About NJ Mom®
NJ Mom® Is The Ultimate Resource For New Jersey Moms
At NJ Mom®, we get it – parenting is a wild ride! Whether you’re a new mom with an infant or a seasoned one with three kids, finding resources and places around NJ can be overwhelming. But rest assured, we’re here to make your NJ Mom® life a breeze.
Whether hunting for the coolest kid-friendly spots to hang out at, knowing where to find the best things to do each weekend, planning a shore vacay, or scoping out where to have your kid’s next birthday party, we’ve got a guide to planning your mom-life, no sweat (even leaving room for some me-time).
Click around and discover the best local attractions, events, and resources for NJ Moms and their families. And get ready—you’re about to embark on a more fun, easygoing parenting journey with NJ Mom® by your side.
Christine Flanz
Founder and CEO
I’m a seasoned entrepreneur who began my career in global marketing. In 2013, I launched NJ Mom to create a supportive space where NJ moms could connect at in-person events and find curated content online about raising a family and self-care.
KIDS: 2
NJ TOWNS LIVED IN: 10
FAVORITE NJ SPOT: Cape May (where I got married!)
FAMILY FUN: Exploring nature at Grounds for Sculpture
BEST PART OF NJ FAMILY LIFE: Having my kids grow up on the Jersey Shore
CHARITY LOVE: Moms Helping Moms—an organization supporting NJ moms with diapers, formula, and more
ME-TIME FAV: SOJO Spa or a getaway to Ocean Casino Resort in AC
Lisa
Lee
Managing Editor
I’m a writer and editor whose work has appeared in print and online for lifestyle publications and sites, including GLAMOUR, Self, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Day, O The Oprah Magazine, NY Post, Brit + Co, Allure, and Prevention.
KIDS: 1
NJ TOWNS LIVED IN: 4
FAVORITE NJ SPOT: Far Hills horse country
FAMILY FUN: Taking a hike in South Mountain Reservation
BEST PART OF NJ FAMILY LIFE: That I can be in NYC in under an hour and seeing real history that dates back to the Revolutionary War
CHARITY LOVE: Mane Stream in Oldwick which pairs kids and adults with disabilities with horses, providing therapy and adaptive riding lessons
ME-TIME FAV: The Mall at Short Hills
Melanie Bodner
Assistant Editor
I started as a newspaper reporter, taught Language Arts and Dance in NJ public schools, and now I enjoy writing about places to visit in NJ.
KIDS: 3
NJ TOWNS LIVED IN: 4
FAVORITE NJ SPOT: Princeton
FAMILY FUN: Exploring a NJ downtown
BEST PART OF NJ FAMILY LIFE: We have all 4 seasons, and one day, we can be on the beach, and the next, we can be hiking in the mountains
CHARITY LOVE: American Heart Association and the Philly Spin-In – supporting big and little hearts ❤️
ME-TIME FAV: Mixing up Jersey Shore beach locations to take early morning walks
Karen Liszewski
Editorial Assitant
With a degree in Journalism, I have been writing for 10+ years and love writing about all things NJ.
KIDS: 1
NJ TOWNS LIVED IN: 4
FAVORITE NJ SPOT: Spring Lake
FAMILY FUN: Exploring the shore towns and finding new restaurants
BEST PART OF NJ FAMILY LIFE: Living so close to the beach, the city, and other fun places, there is always something to do
CHARITY LOVE: LADACIN Network – A school, group homes, and programs for adults and children with disabilities
ME-TIME FAV: Reading with a cup of coffee from Driftwood Coffee in Spring Lake
Tatiana Fulmer
Tatiana grew up in the Sourlands and now resides in Monmouth County. She wants her children to always know that home is like a good book, you never read it the same way twice, so always be curious and seek out the newness in your surroundings. When she is not working and creating. Tatiana enjoys exploring small towns, hiking, and volunteering for local organizations, creating more inclusive and accessible spaces for all.
KIDS: 2 boys
NJ TOWNS LIVED IN: 6
FAVORITE NJ SPOT: A close tie between the Sourland Mountains and Sandy Hook
FAMILY FUN: Anywhere in nature
BEST PART OF NJ FAMILY LIFE: The historical significance of NJ is pretty amazing, and I love that we can get lost in the wilderness and be in the middle of a cultural hub all in the same day
CHARITY LOVE: A couple of organizations close to my heart are the Sourland Stoutsburg African American Museum and formerly Women’s Space Younity, whose mission is to prevent abuse, protect families, and change lives through empowerment and a safety net of supportive services
ME-TIME FAV: Dancing in the kitchen to my favorite songs on full volume or doing yoga to an empowering podcast
Marisa
Brahney
I’m an Emmy-winning TV host and lifestyle contributor who’s spent 20+ years in the business, first as a news anchor and reporter around the country and now as a host and lifestyle contributor regularly seen on QVC, Inside Edition, EXTRA, and more.
KIDS: 3 in my arms and 1 in heaven and my heart
NJ TOWNS LIVED IN: 5
FAVORITE NJ SPOT: The shore, where I’m originally from!
FAMILY FUN: Beach day at Sea Girt, hit the Parker House raw bar for steamers and sliders for lunch, then out for dinner somewhere on the water and a Hoffman’s shake for dessert
BEST PART OF NJ FAMILY LIFE: The proximity to SO much- the beach, NYC, the mountains, Philly—there are so many exciting and fun places to explore.
CHARITY LOVE: The TEARS Foundation, which helps families who’ve lost their babies.
ME-TIME FAV: A power walk with a friend and a latte at Black Drop Coffee in Scotch Plains, followed by a killer mani-pedi at Elegance Nails.
A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER
Dear NJ Mom® Community,
When I founded NJ Mom® in 2013, my vision was simple: to create a space where moms across New Jersey could feel supported, inspired, and connected. As a mom myself, I know how rewarding and challenging this journey can be. It’s a role that comes with endless questions, joyful moments, and a desire to provide the very best for our families. I wanted NJ Mom® to be a place where you could turn for answers, ideas, and encouragement, no matter what stage of motherhood you’re in.
Over the years, NJ Mom® has grown into a vibrant community that celebrates the beauty of motherhood while recognizing the unique experiences we all bring to the table. From uncovering the best local adventures to uplifting stories that make us laugh or cry, our mission has always been to be your trusted guide and biggest cheerleader.
I’m proud of what NJ Mom® has become, a community built by moms, for moms. Every article we write, every recommendation we make, and every event we highlight is thoughtfully chosen with you in mind. Whether you’re a first-time mom, a seasoned parent, or simply looking for ways to create memorable moments with your family, I hope NJ Mom® is a resource that makes your journey a little easier and a lot more joyful.
Thank you for letting us be part of your story. I’m excited to continue growing with you and celebrating the incredible moms who make New Jersey so special.
With gratitude,
