VS Mom of the Month - Maria Cunningham-Johnson

November was one busy month and December is looking just about the same.  So busy that I am just now getting around to introducing the ValleyStreamMom.com Mom of the Month.  I truly apologize but that's life.

Maria Johnson, a Supervising Public Health School Nurse by day and Independent Avon Representative by night, has lived in Valley Stream for just over 15 years with her husband and two children.  Her eldest daughter, 14, attends South High School where she is or has been active in the school newspaper, Falcon Report, National Junior Honor Society, and Sparkle Empowerment Program for Girls to name a few.  Her son, 10, attendS Buck Elementary School where he is part of the Peer Mediation Group and participated in the Lung Asthma Walk.

On any given weekend, you may find Maria and the family at a Shooting Stars or P.A.L. basketball game/practice, Green Hornets Football game, or at Greater Allen Cathedral Church dancing, acting, or as junior ushers.
Her proudest moments as a mother are extremely hard to pick she says.  But if she has to choose, she would say that her children accepting Christ as their personal saviour is right on top right next to watching them use their talents doing what they enjoy.  Maria enjoys decorating, planning events, is an active member of the PTA, and considers herself a very protective mom.  She's not alone.

Maria's favorite part about living in Valley Stream is a safe environment, small class sizes in the elementary schools, and the proximity to NYC.  One thing she would change about Valley Stream is the lack of diversity of the public school staff.  She sees that VS is becoming more diverse and feels it is important that students see that in their teaching staff.  A community with more outlets and activities for teenagers to serve the teens and young adults of the communities.

The advice she wants to give you is to bond with other parents, network, and share what works or hasn't worked for you.  "Just remember, it takes a village to raise healthy, well rounded educated children."

Maria recently started the Facebook group, Parent Educational Network: Sowing Seeds Into Our Investments, which currently has 121 members.

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