By Katie Moosbrugger
The common theme shared by the three moms featured today is passion. Each of these amazing ladies have a passion they’ve turned into something bigger, all while helping others. Whether they’re advancing the education and creativity of our children, or the success and betterment of other moms, today’s interviewees are making a difference in our communities.
I’m thrilled for you to meet April, Pamela and Chrissy! If you know of a local mom who is also making a difference in the lives of her family and community, please email me at Katie@TriadMomsOnMain.com. We’d love to profile her!
April Cagle
“If you have a passion and live for something, then go after it. Don’t wait!” That’s what April Cagle would tell anyone who asks for advice on starting their own business.
As the owner/creator of Posh Designs by April, an art studio that specializes in creating DIY door décor, April admits she wished she started her business years ago, but says life got in the way. She began wood working 19 years ago as a hobby, but when a friend posted a door hanger, she immediately thought, “Wow, that is super cute and I can do that!” Today her studio helps customers create monograms and seasonal door designs, and she just recently added children’s birthday parties to her studio’s offerings.
For birthday parties, the studio caters to the child’s specific interest or hobby when choosing themes. April says they are only limited to the imagination, and can even feature cake designs if that is what is preferred.
“The most rewarding part of my job is making my customers happy. I love to hear what a great night moms had all while painting, laughing, sipping wine, and then going home with useable and reusable door décor!”
A wife to Eric and mom to Ethan (16), Jenna (10) and Julianna (8), April says there are also challenging to being a full time mom and business owner. “When your daughter says, ‘You’re really making a difference’, then that makes knowing all the hard work my family and I have put in is really worth all the sacrifices we’ve made.”
A Triad resident for 16 years, April says she loves all the opportunities the Triad offers her kids. When she is not busy watching her children in sporting events, you can find April relaxing at the lake with her family – or not surprisingly – painting!
Pamela Lynette Horn
Childhood sweethearts since age 12, Pamela and her husband, Chet, are the proud parents of Ahnyae (18), Tytianna (16), and Naasia (13). Originally from New Jersey, Pamela has called the Triad home for 9 years and loves raising a family in North Carolina.
While in NJ, Pamela and her husband were successful beauty salon owners, but Pamela always had a passion for education. She enjoyed working with children and realized she had the ability to impact their lives and make a difference. This inspired her to pursue a teaching career – first in NJ – and now in the Triad. She started as a substitute teacher, but when she arrived in Greensboro, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Community and Justice Studies and Elementary Education at Guilford College.
Today, Pamela is a Lead Pre-K teacher at High Point Friend’s School. She also recently earned her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and graduated (to her amazement) with a 4.0 grade point average!
“Now that I have earned my master’s degree, I plan to pursue an administrative position that will allow me to have an even greater impact on the growth, development and success of all children,” she says.
Although it’s been a long and challenging road, Pamela credits her success and blessings to God, her supportive husband, as well as her three daughters, mother and sister who were always in her corner “cheering me on until I crossed the finish line.” She also thanks her many colleagues who helped her through the process as well.
Pamela says her family is always on the go, but whenever they are able to find some spare time, they use that time to be together as a family.
Chrissy Sergiacomi
A school counselor in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system for 15 years, Chrissy Sergiacomi is passionate about helping kids realize their college dreams. For years she worked as a high school counseling director where she encouraged students to learn more about themselves in order to make good college choices. At the time she worked with many first generation college students and their families, making that process particularly rewarding.
Combining her passion with her experience, Chrissy created College Prep Boot Camp, a half-day week-long summer program (July 17-21) for rising high school sophomores and juniors at Wake Forest Innovation Quarter. Designed as a fun way to get kids to take ownership of the college selection process, the boot camp will help students match schools with their personalities. The camp will also explore smart ways to choose high school and extracurricular activities, as well as cover topics like personal statements, letters of recommendation, stress management, college tours and interviews. Details on this camp can be found HERE.
“It’s my hope the camp will give students ownership over the whole college application process and help them feel confident moving forward,” says Chrissy. “I also hope it will allow parents to let go (just a little bit) and let their children to drive the process, while feeling good they have the skills they need to be successful.”
Chrissy and her husband, Al, have two children: Addison (4) and Anthony (6 months). A Triad resident for more than 20 years, Chrissy loves living in a smaller city that has the big city feel. “We have Division 1 college sports and minor league baseball. We can easily get to several Children’s Museums, Science Centers, and even the NC Zoo. And, on any given day we can choose to visit one of the great local parks and playgrounds. We are never at a loss for entertainment!”
