Westman Parent Magazine

Thanks to those who have contributed articles and photos to the Westman Parent in 2009!  We couldn't have done it without you.

Westman Parent articles contributed by:

Allison DePaulo ~ a stay-at-home mother of two curious boys and the creative
mind behind Bambino & Sprout, an online store for parents and tots. Allison and
her husband Vince also enjoy travelling and entertaining family and friends at
their home in Anola, MB.
Andrea J. Podworny LL.B. ~ is a lawyer practicing in the City of Brandon.  Her practice is largely centered around family law which will include the collaborative model once her training is completed later this year.
Brandy Maslowski
~ a mother, wife, athlete, artist, writer and firefighter.  She lives in Winnipeg with her husband, her 6 year old son and their black lab.  Her love of outdoors and adventure is surpassed only by her love of snuggles.

Carleigh Babiak ~ lives with her husband, two sets of fraternal twins and two dogs in Oak Lake. She also the owner of Carleigh
Babiak Photography.
Carolyn Markmann
~ a stay-at-home mom with two kids and a hungry husband.  She's always looking for ways to stretch their one income.
Carolynn Derksen ~ grandmother of two, has been working in the fitness industry in Brandon area for more than twelve years.  She is a Certified Exercise Physiologist, Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer.  She manages fitness programs for the military at CFB Shilo and is the owner of Prairie Sky Yoga. 
Cate Watrous ~ works at RMNP.  Cate is the mother of 5 kids aged 6 - 18.
Cathy Watters ~ a freelance writer, business owner and editor of Entrepreneurial Woman, an online magazine for entrepreneurs.  www.entrepreneurialwoman.ca
(Facebook: Entrepreneurial Woman Magazine, and Twitter @ewoman_magazine)
Chelsea Randall ~ a very involved mama who is thankful to have had the time to focus on her son as he grows and changes. 
Cheryl Fines ~ a stay at home mom of two children who are respected, appreciated and educated at Alexander School.
Christine O'Leary ~ a keen observer of life who finds both humour and meaning
in every day.
Dana Clark ~ a stay at home mom who lives in Carberry with her husband of 6 years and two children Natalie (5) and Ethan (7 months).
Dallas Hulley ~ has been a step-father for two and a half years to a wonderful family.  He anticipates the arrival of a baby next year with great excitement and looks forward to the new challenges and adventures their larger family will experience.
Deb Walker ~ owner/operator of Walker Business Services in Brandon Manitoba.
Emmy Sanderson ~ mother of two and a Doula with Westman Doula Services.
Fariha Abdullah ~ a wife and mother of one 8 year old boy.  She is a certified professional Makeup Artist.  She followed her passion to Calgary from Brandon to receive her certificate in Makeup Artistry.
Jack Newman, MD FRCPC ~ is a Toronto pediatrician who has practiced medicine since 1970.  In 1984 he established the first hospital-based breastfeeding clinic in Canada at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children.  He now works at the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic and Institute.  He has been a consultant for UNICEF for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.  Jack is a popular speaker at breastfeeding conferences across North America and Beyond.  He is the father of three children, all breastfed.  Jack's Website
Jenna H. Yarborough ~ proud to be mother to three awesome kids.  She lost her own mother four years ago to Multiple Sclerosis and continues to support research and resources for families through her local MS Society.
Jennifer Whidden ~ a stay at home mom to three young children.  In her spare moments she knits, reads cookbooks and writes on her blog.  Sometimes she does laundry too.
Joachim de Cangas ~ has been working in the information technology field for the
past fifteen years specializing in computer hardware maintenance, upgrading
and repair. He has been able to reduce his computer collection down to three
“essential” machines. He is currently in a 12-step program to help him cope
with his technology addiction
Katie McKay-Argyriou
~ lives in the Parkland region and loves spending time exploring the world with her preschool aged son.  She is a lifelong crafter and mommy of one very active and curious little boy
Keri DiAngelis ~  wife of a wonderful husband and mother to three incredible children. I love to help people organize
Kerri Podruski ~ from Minnedosa lives with her husband Scott, 2-year old Logan and 5 month old Bailee.  She is a certified WeeHands instructor.  The family shares their home with cats: Yoda, Belle and Gizzy; Melba the beagle and Pebbles the puppy.
Kimberly Akins ~ a teacher who has been working with individuals and families affected by FASD for several years. She is also the Chair of the Brandon Interagency FAS/E Committee.
