About Tori Akselrad

Hi, I’m Tori. I’m a second grade teacher, mom of two, and content creator living in the mountains of Colorado. I write and create about family wellness, modern mom life, and what it actually looks like to build something on the side while still showing up fully for your kids, your classroom, and yourself.

I started this site because I kept having conversations in the teacher’s lounge, in the school pickup line, and in my own kitchen that felt like they were missing from the internet. Real talk about raising healthy kids without the overwhelm. Honest reflections on what it’s like to love your career and still want more. The kind of content that makes you feel like someone actually gets it.

What I Write About and Create

My content lives at the intersection of a few things I care about deeply.

Family wellness. I write about immune and gut health, supplements, daily routines, and practical habits that actually fit into a busy family’s life. No extreme protocols, no fearmongering. Just grounded, research-aware information that helps parents make informed decisions. One area I’ve spent a lot of time researching personally is acemannan, a compound derived from aloe, and its role in immune and gut support. I share what I learn so other parents can weigh it for themselves.

Mom life and the mental load. The juggle is real. I write about emotional regulation, family rhythms, routines that reduce friction, and the honest sometimes messy experience of raising small humans while trying to take care of yourself too.

Building something. I’m in the middle of growing a content brand and a side hustle, and I document that journey openly. I believe the millennial generation was sold a very specific version of success, and a lot of us are quietly rewriting it in real time. I’m one of them. I share the process, what’s working, what isn’t, and what I’m figuring out as I go.

Feelings-Based Phonics. I’m also the founder of Feelings-Based Phonics, where I create structured literacy resources for educators and families that pair Orton-Gillingham phonics instruction with social-emotional learning. It’s the project closest to my heart as a teacher. You can see more about Feelings-Based Phonics here. Check out my teacher resources in my TPT Store.

My Professional Background

I have a degree in K-6 education and seven years of classroom experience. I’m Orton-Gillingham certified with specialized training in literacy and social-emotional development. Before I came back to teaching, I spent eight years as a ski patroller in Colorado and earned my Outdoor Emergency Care certification. That experience shaped how I think about staying calm when things get hard. It also firmly established my love for the outdoors and living an active lifestyle.

I’m also a certified ACE Health Coach and former Whole30 coach. I’ve worked with adults on habit change, nutrition, and behavior, and that work is the backbone of how I approach wellness today. Sustainable and realistic always beats extreme and short-lived.

A Little More Personal

I’m adopted and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, but Colorado has been home for a long time now and I can’t imagine living anywhere without mountains. When I’m not teaching or writing, I’m mountain biking, skiing, lifting, or dragging my kids outside for fresh air. I’m a firm believer that most things feel better after you’ve moved your body and gotten some sunlight.

I’m building this brand because I want more time and more flexibility, and I want to do it in a way that’s honest and real. Not curated and perfect. If that resonates with you, I think you’ll like it here. Thanks for spending a little time in my corner of the internet.

Important Note

I am not a medical provider. I share educational wellness information and personal experience, and I encourage families to work with their own healthcare professionals when making health decisions.