In this special bonus episode of Heart of Parker, we're highlighting the 5th Annual Parker Homeschool Information Day & Free Curriculum Library!

What started as a simple effort to help local homeschool families connect has grown into one of the area's largest homeschool community events. Whether you're currently homeschooling, considering homeschooling, or simply looking for educational and recreational resources and opportunities for your family, this event is designed to bring people together and make finding support a little easier.

In this episode, Shannon and Kristina share what families can expect at this year's event, including local homeschool resources, enrichment programs, the free curriculum library, student vendors, Touch-a-Truck vehicles, community partners, and more. You'll also hear why building community has always been at the heart of this event and why it continues to be a labor of love for the families who make it happen.

Join us on July 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Challenger Regional Park and discover the incredible homeschool community right here in our area.

For more information and to RSVP to the event, click the link below!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CzNQkqXLG/

See you there!

In this episode of Heart of Parker, I sit down with Tracy Quintana of LifeSolutions by TQ to talk about retirement planning, life insurance, living benefits, inheritance, and preparing for the future with more confidence and peace of mind.

We discuss the financial lessons many of us were never taught, the realities of long-term care and retirement, and why understanding your options now can make a huge difference later.

Website:

https://lifesolutionsbytq.com/

Apparently, these 3 garden loving gals can talk for hours! In this episode I sit down with returning guest Diane of Pollywog Station Lavender Farm and Kathy from the Black Forest Garden Club for a long, cozy conversation about gardening, pollinators, native plants, and the community that grows around all of it.

We talk about what thrives in Colorado gardens, creating pollinator-friendly spaces, the beauty and challenges of growing things, and why so many people are reconnecting with nature through gardening.

We also highlight the upcoming Prairie Blooms Gardening Event on May 16th at Pollywog Station Lavender Farm — a hands-on day filled with gardening activities, native plants, honeybees, local experts, and inspiration for gardeners of all experience levels.

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Ward, owner of Collector Mania, to talk about the journey of taking over a longtime local shop and transforming it into something much bigger than a business. We dive into family, nostalgia, community, and the powerful role a shared space can play in bringing people together across generations.

From trading cards to game nights, Collector Mania has become a place where friendships are built and memories are made right here in Parker.

Learn more or get in touch:
website: collectormaniaparker.com
Email: collectormaniaparker@gmail.com
Phone: 303-766-3530

It means a lot that you pressed play today. Catch you in the next episode

In this episode of Heart of Parker, we sit down with Eric, Experience Manager at The Hive Community Center, to explore one of Parker’s most creative and welcoming spaces.

From creating, crafting and co-working to community events and hands-on learning, The Hive is designed to bring people together. Eric shares how The Hive came to be through its parent organization PPCH, what makes the space so unique, and why creativity is for everyone - even if you don’t think you’re “the creative type.”

Visit their website:

https://www.thehivecommunitycenter.com/

Follow The Hive on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehivecommunitycenter/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Hive-Community-Center-LLC-61558248702219/

In this special bonus episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow homeschooling mom, Fern, to talk about her new Spanish learning club for ages 4–6: Little Roots.

We discuss why she wanted a low-pressure, relational, screen-free approach to Spanish, the heart behind planting roots instead of chasing fluency, and how early language exposure can build confidence, cultural appreciation, and connection.

If you’ve been looking for a gentle way to introduce Spanish into the rhythm of your home, this one’s for you.

🌱 First session launches in March, and registration is now open! To register, fill out the form below!

Contact:

littlerootsspanish@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/littlerootsspanish

Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/1R8rqfZ62Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Registration:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSqqbEVYSm6vAfdS-uDI7n4TZBmpFCxETLObKouuFpQotZng/viewform?fbclid=PAdGRleAQFg9hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacvIzQnaaKflYDxw3AfgYWjkaNVDOnn6qChVA0k4JB7zH0SnaPYQmCtaXYAkw_aem_fiI6OIfDi40YNZQjLAECwA

Welcome to the very first episode of Heart of Parker: Open Mic - a space for real conversations with the people who make this town feel like home.

In this debut episode, I’m joined by listener-turned-guest Velencia Carter for an honest, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about motherhood and the beautifully chaotic seasons that shape us. We talk about the “Bluey” method of parenting, the viral “what would your child pack in a suitcase?” trend, postpartum bliss, and what it really looks like to balance it all as a working mom.

This episode feels like sitting across the table from a friend who just gets it. It's full of laughter, recognition, and the comforting reminder that none of us are doing this alone.

Support Velencia and Victor!

2 Define Promotions:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575521817562

twodefinepromotions.com

VC Total Custom Solutions:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580336070561

vctcs.com

🔗 Stay Connected

Instagram: www.instagram.com/HeartofParkerPodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556637641064

🎙️ Interested in being a guest or have a recommendation? Visit the website below to apply or share someone you think should be featured.

Website:https://linktr.ee/HeartofParker

If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it, it truly helps!

It means a lot that you pressed play today. Catch you in the next episode

Today Shannon is joined by Katie Celaya, founder of The Novice Herbologist. From simmer pots to cocktail kits, Katie brings herbs, flavor, and heart to every jar.

You can find all products from The Novice Herbologist and May Contain Nuts at the Southlands and Downtown Parker locations of The Local. Or shop online using the link below!

Follow Katie on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thenoviceherbologist/

Purchase Katie's products online:

https://mcnfoods.com/

🔗 Stay Connected

Instagram: www.instagram.com/HeartofParkerPodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556637641064

🎙️ Interested in being a guest or have a recommendation? Visit the website below to apply or share someone you think should be featured.

Website:https://linktr.ee/HeartofParker

It means a lot that you pressed play today. Catch you in the next episode!