"When I joined Tucson Moms, I was hoping to provide my daughter with an opportunity to socialize with other children. I never imagined that the women in the group would become some of my best friends, or that their support would carry me through the birth of my second child (just 12 months after my first), and then a miscarriage. Being a Tucson Moms member has made me a better mom, and I hope that someday I can find a way to give back all that has been given to me." Mara

Tucson Moms History

Our Mission: Tucson Moms is dedicated to providing support to mothers and their young families through friendship, playgroups, and education within a casual, family-focused environment.

Tucson Moms was started in 2000 by two moms; Lisa Locke and Elizabeth Boccardo.  Lisa moved to Tucson from Northern California and started looking for a support group immediately.  Not having much luck, she suggested to a group of moms she had connected with to start up a group here in town to offer support, guidance and friendship to the Tucson community.  From this idea, the very first Tucson Moms playgroup was born!  All of the women committed to volunteering and helping get the fledgling group off the ground.

In its first year, Tucson Moms was quickly established as a non-profit organization, and a website, brochure and newsletter were started within the first few months.  The brochure was distributed throughout town much like it is today; to pediatrician offices, libraries, park and recreation classes, and the like.  Many community groups and businesses were supportive with helping hand out the brochure, but word of mouth is what really grew Tucson Moms and in the first year, over 100 moms became members.

Playgroups were formed based on location and the year a child was born.  These first groups met at Udall, Fort Lowell, and Mehl Park and were for babies born in 1997, 1998, and 1999.  It’s hard to believe some of those babies are in high school now!  A regular Moms Night Out and an evening educational series followed to help add to the Tucson Mom experience.

Today, we operate very much in the same way we did in the year 2000.  We offer support and friendship to moms, children and the entire family.  We hope you and your children will join us!

Tucson Moms Co-Directors

Kendra McDermed

Kendra McDermed comes to us from the far of land of Phoenix, AZ. She moved to Tucson in 1999 where she attended the U of A. Kendra married her high school sweetheart Shawn McDermed and together they welcomed their first child, Sawyer Drake, in February 2009 and their second, Harper McKenna, in November 2010. Kendra has been involved with Tucson Moms since 2009. She has served on both the Social and Outreach committees.

Jackie McGuire