This Mother’s Day, InMaricopa and Karsten’s Maricopa Ace Hardware proudly recognize these extraordinary women who their loved ones nominated for Best Mom InMaricopa. These nominees exemplify the strength, dedication, and unconditional love that define what it means to be a great mom.

We will announce the winners on Sunday, May 11th.

Here are the Mother’s Day stories:

Gabriela Gutierrez
Nominated by Sally Ruiz
I know I may have entered my mother too late but please read why she is truly the best mom in the world. Her name is Gabriela Gutierrez and she’s my mom. When I needed her help, she moved from Yuma to Phoenix to stay and live with me and to help me. She helped me care for my children, financially, and emotionally. When I told her I wanted to buy a house in Maricopa, she not only went

along with me (even after leaving her job in Yuma of 15 years) she co-signed for me and helped me get this new house and found herself a job. Because she said, it doesn’t matter where she works, life is too short to not be with those you love. Just last week I made a comment that my washer wasn’t washing well. And for Mother’s Day, she gave me a new washer. She is truly a blessing and cares so much for everyone and gives so much. She deserves to win, please consider her.

Tracy Ivers
Nominated by Kailey Ivers
I nominate my own mother for best mom in Maricopa!! Her name is Tracy Ivers and she works at Trend Salon and Spa, she is just the most outgoing and loving lady i’ve ever met! She’s always taking care of everyone no matter who they are or what circumstances they are in, in and outside of the salon! She just loves everyone!

Shar Teeling
Nominated by Kevin Teeling

I am writing to nominate my wife, Shar Teeling, for Best Mom InMaricopa. In the 14 years since our oldest child was born I have seen my wife rise to the numerous challenges of motherhood with a heart full of love, determination and irrepressible joy. Shar has been an advocate for our children through several medical situations. By day, she is a homeschool teacher, making our homeschool not just books and lectures but also unforgettable life experiences. Cooking is not just her love language but an opportunity to connect with all 3 of our children. Her love extends beyond her own family to be a mother figure to others in need. She is a caretaker for several children in the community who know they are just as safe and loved in her home as in theirs. Even at church she’s usually surrounded by children whom she happily serves (we call her the baby whisperer because she can calm just about any crying infant). I’m so grateful every day that she said yes to God, yes to me, and yes to our 3 children as well as numerous others.

Amy Schroeder
Nominated by Larry Schroeder
Amy, you are absolutely incredible! Hearing about everything you do makes it clear why you deserve the title of “Best Mom” this Mother’s Day – and every day! Being a mom to two active dual-sport athletes like Matthew and McKenna is a marathon in itself. Juggling Ninja Mom, Softball Mom, Volleyball Mom, and Esports Mom duties requires a level of energy and dedication that’s truly inspiring. You’re their biggest cheerleader and support system, guiding them through practices, games, and all their passions. And let’s just bust the myth right now – “stay-at-home mom” is far from “made in the shade”!

You’re a strategic planner, a meticulous organizer, and a superhero in disguise. Being ahead of your neurodivergent son’s needs and keeping tabs on your ADHD husband’s essentials? That’s next-level multitasking! And raising your “mini-me” – the overachieving daughter – well, that sounds like a beautiful and hilarious adventure in itself! You manage it all with the grace and skill of a seasoned circus performer.

Your commitment to your community shines even brighter with your response to the bus driver shortage. To step up and become a favorite bus driver, navigating the wild 347 multiple times a day, speaks volumes about your selfless nature.

You understand the vital role bus drivers play in a child’s day, being that crucial first and last adult influence. You’re not just transporting kids; you’re setting the tone for their success. So, this Mother’s Day, Amy, please know how deeply appreciated you are. You are a force of nature, a loving mother, a supportive partner, and a valuable member of the Maricopa community.

Take a moment to celebrate yourself – you’ve earned it! And a big thank you from all of us for the incredible work you do, day in and day out. Happy Mother’s Day, Best Mom!

