Who We Are

Christine Burger – Giving Back and Fashion & Beauty

Over the years I’ve worn a lot of hats: daughter, sister, friend, wife, worker-bee, executive, finally mom and now founder of Noodle & Boo. From graduate school to technology, married my college sweetheart, faced issues from cancer to infertility; career to family. Blessed with an amazing husband and two rambunctious, sometimes naughty but always lovable boys who keep the energy level high . . . throw in a puppy for complete and utter chaos! Love to laugh, a little goofy, absolutely value girlfriends and am giddy for a good deal on something I should probably not be buying . . . value quality and have been called a perfectionist way too many times! Driven . . . yes, but with a purpose that is greater than I am.

I am passionate about life and my role in helping others. I am absolutely convinced that the most rewarding thing you can do is positively impact the lives of people who have unbelievable needs.

I find joy in watching my children play, being “done” at the gym for the day, a super hot shower when it’s cold outside, the first sip of coffee in the morning, finding five bucks in my coat pocket . . . it really comes down to simple things that make me smile.

My favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids

Kristen Seymour – Giving Back

I have the unique ability to decode the intricacies of celebrity lives, which I’m pretty sure stems from my being a celebrity myself. In a former life. In my mind. I think there’s more going on in Hollywood than whether a certain celebrity decides to don underpants on any given day, and that there’s a lot for the mere mortal to learn from movie stars other than how to successfully hide a baby bulge for five months (three words—the Hermes Kelly).

I am passionate about health and fitness, my enormous black sunglasses, University of Florida men’s basketball, movies and books that make me think or laugh (preferably both), and finding a cure for Alzheimer’s because memories are more precious than all the movie star sunglasses in the world.

I find joy in playing tag outdoors with my husband and our two rescue dogs and then coming home to a perfectly chilled glass of Chardonnay.

My favorite candy: Butterfinger

Dr. Pat Ferrari – Healthy Lifestyle

I’m Dr. Pat Ferrari, and the doctor is “IN!”

I wanted to be a “baby doctor” since I was 6 years old, and that is still what I love to do. After college I earned a PhD in Anatomy, taught at the college level for two years, completed medical school in North Carolina and a pediatric residency at Stanford. I have been a practicing pediatrician for over 20 years, and I can honestly say I enjoy it more than ever.

I am passionate about my work. I love the personal side of my practice and the relationships formed with parents and children over years. It was interesting that much of my pediatric advice changed after my son was born, since so many things I thought I understood were really very different as a parent! We all grow along with our children, and I have so many to teach me well.

I find joy in my downtime. My very favorite pastimes are still the times I share with my wonderful husband and son, even if it is just quiet time at home. I especially enjoy cooking and baking, and I usually have willing participants to sample my efforts. I cure my own olives, like to garden (especially vegetables), and never tire of the endless barrage of activities one son can generate for his parents.

My favorite candy: Snickers (sweet and rich, and just a little bit nutty . . . just like life)

Guest Bloggers

Melissa Becker – Kid’s Corner

Mommy to my two children is the “job” I love best, but during the day I play mommy to many as an elementary school principal. A path that started for me at UCLA led me to my husband, my early career as a teacher, my work as a reading specialist, my interests in helping others, and finally to graduate school. If given a secret identity, I would be a dolphin trainer, even though I am somewhat afraid of the ocean . . . go figure! I am a resource at ChatterBox because the “Smith Sisters” (Christine and I) date back to 5th grade and as I’m sure you know best friends will do anything for each other.

I am passionate about seeking hope in the world. My favorite phrase at school (besides YOU ROCK!) is “One person, no matter how small, CAN make a difference in the world.” My students are currently involved with Tents of Hope, which promises to be amazing . . . check it out!!!

I find joy in playing hide-and-seek (in the most obvious places) with my three year old son, watching my daughter play her heart out on her “all boy” baseball team, gummy bears, Disneyland, teaching a child to read and, in rare rondevous with my husband. Simple pleasures suite me best.

My favorite candy: Red Swedish Fish

Lorraine Beltran – Kid’s Corner

I knew very early on my professional destiny would be in the fashion industry. I was the first toddler in my playgroup who owned a wardrobe of shoes, handbags and tights representative of the color wheel. My passion for style and trend only grew more excessive as I discovered the art of “accessorizing” and by the time I was 13 years of age my parents prayed I was smart enough to do well in school to enable a lucrative and well paying career to facilitate my favorite pastime . . . shopping! I indeed integrated my personal passion with my professional passion by attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, graduated and began a multiple decade and very fulfilling Buying Career for Nordstrom. I “shopped professionally” for over 20 years. My most recent role prior to my departure was National Buyer for Layette, Newborn and Infant Accessories. My days were filled with Swarovski studded pacifiers, designer denim in month sizes, French inspired bibs and burp cloths and a fashionable baby blanket for each day of the week. To this day I make it my personal goal to have my finger on the pulse of the most current trend and style for babies in the US as well as Europe.

I am passionate about being the best in my field, my relationship with my beautiful and brilliant sister Lisa, healthy eating and Spinning!

I find joy in Paris year round, baking for family and friends and sharing my personal time with the special man in my life.

My favorite candy is: Peanut M&M’s

Danielle Altshuler Wiley – Healthy Lifestyle

I am a food-loving mom who lives in Chicago with my precocious daughter, mischievous son, and high-maintenance husband. I work full time planning social media campaigns for food clients at a large PR firm. As a result, I spend most of every day on Facebook and catching up on blogs. I grew up on the south shore of Long Island, but lost the accent years ago (though I sometimes slip when I am excitedly discussing cawfee or chawcolate). A perfect day involves trashy TV and lots of cheese!

I am passionate about great food from local sources.

I find joy in the first fruit of each season; apples in fall, peaches in summer.

My favorite candy: Three Musketeers

Susan Wagner – Fashion & Beauty

I believe that no one should see your underwear, that flip flops are not meant for the office, and that a really beautiful handbag can change your whole look. I think that Casual Friday will be the downfall of Western Civilization, and that we need to bring back coffee breaks and cocktail hour. I am currently celebrating the return of the Day Dress, and hoping that one day yoga pants will return to their rightful place as attire for yoga classes.

I am passionate about the eighteenth century novel, pointy-toed flat shoes, men’s college basketball, hand-written thank-you notes, and getting a good night’s sleep.

I find joy in my husband, who can still make me laugh until I cry, and my two sons who drive me crazy and give me the best hugs in the world, at the very same time.

My favorite candy: Jordan Almond (which is poised to make a comeback, I can feel it)