History of Moms4Moms, Inc.
Shaina Theis, a mother of two, founded Moms4Moms, Inc. starting with an online support group called Maysville Mamas to combat loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group expanded to address financial struggles by initiating a cash giveaway, emergency fund, and events for mothers to find "mom friends". Overwhelmed by the needs, a nonprofit was created with the support of the online community. Moms4Moms, Inc. is dedicated to helping mothers facing isolation and loneliness, financial difficulties, and other challenges in motherhood, with a board and organization run by volunteering mothers.
Our Team
Shaina Theis, LCSW-S, Founder, Board Member, President
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kentucky. I graduated from Berea College with a bachelor's degree in psychology and from Spalding University with a master's degree in social work. I moved to Maysville in 2018 after the birth of my first daughter in desperate need of family support. I now have two girls, Lorelai and Lenix, plus an Aussiedoodle named Ruby, and two cats: Fluffy and Marshmallow.
I am the owner of Dragonfly Counseling Services, LLC which serves children and adults with various mental health issues. In my therapy practice, I work primarily with mothers, so I witness firsthand the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on mothers, especially those living in poverty.
As a social worker and as a Christian, it is my personal mission to improve the well-being of others and help people meet their basic needs. Human connection is a basic need and that is what I am the most excited about helping mothers find in our work.
Kendall Cooper, Board Member, Secretary
My name is Kendall Cooper, and I reside in Fleming County. I have been a mother for 14 years, navigating single parenthood until I met my husband, Andy. Professionally, I am a nurse and hold certifications in medical billing and coding. My husband and I have a 14-year-old boy and 6-year-old twin boys.
Since the birth of my twins in 2018, I have been a dedicated stay-at-home mom. It is a privilege and source of pride to collaborate with Moms4Moms, as there is no one better suited to advocate for moms than a mother herself. I am particularly passionate about supporting mothers with children who have special medical needs. Being a parent of twins diagnosed with autism, I understand the feelings of isolation and solitude that can accompany such a journey.
My aim is to assist other families in navigating similar challenges and provide them with the resources and programs I have researched extensively over the years to help them in their unique situations.
Jen Jeffers, Board Member, Treasurer
I’m Jen Jeffers and I live in Maysville, KY. I currently work full time for KY in the Vocational Rehabilitation program. I have a Bachelor of Arts from The College of Wooster and a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College.
I found motherhood to be hard from day 1, as I struggled to bond with my colicky, “allergic to sleep” infant and developed postpartum depression and anxiety that led to me second guessing everything! It took years, but now my daughter and I have a strong and close relationship that shows me the struggle was worth it!
I want to help support all mothers through this journey, so they know they don’t have to face it alone, and they don’t have to hide their struggles in fear of judgment from others. I am hoping this non-profit will shine as a reliable beacon of hope to all mamas who need it.
Summer Lake, Advisory Council
My name is Summer, and I own a small business in Mason County. As a mother of five, I have felt the full spectrum of motherhood's joys and challenges. When I moved to Mason County, I was escaping a domestic violence situation and starting over with three small children, one of whom has autism. I knew no one and began anew by working minimum-wage jobs and taking college classes at night after putting my kids to bed. Through determination and love for my children, I achieved my dream career.
I am deeply passionate about providing the support I needed during my early parenting journey to others. Parenting involves many stages, each with its own beautiful challenges. Now, I run a play-based in-home daycare, offering continuous support and love to other moms. I am excited to be part of the board of directors and am honored to work alongside other amazing mothers, sharing our journeys together.
Heather Schuler, Advisory Council
I’m Heather Schuler, I live in Maysville, I am currently the director and owner of a commercial daycare local to Maysville that has been operating successfully for the last 3 years. I have an associate's in early childhood education from bluegrass technical college, as well as my CDA degree. Along with being a business owner I am a full-time mother of two children, one who is going to college this fall, and a wife of 18 years.
I am a huge advocate to mental health awareness and helping others find outlets to deal with their daily stresses. There has always been a struggle for me and those around me to find a healthy balance between being all of the roles we play in our daily lives, I hope myself and this nonprofit can help reach other moms who need a village to raise their kids within a happy healthy environment. Working with families daily I see a need in our community to be able to provide safe spaces for moms as well as positive resources and necessities that aren’t always available for these mothers in our growing community.
My personal goal within the group is to help mothers feel valued, heard, and supported no matter what that might be like providing essential items, advice, little known resources or a support system in general.
GIVE
Your support and tax-deductible contribution will help moms with basic necessities for themselves and their children, provide childcare for moms to attend support groups and other important events, and educational workshops.
