http://forsythwoman.com

Keela Johnson – Owner & Publisher

A native of Forsyth County, Keela Johnson is the owner and publisher of Forsyth Woman magazine and Forsyth Woman Engaged! magazine.  She is also co-owner of Forsyth Family magazine.  After graduating from RJ Reynolds High School in 1977, Keela went straight into the work force at Sara Lee Corporation.  After 25 years of climbing her way up the corporate ladder, Keela’s entrepreneurial drive kicked in and in May 2005, she joined the Lewisville Professional Business Association, with plans to launch a women’s magazine.

Forsyth Woman debuted in September 2005 and two years later, Forsyth Family was published in November 2007, with friend and business partner, Robin Bralley.  Keela launched a third publication, Forsyth Woman Engaged! in June 2011.
Keela has been married to Tim Johnson, the owner of TJ’s Body Shop in Clemmons, for almost 30 years.  Together, they have two children.  Brooke was recently married to her high school sweetheart and after completing her degree at High Point University, joined her mom full time at Forsyth Magazines.

Tanner is a senior at West Forsyth High School and he too, is involved in the magazine with delivery and distribution.  Keela and her family attend Sunrise United Methodist Church in Lewisville.

Keela enjoys working with various charities and non-profit groups, including Hospice, the Children’s Museum, and World Museum.  As a breast cancer survivor, Keela is an avid supporter of Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.

Contact Keela: 336-749-1947, Keela@ForsythMags.com

Carolyn S. Peterson – Senior Staff Writer and Author

The wise philosopher and humorist Erma Bombeck once said, “When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’”  That sums up the way I feel about my love of writing and my position as the senior staff writer at Forsyth Woman magazine.

During my time with Forsyth Woman magazine, as well as Forsyth Family magazine, I have grown as a writer and as a woman, leading me to write and publish my first book, “Fishing for Memories,’ a child’s perspective on Alzheimer’s disease.  This story was inspired by my uncle, who was a man I thought was invincible, until he began to slip away into his own world, with each lost memory.  ‘Fishing for Memories’ is dedicated to my uncle and I hope he is smiling from Heaven, knowing he was so very loved and his grace in his disease did not go unnoticed.

For me there is no greater reward than to tell the stories of local people, families and businesses in my city and area that are making a difference and touching lives around them in their own way, every day.  Many stories have touched me and have left me more grateful for my own blessings, more inspired to meet the next person and more certain than ever that ‘everyone has a story.’ I believe my love of writing comes from the fact that I was a very late bloomer.

I majored in journalism and psychology, which at the time seemed like a strange combination, but now the lessons learned in both subjects come in very handy.  I always knew that I loved writing, but never had the confidence that I actually could write until a stranger, now a friend, an author herself, told me, “My dear Carolyn, you have a gift – use it well.”  I did not take her words lightly…

Now that I have found my place in life and have ‘bloomed,’ better late than never, I suppose, I hope to continue to write and bring new stories to the pages of Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family magazines.  Along with my writing for the magazines, I have stories and characters for future books, too.  My second book, ‘Chasing Time and Butterflies,’ also a children’s book, will be published next, followed by a book about a group of friends and breast cancer survivors, The Breast Friends.  With the support of my family and friends, and my dogs, Quincy and Spirit, by my side, I will keep pecking away late into the night on my laptop to write and share the stories from our community with our loyal readers.

For more information on Carolyn’s books, visit www.carolynspeterson.com

Denise Tucker

Thank you for visiting Forsyth Woman’s website!  I am Denise Tucker and I’ve worked for Forsyth Magazines for the last three years.  My role with these great publications has evolved over time, and these days I am the Customer Service Manager for Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family, and Associate Editor for Forsyth Woman Engaged!  I’m also a contributing writer for all three magazines.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, watching movies, and knitting / spinning.  I’m the ultimate coffee-snob and can frequently be found with my nose in a book and a cup of coffee in hand.  If a cat happens to be in my lap, all the better.

Working for Forsyth Magazines is truly a privilege, as it affords a unique opportunity to communicate with other residents about issues that are specific to our community.

