About Us
Our Story | Our Team | Our Advisory Board
Deborah Perry Piscione, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief 
If being a co-founder of BettyConfidential.com isn't enough, Deborah Perry Piscione is a bestselling author, on-air political commentator and public speaker. She is the co-author (with Dr. Julianne Malveaux) of a Washington Post bestseller entitled Unfinished Business: A Democrat and a Republican Take on the 10 Most Important Issues Women Face (Perigee, September 2002), and a television and radio commentator on CNN and National Public Radio. As a television and radio commentator, Deborah has appeared as a guest on The Today Show, Wolf Blitzer Reports, The McLaughlin Group, The O'Reilly Factor, Hardball with Chris Matthews, and Politically Incorrect, and has been a featured guest on PBS, BET, and National Public Radio programs including Justice Talking, Public Interest and The Tavis Smiley Show. She has been featured in leading women's magazines such as Ladies' Home Journal, and in newspapers including the Chicago Tribune, Dallas Morning News, and Sacramento Bee. Early in her career, Deborah served as a congressional staffer for then-U.S. Senator Connie Mack, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and a political appointee for President George Bush (41st president), and specialized her legislative and executive career in foreign policy. From these positions, Deborah gained a breadth of writing experience in op-eds, political speeches and press releases, and later became a freelance writer for magazines such as Ladies' Home Journal and National Geographic Traveler. She has won numerous awards including a Gracie Allen Award for her participation in a debate for NPR's Justice Talking, and a distinguished award from The White House Project. To contact Deborah, please e-mail her at deborah@BettyConfidential.com.
Shaun Marsh, Co-founder and CTO 
Shaun has more than 20 years of experience in the software industry, and he has a track-record of innovating new products and building successful teams for both start-ups and established corporations. Early in his career, he helped launch several successful technology start-ups including IDE and O2 Technology followed by principal roles at Xerox, Fujitsu and then Chief Architect of Tandem Computers, now part of HP. Shaun then launched his own start-up, DomainBook.com, which was profitable within three months and purchased by a large online media firm within one year. Soon after, he was recruited by Charles Schwab & Co. where he turned-around several divisions and was responsible for the launch of their community portal on schwab.com as well as several large-scale financial services systems. He has contributed to standards committees, spoken at industry conferences and currently has a patent pending for the first mobile integrated browser/instant messenger. Shaun holds an A.B. from UC Berkeley and an M.S. and Ph.D. from UC San Francisco. To contact Shaun, please e-mail him at shaun@BettyConfidential.com.
April Daniels Hussar, Managing Editor 
A California girl transplanted to the wilds of the Big Apple, April's recent history includes: extensive writing and editing, acting off-off-off (OFF) Broadway, traveling and living on three continents, designing Web sites, running marketing campaigns and, last but not least, finding Mr. Right and becoming a mummy (slummy or yummy—depends on the day). Most recently April was managing editor of Yuddy.com. April is also a contributing editor at Ocean Style Magazine and contributes to a variety of online publications including SheFinds.com and the Washington Post/Newsweek Co.'s eco-site Sprig.com. Her marketing and copywriting experience includes a stint crafting direct-response copy for The Learning Annex (you too can become a millionaire!) and five-plus years of marketing consulting and creative direction for companies large and small. If you told her, say six years ago, that she'd soon be a bonified member of the pre-school Tricky Tray Committee and number one fan of Whole Foods, she would have laughed merrily in your face before ordering another Cosmopolitan whilst continuing to flirt with the bartender. Talk about knowing life stages. Determined not to let life end post-Bambina, April's adventures now often include tickets and tables for three. She's as likely to be found rubbing elbows with fellow fashionistas and gawking at celebs at premiers & events as trolling Target for cheap-chic tees and economy-sized Tide. In sum—she's a modern gal, a true Betty—attempting the great cosmic balancing act of being a woman in the 21st century, with all the inherent contradictions, questions and wide-open opportunity. April blogs about life in suburbia at OnTheVerge.tv. To contact April, please e-mail her at april@BettyConfidential.com.
Julie Ryan Evans, Editor-at-Large 
Julie grew up in Nebraska where she dreamed of escaping the Midwest and seeing the world. She has since lived and worked in Washington, D.C., Boston, Austin, Seattle, and currently, the Orlando area. Her 15-year career in communications began on Capitol Hill where she served as press secretary for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. After nearly seven years working in national and state politics, she entered the world of technology. She counseled startup companies on public relations strategies during the Internet boom and subsequent bust, and then went west where she worked in internal communications for Microsoft. After giving birth to her son four years ago, she struck out on her own as a freelance writer and editor. When not attached to her laptop, she runs after her incredibly energetic son, which provides training for the races she likes to participate in. Her years in politics aptly prepared her for her current role navigating preschool politics and mediating play dates. And during any chance free minutes, she enjoys cooking, reading and shopping. To contact Julie, please e-mail her at julie@BettyConfidential.com.
