CONTRIBUTORS( CONTINUED)

DENISE DENTON THIERY

ANN PAPAYOTI began writing a weekly column in 1988 for the Campbell County Recorder, a local newspaper based in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. As a stay-athome mom, the column provided her an outlet to connect with the world beyond my rural home until early 2000. When her youngest son entered first grade, Denise became a secretary in the Guidance Department at the local high school, where she worked for 22 years. Later, for two years, she served as a staff writer for the Fort Thomas Living, a local monthly magazine. Denise subsequently worked in syndication for the Senior Wire News Service. She authored humorous essays for three books and has been published three times in Reminisce Magazine. In 2018, Denise started blogging, and in 2020 and 2022, she served as a preliminary judge for the humor writing competition at the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop, held every other year at the University of Dayton in Ohio. In 2022, Denise won first place in the National Society of Newspaper Columnists’ online humor category, and in 2023, she placed third in the same competition. Now, as a grandmother, she continues with her passion for writing. Denise returns, sharing an interesting experience she had with her friend, Kay, about a refreshing look at what is true entertainment in their state’ s“ Derby Events” offerings to patrons as seen through the eyes of a naturally humorous person, in“ Off to the Races” for our Living Life With a Touch of Humor section. wears many hats. She is a mother, a business owner, an author, and a life coach. Being a mom has been the most rewarding experience of all. Besides seeing her son, Zander, thrive, she feels joyful about motherhood. Alysia ' s personal motherhood journey began when she chose to start a home-based business after leaving Corporate America, drawn by the freedom and flexibility of working for herself. One of Alysia ' s most meaningful contributions to life is giving life itself. After learning about the challenges families face in having babies, she decided to become a surrogate mother for parents who wanted a family but encountered maternity difficulties. Her maternal instinct made her realize she could make a difference in these families ' lives. Acting on her maternal love, she became a surrogate for four fortunate families, and with the last, she gave birth to twin girls. As a certified Neuro- Transformational Results Coach, Usui Reiki Master, and Biddy Tarot Advisor, she combines science, intuition, and energy-based practices to help her clients overcome blocks and frustrations so they can step into the life they truly desire and deserve. Alysia returns to share her personal journey as a mother, offering an empowering reminder for all moms as their children move from one chapter of their lives to the next in her inspiring story,“ Dreaming Forward: The Beautiful, Bittersweet Becoming of Our Children,” in our Mom Support Corner section.

8 | Inspirations for Better Living • June 2026