Dr. Catherine Athans is a clinical psychologist, a licensed marriage & family therapist, and author of "The Heart Brain." In her key role in life, she sees the varying dynamics in many families. One of the larger issues currently linking a great deal is cell phone use with young kids, and the need for parents to instill suitable guidelines on the right age for youth to begin owning a phone, and appropriate usage times. www.catherineathansphd.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heidi Smith is a local author, veteran woman's soccer player turned coach and expert advisor. Heidi has performed a great amount of research to create her newest book "Play On: From Adversity to Advantage through 140 Years of Women's Soccer." This book is timely in this World Cup year, with matches coming to Seattle this summer, and also because this content is applicable to all facets of a woman's life.   www.heidismithwriter.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Daughters is an amazing woman who lives commitment and wraps it all up with humor and love. Amy made a connection via Facebook with a friend when they shared time as camp counselors. Circumstances prompted Amy to write the friend a letter. That led her to wonder what it would be like to extend the same courtesy to her entire FB circle, 580 in all. The result is a truly engaging book, entitled "Dear Dana: That Time I Went Crazy and Wrote all 580 of My Facebook Friends a Handwritten Letter." It's quite a feat, a great idea for making good connections and building relationships in the year ahead. www.amydaughters.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stefanie Stolin (aka Stolinsky) has authored a special uplifting Christmas-tinged story, entitled "The Doc's Christmas Miracle." Stefanie brings her previous career journeys into this new book, from actress to psychologist to writing and author, all life experiences leading her to reinvention and self-expression. The story is perfect for anytime, but during the holidays, this story of healing, forgiveness and second chances hits deeper. www.sastolinsky.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leslie Rasmussen is a notable television writer, best known for her work with Burt Reynolds and Roseanne Barr, and on a number of sitcoms. After stepping away to raise her sons and build up her own nutrition business for a decade, Leslie then returned to what she loved, as a novelist with three books to her credit. Her latest, “When People Leave: A Story of Love, Lies, and Finding the Truth,” is a really engaging story about mothers and daughters, about sisters, and about family secrets. Leslie is a masterful storyteller, whose approach is destined for endless page-turning. Another special gift idea.  www.lesliearasmussen.com   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Allison Todd is Customer Communications Manager for QFC, which around this time of year, collaborates with Food Lifeline to provide a very basic need to those among our neighbors facing challenges, particularly where food and nutrition are concerned. Now through Dec 31, when shopping at QFC, we can purchase a simple $10 virtual food bag that does 'so much good' for families across Western Washington. This donation goes directly to Food Lifeline, which supports over 300 local food banks, shelters, and meal programs. It's really about being part of a community that cares for one another. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a parenting coach with 20 years of facilitating dialogue for mothers and daughters. She is a podcast host, a TEDx Speaker and author of "Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust - A Cosmic Approach to Motherhood." Dr. Lyons joins us to bring some key awareness for self-discovery. https://www.drgertrudelyons.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kyla Cain is the Education Curator at Cougar Mountain Zoo. There's a great flurry of activities going on preparing for the annual Issaquah Reindeer Festival, and Kyla provides some details such as planning for your day and purchasing tickets online. It saves time -- not needing to wait in lines but also guarantees that you will be able to visit when you choose to. It all starts on the day after Thanksgiving, an ideal time to share with out-of-town guests, get that photo with Santa and save it for your holiday cards. And a zoo membership is always a great year long gift idea! Www.cougarmountainzoo.org  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nancy McKearney is cofounder with her husband, John, of Bakehouse Bread Company, based in Arizona but whose special breads are available at Fred Meyer and QFC. The company grew from a special zucchini bread recipe that was handed down from Nancy's mother, a recipe that had people asking if she had any extra loaves. The zucchini bread is the top seller, but they have created many others. Nancy's shares ideas for Thanksgiving, keeping it simple and somewhat casual. A charcuterie board is fun to create and makes a delightful focal point. Nancy also makes a pumpkin trifle for dessert, just a different approach for a special dessert. www.bakehousebreadcompany.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beatriz Victoria Albina is a Nurse Practitioner with a master's degree in public health. Bea has been working in that field for over 2 decades, helping others heal and learning more for her own self-healing. It's culminated in her book, "End Emotional Outsourcing: How to Overcome Your Codependent, Perfectionist, and People-Pleasing Habits." www.beatrizalbina.com, and on socials @beatrizvictoriaalbinanp See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Theo Boyd is a farmgirl at heart, living in Texas, where she taught high school English, raised her daughter, and was an active volunteer in various organizations, her community, and her church. After 30 years, she moved back to her hometown of Whitney, Texas, to make peace with the death of her mother in a tragic farming accident, followed three years later by her father’s suicide. She now devotes her time to writing and speaking about loss, grief, and faith with the mission of helping others find comfort and hope. Her insightful book "My Grief is Not Like Yours: Learning to Live after Unimaginable Loss" is a very useful guide.  