Janet Hook
Nominated by Michael Hawks
I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Janet Hook for the honor of Maricopa’s Best Mom. Janet is a devoted mother to four wonderful sons, two biological and two adopted, wholeheartedly embracing the diverse needs of her family, including her three high-functioning autistic children. She truly embodies the spirit of an unsung hero through her unwavering commitment to raising children with unique needs, whom she lovingly welcomed into her heart and home. Beyond her exceptional dedication to her family, Janet is an active and valued member of our community. She generously volunteers her time as a model with a fantastic charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for our veterans. Her nurturing nature also extends to the everyday acts that keep a family flourishing, from baking fresh bread and butchering meat to even grinding her own flour. During the beginning of the pandemic, she even took to sewing face masks. Despite spending a significant amount of her time in a wheelchair due to her health conditions, Janet has also achieved remarkable success as a three-time beauty pageant winner, proving that there is nothing she cannot accomplish when she sets her mind to it.It is even more inspiring to consider all that Janet accomplishes while navigating her own health challenges. As a resilient cancer survivor living with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, and pancreatic issues, her strength and perseverance shine through in everything she does. Having shared nearly all of our 14 years together here in Maricopa, my family and I are deeply grateful to be part of this wonderful and growing city.

Diana Soriano
Nominated by Ry Hall
I am nominating my beautiful fiancée Diana Soriano, because she is an amazing mother. She pours her whole heart into being the best for our son. His happiness, health, and safety come first, and he is loved more than anything in this world. To her being a mother is the greatest gift. She cherishes every hug, every smile, and every laughter with our soon to be 3 year old son, Maxxon.

I am always in awe and blown away by her patience and strength every day to get up and mother our son, even when the days aren’t so pleasant. From sun up to sun down, she is supporting our son’s growth and development. From potty training him, to teaching him Spanish, to not forgetting his manners at the dinner table. After she’s cooked him a nice nutritious meal.

I’m so proud of her. Looking at her you wouldn’t know she over came postpartum depression, a high risk pregnancy, long labor and a difficult birth. She’s the best and greatest mother I know. And I’m so blessed to have her as the mother of my son. I hope you choose her, because she truly deserves it. To me, she IS the best mom in Maricopa.

Veronica Escobedo
Nominated by Victor Sccobedo
The reason why my mom should be the winner for Best Mom InMaricopa is because she’s always puts us before her. She always gives me a ride to school instead of transferring me to another school that has a bus because she knows how much i prefer the school I’m at. She’s also a very hard worker. She always clean up the house even and cook for us even after a hard day at her job. And whenever I need help she would always help me even if I don’t ask. Even through tough times she has always managed to be there for the family and that’s why I believe shes the Best Mom InMaricopa!

LeAnna Corona
Nominated by Nevaeh Corona
I know that this is a late submission but please take it. My mom is literally the greatest mom ever. She handles her 5 kids I the best way. She has a kid in every major stage in life right now. One in high school, one in middle school, one in elementary, a toddler, and a newborn. All of us together are 4 girls and 1 boy. And trust me, having that many girls is a struggle.

She helps us with anything they need. She became a mom in her early 20’s and has decided almost all her life to us. She is my best friend. She’s kind, selfless, nice, gorgeous, funny, smart and sacrifices so much. She is an amazing mother, wife, cook, friend, and I’m so greatful for her.

Janean Jump
Nominated by Monika Louko
Janean is the ultimate rockstar mom!! She is a devoted wife, mom, coach, teacher & friend. She goes above and beyond & I don’t know how she does it. She is a full time teacher at Saddleback Elementary School by day, Softball coach by night/weekend. Her dedication to the school goes beyond being a teacher – she runs the PTO, school events, movie nights, Bingo nights, dances, etc. She also runs the robotics club after school! On top of that, she’s a loving mama to two sweet girls & a dedicated wife to her hubby!

Chris Fouts
Nominated by Shayna Todd
She has raised 6 daughters, through lots of trials, she fights for what her kids need, she is not only an amazing mom but also an amazing grandmother of 15 grand children! She would give her last breath for any one of her children or grandchildren, and she has always been there come rain or shine!

