By Eric Hernandez
Military Outreach Director, First Coast YMCA
www.firstcoastymca.com

Programs to Serve


At the First Coast YMCA, we pride ourselves on having our finger on the pulse of what’s going on in our communities. We have more than a dozen locations in five counties throughout our association, and while a lot of the programming is similar at many of our branches, there are unique offerings at each Y based on the needs of the people who live nearby.  We want to make sure we’re empowering people to live their best lives, and throughout May - and the entire year - there’s one population in particular that we always want to make sure we honor properly.


Chances are if you’ve been in Northeast Florida long enough, you or someone you know has served in the military, especially with several military installations being located here. Florida has one of the highest military populations in the country, and more and more people, including those who serve or have served, are moving to our neighborhoods. That can be a difficult process, as active-duty military members are constantly forced to learn a new area. The First Coast YMCA is here to help, though, as we have the honor of being an Armed Services YMCA affiliate, which means we have specific programming dedicated to active-duty military and veterans. It’s so important to have a welcoming environment and central community resource for military families and veterans, as they sacrifice so much for our country.


Operation Hero Specialty Camp


The moving process can be particularly hard on children of active-duty military members as they have to constantly make new friends and learn their way around new schools. That’s why we have our Operation Hero Specialty Camp, which we’re offering at our Nocatee location. The program is only $25 for a one-week program for active-duty military children in 1st – 6th grade. It’s designed to help them cope and adjust to the unique challenges of military life, such as frequent moves and deployment separation. It is facilitated by trained professionals to create a fun and safe environment for children to express their feelings, receive academic and emotional health support, and connect with peers experiencing the same challenges.


Maintaining that family bond is vital for military families, and we see so many of them come together at our Camp Immokalee in Keystone Heights. We offer discounts of up to 40% for overnight and 30% for day camp for families of up to E6 active-duty service members and additional discounts for veterans plus discounts on our before and after school programming.


Operation Strong & Ready


We also know that for many active-duty military and veterans, physical fitness is a crucial part of daily life, and we want to make sure we’re helping them maintain an active lifestyle. That’s why we have Operation Strong & Ready, which we’re offering at our Flagler Health Village location. Just like with Operation Hero, Operation Strong & Ready is run by certified professionals who assist not only in physical fitness exercises but also in nutritional guidance, as well as mental health resources. Having a sense of camaraderie is fundamental to being in the military, and Operation Strong & Ready helps facilitate that by connecting active-duty military and veterans in an encouraging group setting.


While May is Military Appreciation Month, we want anyone who is serving or has served to know that they and their families are always welcome at the First Coast YMCA, and we appreciate them every day of the year. If that’s you, or you know someone who may be interested in learning more about what we offer the military community, please reach out to your local branch or visit us online at fcymca.org/military-outreach. To those who have served and their families, from all of us at the First Coast YMCA, thank you for your service.

At just 30, Taylor Berkowitz is redefining what it means to be a modern mother and entrepreneur. A mom of three—Viv, 7, Brody, 6, and Easton, 4—Taylor is the powerhouse behind St. Johns Moms, a thriving community of over 20,000 women, and The Bar Societé , a dynamic network of local female business owners. With her blend of authenticity, vision, and fearless entrepreneurship, Taylor is helping to transform what it means to be a working mom today.

From Coast to Coast:
The Spark of an Idea
Originally from Long Island, Taylor’s journey began when she and her husband Robbie, a Veteran, and a Lieutenant Commander Naval Flight Officer (NFO) who after 11 years, recently went into the reserves, relocated to Washington state. With two young children and no local support system, Taylor experienced firsthand how isolating motherhood could feel. When the family moved again—this time settling in Rivertown—Taylor was determined to build the community she once lacked.


Starting a career in real estate, Taylor needed local resources for her family—everything from pediatricians to play spaces. She created a personal local guide for her clients, but the idea quickly took off. Moms across the area were eager for the same kind of curated, trustworthy recommendations and connections. St. Johns Moms was born.


From Guide to Movement
As the group expanded, Taylor began hosting monthly networking events and soon launched The Bar Societé, a vibrant professional collective for women entrepreneurs in the area. The idea, she says, evolved naturally from a desire to bring women together in ways that were meaningful and empowering. St. Johns Moms is also a platform for giving back. Whether through supporting local charities, or spotlighting small businesses, the community she’s built is rooted in kindness, service, and showing up for one another.