www.thinktheo.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary Ruth Barnes is an author with Chickasaw roots. After years of researching her ancestors, Mary Ruth has taken what she has learned and turned it into her new historical novel, "Where Birds Land," a standalone sequel to her 2022 debut, "Little Bird." "Where Birds Land" follows her great-grandmother, Ella Brown McSwain, as she fights crooked businessmen, land grifters, and grueling court battles for her family's rightful allotment. This really brings history to life, and we can learn so much, and also be encouraged to delve into our own family's history. https://maryruthbarnes.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alexis De Brock is an exceptional young woman, a terrific role model for anyone of any age. In her busy life as she plans for her winter wedding, she's created a bucket list of things to accomplish. Among them, being to compete in a pageant. Her story is fun and engaging and potentially motivating, for any of us to try something new, something to stretch ourselves and learn. Alexis is competing in the Mrs. Washington pageant, as Mrs. Cascade and chose this particular pageant as contestants have the option to establish a platform, support a cause that supports the community. Alexis is developing her platform to support Military veterans.  @lexi-rocksss on socials See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helen Winslow Black is an author, speaker, and advocate for the prevention of domestic abuse. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Helen's dedication is to raise awareness and supporting persons affected by it, who are primarily women. Her first book, now in its 2nd edition, entitled "Seven Blackbirds," is a deeply impactful story of a woman, Kim, a smart and well-educated woman, who finds herself on the receiving end of a violent partner. While it is fiction, it's filled with truth and true-life experiences. https://helenwinslowblack.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Renee Leaf is an incredibly courageous, incredibly brilliant, and incredibly beautiful woman!! There's no real order to that, nor is it a limited list. She emphasizes all three, while speaking out clearly about her cancer diagnosis. Through her story there lies a roadmap for each of us on living our best life. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But any month, any day, is the time to be your own best advocate. It's what Renee had to, and continues to, do for herself, to find the support groups that provide what she needs. www.komen.org  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Linden is a northwest author, now with eight books to her credit. In her most recent, "The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake," Rachel takes us on a most magical summer vacation with family in Northern Italy. The setting is magical, as is delving into family recipes that Jules needs for a cookbook with a September publishing deadline. This captivating read, ideal for the new season with cooler autumn days and blanket cozying nights ahead, is Rachel's favorite book to date. While her second favorite, "The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie," was adapted last year into a Hallmark Channel movie, "The Magic of Lemon Drops." The book comes out this week, and Rachel has many Western Washington bookstore appearances slated throughout October to promote it. The list can be found on Rachel's Instagram account. www.rachellinden.com | on socials @rachellinden_writer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ericka Newman is the Executive Director of Team Survivor Northwest, a non-profit organization "Empowering all women who have had a cancer diagnosis to THRIVE through fitness, education, and community." For 30 years, they have been doing this work, perpetuating a formula that supports women through what can be one of the toughest diagnoses one might ever endure. Their support services can be found online, and many are free, with scholarships available for some of the events with a fee. October 4 is a special event, the 30th Anniversary Gala at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Attending is supporting a great organization. www.teamsurvivornw.org  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Courtney Teasley, Esq. is a legal disruptor. An attorney who saw the need for faster, more impactful change, she pivoted from practicing law to focus on business coaching, strategic consulting, and advocacy training. This transition allowed her to expand her influence and equip others with the tools to create systemic change. Criminal Justice Literacy 101 is a free course on TikTok and Google Classroom to learn various basics of the justice system. Courtney is working with churches, schools and community leaders to disrupt mass incarceration before it starts. www.cteasley.com https://emeffen.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mother/daughter team Amy Goober and Gwen Borden have cowritten "My Mother Always Says: 25 Lessons for Finding the Silver Lining." Gwen is 94, a woman with a persistently great perspective on life. And many decades of life have only strengthened that attitude. As she puts it through a favorite saying: 'There are no bad experiences, only ones you don't learn from." Amy is an action and accountability coach for women, helping them to put themselves on their own to-do lists. Gwen has been a social worker in private practice, and in her 70s, put it to great use in counselling widows and families of firefighters who lost their lives in the Twin Towers. This September11th marks the 24th anniversary of that tragic day.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Karen Olson is an American philanthropist who is the founder, and President Emeritus, of Family Promise, a national non-profit dedicated to helping homeless and low-income families. Karen has shared her story in a recent book, "Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose." Karen's incredible spirit and drive is a complete inspiration, which we learn seemed to go into overdrive during her retirement years. Family Promise has a presence in 44 states, with 6 affiliates here in Washington. www.familypromise.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.