TMM 2026 Women in Business Guide!

We’re proud to introduce the Monmouth Moms 2026 Women in Business Guide.

This guide highlights a curated group of women-owned and women-led businesses across Monmouth County who are building meaningful work and shaping our local community. Behind each business is a woman with a story, a vision, and a lot of dedication that often goes unseen.

We’re excited to share these businesses with our community and to continue supporting the women who are creating, leading, and growing right here in Monmouth County.

Meet: Mackenzie DeLeon and Dana Bellavia

 Born and raised in Monmouth County, best friends Dana Bellavia and Mackenzie DeLeon have always been driven by purpose, community, and connection. Their friendship journey began in high school, continued through law school, and now includes raising their families together in Shark River Hills alongside their husbands. In 2025, they made a bold decision to launch their own law firm built on honesty and accessibility.

At DeLeon & Bellavia Law, Dana and Mackenzie help individuals and families navigate some of life’s toughest legal challenges while keeping it real. They represent clients relative to divorce, child custody, child support and visitation modifications, prenuptial agreements, relocation issues, guardianships, and domestic violence restraining order hearings. On the employment side, they assist employees and small businesses with workplace disputes, severance negotiations, employment policies and business agreements, and protections against wrongful treatment at work.

Dana has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch and as a Rising Star in Employment Law from 2018 through 2026, combining big-firm experience with a practical, client-focused approach. Mackenzie has earned multiple honors for her family law work, including 2024 Litigator of the Year by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers, Top 10 Family Law Attorney Under 40 from 2020 through 2024, Lawyers of Distinction recognition, and Super Lawyers Rising Star.

What sets Dana and Mackenzie apart is their refreshing approach: they don’t play games, they don’t purposely drive up bills, and they fight aggressively for their clients while staying approachable and supportive. Clients describe them as direct, trustworthy, and fearless — lawyers who tell you what you need to know and then get after it. Outside the office, they practice what they preach, prioritizing health, wellness, and family, while still delivering top-notch legal care to Monmouth County residents who want honest advocacy and real results.

Meet: Lisa Hillman

Exceptional Wellness Counseling is a women owned, locally rooted mental health practice serving families across Monmouth County, with offices in Shrewsbury and Manalapan, New Jersey. Founded in 2013 by CEO Lisa Hillman, the practice was created after Lisa saw firsthand how difficult it was for parents and families to access timely, quality mental health care without long waitlists. What began as a small private practice has grown into a trusted two location counseling group built on one simple belief: support should be available when you need it most.

Exceptional Wellness Counseling works with children as young as three, teens, adults, and many busy moms and parents who are juggling work, family, relationships, and their own well being. From anxiety and parenting stress to postpartum changes, school or social challenges, relationship concerns, and major life transitions, the team focuses on thoughtful therapist matching and evidence based care, because therapy is most effective when it feels personal, comfortable, and supportive.

The practice accepts most major insurance plans and offers both in person and virtual appointments, often with immediate availability.  A free fifteen minute consultation is also available so families can ask questions and feel confident taking the first step. At Exceptional Wellness Counseling, the belief is simple: when moms feel supported, families thrive, and no one has to do it all alone.

House of M.O.M. is a mompreneur social club for ambitious mothers who want to grow their businesses without sacrificing connection, presence, or joy. We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between showing up for your goals and showing up for your kids—so we create supportive, guilt-free spaces where both are welcome.

Our events are hosted in warm, welcoming environments such as local coffee shops, wellness studios, and mom-owned businesses. Designed for real connection and sustainable growth, gatherings often include child-friendly experiences and collaborations with local crafters and specialists—like occupational therapists and music therapists—so children are thoughtfully engaged while moms connect, collaborate, and build community.

House of M.O.M. stands for Mogul, Operator, Mompreneur, and our membership offers exclusive ongoing support through monthly virtual networking, monthly meetups, and educational workshops like TikTok 101 and AI for Moms. Members benefit from shared visibility, internal referral systems, and a culture that values self-care alongside ambition. We plan on holding two half-day retreats each year and opportunities to partner on extended retreats, wellness experiences, and deeper community offerings.

Meet Dr. Christina Piron, MD

MamaDoc NJ is a concierge style pediatric office owned and operated by Dr. Piron who is a board certified pediatrician. Dr. Piron opened the practice to offer an alternative to traditional practices in order to better serve her patients and their families. At MamaDoc NJ we prioritize building relationships with patients by offering direct communication and more face time with the pediatrician. This allows for more personalized and flexible care which leads to better health outcomes and eases the management of your child’s health care needs.

