2024 Community Builders’ Luncheon: December 6th at The 1912 Club
Family Focus Media hosted its Seventh Annual Community Builders’ Luncheon at The 1912 Club, bringing together local business and nonprofit leaders for an afternoon of networking, learning, and community building. The event featured valuable insights on marketing strategies, AI implementation, and the highly anticipated 2025 LOVE Awards process.
Founder and CEO, Sarah Bond shared exciting updates about Family Focus Media’s growth across their three brands – Main Line Parent (approaching 15 years in January), Philadelphia Family (entering its teenage years, turning 13 on Valentine’s Day), and Bucks County Parent (our “Pandemic Baby,” celebrating its third year). The organization has reached nearly 410,000 unique website visitors in the past year while maintaining strong engagement across social media platforms and email newsletters.
The event highlighted successful marketing strategies from various community members, from acupuncturists to professional chocolate makers, demonstrating how different businesses effectively connect with local families. (You can get to know these Community Builders below.) Through facilitated networking sessions, attendees shared their most impactful strategies from 2024 and discussed plans for 2025.
A major focus was the announcement of the 2025 LOVE Awards process, building on the success of last year’s program which reviewed over 4,530 nominations and recognized 346 organizations. Key updates for 2025 include:
- Priority will be given to endorsements received through Profile Pages on mainlineparent.com, phillyfamily.com, and buckscountyparent.com
- New nominee spotlights in guide-dedicated emails and social media for organizations with Profile Pages
- Streamlined nomination process with automated notifications
- Early bird event tickets January 1-31
- Return of printed Best for Families Guides for our events
The timeline for the 2025 LOVE Awards includes:
- Nominations open now for Members
- December 8: Nominations promotions begins with Community LOVE Guide Dedicated Emails
- February 14, 2025: Voting ends
- March through May: Series of celebration events including the new Favorites Fling in Philadelphia (scouting locations for March 19-21), LOVE Luncheon at Terrain Gardens on March 26, 2025, and the Best for Families Celebration at Radnor Country Club on April 3, 2025.
The event concluded with a gift exchange among the attending Community Builders.
Community Builder Shoutouts:
Dr. Meredith Murphy, Owner, The Healing Point Acupuncture & Massage
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Meredith has been in private practice as an acupuncturist for over 20 years. She has a passion for her job and is always looking to learn and be an active participant in the community. With a focus on women’s health she has been priviledged in treating women through all stages of life.
Learn more at healingpointonline.com.
Cristina Hartley, Owner, Young Rembrandts of Chester County
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Cristina found the perfect balance of her love for art and managing a successful business that allows her to share art with kids in her community. She finds joy in fostering kids’ creativity and watch them become more confident in their artistic abilities.
Learn more at youngrembrandts.com/chestercounty/view-classes-enroll/.
Polina Bulman, Owner, Polina Bulman Photography
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Polina Bulman is an award-winning documentary family photographer serving the Main Line and Greater Philadelphia. As families’ trusted visual biographer, Polina captures relaxed, in-home sessions that preserve everyday memories, creating timeless records of both childhood and parenthood.
Learn more at polinabulman.com.
Jon Dyer, Co-Owner, Artisan Painting
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Artisan Painting is a full-service painting company. Over the last decade in business, they have assembled an incredible group of human beings that care deeply about their clients and projects. They are a family first company that offers a unique blend of quality, personality and service.
Learn more at artisanpaintingllc.com.
Mike Lieber, Co-Owner, Artisan Painting
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Artisan Painting is a full-service painting company. Over the last decade in business, they have assembled an incredible group of human beings that care deeply about their clients and projects. They are a family first company that offers a unique blend of quality, personality and service.
Learn more at artisanpaintingllc.com.
Connor Quesenberry, Cupola Academy
Proud Main Line Parent, Philly Family, & Bucks County Parent Member
Cupola Academy (CA) is a secular, nonprofit educational organization that provides a supportive community-base for homeschooling families. CA offers full-day programs for young people ages 4-18 to attend 2-3 days a week in a collaborative and resource-rich environment.
Learn more at cupolaacademy.org.
Melissa Yelito, Owner, MY Advocacy LLC
Proud Main Line Parent Member
MY Advocacy LLC’s mission is to provide supportive advocacy services that both educate and empower families, while working alongside them to ensure the best educational outcome for their child.
Learn more at Myadvocacyllc.com.
