Meet the Voices behind the Western New Yorker Website

I think its time I sat down and had a chat with all of you! Right around this time last year I was heading to Buffalo Children’s hospital with my son. I have kept most of what I am about to share out of the Media light for several personal reasons. While I do believe in sharing there is still a line I draw when it comes to my son/family and our privacy. We had been experiencing times with him that I would not wish on anyone. He gets high fevers (104-105 degrees) struggles with being run down and at one point lost the ability to walk all together. While I LOVE my job, this time was especially trying because it is when I started my traveling. I felt like I was having to choose between work and my son. 

Just so you know I choose my son every time 😉. 

As his condition worsened I truly felt maybe I should give up my website and find a “normal” job. I was just at a breaking point. My business has taken off from when I first started. Companies have wanted to work with me that I never thought possible. BUT my home life was falling apart as my son got sicker and sicker. I stuck it out because I felt it gave me the freedom to take him to doctor appointments and I believed we would find out what was wrong. Working from home gave me the luxury that maybe I wouldn’t have had if I just gave up.

Fast forward to today, he is worlds better by the way but the stress of this wonderful business is still there. To be honest I have been wanting to hire some HELP for ages but was to scared. I’m not sure if it was not wanting to let control go of my website or what. Let’s face it we all need help. After talking with these lovely group of ladies each one encouraged me to take this leap! That’s right I took the plunge and “hired” some help!! These ladies are going to be a fun addition to this website! It has been such an answer to my lost prayers that even they do not realize the tremendous burden that has been lifted off my overloaded shoulders! They all offer new perspectives and experiences! I thought it only fitting to introduce them to you because you will be hearing from them rather soon!

I’m Liz, you probably already knew that if you have been here for a long time! I’m still one of the voices behind this website, I just will be focusing more on the travel & food side of things now! I started this website 5 years ago as sort of a butt end of a joke. Someone said I couldn’t make it in the industry. WRONG, here I am going strong!! And GROWING YIKES!! I want to prove the stigma wrong that writers and bloggers are a dying bread. While yes anyone can DO this, it’s not FOR everyone. I want to continue helping companies reach their targeted audience while publishing quality content! With these ladies I can finally focus on that.

Without further delay meet my new writers:

My name is Allison Slagle and I am thrilled to write for the ‘voices behind the Western New Yorker’. I was born and raised in Western NY, so you can certainly call me a ‘Western New Yorker’, as well ! I have two children (Chase and Leah) with my husband Patrick. My passions include photography, supporting small shops, and enjoying quality time with my family!

Hi I’m Ashley Kaczar a Mom of 3.  Before kids I was chasing the corporate dream at our local paper. Shaking hands, sealing contracts and enjoying life with my now husband. I also bring the passion for food after managing and owning restaurants. Now, I devote my time and energies to homeschooling my children. I have a strong passion for play, travel and all things kids. 

I’m Gretchen Kleinfelder, a mother of 3 beautiful girls. I was born and raised in WNY and happy to be invited to join Voices of the Western New Yorker. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with an Associates in Marketing & Management. Starting at the bottom I have worked my way up in the workforce from cleaning rooms to being an executive assistant to a CEO. Currently I am taking a break from the workforce to stay home and take care of my newborn. I enjoy spending time with my family from arts and crafts to outdoor adventures and road trips and participating with my girls in Girl Scouts and community service.

My name is Michaela Gaeta and I am so excited to be writing for the Western New Yorker. I have been with my husband Drew for 5 years and have 3 wonderful boys- Greyson, Harrison and Edison. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to stay home and be with my boys.  My favorite way to  spend my time is outside with my family playing, hiking and exploring new places. Some of my other interests include natural/clean living, plants, crafting, cooking and baking.

I’m Ashley Biekert, mother of two beautiful children and a resident in Western New York for my entire life. I am incredibly fortunate to currently be a stay at home mom so I can focus on raising and educating my little people while my husband financially supports our family. Motherhood is my passion. I hope to work in the birthing field when my children are no longer small so I can empower other mothers during one of the most life altering experience of their entire lives. I’m also a crunchy vegan health nut who always enjoys time outdoors basking in nature with those I love.

From the bottom of my heart Thank you! 

Thank you for welcoming these lovely ladies who will be helping me in so many ways behind the scenes. Trust me when I type words just do NOT do them justice. 

Thank you for taking this website and making it the successful business that it has become. 

Thank you for all the long hours of work traveling planes, trains and automobiles worth it. Not just for my family but all of the many families we have touched along the way!!