Contact Denise Tucker: 336-413-7610, Denise@ForsythMags.com

Kelley Melang

Kelly Melang’s career started in the airline industry as a Reservation Agent with Piedmont Airlines.  Other career choices ranged from Computer Help Desk, Temporary Help Coordinator, and IBM AS400 Salesperson, to Computer Instructor.  Kelly writes humorous essays about being a mother, being over 40, being a woman and being an athlete. Kelly writes for local magazines, e-zines and blogs for businesses on the Internet, as well as writing copy.  Kelly’s columns for Forsyth Woman magazine include The Last Page and Cycling – It’s Not a Boys’ Sport. Forsyth Family columns include Rants and Raves.

In 2010, Kelly started a Social Media Maintenance Company, SO-ME Social Media, which maintains social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and StumbleUpon. She currently manages the Facebook Fanpage for Forsyth Magazines, as well as other local and international businesses.

An avid athlete, Kelly has competed in marathons and triathlons, and in 2008 she crossed the half Ironman off her bucket list.
Kelly has written 7 novels, 6 children’s stories, and self-published two collections of humorous essays.  There are, however, still many stories swimming around Kelly’s head.  The Melang family love being outdoors – they enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, and sailing between their home in Winston-Salem and Beech Mountain.  Following her family’s motto, “Discover Life,” Kelly enjoys living life to its fullest with a completed bucket list as her goal.

Kim Beane

Originally from Nashville, TN, Kim Beane came to Winston-Salem for law school at Wake Forest in 1990.

She is currently a litigation consultant in Womble Carlyle’s FirmLogic division, and  is also the editor for Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Woman Engaged! magazines.

She and husband Jody Beane live in East Bend with their three dogs.  She discovered horseback riding in 2009, and has been in the saddle ever since.

Emily Eileen Carter, Staff Writer & Author

Emily began writing at the tender age of six, taking life down in her journal, every detail and story that struck her fancy, and she hasn’t stopped since.  Emily has an insatiable wanderlust and majored in Spanish and International Studies at the University of North Carolina in Asheville in order to travel the globe.

Emily has lived in Africa, Spain and China and trekked through over twenty different countries around the world.  After college, Emily pursued her international and writing interests and worked for Sister Cities International in Washington DC as their Communications Coordinator.  It was there she honed her skills in news, website and feature writing and began her freelance career.

Currently, Emily is an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher and continues to freelance.  Emily has published poems and short stories in regional journals and anthologies, and continues to pursue her creative writing passion.  She is currently working to complete her first southern fiction novel.

A lover of learning and life, Emily enjoys hiking in the Appalachian Mountains with her husband, baking sweet treats, cycling, and fellowship with family and friends.  You can read more of Emily Eileen Carter’s writing at www.emilyeileencarter.com. 

Mark Mathosian, Writer/Photographer

Mark Mathosian is a retired fraud investigator from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation [OFR].  In Florida, the OFR regulates the banking, finance and securities industries. Mark has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University, Miami, FL, and is a graduate of the Florida School of Banking, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.  Mark spent most of his working career investigating white-collar crimes, including securities fraud, mortgage fraud and bank fraud.

He is an accomplished writer, photographer, and public speaker.  Mark’s articles and photographs have appeared in a variety of publications, ranging from parenting and sports periodicals, to business magazines and newspapers. He is currently working on a consumer fraud protection book to be published in 2013. As a retired fraud investigator, Mark believes an informed consumer is less likely to be taken advantage of by swindlers.  Therefore, he designed entertaining and informative educational seminars to educate consumers about today’s most popular scams and how to avoid them. Two programs he currently presents are “Ponzi, Pyramids and Profiles” and “Take My Money, Please.”

Mark teaches a course in the Writing Series at the Fleer Center for Adult Education, Salem College.  Students learn how to successfully query editors, price their work and freelance for profit.

Mark’s hobbies include astrophotography, collecting meteorites, tinkering with vintage computers and software, antique phonographs and pheasant hunting in South Dakota.  Mark and his wife, Kathy, spend time between their homes in Boca Raton, FL, and Advance.  They have two children and three grandchildren.

Mark loves to receive feedback on his articles and suggestions for future stories and crossword puzzle ideas for Forsyth Family and Forsyth Woman magazines. E-mail Mark with your thoughts, questions or whatever is on your mind at Mark@ForsythMags.com.