Erica Kowal, Owner, Big Blue Swim School
Proud Main Line Parent, Philly Family, & Bucks County Parent Member
Big Blue Swim School focuses on swim lessons for children 3m-12years. Their distance and stamina based instruction develop strong swimmers by measuring how far they swim at each lesson. They focus on developing safe confident swimmers through straight leg kicking.
Learn more at bigblueswimschool.com.
Victoria Clement, Restore Physical Therapy and Pelvic Health
Proud Main Line Parent & Philadelphia Family Member
Restore Physical Therapy and Pelvic Health is your go-to physical therapy clinic that specializes in pelvic floor, orthopedic, and perinatal health. They have a passion for helping people to be functionally stronger in daily life, reaching peak performance, and experiencing the best possible birth.
Learn more at restorethefloorpt.com.
Brianna Dawson, Behavioral Wellness for Women
Behavioral Wellness for Women offers compassionate, personalized support for women. They address sadness, overwhelm, stress, PMDD, pregnancy, and postpartum using holistic approaches, including medications and supplements. They listen, validate, and create tailored plans to support lasting wellness.
Learn more at behavioralwellnessforwomen.com.
Kathrine Bright, Owner, KatFit, LLC
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Kat is a personal trainer with nearly two decades of experience, dedicated to helping busy moms build strength and confidence. With a focus on women’s health and whole-body training, she’s passionate about meeting clients where they are and supporting them through every stage of life.
Learn more at kat.fit.
Sarah Forti, Founder, Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty (joined by Jackie McCormick & Melissa Neves)
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty is a residential real estate team based in Wayne, founded 18 years ago by Sarah Forti. Today, her dynamic team focuses on strong community ties and personal engagement to help families throughout the Main Line and Greater Philadelphia area.
Learn more at fortihomes.com.
Brittany Webb, Better Minds Counseling & Services
Better Minds Counseling & Services provides online mental health therapy at your fingertips. They provide quality services to our clients who are navigating the challenges with ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and trauma. Offering individual and group therapy to those in DE, MD, NJ, PA, and VA.
Learn more at bettermindscounseling-services.com.
Kim Wright, Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes Wynnewood, Springfield, Wayne, Collegeville, and Warrington
Proud Main Line Parent, Philadelphia Family, and Bucks County Parent Member
Nothing Bundt Cakes are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate gatherings both large and small, from bite-sized Bundtinis, to miniature Bundtlets, to full-sized 8″ and 10″ cakes and even tiered cakes. In addition to Bundt Cakes, Kim’s bakeries feature an assortment of artfully designed gifts and decorations with a playful, timeless quality to help make any occasion even more special.
Learn more at nothingbundtcakes.com.
Kay Pugh, Director of Marketing, Nothing Bundt Cakes Wynnewood, Springfield, Wayne, Collegeville, and Warrington
Proud Main Line Parent, Philadelphia Family, and Bucks County Parent Member
Nothing Bundt Cakes are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate gatherings both large and small, from bite-sized Bundtinis, to miniature Bundtlets, to full-sized 8″ and 10″ cakes and even tiered cakes. In addition to Bundt Cakes, Kim’s bakeries feature an assortment of artfully designed gifts and decorations with a playful, timeless quality to help make any occasion even more special.
Learn more at nothingbundtcakes.com.
Ilyse Shapiro, Founder, The Candy Lab
Proud Main Line Parent & Philadelphia Family Member
The Candy Lab is a creative workspace where kids age 5-105 create edible art using candy, fruit and vegetables.
Learn more at thecandylaboratory.com.
Keith Wilkerson, Owner, CollegeThoughts
CollegeThoughts simplifies the college journey for students and families. The company defines, develops, and implements college readiness plans, including comprehensive SAT/ACT preparation, college essay coaching, and college list creation. CollegeThoughts also offers a specialized study skills series designed for middle school students.
Learn more at collegethoughts.com.
Lily Katz, Lead College Adviser & COO, CollegeThoughts
CollegeThoughts simplifies the college journey for students and families. The company defines, develops, and implements college readiness plans, including comprehensive SAT/ACT preparation, college essay coaching, and college list creation. CollegeThoughts also offers a specialized study skills series designed for middle school students.
Learn more at collegethoughts.com.
Zakaria Elabid, Owner, WFTFS, LLC
Proud Main Line Parent Member
WFTFS, LLC is an Ardmore, PA based tax and accounting firm specializing in core disciplines of tax planning and preparation, tax resolution and bookkeeping. Along with these core services, they also offer many other complementing services.
