We at North State Parent magazine are a small, friendly staff of local parents, who, like our advertisers, are committed to nurturing children and building positive community life in our region. This year, we have supported more than 124 nonprofit organizations — we are committed to making a difference! You can help us grow. If you know of a good resource we have not included, please email us or call (530) 926-1287. Together let’s continue to build north state communities that enrich and support families for the benefit of our youth.  

On the Cover: Taking sign-ups NOW! Plan Your children’s summer by signing up for summer camp/classes or aquatic or other enrichment programs. Our summer guide inside this edition will help you plan an exceptional summer season for your child. Pictured is Kenton Girt exploring time in nature at Camp Chico Creek, offered through Chico Area Recreation and Park District in Butte County. This is just one of our North State's wonderful resources for your family’s summer fun. Click here to go to CARD. Photo courtesy of Ryan Arnold, marketing coordinator for CARD.

Photography: Katie Watkins Photography. Katie Watkins, owner of Katie Watkins Photography, has been a professional photographer since 2006 in both the Reno/Tahoe area and Redding. She specializes in weddings and family portrait photography. Her current passion is photographing newborns. When she’s not photographing for clients she stays busy homeschooling her four children and keeps up with their many activities with her husband, Josh. On the Cover: Rose Watkins is a “Gap Year” student. After a month in Athens filming a documentary on the economic crisis in Greece, interviewing and befriending refugees from around the world, Rose shares her life-changing experience with us on her blog: rosekatherine.com  

Photography: Kyle Nelson Photography Studio, located in Paradise, CA, is a full-service studio covering many aspects of photography including portrait, commercial, events, real estate, and professional headshots. When not at a photoshoot he loves spending time with his son and wife enjoying the many events the North State has to offer. Find him on Facebook, or call him at (530) 354-4189. On the Cover: Megan, left, started ballet at Kinetics Academy of Dance in Chico at age 4 and is now in her 12th year. Megan plays fiddle, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, and flute. A sophomore at Inspire School of Arts and Sciences, she performs with her school orchestra, is a member of the robotics team, and is president of the Science Ambassadors club. Madeline, right, has been dancing at the Kinetics Academy of Dance for 13 years. She especially loves dancing on stage with the youngest dancers, setting a good example for them. “Everyone at Kinetics is supportive of each other and we are all a family,” she says. Madeline sings with Chico High School’s A Cappella Choir. When not dancing, she sometimes drives her family crazy humming dance and choir tunes.  

Photography: Modern Image Photography, owned by Lisa Magladry, is located in Redding, Ca. Lisa specializes in children, maternity, and weddings. Having been in business since her daughter Macy was born four years ago, capturing children is very near and dear to her heart. She enjoys lifestyle photography and capturing the moments that really count. On the Cover: “Our “framily” fall harvest dinner tradition started with the  Magladrys, McGrew's and the Wlodarczyk families gathering just after the kids were born and usually it follows a day of me photographing the families,” says photographer Lisa Magladry from Modern Image Photography. This gathering was photographed in Willows, CA.  

Photography: Passion for Life Photography, owned by Jenny Skibo, has been serving Chico and surrounding areas for the past 11 years. Jenny specializes in Family & Children Portraiture as well as Headshots/Personal Branding. On the Cover: The Bosley children make the most of afterschool opportunities offered in the North State. Amon, 14, is actively involved in scouting, football, basketball, and baseball. Naomi, 12, plays volleyball, cheerleads and runs track. Penelope, 10, takes the stage in children’s theater productions.