Judy McGuire, Love+Sex Editor
Jersey-born Judy is the author of How Not to Date (Sasquatch Books), and for the past eight years, has been writing a sex and love advice column called "Dategirl" for the Seattle Weekly. She also writes weekly columns for thefrisky.com and time.com. Though she doesn't go for anything more intoxicating than a couple beers, she spent four years working at High Times, and another three years in the field working as an ethnographer on an anthropological study of heroin use in NYC (translation: hung out with junkies and got paid for it). Remarkably, she discovered that heroin addicts were less irritating than potheads, but only marginally so. She's written for a variety of anthologies, magazines and Web sites and can be found blogging at badadvice.typepad.com. To contact Judy, please e-mail her at judy@BettyConfidential.com.
Megan Southwick, Career+Money Editor
Megan received her English degree from Virginia Commonwealth University after discovering a rather uncommon love for Henry James and Edith Wharton in high school. Before becoming a Betty, she served as the managing editor for ePregnancy.com, BabyTV.com and PoshCravings.com and Web editor for DukeHealth.org - all while continuing to wage war on the crabgrass in her garden with only a broken-up army of garden gnomes at her side. Turn-ons include long walks on the beach, sunsets, wait ... that's not right. Megan loves hanging out with her dogs, her family and her tattoo artist as she composes the next great American memoir in her head (she'll let you know if it ever makes it to paper). To contact her, please e-mail her at megan@BettyConfidential.com.
Stephanie Elliot, Parenting & Lit Lounge Editor; Just Another Manic Mommy
Stephanie writes self-deprecating humor as Manic Mommy at her blog, www.manicmommy.blogspot.com, which has been an Internet pit stop for frenzied moms (and non-moms) since 2004. When she's not chronicling her life on her blog, Stephanie loves to read great books, stalk famously awesome authors (in hopes of being stalked herself someday), practice yoga, and has been known to swoon over a certain American Idol Australian finalist (Season 7). Her yet-to-be-published novel, 40 Weeks, was inspired by the journals she wrote during her three pregnancies. Her novel-in-progress, loosely autobiographical, is based on a college fling, a staircase and a couple of lemons. Stephanie received her journalism degree from Northern Illinois University, has written for Parenting, Pregnancy, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Parents Express, and is currently a contributing editor at BabyZone.com. She lives near Chicago with Mr. Manic and their children, Ajers, Diva and Tukey. Her wisest parenting advice? Take what she says with a grain of salt - and a margarita alongside is oftentimes a great remedy! Visit Stephanie at StephanieElliot.com or e-mail her at manicmommy@BettyConfidential.com.
Mary Beth Sammons, YOU Time Editor 
Mary Beth is an award-winning journalist and book author whose work has appeared in Family Circle and other leading consumer magazines, in the Chicago Tribune's lifestyle section, and on various online health and wellness sites. As a content editor for BettyConfidential.com, Mary Beth hopes to bravely reveal and guide visitors through the ups and downs, the serenity and insanity, and the occasional traumas and tedium of life as a single mother of three teenage kids and as the geographically available daughter of aging parents, not to mention as a career woman who tries to have a life as well. Mary Beth has written seven books in the women's self-help and mind/body/health fields, including: We Carry Each Other: Getting Through Life's Toughest Times, My Family: Collected Memories, Gifts with Heart, and InSPAration: A Teen's Guide to Healthy Living Inspired by the Nation's Top Spas. Her newest book, Second Acts That Change Lives: Making a Difference in the World, will be published in spring 2008. She has received several industry awards, including first place from United Press International for best spot news coverage, a PR Silver Anvil Award and an undergraduate scholarship from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. In her spare time, Mary Beth competes in triathlons, and knits, reads and gardens with passion. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her children. To contact Mary Beth, e-mail her at marybeth@BettyConfidential.com.
Carrie Seim, L.A. Correspondent
Carrie covers life, love and getting it on in Hollywood. She has written about Capitol Hill politics, immigration policy reform, saltwater crocodiles and Paris Hilton's panties for Newsday, The Chicago Reporter, National Geographic Television and the Tyra Banks Show. (Not necessarily in that order.) Carrie writes the humorous dating column "Single and Fierce" for TyraTv.com and had a recurring role on the E! Network's "7 Deadly Hollywood Sins." She is a member of the sketch comedy group The Deviants, produced by Maverick Television, and recently performed her original sketch comedy show "Midwestern Wisdom" at the prestigious Comedy Central Stage. She's an alum of the Groundlings Theatre, where she currently teaches improv. Carrie's comedic essay "Sexual Harassment in the Workplace" was published in the recently released book Mortified: Love is a Battlefield. She regularly contributes political satire to JibJab.com. To contact Carrie, please e-mail her at carrie@BettyConfidential.com.
Steven Gaffney, Relationship Editor 
Thousands credit Steven Gaffney's keynote addresses, breakout sessions and intense seminars with making the critical difference in helping improve communication and relationships. Steven has conducted research, coached and talked to thousands of men, women, and couples for 14 years. He is the author of two books, Just Be Honest: Authentic Communication Strategies that Get Results and Last a Lifetime and Honesty Works! Real-World Solutions to Common Problems at Work and Home. Steven has coached and advised thousands of people for over a decade and has helped people save their relationships, marriages, and reshaped their lives. To contact Steven, please e-mail him at steven@BettyConfidential.com.