Learn more at wftfs.com.
Dr. Brandie Elizabeth Keates, CEO, Experience Chiropractic
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Experience Chiropractic in Wayne offers advanced treatment for pain and mobility issues. With 20+ years of experience, their doctors provide personalized care through adjustments, massage, and therapy to help patients recover from desk work, gym, and daily injuries.
Learn more at Experiencechiropracticnow.com.
Michelle Lusi, Director, JL Entertainment Designs
Proud Main Line Parent Member
JL Entertainment Designs, owned by Michelle and her husband Joe, provides professional audio/video solutions and smart home automation. They specialize in installing and configuring TVs, sound systems, security cameras, and networking equipment to enhance homes with cutting-edge technology.
Learn more at jlentertainmentdesigns.com.
Aimee Rubin, Founder and Executive Director of ANEWAY for Purpose/Game on State
Proud Main Line Parent Member
ANEWAY creates small businesses that employ people with disabilities through meaningful work, social programs, and community partnerships. They aim to reduce the 86% unemployment rate among adults with disabilities by providing opportunities for fulfilling, purposeful careers.
Game On State, a modern retro arcade in Media’s downtown, brings classic games like Skee-ball to Delaware County families. Owned by the Rubin family, this “Everybody’s Arcade” offers entertainment for all ages through lunch breaks, after-school fun, business events, and private parties.
Learn more at anewayforpurpose.org.
Rebecca Kolsky, Attorney, Testa & Pagnanelli
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Rebecca is a partner at Testa & Pagnanelli, LLC, a distinguished family law firm in Montgomery County. As a fearless advocate, she guides clients through complex legal matters, from simple divorces to high-stakes cases involving significant assets.
Learn more at tpfamilylaw.com.
Carrie Kauffman, Owner, Carries Essential Services (CES)
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Carrie is a professional organizer helping families declutter and transform their spaces. With flexible scheduling and personalized service, she works alongside clients to reduce stress and create organized, peaceful environments at home or work.
Learn more at carriesessentialservices.com.
Katie Roeder, Pediatric Sleep Consultant & Pospartum Doula, Happily Ever After Sleep Consulting
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Katie is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and postpartum doula. She is a wife and mom to 2 girls who were the inspiration for sleep business. Katie is obsessed with sleep and loves helping exhausted moms get their little ones sleeping independently. She also supports families in home overnight.
Learn more at happilyeveraftersleep.com.
Mary Catherine Waber, Owner, Lessen the Loads
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Lessen the Loads is a women-owned and operated laundry and organizational service. In a nutshell: moms who help other moms live a life without laundry and a life without cluttered chaos. This team of local moms provide in- and out-of-home laundry options as well as customized organizational packages to meet your family’s every laundry need!
Learn more at Lessentheloads.com.
Jody Peskin, Chief Chocolate Officer, The Sweet Trading Company
Proud Main Line Parent Member
The Sweet Trading Company makes life sweeter with handcrafted chocolate and an array of custom treats perfect for any occasion. Take the opportunity to treat yourself with a visit to the sweetest place on the Main Line!
Learn more at thesweettradingco.com
Jackie Erley, Business Developent, BELFOR Property Restoration
Proud Main Line Parent, Philadelphia Family, & Bucks County Parent Member
BELFOR Property Restoration delivers industry-leading disaster restoration services across the Greater Philadelphia Region and worldwide, providing comprehensive recovery solutions when disasters strike. They partner with individuals, businesses, and communities to rebuild and restore what matters most.
Learn more at belfor.com.
Michelle Cash, Developent Director, Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA)
Proud Bucks County Parent Member
NOVA supports, counsels & empowers victims of sexual assault & other serious crimes in Bucks County & works to prevent & eliminate violence in society through advocacy, training, community education and prevention programs.
Learn more at novabucks.org.
Liz O’Shea, Owner, Soccer Stars – Main Line
Proud Main Line Parent Member
Soccer Stars is a youth development program that specializes in teaching basic soccer movement to young kids ages 18M-12 years old. Our specialized curriculum is guaranteed to get kids moving and grooving! We run after school programs, daycare programs and open enrollment in local areas.
Learn more at soccerstars.com/pa/mainline.
Ian Perler, Realtor, KW Empower
Proud Main Line Parent & Philadelphia Family Member
With over 20 years of experience and deep family roots in real estate, Ian Perler serves Philadelphia with proven expertise. Licensed since 2004, this GPAR member combines traditional work ethic with modern marketing strategies to deliver results for buyers and sellers alike.