Today, St. Johns Moms has over 20,000 members and The Bar Societé includes more than 170 female business owners. In time, Taylor transitioned fully out of real estate to focus on her mission-driven businesses.


Balancing Business and Motherhood
When it comes to balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, Taylor is refreshingly honest: “There truly is no perfect balance,” she says. “You have to give more attention to one or the other at different times. That’s the real trick.” Whether she’s serving as class mom or on the sidelines at soccer, she prioritizes being fully present—and when she’s in work mode, she’s all in.


Her best advice for moms dreaming of launching their own venture? “Just start. Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Learn along the way.”


Tech, Motherhood & Staying Real
Taylor and her communities talk often about technology’s role in modern motherhood. "Tech lets us take calls from the car line, run businesses from our phones while cooking dinner, and schedule posts during nap time," she says. "But I’m big on authenticity—it’s important to not let technology take over.”


Mom Life, Business Wins & Beyoncé
Taylor’s leadership is rooted in community, but her “mom superpower” is the ability to build it—fast. “We can plan events, support local businesses, connect thousands of women, and still remember who has soccer today,” she laughs. Her anthem? Beyoncé’s Run the World (Girls)—naturally.


Taylor leads by example, even inspiring her own children to explore entrepreneurship. Her daughter Vivi makes bracelets, and all three kids launched a hot cocoa stand last winter, learning about budgeting, reinvestment, and profit. Taylor and her husband, who is a constant support behind the scenes, even helped them map out business expenses. He has since started his own community group, St. Johns Dads.

Mother's Day:
For Mother’s Day, she plans to keep it simple: breakfast out and beach time with the kids. And if she ever hires her children, they’ll be in charge of swag bags—they’re naturals.

Jone’t “Jo” Tirado, owner of Mane & Co Salon and Beauty Bar in Nocatee, is a woman on a mission—to live with intention, lead with heart, and set an inspiring example for her daughter, Alba, 11. As a devoted mother, Jone’t says motherhood has shaped her into a more accountable, grounded, and compassionate version of herself. Protecting and nurturing her daughter’s growth is her greatest calling—and the inspiration behind her journey as an entrepreneur.


Jo’s path to owning her own salon wasn’t linear. She spent years in a high-pressure corporate finance role before stepping away to care for her mother, a beloved teacher, during her final illness. After her passing, returning to the traditional 9-to-5 world no longer aligned with the life Jo envisioned. She craved something more meaningful—something that allowed space for creativity, flexibility, and purpose.


Having earned her license through Aveda, Jo took a job at a salon and found joy in connecting with clients and the artistry of beauty. More importantly, it gave her time to be present for Alba, a young dancer. The idea of owning her own salon began to take shape, but fear held her back. After deep reflection and counsel from her best friend she was able to shift her mindset—releasing self-doubt and embracing faith—that the opportunity aligned perfectly. A beautiful space became available, and with courage and clarity, she launched Mane & Co.


Within the first month, she exceeded every expectation. Today, her business is thriving, grounded in a mission of people over profits and guided by her mom superpower: self-reflection and deep empathy. “I want my clients to feel seen, cared for, and connected,” she says.

Jo finds inspiration through empowering podcasts like Debbie Neal’s Level Up, The Goal Digger, and Mel Robbins. Her favorite way to recharge is beach time or a relaxing spa day—especially on Mother’s Day. And while she’s fiercely dedicated to her business and motherhood, she’s also embracing new beginnings, including stepping into the dating world.


As a woman, mother, and business owner, Jone’t Tirado is proof that when you lead with purpose and listen to your heart, anything is possible.

Lauren Wade, founder of Kids Can Code in Nocatee and proud mom of two — Tate (6) and Dutton (2) — is proof that following your passion - and your instincts can lead to something incredible. A native of Charlotte, NC, Lauren has called St. Johns home since 2001 and is a graduate of UNF. Before launching her business, she was a beloved elementary school teacher, even voted one of the top five teachers in St. Johns County.


Everything changed when she became a mom to her son, Tate. Lauren realized she wanted more time, flexibility, and a chance to build something meaningful — both for her family and her community. A natural techie with a love for figuring things out, she combined her passion for technology with her teaching superpowers and took a leap of faith. Kids Can Code was created.