Dr. Piron provides comprehensive pediatric services including well visits, sick visits, age appropriate developmental and emotional screening. Depending on the concerns visits can be done in the office, via video chat or in the patient’s home. The practice also has a 4th trimester package option which provides exclusive home visits for the first 12 weeks after an infant is born to better support the maternal-child relationship during those early weeks.

Please visit www.mamadocnj.com to learn more about the practice and to schedule a complimentary virtual introductory call to discuss the practice and your family’s needs in more detail. Office address: 39 Ave at the Commons, Suite 200A, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702. Office phone number: 732-982-7729

Meet: Michelle Nadel

I founded Nadel Counseling, LLC back in 2020. It started out as a completely virtual solo psychotherapy practice during COVID when telehealth was permitted out of necessity for the rise in mental health issues. However, my dream of opening a private practice of my own was one I had since I was a senior in high school when I started thinking about my future. What I always knew from a young age was that I wanted to be a mother. That paved the way for me and allowed me to narrow down my options for a career that would truly provide me with the ability to prioritize motherhood; a career where I can help people and also make my own hours around my then future children’s schedules. I took an AP Psychology class that year and became immediately fascinated with the human psyche and behaviors. It was then I knew that I wanted to become a psychotherapist and there was no changing my mind.

Fast forward 10/15 years later, following post-graduate jobs in various mental health settings, I was working in Nashville at the time at an Intensive Outpatient Program specializing in OCD treatment. It was such a pivotal point for me as I supported so many people in healing from this disorder that I had been struggling with since I was a little kid too. I knew then that was the niche I wanted to follow. I worked so hard at honing in on my skill set and really becoming an expert in the area to become a more specialized provider. I trained and continue to engage in continuing education on ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy for OCD and anxiety disorders.

In 2024, just a month before my daughter was born, with maternity leave approaching, the fire I needed to grow my, then solo practice, was ignited.  I worked day and night throughout my pregnancy and postpartum days juggling motherhood and business owner responsibilities and have  spent the last 2 years simultaneously working nurturing my 2 passions. This has been no easy feat as I currently write this with my second baby just 4 weeks old. I have a thriving business and a wonderful team of clinicians at my practice all providing the treatment and care that I’ve always wanted to give back to the community. I needed a voice of encouragement and comfort when my mental health struggles got the best of my younger self. I now get to be that voice in addition to supervising others in using their voices to help people and am the proud owner of a specialized practice treating OCD and Anxiety Disorders in Monmouth County. We provide specialized care for kids, teens, and adults in our Shrewsbury office as well as virtually for clients 13+.  My metamorphosis into motherhood has been challenging and rewarding as I’m not just raising my two babies but working tirelessly on ensuring my other “baby”, Nadel Counseling, is doing okay too.

Meet: Brittany Winters

  

Meet: Dr. Quigley

Red Bank Orthodontics, owned and operated by Monmouth County mom and lifelong resident, Dr. Suzanne Quigley, takes pride in their holistic approach to treating patients. Each patient’s personalized treatment plan caters to the whole person, not only their orthodontic needs. Women-owned, operated, and staffed, Red Bank Orthodontics is passionate about helping patients with sensitivities, as Dr. Quigley has managed her own families sensory issues, and applies this to her orthodontic treatment. Dr. Quigley understands that each child’s needs are different, experiencing this first hand as a mom of two. Services include:

• Orthodontic Treatment for all ages
• Traditional Braces
• LightForce (3D printed custom braces)
• Aligners
• In-office teeth whitening
• Botox for jaw pain treatment
• InSmile® (behind the teeth braces)
• Orthopulse (infrared light therapy to make treatment more comfortable, faster and predictable)

With cleanliness and safety being a top priority, Dr. Quigley and team are dedicated to providing the treatment you and your children deserve. They also work with you to find a financial plan that works best for you and maximizes your insurance benefits.

Meet: Jenn DelRe

Still House Wellness Studio is more than just a place—it’s a feeling. A women-owned business, Still House offers a thoughtfully curated variety of heated/non-heated yoga, strength, and wellness classes, along with monthly mind–body workshops and special events.

Our warm, inviting studio welcomes every body. We proudly support all levels of practice, from beginners to in-between and advanced practitioners. The serene, calming space is designed to create a true sense of zen, allowing you to slow down, reconnect, and feel at ease.

Our cozy community area is available for connection before or after class—perfect for conversation, reflection, and a cup of tea. With seasoned instructors who each bring their own unique style and perspective, every class offers something special.