Learn more at ianperlerteam.com.
Jenn Metzger, Founder, Safer Babies
Proud Main Line Parent, Philadelphia Family, & Bucks County Parent Member
With 25 years of experience, Safer Babies is Philadelphia’s premier child proofing expert. They enhance family life through comprehensive safety solutions, specializing in stairway gates and furniture brackets. Services include virtual/in-home consultations and custom installations.
Learn more at saferbabies.com.
Sarah Cornwell, Owner/Founder, Sarah Cornwell Jewelry
You find an array of handmade jewelry, gifting, and home products at their brick and mortar location in Doylestown.
They create to connect, shine, and stay curious.
Learn more at sarahcornwelljewelry.com.
Ashleigh Hill, Owner, The Barn Yard
Proud Main Line Parent & Philadelphia Family Member
The Barn Yard is an indoor play space featuring a village for ages 1-8, basketball court, and accessible library. This community-focused venue offers classes, parties, open play and special events in an imaginative, educational environment.
Learn more at barnyard4kids.com.
Lisa Ciao, Owner, Maid For You, Inc.
Maid For You is Bucks County’s premier cleaning service, dedicated to transforming homes into inviting, stress-free sanctuaries. Locally owned and operated for 25+ years, Maid For You has earned over 170 5-star reviews. Visit www.themaidforyou.com for $100 in free cleaning.
Learn more at themaidforyou.com.
Ilene Steinberg, Founder/Owner, Center for Lice Control
Proud Main Line Parent & Bucks County Parent Member
For over 20 years, Ilene “The Lice Queen” Steinberg and CLC have provided expert lice treatment and control. A respected educator and trainer, she helps families safely return to school, camp, and daycare while providing crucial guidance for outbreak prevention.
Learn more at centerforlicecontrol.com.
Darryl Schick, Owner, Plymouth Performing Arts Center
Proud Philadelphia Family Member
Plymouth Performing Arts Center enriches the lives of children through performing arts and music education. Students attend year-round musical theatre classes and summer camps, voice and piano lessons, and the First Notes baby-toddler music program.
Learn more at ppac.live.
Allison Quealy, Owner, Two Maids
Two Maids Cleaning of Malvern provides superior cleaning services to homes and businesses in the heart of the Main Line.
Learn more at twomaidscleaning.com.
Christopher Drucquer, President, Certapro Painters of the Main Line
Proud Main Line Parent, Philadelphia Family, & Bucks County Parent Member
CertaPro Painters of the Main Line delivers exceptional painting services with skilled professionals. This community-focused team hosts charitable events including coat drives and a 5K, while maintaining high standards on every project.
Lear more at certapro.com/bryn-mawr
Arlet Zeibari, Bookkeeping & Business Solutions, Certapro Painters of the Main Line
Proud Main Line Parent, Philadelphia Family, & Bucks County Parent Member
CertaPro Painters of the Main Line delivers exceptional painting services with skilled professionals. This community-focused team hosts charitable events including coat drives and a 5K, while maintaining high standards on every project.
Learn more at certapro.com/bryn-mawr
Lara Aman Mattey, Owner Ivory Tree Portraits
Proud Main Line Parent & Bucks County Parent Member
As an award-winning Newborn & Family Photography studio, Ivory Tree Portraits, specializes in working with kids and busy parents. Ivory Tree’s kid-led philosophy creates a fun experience for kids and easy experience for parents. Ivory Tree has a firm belief that portraits have the power to instill self-confidence in kids and capture memories for parents.
Learn more at IvoryTreePortraits.com.
Katie Kupstas, Founder, Innovators Club for Women
Innovators Club for Women™️ (ICW®) empowers women and gender journey innovators to transform groundbreaking ideas into thriving ventures. Through strategic guidance, funding access, and tailored IP solutions, ICW® fosters equity, helping founders build resilient businesses that shape the future.
Learn more at innovatorclubforwomen.org.
Lacey Morgan, Owner, King of Prussia Doulas
Proud Main Line Parent Member
King of Prussia Doulas provides support to families in southeastern PA from preconception through postpartum. Through educational offerings, birth and postpartum support as well as lactation and placenta encapsulation services, our team meets the needs of growing families as they grow their family.
Learn more at kingofprussiadoulas.com/join-our-support-groups