Eryn Vargo, Owner, Orlando Mom

Meet Our Team!

Eryn Vargo

Owner

Marketing | Business Guides | Advertising | Sponsorships | Giving | Women in Business Program

[email protected]

Publisher, editor-in-chief, health conscious momma of four amazing kiddos ranging in age from 7 to 21, Eryn is one busy momma! She is a marketing maven and mentor with over 20 years of business development and marketing under her belt. She is beyond obsessed with all things purpose, giving back, wellness, and marketing.

Living in Orlando for over 15+ years, this Flo-Grown, Miami native has fallen for The City Beautiful and all it has to offer! From the local arts, to the craft beer and foodie scene, to all of the non-profits and giving opportunities, Eryn is in love with all things Orlando!

Her connection with local moms, businesses of Orlando and philanthropy goes deep. As the former Director of Marketing and Philanthropy for several large, local businesses, Eryn uses her 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 to 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 & 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 other mompreneurs in life & business.

Eryn is also an accredited Integrative Wellness Consultant, Purpose Coach and certified Social Entrepreneurship/Small Business Coach, and a clean beauty advocate. She strives to help other women prosper and flourish in life and business and she thrives on creating authentic partnerships and building relationships. Her motto is be on purpose and she lives to better the lives of others.

Welcome to Orlando Mom Collective, where we are using business as a force for good.

Connect with Eryn on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Allison

Allison

Executive Assistant

Social Media | FB Village Group | Book Club

Allison Thommen is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist turned stay at home mom to two little girls, Aurora and Aubree. She and her husband have been married since 2015 and had dreamed of living in Orlando since they were in college. They moved from Detroit to Clermont in the summer of 2022.

They are Disney World annual passholders and are in the parks almost every week. They are also Disney Vacation Club members, their love for Disney runs deep… did you catch that their first daughter was named after Sleeping Beauty? As a family they also love outer space, so they are excited about being so close to the Space Coast. Allison’s favorite place in the whole world is the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort and could sit there for hours (with a Dole Whip in hand of course). In her free time, Allison loves to read, sew, watch reruns of The Big Bang Theory and binge watch new shows on Netflix!

Allison moderates the Orlando Mom Book Club and the Village Facebook groups.

Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Kattie

Kattie

Editor | Executive Team

A college professor, mother of 4, self-proclaimed foodie, writer, reader, teacher, yogi, Kattie likes to keep busy.  According to Kattie, she has two rounds of children: first round are 15 and 11, and second round are 4 and 1.5. She was a teacher for 10 years and once she had baby #4 she decided it was time to find something that fit her crazy life as a snack [babe] and a chauffeur. During this time she decided to start a brand called SnackB*tchPodcast, which led to her owning a marketing business. During that time she helped clients tell their story through short-form and long-form writing, and she learned a lot about what it takes to truly connect with people.

Kattie was born in Miami, grew up in Nicaragua, lived in Miami and Virginia for a bit, and now lives in the storybook city of Winter Garden. Her life has been adventurous and she welcomes change and everything that life has to offer. The one thing that stays constant is her love for coffee, reading, and drinking beer and wine. What she loves about Orlando is the outdoor seating at many breweries, the family-friendly vibes of many restaurants, and of course the nature. Growing up in Nicaragua she basically lived outside and enjoys that Orlando offers the same opportunities with its many hiking trails, lakes, and rivers. However, her favorite place with always be the beach. She currently loves visiting Sarasota but aspires to visit every Florida beach before her daughter goes off to college.

One thing that life has taught Kattie is that you can only control what you can control and to let go of what you can’t. She’s excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to share that with Orlando Mom Collective and City Mom Collective.

For along with her on SnackB*tchPodcast on Instagram  and Spotify and listen to her raw and vulnerable observations, funny family moments, and most of all easy-to-follow cooking tips.

Hailey G

Hailey

Content Contributor | Executive Team

Hailey Goldstein is a dedicated student at the University of Central Florida, pursuing her passion for Integrated Business. Born in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York, and raised in the sunny landscapes of South Florida, Hailey brings a diverse blend of experiences and perspectives to her academic journey.

Hailey’s interest in the arts was evident during most of her childhood and all of her high school years when she actively participated in theatre productions. This involvement not only showcased her creativity but also honed her teamwork and communication skills. Her leadership qualities became apparent when she served as the President of the International Thespian Honor Society, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

Amanda

Amanda

Amanda Green is a Florida native and outdoor enthusiast. You’ll find her and her family hiking local trails, exploring state parks, swimming in our springs, and enjoying the “real Florida.” Amanda is a wife and mother of two. Her quote to live by, “there’s nothing you can’t do with kids that you could do without them. Parenting is all about managing your expectations.”

Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Nancy

Nancy

Nancy Alvarez is Senior Vice President of Community Relations and Equity Impact at Heart of Florida United Way.

She joined the organization after an award winning, 21 year career in broadcasting.  In that time, she was at the center of every major story in the region including storms, political events, the tragedy at the Pulse nightclub and the pandemic.

Nancy began her career as a reporter covering the space program in Brevard County providing live coverage of countless launches and landings.  She was also on the front line for the infamous 2004 Hurricane Season when three hurricanes hit Florida in less than two months.

More recently, Nancy was one of the first reporters on the ground in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017.  Over the course of multiple trips, she provided coverage of the impacts of the storm both on the island and in Florida as storm evacuees moved to the mainland.  She was also there for the political unrest that led to the resignation of the island’s governor in 2019.

Nancy also works as a public speaker and has used her reporting experience to advocate for issues including domestic violence and the challenges facing special needs kids in schools.  Nancy is a bilingual, first generation Cuban American and lives in Orlando with her husband and two children, Benjamin and Julia.

Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

KELLY FRANK

Kelly

Kelly Frank is a native Floridian, who grew up on the beaches of St. Augustine before meeting her husband and making the move to Central Florida. They have two fun, little kids, 2 and 5, that keep them busy and laughing.

Kelly Frank earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and cares for clients in the Orlando area through her private pelvic health physical therapy practice, Frankly Pelvic. She is an outspoken advocate for all people with a pelvis, most notably, new moms and pregnant persons.The world of pelvic health and women’s wellness continues to grow and she wants to ensure that women’s health continues to move in a positive, empowering direction here in Central Florida (and the world!).

Growing up on the beach, Kelly is always making plans to visit friends and family close to the beach to soak in the sunshine. Her Old Towne roots nurtured a love for lighthouses, mossy oak lined streets, and embracing the charm of little Florida towns. She is an avid baker and enjoys when the kids join in to help decorate cookies and cakes. They are annual passholders at Disney World and take full advantage of that Orlando perk by heading to the parks to visit their favorite characters and go on adventures as often as they can.

She is honored and thrilled to join Orlando Mom as a fellow mom looking to make a difference not only in her family and children’s lives, but all of those around her.

Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

christina carlisi headshot

Christina

Born in New Jersey and raised in Orlando, Christina is a mom to a 13-year-old daughter, wife of 18 years and Director of a dance studio on the east side of Orlando. A graduate of University High School, Valencia Community College and the University of Central Florida, she is proud of her Orlando roots and enjoys exploring with her family the ever-changing communities of central Florida.

Christina’s love of the arts began as a small child performing in a local children’s dance company and continued through high school where she landed numerous theater credits. She never dreamed it would turn into a career of more than 20 years!

By day she runs all aspects of the business including social media/marketing, billing, studio management and curriculum planning. By night she continues to teach all ages and levels of dance at the
studio. Embarking on her 24th year teaching dance, she’s grateful to share her love for the arts with a younger generation.

In addition to juggling those responsibilities, Christina balances her daughter’s school and theater schedules. There is no doubt that the arts are near and dear to her family and keep her calendar packed!

In her free time, Christina enjoys visits to Disney, cruising, attending concerts and the theater. She is a proud Disney fan, rescue cat mom, coffee lover, crafting connoisseur and boyband aficionado.

Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Frances Mendez

Frances

Born and raised in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Mother of a 7 year old boy and 6 year old girl and wife to an amazing husband. She’s new to Orlando but not new to crafting. When she was 9 years old she and a friend made 25 bracelets with lace, string, hot glue and velcro and took them to school expecting to sell one or two. To her surprise, they sold all of them, although Frances went on to sell Pokemon cards after that, she always knew she liked both crafting and business. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in International Business in 2012. When she was a few weeks shy of her 24th birthday, using all of her savings, she bought a repossessed 2 story house with 2 apartments on the second floor, so she was a landlord for 9 years before the house was sold.

When she was pregnant with her oldest in 2016, she felt a strong desire to sew, she had always liked the idea of sewing but never really used a machine before. Her husband bought her a sewing machine for Mother’s day and she soon became obsessed with sewing, which then led her to start Crafty Franny. While Crafty Franny has been through many different stages, one thing has remained the same, Frances loves to craft. Crafty Franny is an active member of the Avalon Park Arts and Culture center and also offers sewing classes to the Avalon Park community.

Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Tee Pea Headshot

Tee

Louisiana native and Space Coast transplant of seven years, Talancia (Tee) Pea, is a proud Mom to three sweet peas (13, 11, 7 yrs.). She has over 15 years of experience writing for online and print publications. Most recently, she began a career in digital marketing and web development. In her business, Tech Belonging, she works with “mompreneurs” and small business owners as they embrace technology to improve brand awareness, grow their customer bases and impact local communities. She hopes more moms will become “tech-savvy” and better equipped to join Central Florida’s “mini–Silicon Valley” workforce of tech opportunities.

With a compassionate heart for mothers, Tee serves as an Ambassador for First Space Coast Foundation and Agape Women’s Center located on Merritt Island. The organizations provide practical life skills, spiritual guidance and education to women preparing for motherhood. She also volunteers as a Community Outreach Coordinator to New Life Mission along with Elevation Church-Melbourne.

Along with her husband, Corey, the family enjoys glamping at local parks, outdoor activities and sports. They love a good ole’ crawfish boil and Saturday evening cheering for the LSU Tigers. The Space Coast has become a supportive community of great friends, professional networks and endless possibilities!

Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Sarah Lewis

Sarah

Sarah Lewis is a Travel Advisor and a stay-at-home homeschooling Mom to her two children. Paulyanna and Bubbie (Notley III). She met her husband Notley while they were both serving in the Marine Corps. They’ve been married 14 years as of May 2023. Originally from Wisconsin, Sarah and her family have moved all over the U.S. for her husband’s career, but have finally settled down in Central Florida close to one of their favorite vacation destinations: Disney World!

She has been obsessed with all things Disney and Disney Princess since she was a little girl! She never had the chance to go to Disneyland or Disney World as a child, but when her husband’s job moved them to West Palm Beach, FL, just 3 hours from Disney World, she knew this was her time! She took her very first trip to Disney World when her children were 3 and 6 years old. Being able to experience it for the first time through the eyes of her children was the most magical experience ever! She LOVES going back with her children and seeing them light up again and again! Sarah and her family are Disney World and Universal annual passholders as well as Disney Vacation Club Members!

Traveling and vacationing as a family started with Disney World, but it didn’t end there! Sarah motto in life has always been “Life should be lived salty and free. Adventure with a sense of freedom and a touch of salt!” Life should be lived to the fullest, taking risks and embracing the unknown. Be brave, be bold, and don’t be afraid to take chances. Seek out experiences that make you feel alive and take full advantage of the freedom that life provides. Live Salty and Free and make the most of every moment! Sarah and her family love cruising, lounging at all-inclusive resorts and traveling all over the world as a family! Sheabsolutely loves to keep up to date on all things travel related! You can keep up with the latest travel news by visiting her on facebook!

Aside from traveling, Sarah’s biggest passion is sewing! She is the administrative assistant at her favorite sewing company and loves sewing matching clothing for her family to wear during their travels!

Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Candace Third

Candace

Candace Third was born and raised in Georgia but always dreamed she would one day live in Florida. She and her Florida Native husband met online (before it was the ‘in’ thing) and have been married for almost 16 years. They have 3 kids, their oldest and only son is beginning his college soccer career away from home in North Carolina.  Their oldest daughter is very active in church and is enrolled in virtual school and their youngest is not only a great scholar but keeps mom very busy with volleyball.   Being a stay at home mom allows her the independence and flexibility to keep up with her family’s packed schedule. 

When she isn’t at different convention centers for volleyball tournaments or at the gym for practices, Candace and her girls are at Universal Studios.  One of the perks of living in Orlando is the convenience of being so close to the theme parks. Being a passholder allows them the freedom to go to the park very frequently and now that her kids are older she can enjoy one of her favorite things, the thrills of roller coasters! 

Her biggest passions, aside from her family, are working on creative projects with her Cricut and interior decorating & organizing. 

Connect with her on Instagram.

Paige

Paige

I’m a Caribbean island girl out in the world. My mom and I immigrated to America when I was just six years old, as a first generation immigrant I’ve learned hard lessons and grown so much. I’m currently a boy mama to two wild and sweet boys.

I love to love people as they are, being social, and going on spontaneous adventures! My friends describe me as an eternal optimist and admittedly, a little extra. I suppose that makes me fit right in with our first born and his extra chromosome, having  a Syndrome & Autism diagnosis. We were made for each other! I’ve invested much into this whole parenthood journey, like many have before me, as a disability mama. I’ve been grateful to embrace different roles in our community and provide support through philanthropy.

I am so excited to bring my diversity, cultural background, my perspective and personality to moms in all stages of motherhood!

Connect with her on Instagram.