At Still House, you’ll find movement, mindfulness, and community—coming together in one nurturing space.

Meet: Kelly Burtnick, M.Ed.

Shore to Thrive, LLC is a parent education and consulting business founded by Kelly Burtnick, an experienced educator, certified Teach Through Love Facilitator, and mother of three. With over 20 years in education across public and private schools, Kelly brings both professional expertise and real-life parenting experience to her work. Shore to Thrive was created to support parents who want to raise emotionally healthy, resilient children while reducing stress and power struggles at home.

At the heart of Shore to Thrive is a conscious parenting approach rooted in connection, communication, and emotional regulation. Kelly guides parents through Teach Through Love’s signature 8-step framework, helping them better understand their child’s behavior, respond with intention rather than reaction, and build strong, trusting relationships. Through workshops, group classes, and private consulting sessions, parents gain practical tools they can use immediately—without judgment, perfection, or unrealistic expectations.

Shore to Thrive offers a welcoming, down-to-earth space where parents feel supported, understood, and empowered. Whether navigating big emotions, daily routines, school challenges, or family transitions, Kelly meets families where they are and helps them move forward with clarity and confidence. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help families thrive by fostering calmer homes, stronger connections, and more peaceful parenting—one intentional step at a time.

Meet: Megan Clause

I believe a website is the anchor for a small business. It’s an opportunity to showcase your brand, tell your story, sell products and services, and create meaningful ways for customers to connect. Yet for many business owners, building a professional website can feel overwhelming due to limited time, expertise, or budget – and often becomes a barrier to getting started.

That’s why I started Simply Anchored Solutions – a website design and content strategy studio focused on making high-quality, approachable web design accessible to small businesses. Whether clients are starting fresh, navigating a DIY site, or looking to grow and refine their online presence, my high-touch services are flexible, supportive, and designed to meet them exactly where they are. Beyond websites, I also create social media content and branded assets – such as business cards, client welcome kits, and other digital and print materials – to ensure a cohesive experience throughout the entire client journey.

After 18 years in the corporate world organizing teams, leading content strategy, and managing complex, customer-focused projects, I now use my expertise to help small businesses succeed online. My passion is making it easy for business owners to show up with confidence and clarity. I do this using a clear, organized, and stress-free process that results in a modern, on-brand website that grows alongside the business.

Because when your website feels like you, everything else grows from there.

\

Meet Stacey: Owner of Studio On Willow

Since opening Studio on Willow at the beginning of 2021, we have been truly moved by the incredible support and warm welcome we have received from this community. Launching a new business during such an uncertain time was a significant challenge, but your kindness and patronage have made our first few years a wonderful success.

Our mission remains to provide professional service and beautiful hair in a clean, cozy, and welcoming environment. Whether you are visiting our talented staff for precision haircuts,
specialized color and balayage, or bridal services, we are committed to ensuring you have a memorable experience. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue strengthening our community ties by hosting more events in the new year. Our past collaborations with other local small businesses have been highly successful, and we look forward to using these opportunities to get to know more of our neighbors and support the local economy.

Our yearly holiday food drive in collaboration with Lunch Break is always a success and a great way to support the local community. Thank you for being such an integral part of our journey. We look forward to seeing you at the studio soon.

Meet: Lori Sigman

Founder, CEO & Principal Coach, Lori Sigman, is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Lori is also a fellow mom of 2 who has been through burn-out and the identity struggle that comes with trying to be a great mom and also an individual herself and TRULY gets it!

Lori combines her professional life coaching skills and 15 years of human resources experience with her personal motherhood journey to help working, stay-at-home, and empty-nest moms navigate the common challenges in motherhood (including time scarcity, the invisible mental load, finding joy again and redefining fun, physical and emotional exhaustion, reinforcing boundaries, relationship changes, financial stress, isolation and loneliness, body image and self-worth, and career and life purpose) with clarity, confidence, and evidence-based tools to achieve purposeful, fulfilling, and balanced lives where they can be great moms and individuals too. Lori and Monarch Motherhood Coaching LLC’s values include empowerment through self-awareness, authentic connection, integrity, flexibility, and self-prioritization. Lori strives to create spaces where women feel seen and safe, embrace growth with courage, and lead their lives with confidence, all while staying grounded in the passions and joys that bring balance and meaning to their lives.

Ready to redefine your identity and pursue the life of your dreams? Let’s build your self-confidence, create space for your needs, align all areas of your life with what truly energizes and matters to you, and release societal pressures and others’ opinions and judgments so you can define your motherhood journey on your own terms, without the burn-out and without the guilt! To learn more about Monarch Motherhood Coaching LLC’s services, including one-on-one coaching, asynchronous coaching, and online and in-person courses and workshops, please visit https://monarchmotherhoodcoaching.com.

