INTRODUCING THE MONTEVERDI COLLECTION

Member advocates from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Inspired by fighters like the Jones family.

While Marcie Jones focuses on her son, Chase, and aggressive leukemia treatments that routinely take him across the state, her member advocate personally oversees the claims paperwork and any out-of-network referrals. Marcie stays focused on Chase, and keeping him in remission.

Our cover story was written by Rebecca and photographed by Stacy, page 68.

Our Writers

are the voice of Area Woman Magazine. They bring to life the Fargo-Moorhead area and the incredible stories of the women we feature.

These are the talented contributors showcased in this issue. Learn more about these and our other contributors at areawomanmagazine.com

Rebecca Meidinger

Rebecca is a speaker, Bible teacher, writer, blogger and stay-at-home mom to four wild kids in south Fargo and wife to her awesome husband Paul. As a speaker and Bible teacher, it is Rebecca's joy to bring messages of hope, joy and freedom in Christ to groups of teens and adult women. As a blogger, Rebecca shares the reallife challenges of marriage and motherhood. Rebecca loves a hot cup of coffee, a cool morning run, and warm sunshine on her face. Learn more about Rebecca at rebeccameidinger.com.

STACY KENNEDY photographer

Stacy is a photographer that specializes in high school senior and commercial portraits. Her years in the fashion industry and behind a camera lens has gained her the reputation of creating images that stand out. Check out her portfolio at stacykennedy.com.

SUSAN A. STIBBE

Susan graduated from North Dakota State University with a major in English education and a minor in speech/ communication. She is a former teacher who served on the Northern Cass School Board, the North Dakota State Board of Education, and the North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education. Susan and her husband, Bill, live on their farm near Hunter, North Dakota. They have one grown daughter, Emily.

ROXANE B. SALONEN

Roxane, a wife and mother of five from Fargo, is an award-winning children's author, freelance writer and newspaper columnist.

Megan Bartholomay

A North Dakota native, Megan is a freelance writer and editor with an addiction to grammar, cats, wine and good food. She lives in downtown Fargo with her husband, Mike, and their bevy of fuzzy babies.

Lindsey Wagner

Lindsey is from Brainerd, Minnesota, and is a student at North Dakota State University. Her favorite past time is to sit down with a cup of coffee and read her favorite style blogs. Her happy place is anywhere on the water.

Lindsay Truax

Lindsay is the editor of the website Pink and Navy Stripes, a lifestyle and fashion blog. She loves to help others take the latest fashion trends and make them wearable. Lindsay and her husband have three little girls.

Kristy Olsgaard

Siri Freeh

Siri is a former Miss Minnesota, media personality, and current RN health coach at Sanford Health. She focuses on helping people living their best life possible and enjoys gourmet cooking, hot yoga, and the occasional (vegan) burger.

Kristy grew up in Buhl, Minnesota, and graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She spent 16 years in the banking industry. After moving to her husband Kevin’s family farm, she has had the privilege to be a stay-at-home mom, a title she is proud to wear. It has given her time to pursue a career in writing. With two sons, Nick and Tyler, the family keeps busy attending their activities. Their family spends time golfing, snow skiing and mowing a large yard.

The team of experts at Sanford Reproductive Medicine has been focused on making the dream of parenthood come true for couples for more than 20 years. Our success rates consistently rank higher than the national average. And with outreach and telehealth services, we can help couples throughout the region.

publisher

AREA WOMAN PUBLISHING, LLC editor in chief

JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN art director

MEGAN ELGIN proofing editor

JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS advertising

MIKE SHERMAN 701-306-5119

DEBBIE TROMBLEY 701-729-1910

JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN 701-306-1288 graphic design intern

HELENA NORRAW marketing intern

LINDSEY WAGNER photography

5FOOT20 DESIGN LOUNGE

ABBY ANDERSON

EXPRESSIONS BY ASHTON PHOTOGRAPHY

JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS

LINDSAY KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

MIKE SMITH

SCHERLING PHOTOGRAPHY

STACY KENNEDY

TRUE EXPRESSIONS, KELSEY BUCHHOLZ celebrating all things woman read it online issuu.com/areawoman find us areawomanmagazine.com