Michele Woodward, Your Career Coach
Michele Woodward is an accomplished executive coach and writer. One recent reader wrote: "Each time I read your column, it seems as if you have been reading my mind. Each piece has a relevance in my daily life that is both timely and timeless. You write with such simplicity and yet with an extremely mindful complexity that I always come away feeling both refreshed and inspired." A certified NorthStar Coach, Michele is member of the International Coach Federation and the International Association of Coaches, and is a certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® practitioner. She is a sought-after speaker and leads a number of workshops and classes, and is known for helping individuals and organizations move easily through difficult transitions. A single mother of two teenagers, Michele has a thriving practice and lives in the Washington, D.C., area. She works with clients around the country as a coach and speaker by taking full advantage of the miracles of modern technology. Michele can be reached at michele@BettyConfidential.com.
Stacy Francis, It's Your Money Honey columnist/Financial Expert
Stacy is called the human Prozac of wealth management! She literally takes the worry and anxiety out of managing your finances. She is the President of Francis Financial, Inc., an independent, fee-only, financial planning firm that helps individuals just like you achieve financial freedom. Stacy is also the Founder of Savvy Ladies®, a 15,000+ strong non-profit organization that empowers women to take control of their finances and achieve a more rich and rewarding life. As a nationally recognized expert in finance, Stacy has appeared on The Today Show, CNBC, Fine Living and is frequently quoted in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Barron's, CNN, The Daily News, Dow Jones, Money Magazine, MSN, Newsday, and many others. She is committed to empowering you to discover what's important and help you make your dreams come true. One of the most important things she does is NOT sell products such as insurance, nor does she accept commissions or compensation from any other source. This means that you will receive unbiased advice at all times. She is here to ensure you clearly understand where you are, help you determine where you want to go and then show you how to get there. To contact Stacy, please e-mail her at moneyexpert@BettyConfidential.com.
Paige Herman-Axel, Beauty Queen columnist, Beauty Expert
Paige Herman-Axel's career began more than a decade ago as the assistant to the Publisher at the Ocean Drive magazine offshoot aptly named Ocean Drive's Palm Beach. Almost instantly, she knew the editorial side was her calling, so she began taking on extra work and producing fashion and accessory product pages while acting as the magazine's de facto beauty editor.
For the next five or so years, regional magazines were Ms. Herman-Axel's focus, including Hamptons magazine, New York magazine's Intelligencer column, Gotham magazine and Aspen Peak and Los Angeles Confidential. As a freelancer, Paige has contributed to InStyle and many others. As a magazine editor, Ms. Herman-Axel won accolades for her work, from being named one of the beauty industry's top editors by WWD magazine in 2004, to winning three American Academy of Dermatology Gold Triangle Awards recognizing excellence in public education of dermatological issues. With a diverse scope of experience under her belt, Ms. Herman-Axel launched First Paige, Inc. in 2008. As a freelance writer, editor and consultant she now provides content as well as creative direction for a roster of clients that includes magazines, newspapers, Web sites and product companies. Ms. Herman-Axel is a graduate of the University of Florida and currently lives in Boca Raton, Florida with her husband. To contact Paige, please e-mail her at beautyqueen@BettyConfidential.com.
Dawn Del Russo, Fashionista 411
It all began with a sweet dream in a little girl's heart - to one day have her very own place to shop! Stylist Dawn Del Russo ambitiously turned her childhood dream into a reality December of 2004. Constantly creating new outfits and daring fashion trends as a little girl, she would design new clothes and styles for her Barbie dolls. Dawn never lost her fashionable drive, or her niche for dressing others. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Management, and after three years of preparation, held her first private showing of a few up and coming designers. Dawn then opened Bella Dawn Boutique, and offered her personal fashion expertise and a place to put her best, and impressively stylish, foot forward. The trendy upscale boutique caters to young women that have the desire to live a "glam" lifestyle and don't want to have to travel to NYC, L.A. or Europe to find the hottest styles.
It takes a special touch to distinguish and deliver those attributes in the most tasteful way possible, and Del Russo clearly portrays such a talent. Featured in print such as InStyle, US Weekly, Teen, Real Simple and Elle Girl, as well as televised media outlets such as Fox 5 News, Del Russo's knowledge and style advice has successfully lead her to create trendy, chic, and desirable fashions for distinguished high profile women. Dawn's expert fashion advice has also been featured on sites like imnotobsessed.com, fashiontribes.com, ifashionnetwork.com and her own blog myintimateaffairwithfashion.com. Bella Dawn Boutique is available to the world at belladawn.com. To contact Dawn, please e-mail her at fashionista411@BettyConfidential.com.
Deborah Houston, What Would Debbie Do? 
Deborah has a 20-year background in advertising, marketing and design. She has worked for various agencies, founded her own advertising group and currently runs Paula Houston Social Papers, her high-end invitation and greeting card and design company. When not giving advice, she loves to entertain and travel and enjoys skiing, dance, beaches and mountains. Deborah lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., with her sons, Jake and Dewey - her greatest sources of pride. To contact Debbie, please e-mail her at debbie@BettyConfidential.com.