Meghan E. W. Corbett

Meghan E.W. Corbett, Staff Writer and Communication Specialist for Forsyth Woman, Forsyth Family, and Forsyth Woman Engaged!, knows Winston-Salem like the back of her hand.  She graduated from North Carolina State University with honors as a mass media communication major with a journalism minor in 2007.  Upon graduation, she moved back to her hometown, married her high school sweetheart and began working, while her husband, Will, attended medical school at Wake Forest.

When the opportunity arose for Meghan to be a member of the Forsyth Woman Engaged! team, she could not have been more thrilled!  It has always been a dream of hers to start a magazine, and she considers herself extremely lucky to be a part of this beautiful addition to Forsyth County.
Meghan lives with her husband and the second love of her life, her beagle mutt, Moze, whom she rescued from the local animal shelter in 2009.

Meghan is very excited to be part of the Forsyth Magazine family, and she is looking forward to a long future with the publications!

Contact Meghan Corbett: Meghan@ForsythMags.com

Maria Glazener

Maria Glazener was born and raised in Winston-Salem. She attended UNC –Greensboro and majored in Interior Design. After a decorated career in several disciplines – waitress, credit analyst, nanny, house planner and, of course, designer – she went back to Greensboro College to earn her certification in Elementary Education. During that time, she met and fell in love with her future husband, Todd.

She became a true blue Tar Heel after spending 4 years teaching in Chapel Hill and learning far more than she ever hoped to learn about dentistry via Todd in dental school. Once married, the couple embarked on an adventure as a Naval family. They landed in New Bern, started a family and made their way back to their home roots.

Now a family of three, Maria, Todd and Abby live happily in Pfafftown with their two beloved dogs, Charlie and Toby. Maria teaches in the WSFCS system, enjoys volunteering at her daughter’s school and the Humane Society, and writing for Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family magazines.

Maria and Todd are both active and enjoy running, biking, swimming and competing. One of Maria’s greatest experiences was watching her husband compete in his first Boston Marathon in April 2011

Kristi Johnson Marion

Kristi Johnson Marion, a contributing writer for Forsyth Woman magazine and blog, as well as Forsyth Family magazine, is a native of Mount Airy, North Carolina (a.k.a. “Mayberry”).

After graduating from Appalachian State University with a degree in English literature, she lived near Stuart, Virginia briefly before moving to Winston-Salem, which as been her home for over 13 years.

Kristi has a passion for non-profit work and enjoyed her position as the March of Dimes State Director of Communications before staying home with her two children.

She now writes regularly for her blog, SouthernAsBiscuits.com, whose name originated from an Anne Lamott quote. Her favorite quote is also from Anne Lamott: “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” Kristi loves life, trying new things, the arts, supporting the “locavore” movement, reading, writing, volunteering, painting, live music and the great outdoors.

Brooke Eagle

A native of Forsyth County, Brooke is the associate editor of Forsyth Woman magazine and the assistant publisher of the twice a year publication Forsyth Woman Engaged!

Brooke graduated from West Forsyth High School in 2008 and is now a senior at High Point University majoring in Elementary Education.

Brooke plans to become a 6th grade teacher after graduating from HPU in May 2012, and to eventually take over her mother’s position as Publisher of Forsyth Woman magazine and Forsyth Woman Engaged! upon her retirement. Brooke enjoys working out and is an avid runner.

Jennie Hess

Jennie Hess is a native of Forsyth County.  Jennie graduated from West Forsyth High School before attending UNC-Greensboro, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude earning a degree in Human Environmental Sciences.  Upon graduation, Jennie went to work for ELEGANT BRIDE magazine, spending 10 years there, rising to the position of Associate Publisher.

She traveled the country as a national spokesperson for the magazine, speaking on fashion, china & crystal, and travel.  Next came a break from her professional career to start a family and then a return to sales in the pharmaceutical industry before she joined the Forsyth Magazine family in January 2010.

Jennie is married to Dr. Terry Hess, a local family physician. Together, they stay busy with five children at softball, baseball, football, horseback riding and gymnastic activities. When time allows, Jennie and Terry enjoy running and cycling together. Starting when she was at ELEGANT BRIDE, Jennie has worked as a wedding consultant and continues to do so today.

Contact Jennie Hess: 336-399-4032, Jennie@ForsythMags.com

Christine Silva

I do what I love, and I love what I do. Being creative is all I’ve ever known – it’s in my soul.  I’m originally from Ellenville, a hamlet in the heart of the Catskill Mountains in upstate NY. I grew up on a mini-farm in the mountains above the Rondout Reservoir. My family had a horse, goats, chickens, ducks and even a cow for a short period of time.

