About Us

Our Milk Money search directory began with an idea shared by two moms.

As not to deprive our children of our daily presence, we searched for a solution to allow us to work from home. Fortunately, living in the superior age of technology has created more and more opportunity for this ambition. Thanks to the internet, we are able to create opportunities for ourselves as parents and as entrepreneurs. 

Our Milk Money began to grow with our first goal: To help parents see that they DO have a choice, and that they are not alone in wanting more for their children. Our Milk Money would be a tool to help parents find financial opportunities.

Our second goal for Our Milk Money: To educate the average consumer on the value of purchasing from a self-employed parent, as well as to provide the consumer with an effortless way of accessing the businesses just as efficiently as conducting any online search.

As we began to explore our visions and shape them into a solution, we decided to do a bit of research. We were curious as to how others felt about the situation and whether or not there was a real need for what we wanted to put into motion. The response to our idea was astounding. Hundreds of letters from self-employed parents came flooding in from across the country asking how to get involved, where to sign up, and what could be done to ensure Our Milk Money’s success. We were overwrought not only with the enormity of the responses, but the blatant urgency that came with each inquiry. We discovered how much people needed to believe in this prototype, and how it gave them a new perspective of hope. Complete strangers were informing us of their own personal struggles and of what the success of Our Milk Money might mean for their families.

We knew that Our Milk Money needed to succeed.

Our third and final goal in reaching that destination: We aim to empower one another, set a good example by purchasing each other’s products and services, and pass our funds back and forth in our own mini-economy. Perhaps if we all made that commitment to one another, others would see the benefit and would want to be a part of our community.

If you relate to what we are saying or know others who may benefit from this, we hope you will join us in this exciting venture. Let's commit to supporting each other and know that others will soon follow. There is much power in numbers, and we can accomplish our dreams if we work together. If we commit to supporting each other our businesses will thrive and so will our children!

Ally Loprete, Co-founder

Prior to becoming a self-employed parent herself, Ally spent the last ten years working in various roles in the entertainment industry.

Changing her permanent residence from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California in 1997, she continued her career as a performer in Theatre, Television and Film. She found success in many creative projects in Hollywood Theatre, as well as creating her own works such as “Chasing Ally” her successful one-woman show. She spent the last 5 years working at ABC studios on the Disney lot, and although her time there was rewarding and plentiful, it wasn’t until her son was born that she came to realize her primary function in her new life as a mother.

Currently Ally resides with her husband, Chris and her son, Braden in the beautiful suburbs of Stevenson Ranch, California, just north of Los Angeles. When she isn’t working on OMM, she is actively involved with playgroups, teaching musical theatre to girls ages 6-12 at a dance studio up the street, and designing her own line of custom made jewelry.

Ally’s passion in helping others transition from full time working parent to successful entrepreneur grew from her own experiences. She is determined to help other’s deal with the sometimes overwhelming prospect of starting a new business while still running a household, and is resolute about creating a haven in which we can continue to thrive and support each other in our personal journeys.

Kelli Shand, Co-founder

Originally from Georgia, Kelli moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in fashion styling, visual merchandising and set decorating.

With a passion for travel, Kelli has explored many parts of the world with her husband Andrew and her two young boys, Oliver & Jack. Married to a cruise ship First Officer, Kelli and her family recently called the "ms Westerdam” their home for nearly two years.

Becoming a mother transformed her mission in her life as well as her career goals. Upon having her first child, she knew that working in any career that took time away from her children was not an option. Utilizing her visual design skills and her passion for her children, Kelli has found OMM as a way to implement her career objectives while helping other parents like her succeed in their own ambitions. Currently, Kelli resides in Southern California where she is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work from home and make the most of her time with her two sons.

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new."  ~Rajneesh

Susan Knudsen, Portland Regional Manager

Susan has two incredible children, rock-n-roll guitarist son Quinn born September 1992, and her cuddly daughter Halle born September 2000. She is also the pseudo mom of Lady, her big mutt and Rajsa a standoffish cat. They’re best friends which is hysterical to see in action.">Originally from Baltimore, MD she moved to Portland, OR in 1987. She is blessed with incredible friends, neighbors and schools.  Her roots are firmly dug -in but she still misses Maryland and her family who live there.

Susan became a professional travel agent in 1987 and still loves the industry. Working is a necessity for her.  When Quinn was young she worked part-time to give her more time with him.  When Halle was born she started a home based business. "I completely respect parents who work outside of the home.  Sometimes it necessity and other times its choice; we’re all different," says Susan. "I relate to those who want to be home for their children.  For me, nothing else felt right.  That’s why I’m here with Our Milk Money; to support parents building businesses to be with their children.  They do grow fast. . ."

