2022-23 Steering Team

Our steering team are all women from this group who volunteer their time, skills, and passion to bring Mom’s Morning Retreat to our community. Motherhood, sisterhood and connection are the foundation of our group.

Jen Suntrup – Chair

Hello BI momma’s and care providers! I’m Jen! Mom to two wonderful humans and two fur babies. Born and raised in the Boston area, I’m a lover of sports, great food, yoga, wellness and the outdoors. My husband and I relocated our family to beautiful Bainbridge Island from San Diego in December of 2019. We’ve fallen in love with the community here and couldn’t ask for a better place to raise our children. Parenting certainly takes a village and I’m so grateful to have found the amazing village and community that Mom’s Morning Retreat provides. As a member of the MMR steering committee, I look forward to getting to know you and welcoming you to our village!
Favorite quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou

Jenny Lange – Grace Liaison

When I moved to Bainbridge Island as a newlywed, I was ready to put down some roots. Twenty-five years later, I’m still delighted to be a part of this community! As a long-time member of both Mom’s Morning Retreat and Grace Church, it’s important to me that this group supports moms of all-age children, from babies through teens. My own kids are older teens, but the topics we discuss are as relevant to me today. Moms need each other for strength, for laughter, and for growth. In addition to my two kids and spouse, I have a dog, I love to sea kayak, and I’m committed to preserving the green spaces that make this a special place to live.

Heather Paar – Co-Registration

I moved to Bainbridge 4 years ago longing for a wilder place for her daughters to grow up. Pacific Northwest summers full of sunshine, tide pools, and feral children fill her heart with joy. My personal indulgence and sanity saver is flying trapeze, a sport she discovered at age 37 after becoming a mom to 3 girls. You are way more likely to find me hiking, walking my dog on a wooded trail, paddle boarding, jumping off a dock on a hot day, or riding a big rollercoaster, than doing laundry, which is unequivocally the worst chore. I am known to have committed many of the high offenses of mothering, such as cutting sandwiches into triangles instead of rectangles, and forcing children to go outside. I believe the real hero’s journey of mothering is in the staying, and not actually running away with the circus. You will find me at the registration table on Thursday mornings, eager to have my cup filled again by the moms who gather to share the journey.

Jennifer Rogers – Co-Registration

I am a mom of four (ages 9 to 17) and grateful to have found Mom’s Morning Retreat when I moved here seven years ago. MMR has been a warm and welcoming space for me to connect meaningfully with other moms, and I have learned valuable lessons from our amazing mentors. I look forward to each meeting and serving on the steering committee of MMR this year in registration.

JD Sumsky – Communications

Hello! This is my second year being a part of Mom’s Morning Retreat. I found about about the group from a friend and was blown away at my first meeting. I feel very grateful for the time I get to spend with all of the women in our group, it really is special. I am mom to two great daughters, and my husband and I have been married for 16 years. We moved to the island in 2019 and have never felt happier or more at home in any community. This year I will be sending out communications and posting about our group on social media to continue to spread the word about Mom’s Morning Retreat.

Annie Hodges – Finance

Mom’s Morning Retreat Finance and Childcare
Annie lives on Bainbridge Island with her husband, daughter (9), and West Highland terrier. Annie finds peace and renewal through nature, so you will often find her hiking, running, kayaking, or gardening outside. She is an avid traveler and enjoys exploring new cultures and landscapes with her family; she has a goal to see all seven continents. Annie is passionate about service and improving her community through volunteering with many local and national nonprofit. This former English teacher and professor, and current full-time stay- at-home mom, enjoys downtime with a great book, cup of coffee, and friends.

Open – Childcare Coordinator

Thao Weldy – Hospitality

Howdy! My name is Thao (pronounced like the Greek letter tau) and I’m a first generation American, born and raised in Texas. My parents are Vietnamese immigrants who never spoke of mental health until a few years ago when my father experienced a mental crisis. I have lived in Texas, California, Spain, and Norway, and moved to the island 3 years ago to be closer to my in-laws. As a non-profit executive and mother of a 2-year old (plus another on the way), Mom’s Morning Retreat is something I do for myself. I love this group and I feel so fortunate to have this community to support me on my own journey of motherhood.

Sarah Dykens – Outreach Coordinator

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