Kim Bellmont B. Ed (Hons) ~ Founding Director of Trapeze Learning.  An experienced educator and accredited Dyslexia Specialist, Kim has a strong background in the teaching of literacy and numeracy.  As the recent winner of the "Excellence in Service" category at the 2009 Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, she is happy to share some ideas with parents on ways they can support their child with studying at home.
Kim Harbicht-Sczesny ~ Freelance writer who teaches yoga once a week in Souris.  She looks forward to each class because she is also a mom and love the peace and quiet that comes with practicing yoga with adults only.
Kim Longstreet ~ has been a single parent for 18 of her son's 22 years.  Although the challenges have been many as a single parent, Kim continues to embrace them and learn as she goes!
Kim Williment ~ a happily married and busy mom to her 21 month old son Dylan and yellow lab Freddy.  Kim holds a BA from Brandon University and is currently spending time focusing on her family and working part time outside the home.
Lynn Nicol ~ is a teacher who passionately shares what she knows in an engaging
and animated fashion. She takes great pleasure in being with the animals on what
she lovingly refers to as her “funny farm.”
Mary Pat McConnell
~ an artist, an anthropologist, a mother, a business leader,
a marketing genius, a wife and an intellect who enjoys playing in the sandbox of
Professional Journals, research and statistics. She is a great conversationalist
who loves to share her knowledge with others in an easy to understand manner
Melissa Crawford
~ married with 4 wonderful children ages 10,7,5 and 20 months.  She's a stay at home mom planning to attend ACC in the fall.  She loves to write, cook and nap, not in any particular order.
Melissa Lima ~ stay-at-home mother of two and wife of one work-at-home husband, has survived having her home turned into an office for nearly two years.
Paul Kivel
~  a social justice educator, activist and writer who has been an innovative leader in violence prevention for more than 27 years.  He is an accomplished trainer and speaker on men's issues, racism and diversity, challenges of youth, teen dating and family violence, raising boys to man hood, and the impact of class and power on daily life.
Paul's Website
Pec Indman Ed D, MFT ~ has a Doctorate in Counseling and a Master's Degree in Health Psychology.  Speaking all over the country on isses related to reproductive health, pregnancy and postpartum.  Chair of the Education / Training Committee of Postpartum Support International and a member of the North American Society for Psychological OB / GYN, and the Marce Society.  She is the mother of two girls.  Pec's Website
Peggy Schollenberg ~ is married and has one terrific teenager and one happy Golden Retrieve.  Business, financial and human resources background.  Presently Peggy is working with families in the Brandon community and attending evening class at ACC.
  Peggy's Website
Sandra Altner ~ CEO The Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba, has been working with entrepreneurs in new and growing businesses for the past twenty years and has developed hundreds of business plans in her work with clients.
Sandy McMaster B.Ed M.Ed
~ a counsellor with 15 years of experience.  She has dedicated some of her research to understanding Disordered Eating and Body Image Concerns and works with students to find the optimum approach to successful living and studying.
Shawn Ankenmann ~ father to three; a son and two daughters, ages 14, 12 and nine.  Shawn's priority is his family and spending time with them.  His interest include reading, writing, biking and changing the world.
Susan Cable ~  Community Education Coordinator, Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba
Sylvia Ubell, B. Ed ~ co~owner of two farm kids Natural Foods and a bonafide health addictTwo Farm Kids Website
Trisha Coleman CHT, RH ~  a Clinical Herbalist and runs Healthy Way Healing in Brandon. She is a graduate of the 4 year Clinical Herbal Therapy course of the Dominion Herbal College in Burnaby, BC and has worked in the natural health industry for many years. Her main objective is to empower her clients with knowledge which enables them to make educated decisions, so they can begin to take charge of their own health.
Will Courtenay ~ PhD, LCSW, The Men’s Doc, Helping Men Live Happier, More Fulfilling Lives
Zahra Efan
~ believes that women through their feminine essence, can be successful in life and business.  A life and business success coach for women, Zahra teaches women to use their feminine traits such as intuition, compassion and effortlessness to create a successful business and life.  Zahra lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and her 7 year old son. Zahra's Website