Starting in 2017 with after-school clubs in local schools, Lauren quickly saw the impact coding could have on kids — even those who struggled in traditional academic environments. “Coding is like learning to read,” she says. “It opens up a new way of thinking.” By 2019, she was all in — running programs at 21 schools, local YMCAs, and even partnering with the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council.


When it comes to balancing motherhood and being an entrepreneur, her philosophy is simple. “Be wherever you are, 100%.” Whether it’s business or bedtime stories, Lauren is intentional about creating balance. She reserves weekends for family, cherishes key connection times with Tate  and Dutton, and leans into her faith as her foundation.


Lauren credits her mom as one of her biggest inspirations and acknowledges the power of modern mom resources — from online communities to coffee-fueled problem-solving sessions with other entrepreneurial moms. She’s a big believer in setting boundaries, surrounding yourself with positive people, and never forgetting to dance — literally. A spontaneous dancer and lover of upbeat playlists, Lauren’s go-to song is “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED, and her ideal Mother’s Day? Floating by the pool.


Behind the scenes is her husband, Scott — a retired Navy Veteran and the quiet force who keeps Kids Can Code running smoothly, from packing up robots to plugging in devices.
She says both her kids are quite sassy! Her son Tate, with his big energy, may just be headed for a future in PR. For now, he and Dutton are the inspiration behind everything she does — and the reason Lauren shows up every day with purpose, passion, and maybe a dance move or two.

Desireé Parsley, owner of Parsley Manor Events and mom of two—Hudson (4) and Brooks (2)—is the perfect example of how passion, creativity, and courage can lead to a life of purpose and joy.


After a career in the corporate healthcare world, Desireé  felt the pull to slow down and realign her work with her values. Following the birth of her first son, she knew she wanted more time with him and a life that allowed her to be fully present—not just at home, but in her heart. What started as a part-time passion for weddings and event planning eventually blossomed into a full-time business during the early days of COVID. With encouragement from her family, she took the leap and officially went full-time with Parsley Manor Events in June 2021.


Today, Desireé runs a thriving business that plans and designs private, community, and corporate events, while also offering in-house printing and embroidery. While she’s stepped back from weddings, she’s embraced other creative avenues that bring her joy and allow her to stay connected to the community she loves.
“Figure out what you love to do so you wont get burned out,” she says. That mindset has allowed her to balance motherhood with entrepreneurship in a way that feels authentic and deeply fulfilling. These days, she spends about 90% of her time with her children, and she’s grateful that owning her business gives her the flexibility and freedom to do so.


Desireé also believes strongly in the power of women supporting women. She’s the co-founder of Elevate Her, a biannual women’s conference designed to foster connection, authenticity, and support among local women. “It’s a space where we can be real, be transparent, and show up for each other,” she shares.


One of Desireé’s many “Mom Superpowers” is her ability to use her connections to create magical moments for her family. Whether it’s an Easter celebration at a local country club or a cozy community event, she finds ways to bring her kids into her world—and make it fun for everyone.


Originally from Arizona and a longtime Atlanta resident, Desireé now calls St. Johns home. When she’s not planning events or designing custom branding items, you’ll likely find her listening to one of her favorite podcasts—The Southern Tea or The Bert Show—which keep her inspired and grounded.


This Mother’s Day (which also happens to be her birthday weekend!), Desireé plans to relax and enjoy time with her husband, Brandon Parsley, and their two boys. She’s hoping for a little pampering—and a lot of love.

Six years ago, Andrea Vallencourt and her new husband Daniel were strolling through the small town of Green Cove Springs when they stumbled upon a forgotten piece of local history: The Clay Theatre. Originally built in 1937, the once-grand building had fallen into disrepair. But where others saw decay, Andrea saw potential. With no experience in events or venue management, she dove headfirst into restoring the iconic space—learning everything she could from modern caterers, photographers, and venue owners with fresh perspectives. Today, Clay Theatre is one of Northeast Florida’s most sought-after wedding and event venues, hosting more than 80 weddings and events each year. Its charm, elegance, and thoughtful design reflect Andrea’s vision, passion, and willingness to carve her own path—her own way.


