A Retrospective of Thanks

As we conclude this chapter of the Holistic Moms Network (HMN), we find ourselves reflecting on 22 extraordinary years of community, connection, and inspiration. What began in 2002 as a simple but powerful vision by our founder, Nancy Peplinsky, grew into a nationwide movement that has touched the lives of thousands of families.

From the very beginning, HMN was about creating a space for parents to come together, share experiences, and support one another in living holistically. Our founding chapter in Essex County, NJ, set the stage for what would become a vibrant and thriving community spanning the country.

Throughout the years, we’ve achieved so much together:

Thousands of gatherings organized by hundreds of volunteers that brought parents together to share ideas, swap advice, and form lifelong friendships. Whether it was a playgroup, a workshop, a community potluck, or meals made for a new mama these moments built bridges of understanding and support.

Countless volunteer speakers came to our chapter gatherings to generously share their time, expertise, knowledge, and wisdom with our HMN communities

13 years of the Natural Living Conference, where we hosted inspiring speakers who shared wisdom on holistic health, green living, and natural parenting. Leaders in their fields, such as Robyn O'Brien, Dr. Shefali Tasbary, Dr. Laura Markham, Jeffrey Smith, Elizabeth Pantely, Chef Ann Cooper, Naomi Aldort, Sally Fallon Morell, Andrea Beaman, Barbara Loe Fisher, Kim John Payne, Dr. Lawrence Rosen, and more, challenged us to think deeply, live intentionally, and make meaningful change.

Our magazine, the Wise Mom, and our blogs became a cherished resource for parents navigating the joys and challenges of holistic living. With articles like “Nature Deficit Disorder”, "The Rights of Nursing Moms", "How Clean is Too Clean", "Being Heard", and so many more, we empowered families with knowledge and inspired them with stories of courage, resilience, and connection.

Our annual fundraising auction that started off as a silent auction in person until the number of items donated couldn't be transported by our tiny team to each annual conference and then became an online auction, running for a total of 16 years.

Social media initiatives, such as our popular Twitter parties, including 'The World's Biggest Breastfeeding Twitter Party' for several years running, our Holistic Living Month initiative, Facebook Live events, and more, that helped us reach members across the country and beyond, connecting parents and amplifying the HMN mission online.

And we accomplished all this with a small but mighty team. Fueled by passion, dedication, and the tireless efforts of our volunteer community organizers, staff, and supporters, we proved that big dreams can have a profound impact.

As this chapter closes, we carry forward the memories of what we built together. Holistic Moms Network has always been more than a nonprofit; it has been a movement that transformed lives, sparked lifelong friendships, and inspired countless families to live holistically.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this journey possible: to our chapter community organizers, members, donors, and partners, thank you for believing in our mission and for giving your time and energy to bring it to life. To Nancy Peplinsky, thank you for planting the seeds that grew into this extraordinary community.

While the Holistic Moms Network is sunsetting, its spirit will live on. The knowledge, connections, and values we’ve shared will continue to guide and inspire new chapters in our lives.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.

A Note from our Founder

In 2001 I was a new mom, forging a path for raising my son holistically while struggling with an overwhelming sense of loneliness and a lack of belonging because of my choices. I was lucky enough to find a local tribe of like-minded moms and to experience the amazing feeling of connection and support which both emboldened me and humbled me as I uncovered a diverse

community filled with wisdom and variety.

If I could have chosen a role in my life that would have deeply fulfilled my personal passions for empowering individuals to make educated choices; building community for support and learning; connecting families in their local neighborhoods; and helping individuals to find paths to healing, physically, emotionally, and mentally, I no doubt would have chosen Holistic Moms. And yet, it’s as if the creation of HMN chose

me instead. I felt called to expand our small community to others and have been so honored to have seen the vision come into fruition and thrive for more than 20 years.

I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to fulfill my passions and goals and to have worked with, met, and connected with so many of you over the years. I truly hope the HMN community will continue to positively impact parents everywhere to create change for a better future for all of us.

