Andrea Forester, Author at Monterey Bay Parent

Andrea Forester holds a Master's degree in Homeland Security and an MBA in Defense Management from NPS, alongside a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from James Madison University. Born in Fort Lewis, Washington, Andrea grew up as a military child, a trait she shares with her children. After a decade of traveling, due to work obligations, Andrea's career relocated her and her family back to Monterey-making the peninsula their forever home.

Articles by Andrea Forester

First Generation College Students in Monterey County

Three local women share their stories of perseverance, pride, and possibility The First to Go: A New Path Forward Monterey County is home to 24 school...

Read Article

Meet the Farmers: The Pumpkin Patches of Monterey Bay

One of the many perks of living in Monterey County are the extensive agricultural resources available throughout the area. These include farm-to-table restaurants, local farmers’...

Read Article

Fort Ord’s Military Legacy

Fort Ord’s Transformation to a University and National Monument I remember being in Monterey the final year Ft. Ord was open. I was around my...

Read Article

Discounts for Monterey Military Families

With a strong military presence on the Monterey Peninsula, many local businesses proudly support service members and their families. In return, military communities contribute to...

Read Article

Trail to Tide: Exploring Monterey County by Bike and Kayak

Growing up in the Monterey Bay, especially during my teen years, I never really appreciated how lucky we are to live in an area that...

Read Article

Making Extended Family Vacations Work

It's all about boundaries, balance, and fun The term “family vacation” can sometimes elicit a skeptical response. While many families use school and holiday breaks...

Read Article

Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids

Here are four easy-to-make crafts that are perfect for keeping kids busy around Valentine's Day. They also make great Valentine's Day gifts for classroom giving....

Read Article

Five Valentine’s Day Activities for Monterey Bay Families

While Valentine’s Day is commercialized as a romantic day for couples, it can also be a day celebrated by families. Including our children in Valentine’s...

Read Article

When to Ask If It’s ADHD

Becoming a parent is such a strange and rewarding journey. There are some things that I feel prepared for and many other things that happen...

Read Article

‘Tweens and the Sephora Craze

One of my favorite pastimes has always been exploring new makeup and beauty products. I began experimenting with makeup when I started ballet and was...

Read Article

Monterey’s Purple Star Schools

Three Monterey Peninsula Unified School District schools—La Mesa School, Marshall Elementary School, and Monte Vista TK–8 School—were designated California Purple Star Program schools by theCalifornia...

Read Article

Monterey Military’s Daycare Dilemma

Like most families, access to affordable childcare is a priority for many military families. For those who relocate to the Monterey Peninsula, it can seem...

Read Article

Time Apart: The Reality of Deployments on Military Families

How do you do it? Long-distance relationships must be so challenging! How are they doing without their dad? I could never do what you do—that...

Read Article