Our Story
North Austin Family Network was born out of a simple but powerful idea: life is better when lived together. After moving to the area, our founder longed for the kind of community she’d experienced in Phoenix—one filled with casual meetups, supportive friendships, and shared milestones. Inspired by weekly ladies’ nights that had been a lifeline during early adulthood, she set out to create something similar in North Austin.
What started as a few mamas gathering at 5th Element quickly grew into a vibrant network of parents, caregivers, and kids showing up for one another. Whether it’s a playdate, a parents’ night out, or just someone to text during a tough day, this group is here to remind you that you’re not alone.
Today, North Austin Family Network is an open, non-judgmental space where families of all kinds can connect, find support, and make memories—together.
Check out this picture from our first meet up – on June 13th, 2024.
Who the group is for?
The North Austin Family Network is open to anyone who is a caregiver living in the Northern Austin Suburbs including, but not limited to Leander, Cedar Park, Liberty Hills, and Georgetown.
We are a welcoming, non-judgmental, inclusive, and open to all family types.
Meet the Team
The North Austin Family Network is powered by a dedicated group of volunteer officers who steward the mission, values and growth of the organization.
Our officers server as both strategic leaders and community connectors, ensuring that NAFN remains a welcoming, inclusive and sustainable space for local families.
The real parents running this group:
Sophie T.
Founder & Executive Director
Sophie is the heart behind NAFN! She founded the group to build a village in North Austin and now wears many hats to keep it thriving. A barre instructor by sunrise and a product manager by day, she lives in Leander with her husband and now toddler daughter.
Shelby W.
Community Partnerships Chair & Board Of Directors Member
Shelby has been part of NAFN since day one! She helped shape both the Mom’s and Dad’s Meet Ups into what we now call our family network. She’s a proud girl mom and brings the best vibes – and stories – to any gathering.
Jenn O.
Treasurer & Board Of Directors Member
Jenn keeps our books balanced and our budget thriving! Since joining in fall 2024, she’s been all-in – attending Mama Meet Ups and hosting events at her home. She and her husband are parents to a two-year-old daughter, with another girl on the way!
Sarah R.
Recruitment & Board of Directors Member
Sarah joined right after her son was born and found her people fast. A Pediatric OT, turned full time mama, she now helps other new parents discover the magic of NAFN’s warm, welcoming crew.
Athena M.
Memory Maker
Athena brings the magic to our meetups – literally! A full-time twin mom, photo backdrop wizard, and baby sign expert, she somehow also finds time to volunteer with Learning Together Equestrians. We’re convinced she runs on coffee and pure heart.
Teri D.
Secretary & Historian
Teri is our memory-keeper and note-taker extraordinaire! A longtime member, mama of two and group photographer, she helps keep us organized and makes sure no sweet moment goes undocumented.
Karlee N.
Social Media Manager & Board Of Directors Member
Karlee is the creative force behind our socials! A recent Austin transplant and mom to a high energy little guy, she also runs child watch at Burn Bootcamp Georgetown. Her reels? Gold. Her memes? Spot on.
Connie Y.
Event Calendar Admin
Connie is our scheduling superstar! A published author, basketball fan and busy mom to a one year old little girl, Connie keeps our calendar full and our events flowing. Her family loves being part of this joyful, inclusive crew.
Collin W.
Website Director
Collin keeps our website looking sharp and running smooth. A front-end developer, dad and outdoor enthusiast, he also leads the Dad’s Meet Up and is passionate about building real connection between dads and redefining fatherhood through NAFN.
Liz L.
Board of Directors Member at Large
Liz is our go to for honest feedback and fresh ideas. Mama to a son and expecting a daughter this fall, she brings balance, thoughtfulness and just the right amount of sass to our officer board.
Our supporting documents as a 501c3:
As part of our pledge to be an ethical, and transparent non-profit organization, here are our founding documents. Any feedback from members, leadership or the general public on these documents is welcome. You can email northaustinfamilynetwork@gmail.com with your comments.
Our Business Plan includes the following:
- Definition of the North Austin Family Network – mission statement, product offering, target audience, legal structure, non-discrimination policy, regulations
- People of the North Austin Family Network – officers, volunteers, and members
- Market Research – Industry, research and development, group advantages, service line, pricing structure
- Marketing & Recruitment – growth strategy, recruitment
Our supplementary documents includes the following:
- Bylaws of the North Austin Family Network
- Conflicts of Interest Policy
- OFAC Compliance Policy
Our Rules:
- Be Respectful: All members must treat eachother with respect and kindness. Harassment, discrimination or any form of bullying will not be tolerated.
- Be Inclusive: This club is inclusive of parents from all backgrounds, cultures and parenting styles. Respect for diverse prespectives and experiences is essential. We value everyone’s parenting choices and there should be no demeaning comments on what anyone chooses to or not do to.
- Keep kids off socials: No posting kids on any form of social media without explicit written parent permission. The default should be an emoji over the face of the child.
- No Solicitation: No self promotion of any kind. This includes but is not limited to: Sales, promotion of goods and services, MLMs, political promotion, recruiting for jobs, or anything else that directly benefits you.
By attending any North Austin Family Network meet up or participating in this group, you agree to abide by these rules