In 2024, Andrea added a new title to her résumé: Mom. With the arrival of her son Colson, now 10 months old, she’s found herself navigating the ever-shifting balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship. Her secret? “Delegation, boundaries, and support,” she says. Andrea credits her success to a strong support system that includes her husband, a behind the scenes business partner, a trusted nanny, and her all-star team of working moms.
She’s learned to compartmentalize, creating structure around her days. “When I’m with Colson, I’m 100% with him,” Andrea shares. Tech tools help her streamline, and she’s created systems that keep her thriving both at home and in business but she is old school when it comes to face-to-face connections and still loves to go to the office.


Andrea is quick to encourage other women to go after their dreams: “Don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you—go for it and put your own stamp on it. Women are amazing and can do anything!”


This Mother’s Day, Andrea plans to keep the family tradition alive with brunch at the country club. Her go-to mom fuel? A double shot of espresso from her beloved Nespresso machine, and her favorite way to stay inspired during busy days: podcasts—especially ones focused on the wedding industry.


With grace, grit, and a latte in hand, Andrea Vallencourt continues to lead Clay Theatre with the same heart and vision that first saw beauty in an old building—and turned it into something unforgettable.

For Erin Lynn, founder of RiverHome Co., business and motherhood aren’t two separate roles—they’re part of the same, beautifully woven life. Her clean-living brand, known for non-toxic soy candles and best-selling laundry soap, was born from a deeply personal mission: to create a safer, more intentional home for her family.


The idea struck during a trip to Waco, Texas, where Erin found herself walking through Magnolia Market. Inspired by its beauty, simplicity, and purpose, she came home with a vision to build something equally meaningful—something that honored her creativity, supported her family, and allowed her to be present for the moments that matter most. That spark grew into RiverHome Co., a brand now filling homes across the country with elevated essentials crafted with care.


Every product is hand-poured or blended in small batches using clean, high-quality ingredients. But more than that, Erin says, it’s about helping families feel at peace in their spaces. “Hearing from another woman who says, ‘Thank you for making this easier’—that’s everything,” she shares. Whether it’s a clean swap in the laundry room or a calming candle ritual, RiverHome Co. is about daily rituals that feel both safe and special.


Erin is honest about the challenges of juggling entrepreneurship and motherhood. “I don’t believe perfect balance exists—and I’ve made peace with that,” she says. Some days, the business takes priority; on others, it’s her kids. But because RiverHome Co. was built with family at the center, the two often overlap in meaningful ways. “I’m not juggling two separate lives—I’m building one that supports both.”


Technology has played a key role in helping Erin find that rhythm. From online orders to marketing, tech gives her flexibility—but she’s also learned when to step back and delegate. “Growth doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful,” she reminds herself. “It’s okay to move at the pace of your season.”


As for Mother’s Day? Erin keeps it simple with time outdoors and a picnic with her family. Her favorite “mom fuel” is her trusty Nespresso machine, and she credits her calm multitasking skills as her superpower—though she laughs, “Some days are better than others!”


Her motto these days? Progress, not perfection. And when it comes to balancing everything, she reminds herself that Jesus doesn’t desire perfection—He desires her heart. It’s a reflection of her journey as a founder and a mom—rooted in grace, faith, and the power of women supporting women. She values when friends offer advice, laughs, and encouragement when she needs it most.


Through RiverHome Co., Erin Lynn is doing more than selling clean products—she’s creating space for families to live well, love deeply, and feel at home.

This Memorial Day, we shine a light on the bravery, resilience, and unwavering dedication of local veteran Tony Capozzi, a man whose life reflects the spirit of patriotism and the enduring strength of family. His journey—from West Point cadet to commissioned Army officer, from active duty to devoted husband and father—serves as an inspiring reminder of what it means to live a life of service.


Tony’s path to the military began not just with a sense of duty, but with a passion for baseball. He earned a scholarship to the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, where he spent four years as a student-athlete, pushing himself both academically and athletically. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, prepared to lead and serve with purpose. But beyond the opportunity, Tony’s deeper motivation was rooted in a moment that changed the course of American history: the September 11th attacks. Moved by the events of that day, he felt a calling to join the fight against the Taliban and protect the freedoms we hold dear.

​His years of service took Tony and his wife on a journey across the United States—Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, Kansas, and Colorado—experiencing new communities, meeting fellow service members, and growing stronger together with every move. Colorado, in particular, became a favorite, offering breathtaking hikes and small-town charm that they fully embraced. For Tony, each assignment was more than just a location—it was a chapter in a life shaped by discipline, challenge, and perseverance.