Kat Chaname, San Francisco Regional Manager, Grant Writer

Being married for 14 years gives one a lot of time to establish the type of family life one wants. Raising two children; ages 9 & 10, has become a priority over a career for Kat. Yet the fact still remains that two incomes is a requirement to survive and live a good quality lifestyle.

After both of her children were born, it was decided that; a child of a single working mom, would become a  work-at-home-mom and LOVE IT!. Being a great multitasker, loving change,  a quick learner and an optimist created a wonderful attitude for Kat's new venture! 

Moving to Tracy, Ca gave her family opportunities to own a home at an affordable price, and the chance to have one parent work from home or start a new business. Tracy is a growing town! The first home job opportunity for Kat was in the Accounts Receivable Dept for a Uniform company. Soon after that the market for house purchase was still on the rise so it was just pure luck to find a position with a local Loan Office to learn about the business and still work from home. As the market began to fall, a wonderful opportunity was headed her way to become an Area Director for Au Pair Care, bringing a cultural exchange with live-in childcare to the Central Valley and Livermore. While this became an ideal job for someone who has a passion for international relations and family, there was still a feeling that there was room to do more. Being part of a growing community and knowing so many parents who are also blessed to have the advantage to work from home- how do we stay connected?  A wonderful friend of Kat's brought OMM to Tracy, Ca! "This is it! I'm excited to be part of such a wonderful team that is supportive of us parents who want to make a difference OUR way!"

Kelly St. Clair, Phoenix / Tucson Regional Manager

Originally from upstate, New York, Kelly moved to Arizona with her family at the age of 10. She planted her roots there and is there to stay. She worked in the Optical field for many years, then at Motorola for 9 years until the plant closed down in 2002. She went back to school and earned a degree in Organizational Leadership. She loves having the freedom of owning her own business. It gives her the ability to spend precious time with her family. One of her favorite activities is being a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troop.

Having a large family of six, Kelly desired to be able to stay at home.  A home-based business was her answer. She has a wonderful and supportive husband, Duane, who she has been married to for 10 years. When she married him, she was blessed to gain his three fabulous daughters, Trista (25), Sara (23), and Lindsay (17). She loves them as her own. They also have a beautiful 8-year-old daughter, Kourtney, who keeps them both very busy. 

“Being able to stay home where I am needed and appreciated is the best gift of all! That is why Our Milk Money is a perfect fit for me to be a part of. I am proud to be able to let other parents know that if they choose to stay at home and be self-employed, they will have a support system to lean on. I feel that having a directory of self-employed parents, for other self-employed parents, is a phenomenal concept.  I applaud the efforts of everyone involved in making this fantastic concept a reality for everyone,” says Kelly.

Laurel Crossley-Byers, Canadian Regional Manager

In July 2005, a group of moms invited Laurel Crossley-Byers to speak on the subject of surviving momhood.  The seminar started a chain reaction of moms groups connecting with Laurel and thus, Opti-Mom was born.
 
Today, Opti-Mom offers numerous events, workshops and seminars that focus on teaching families how to take better care of themselves from both the physical and emotional standpoints.  Opti-Mom continues to build their team of professional speakers who can deliver seminars on the topics most important to our families!
 
“When Did I Become A Juggler” – Self, Life and Work Balance is her most requested seminar to date.  Laurel, a mom of two practices what she preaches and continues to coach families throughout the GTA and Golden Horseshoe.  One of her goals is to pursue her Masters with a focus on health and well-being within organizations.
 
Her clients include, The Peel District School Board, The Halton District School Board, The Ontario Early Years Centres, The Region of Halton, Sheridan College as well as many other private corporations.  Laurel currently facilitates numerous courses at Sheridan College in Oakville and resides in Burlington with her husband and two children.

Laurel is thrilled to take on the role of Canadian Regional Manager for Our Milk Money! She brings to the table, Business, Marketing and Sales Training for Managers and Entrepreneurs, CPSA Certification (Canadian Professional Sales Association) and over 10 years experience as a Sales Representative. 
 
Laurel's role will include territory development "north of the border" and she welcomes her colleagues, students (past and present) and friends aspiring to take advantage of exposure in the U. S. market to contact her to discuss the merits of becoming involved with  Our Milk Money's incredible marketing and advertising opportunities!"