Meet Dr. Bernadette Mullen and Shaylyn Stilwell

“Helping your child develop their superpower”

Speech Start is a mother/daughter-owned and operated private practice that offers cutting edge speech, language, academic, feeding, and occupational therapy services to pediatric populations ages 0-21+. We believe in individualized approaches, continuity of care between home and school, and we do this in a compassionate and nurturing environment. Speech Start has locations in both Fair Haven and Hazlet, New Jersey.

Speech Start provides children with a safe, supportive and compassionate environment where they can learn and apply the fundamentals of speech, language, academics, and life skills efficiently. Our experienced clinicians create opportunities for children to cultivate natural language and other developmental, social, and occupational skills. Through beneficial, caring, and hands-on experience, we employ a variety of strategies and teaching modalities as we work with the child and their family.

Our therapists develop and tailor programs that meet the developmental requirements of children with special needs and those of their typical peers. We work to provide therapies and services to children with diagnoses such as childhood apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, voice disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, social pragmatic communication disorders, fine motor delays and sensory processing difficulties. Our therapists hold specialist certificates including but not limited to PROMPT Certification, Assistive Technology/AAC, SOS Feeding, Handwriting Without Tears, Torticollis and Plagiocephaly, and Reflex Integration. Our extensive experience and commitment to continuing education aids us in helping your child develop their superpower!

Contact us today with questions or to set up your child’s evaluation!

Meet Dr. Lauren Gerardi, PhD: Clinical Director of The Women’s Psychotherapy Center

Meet Dr. Lauren Gerardi, PhD, a compassionate and experienced clinical psychologist dedicated to empowering women through transformative therapy. As the owner and Clinical Director of The Women’s Psychotherapy Center, Dr. Gerardi has created a safe and supportive space where women can explore their unique challenges and embark on a journey of healing and personal growth.  Originally from New York, Dr. Gerardi has lived in Monmouth County for the past 5 years with her husband and 8-year-old daughter.  While she has spent her entire career, which began more than 15 years ago, working with trauma in some form or another, it was the birth of her daughter that inspired her to focus more exclusively on issues facing women and girls.   

Dr. Gerardi’s commitment to women’s mental health extends beyond the therapy room. She is actively involved in the community, serving as a Special Adjunct Clinical Professor and an Executive Board member of the New Jersey Psychological Association. Her dedication to raising awareness about women’s mental health issues and advocating for evidence-based, quality care is apparent inher work both inside and outside of her practice. Dr. Gerardi is proud to have created a behavioral health practice staffed entirely by Monmouth County moms! With a focus on trauma and PTSD, postpartum and prenatal mental health, parenting issues, depression and anxiety,

The Women’s Psychotherapy Center offers a trauma-informed and client-centered approach, tailoring treatment to the specific needs and goals of each individual. Our expertise in evidence-based therapies, including EMDR and CPT, ensures that our clients receive the most effective and compassionate care possible.  

Meet: Ashley Adams, PsyD and Marion Fitzgerald Richardson, LCSW

Support for your child. Guidance for you.

When life feels overwhelming, the right support can change everything. At Turning Tides Wellness Center, we specialize in supporting children, teens, adults, couples and families who feel overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, motivation, attention, learning or emotional regulation, or you’re looking for guidance as a parent, we provide thoughtful, compassionate care that meets families where they are and help them to move forward with confidence and hope.

What sets Turning Tides apart is our deep understanding of how mental health shows up in real life, especially at school and at home. We provide therapeutic services for individuals, families, and couples, in addition to comprehensive psychological and cognitive testing designed to clarify learning differences, ADHD, and autism spectrum profiles. We also provide executive skills training to help children and teens build organization, planning, and follow through, the skills that reduce daily stress and support long-term success. When appropriate, psychiatric care is available within our practice for coordinated, collaborative support with Dr. Deepti Varma. Additionally, we are pleased to expand our services to include perinatal mental health support with Dr. Erin Herman, allowing Turning Tides the opportunity to support all stages of family development.

Turning Tides Wellness Center was founded by Dr. Ashley Adams, psychologist, and Marion Fitzgerald Richardson, LCSW, both former school-based clinicians, who understand the challenges families face navigating education systems, diagnoses, and support plans. Our team works closely with parents to clear, practical paths forward, helping families feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. We are honored to be a trusted partner in your family’s wellness journey.

this post contains sponsored content