Always remember that local communities and being connected are the very fabric of our society and are powerful beyond imagination.

Thank you all for filling my heart and soul with the joy and vibrance of HMN!

- Nancy Peplinsky, Founder

A Note from our Executive Director

As I reflect on the Holistic Moms Network’s impact, I am struck by the profound effect this community has had—not just on so many families—but on my own mothering journey. When I first became a mother, I sought connection, understanding, and a way to parent that truly felt aligned with my values. HMN gave me all of that and more.

Through HMN, I found a community of like-minded parents who understood the joys and struggles of raising children with intention and mindfulness. I discovered a space where I could be my authentic self—a place where questions were welcomed, different perspectives respected, and support unwavering.

HMN empowered me to trust my instincts, to embrace natural parenting, and to feel confident in creating the kind of family environment I dreamed of. It inspired me to explore new ideas, make informed choices, and celebrate the small victories that come with raising children holistically.

But beyond the personal transformation, what stands out most is the community we built together. HMN taught me that we’re not meant to do this alone—that it’s through sharing our stories, leaning on one another, and learning together that we find the strength and clarity to be the parents our children need.

As Executive Director, it has been my privilege to carry forward the mission of this incredible organization. But the truth is, HMN has given me far more than I could ever give back. It’s shaped the way I parent, the way I connect, and the way I live. For that, I will forever be grateful.

- Andria Somers, Executive Director

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to just a few of the many incredible individuals who have been integral to HMN over the years. This list is by no means complete—I know there are countless amazing people who contributed to our community, many of whom I’ve had the privilege to connect with, and many whose contributions came before my time with HMN began in 2012. To each and every one of you, whether named or not, please know how deeply grateful we are for your dedication, passion, and support in shaping this extraordinary community.

In health,

Andria Somers

Thank you....Nancy Peplinsky, Jen Oh, Lisa Lennon, Gretchen Whitcomb, Linda Guiberson, Aimee Wood, Lisa Smith, Karen Armas Landau, Parvathi Kumar, Emma Catarino, Mayim Bialik, Stacy Dimitrova, Julie Wagner, Lauren Swern, Erin Taylor-Smith, Bre Jelsma, Nina De Santo, Maegan Dougherty, Hannah L., Peggy O'Mara, Dana Ullman, Melissa Machado (who was the first person who welcomed me when I walked into my first HMN gathering - I miss you beautiful mama, RIP), Sergio Scabuzzo, Joe Chellman, Giovanna, Staceyann S., Jen C., Kimberly Whittle, everyone from the original group of moms that sought out the power of community, everyone who was a volunteer chapter mentor, every single community organizer that chose to launch a chapter or step up to take over for another volunteer, everyone who believed in our mission and purpose and took the step to become a donating member, including those members that continued to renew year after year, every volunteer speaker, our board, every individual donor, auction donor, and national and local sponsor, and all who attended an HMN gathering, event, workshop, or conference....with gratitude.

"So much gratitude for this group being there for me and my daughter, and for the opportunity to be one of the caretakers and community organizers for our chapter. Thank you to all who began, continues, and served and co-created this powerful, meaningful collective."

-Angela

"I have been part of this chapter for 14 years. I understand things have to shift and change as time goes on. I'm so grateful for this AMAZING group that I've been a community organizer of and part of for 1/3 of my life."

-Amanda

"I have been a part of the local HMN since my teen was a baby. This group is so special to have IRL and the virtual local group to stay connected."

-Juliet

"I want to thank you for all of the support you’ve given my family. It’s invaluable."

-Mayim

"HMN has made me a better mother. This amazing organization has given me the support and strength to parent in a way that felt more in tune and natural for me and helped me find forever friends. The amount of families that have benefited from your hard work is innumerable. Thank you so much for all you do!"

-Jen

"I know many have put their heart and soul into the organization. It was really a pioneer in the wellness movement for mothers."

-Deborah

"HMN - the very best of the best. Forever my favorite moms. Thank you for everything to all the staff."

-Jackie

"When mothers come together our souls sing."

-Nancy Peplinsky