My first graphics job was literally in a printer’s basement.  My second was with Rondout Valley Publishing / The Ellenville Press. I worked there for over 10 years and loved it, and the people, too. Of course, in those days it was cut and paste, Rapidograph Pens, hot waxers, x-acto blades (I have a scar on my leg from one mishap), clip art, and varityper machines! I then moved to Albany, NY where I worked for Zone 5. While working for them I started “moonlighting” on the side, hence the name of my company… Moonlight Designs, Inc. I worked for Z5 for seven years and then moved to NC at the end of 2004 and opened my business full time in January of 2005. Owning my own business had always been my dream – and I’m so glad that I took that leap of faith. I would advise anyone else with this dream, to do the same.

I met Keela Johnson at a local networking group in Lewisville, helped her out with the second issue of the magazine, and it’s been a partnership ever since. We’ve grown together as friends and business owners.

Things didn’t turn out like I thought they were going to when I first moved to NC, but that’s ok. I think things have actually turned out better! My son moved down to NC several years ago, fell in love, married, and he and his wife have blessed me with my first grandchild. Although my parents are still in the mountains of NY, I visit them as often as possible. And… who knows? Maybe I can convince them to move south, too! Those damned Yankees!
I am on the board of Humane Solution, an organization that offers affordable spay-neuter certificates and organizes/sponsors rabies clinics to supplement the cost of the certificates. In the past I’ve been a member of the LBPA, the W-S Chamber and founded and organized the “Women’s Network of Winston-Salem” with a great team of women at my side.

Contact Christine Silva, Graphic Designer: 336-499-1573, christine.silva@gmail.com

Susan Woodall

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Susan graduated from college with a degree in journalism. Winning the President’s prize as the top journalism student, she still lacked the confidence in herself to become a serious writer.  She began her career in advertising, but quit working to become a stay-at-home mom.

Through those years, she wrote for family, friends and the occasional freelance piece.  With the encouragement of her family, she began writing for Forsyth Woman, Forsyth Family and Forsyth Woman Engaged! magazines.   Susan loves the opportunity to meet and interview people from so many walks of life and write fun editorials.  She hopes in the future to have a book published and to co-author a book (or several) with her daughter, Meghan.

Adele Casanova – Account Executive

Adele Casanova has been with Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family since 2007. She is an Account Executive, and formerly served as Sales Director for our team.

She is owner of Casanova’s Coffees & Fudge in Lewisville. She is a published writer, business consultant, public speaker and business owner.

She has lived in Winston-Salem since 1990, and has a grown son in seminary in Philadelphia and a daughter at Appalachian State.

Contact: Adele Casanova: 336-671-7000, Adele@ForsythMags.com

Heather Spivey

Heather Spivey is a Winston-Salem local, graduating from R.J. Reynolds High School and Salem College with a double major in English & Communications. After graduation she studied at UNC Chapel Hill and the School of Journalism taking graduate courses.

After a brief time at the home office of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in marketing, Heather then began her advertising career at the Winston-Salem Journal where she worked for 13 years managing the Major Retail and Financial accounts.

In 2007, six months after the birth of their son, Heather made the decision to stay home with him. Never wanting to stop working, she began her freelance career immediately at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, writing for the Department of Otolaryngology. Writing was always a passion but something that never developed until the opportunity to stay home with her son.

In 2009 one of her friends was featured in Forsyth Family and that friend shared her story (and magazine) with Heather. She got in contact with Robin about writing Family articles and that evolved into also working with Forsyth Woman and in advertising sales for both publications.

Heather is married to Ron Spivey, a Forsyth County Superior Court Judge and they have one son, Jackson. Heather is active in the community serving on the Board of Directors for The Enrichment Center for the past 6 years and working on the Committee for Coaches vs. Cancer for the past 5 years.

Contact: Heather Spivey: 336-416-0125, Heather@ForsythMags.com

Kelley Carnall

Kelley is a Forsyth County native and she joins the Forsyth Magazine’s team as an Account Executive.

Her keen eye for detail is valuable to both our magazine production and website.

She is a mom to two gorgeous girls and she’s a welcome addition and an enthusiastic member of the team!