’s excited to be part of the Miami Mom Collective community and connect with other local moms. Follow her work and everyday mom life on Instagram at
@AutismFaithMama.
Priscilla Jara
Contributor
Meet Pree, a Miami mom and proud Miami Mom Collective contributor. Born and raised in New York City, this Miami single mom followed the sunshine and never looked back. She lives here with her son and they are on a mission together. Every trail, every hidden gem, every delicious bite of the South Florida mom lifestyle? They are all over it. Being a single mom in Miami has shaped Pree’s adventurous approach to parenting.
They are big nature lovers. Pree will forever miss the mountains but the trails here are a solid fix. They are also major foodies. And when the week is done they are poolside, no question. Her son has spoken on the beach situation. The sand is a hard no and honestly she gets it. Life as a single mom means choosing activities that suit both parent and child.
When she is not out exploring South Florida with her son, Pree is running her boutique PR and branding agency. As a single mom entrepreneur, she helps small businesses find their voice and grow with heart. Think of her as the ultimate hype woman for the little guys who deserve to be seen.
She is so happy to be here and cannot wait to connect with this community. For other single moms in Miami, Pree is excited to share her journey and connect. Find her on Instagram.