Tony shares that his time in the Army gave him one of life’s most valuable lessons: resilience. “Failure is never fun, but it is the best teacher,” he reflects. His military training helped him embrace risks and adapt to uncertainty—traits that continue to shape both his personal and professional life today.


Now back home, Tony finds peace in the simple pleasures—grilling in the backyard, relaxing with his family, and spending sun-soaked days at the beach. Yet, his role as a leader continues in quieter but equally meaningful ways. Whether mentoring others or just offering support to fellow veterans, his commitment to community remains strong.


To young people considering military service, Tony offers heartfelt advice: say yes to opportunities, even if they feel daunting. “If you fall short, stick with it, get better, and try again,” he says. And for those who are married or planning to be, he reminds them that military life is a shared journey. “It’s a family decision,” he notes, underscoring the importance of mutual support and open communication when facing the unique challenges of service life.


As we reflect on Memorial Day, Tony Capozzi’s story stands as a tribute to all who serve and sacrifice. He reminds us that true leadership is found in humility, courage, and the willingness to keep moving forward—both in and out of uniform. Today, we thank Tony and all veterans for their dedication, their bravery, and the legacy they leave behind.

At just 13 years old, Sofia Sanchez, a student at Freedom Crossing Academy in St. Johns, is making waves in the dance world. Sofia is currently a top semi-finalist and on the verge of entering the finals in Ciara’s dance competition, which will conclude on March 27. If she advances, she’ll compete in the final round ending April 3. Should she make it through, she’ll be flown to Phoenix to perform live for a chance to be featured in Ciara’s music video. Supporters can vote by checking her Instagram @sofiperformer for the latest updates and voting details before April 3.


When Sofia steps onto the dance floor, she captivates audiences with her magnetic presence, fluid movements, and undeniable skill. Her passion for dance is evident in every performance, and it’s clear that she is destined for greatness.


Sofia began dancing when she was just 6 years old in Texas at Revolution Dance Center. Today she trains and dances at Britney Boyd Dance Company in Jacksonville, a pre-professional dance program for future artists pursuing a career in dance professionally. This program is run by the amazing Owner/Director, Britney Barber, and her amazing staff of versatile choreographers.
Sofia was selected as a ProReveler for the 2024/2025 season through the REVEL Dance Convention, where she assists choreographers in teaching classes of 300-500+ students. She is currently on tour with them in select cities—follow her on Instagram @sofiperformer for updates.


She also trains at the CLI Conservatory in Southampton, MA, during the summer under Creative Director Teddy Forance, alongside world-renowned choreographers. Her solo this year, a contemporary fusion and musical theatre piece, was choreographed by Liliana de la Mata, a former Britney Boyd Dance Company alum now training at CLI. The dance tells the story of a mysterious French lady, allowing Sofia to showcase her professional artistry. While this style pushes her out of her comfort zone, her stage presence makes it look effortless.


Sofia excels in all dance styles, including jazz, jazz funk, fusion, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, and ballet. She competes in multiple styles throughout the season with her team. Each season, she chooses a different solo to challenge herself.


At her level, Sofia trains under multiple professional mentors and dedicates 25-40 hours per week to dance, balancing daily training, competitions, and assisting on tour. Her work ethic, discipline, and passion set her apart—she is an athlete in the dance world, training with the intensity of an Olympian.


Because she is versatile in dance and as an artist. Her goal is to do everything in the industry as a dancer, acting/TV, judging, modeling, singing, and choreographing in the artist industry


Despite the competitive nature of dance, Sofia has learned not to compare herself to others. With the guidance of her coach and the unwavering support of her mom, she focuses on what she loves most—dancing. Her dedication, talent, and perseverance make her an inspiration to both children and adults. Her maturity and understanding of the importance of mindset set her apart. She believes that growth comes from constantly pushing boundaries and stepping outside her comfort zone.


Her philosophy? “Trust yourself and never give up.” Faith plays a central role in Sofia’s life, and she keeps a journal to help her stay focused and process her journey. She also advises fellow dancers to “block out criticism as much as possible and just focus on yourself—kind of zone out from what others think.”


A true fashionista, Sofia has been accepted into the Fashion Program at Bartram Trail High School for the 2025/2026 school year. She also plans to stay active in theater while continuing to train and dance professionally—her greatest passion and first love.


With talent, determination, and a heart full of passion, Sofia is on the path to something extraordinary. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this rising star.