Manassas, Manassas Park, Meet Our Moms Council

Meet Our Moms

The Manassas and Manassas Park Moms Council will help lead discussions on parenting issues and parenting in the greater Manassas area.

Each week on Wednesday at 1 p.m. we’ll post an issue relevant to the parenting community. Our council members will help start and drive the discussion on the topic and we invite our readers to weigh in as well.

This week, our Moms Council will be discussing moving to the Manassas area and the issues that arise— good or bad— that come about after the big move. We’d like to hear your thoughts about the stress on kids with moving: What did you tell or do with your kids to help them cope with the move? What do you tell others who are new to a city and school? Any tips for dealing with large school systems like the ones here in the Manassas area?

But first, we thought you’d like to hear about our Moms Council members, so without further ado, meet our Moms:

Mom: Rachel Kirkland

Children: 2 boys—Jimmy age 9 and Jacob age 7
About me: I am originally from southern California, but have lived in Northern Virginia for 20 years and in Manassas Park for the last nine years.  I love the fact that I live in a truly small town in a major metropolitan area - it is the best of both worlds.  It’s given me the opportunity to be an active part of my community in ways I never imagined.  I am a graduate of George Mason University and the University of Tennessee and work as a school librarian—a career I chose so I could have a similar schedule to my kids.  My oldest son is diagnosed with autism, so a great deal of my energy over the past several years has been devoted to him and advocacy for others like him.  I think that the Manassas area affords a lot to kids in academic, and other opportunities, as they grow. I hope to be a part of continuing to develop that.  

Mom:  Kris Day

Children:  Laura, age 8 and Daniel, age 5
About me: I have lived in Manassas Park for two years and we are finally putting down roots, after many, many moves with the Army! My favorite thing about Manassas Park is the fact that our city feels like a small town with a character all its own. I also like the diversity of our community.  I am impressed by the community’s support for our schools. Parenting issues I am most passionate about:  spending quality time with my family, preparing healthy meals for my children and ensuring that I set a course for my children that will serve as a firm foundation through the joys and travails of their lives. I am a graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in foreign language education. I attempted various careers, but have discovered I am most happy staying home with my children.

Mom: Kristine Meldrum Denholm

Children: mom of three— ages 13, 11 and 8
About me: Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, I'm a married working mom. We've moved around a lot thanks to my husband's career and just
 returned to the Manassas area in September. With a degree in journalism, I wrote in a press office for a federal law enforcement agency in D.C. for 10 years, and
 then became a full-time stay at home mom when we moved to Ohio and had our 3
 kids. Back in the D.C.-area, and now the kids are in school full-time, I'm
 working full-time as a freelance journalist. I'm also working on two books. I'm thrilled to be part of the moms council here; there's so many important and meaty
issues facing parents of teens and tweens today, and maybe by sharing and
 discussing, we can all help each other deal with some pretty tough issues.

Mom: Paciencia Tuoyo

Children: two boys, ages 3 and 1
About me: I am a self-employed and stay at home mom, who enjoys living in Manassas with her husband and best friend, Austin. I am a proud mother of two sweet boys and have experienced the feeling of being a mother for the first time and not knowing how to entertain your children. As a mother and a Manassas resident, I  will enjoy sharing  tips and information on discovering Manassas and all there is to do here with your family.