Krystal Wilson
Nominated by Rosemarie Pass
She is an amazing mom she works hard everyday to make sure her kids have the best life, she works hard to make sure that her kids play sports and that they go to the best schools and it’s not easy on a budget but she makes it work.

She always puts her kids first and they are her number one priority. She is recently separated from the children’s dad and is now having to do all this on her own and at night she only worries about what’s best for the kids and how she can make it work. Krystal is very strong and determined to still give her kids the best life she can. I know this because I’m her mom and I’m really proud of her. She’s having to go through obstacles, but she will make it, that I believe.

I think Krystal would make the perfect mom of the year because even through with the hardest times in her life and the struggles she faces. Her kids are always her top priority before herself and that’s Krystal. She attends every football game of her son, every softball game of her daughter and she does this Monday through Saturday with work and sports and at the end of the day she is so tired but she pushes through and Sunday is her only rest, and even then she doesn’t get much rest. Nowadays it’s hard to have two parents and still struggle, but now she’s a single Bob the struggles are real but she’s ready to face them head on and make the best of her life and her children’s that right there’s mom of the year.

Deanna Hano
Nominated by Justin Hano
She’s a full time mom w a full time job and home schools 3 kids. Always willing to help ppl. In the community weather it’s with advice or giving them what they need

Meghan Cook
Nominated by Kait Cook
My sister in law, Meghan Cook, is the best mom by far! She has two beautiful girls and works full time. Her partner travels for work to provide for them, but this often leaves her to care for her girls alone. She is kind and patient. She is stronger than she will ever know! I’m so grateful I get to see her grow as a mother and a woman.

Jessica Ward
Nominated by Craig Ward
My name is Craig Ward and I would like to Nominate my wife Jessica Ward. We have three kids (13, 11 & 7) and as anyone knows not every kid is the same and how you parent from one child to the next. My wife can switch from one kid to the next without even thinking about what she is doing. On top of keeping our family together on a daily basis she is also a kindergarten teacher at Saddleback elementary. When I tell you, she has the patients of a saint with not just our three kids but on top of that the 24 other children she gets to teach every day. When I say this is just the half of how amazing she is.

Let me get to the other half, back at the end of January 2025 she went into have an MRI for a possible MS diagnoses and we got a much worst result. Her doctor called her late on that Friday night to let her know she had a brain tumor and recommended for us to head to the Emergency Room ASAP. That same weekend on Sunday afternoon (Superbowl Sunday) she had brain surgery to have the brain tumor removed. We didn’t know what the outcome would be after surgery but just prayed and hoped for the best and had the support of family and my wife’s determination to be there for her kids. After the surgery my wife’s recovery and treatment have been going great. She is more than midway through chemo and radiation all while still working with all her kids at Saddleback. She works half days so she can travel up to Mayo hospital in Phoenix every afternoon to get radiation treatment. In all, she was away from her classroom for about 6 weeks and came right back to work after spring break.

Just looking at her you would never know what she has gone through in the last few months. Like they say, “Every day is not guaranteed”. One minute you’re at your sons football game on a Friday night and the next moment you’re driving to the Emergency room not knowing what is in store for you. My wife, the mother of our three children has shown me what it truly means to be the very best you can be for your children to be strong and always looking at the good in any situation. This is also case for her students as well. During her recovery she couldn’t wait to get back in the classroom for her students. This is why I nominate my wife for Maricopa’s best Mom.

Bernadette Delgado
Nominated by Laura Kenna
Bernadette is a stay at home mom to 3 beautiful girls: Adelaide 5, Eliana 2, and Camila soon to be 1! She is with her girls all day till evening because of her husband Alex’s intense work and school schedule. She never complains or asks for help. Even when she is sick, she musters up the energy to give 110%. She is tough and offers it all up for God’s glory.

She is selfless and will put her daughters’ needs before her own because she wants to make sure they are taken care of. She is extremely patient with her little ones.  For the girls birthdays she will spend the whole night decorating her house with balloons, and streamers. She will also take time to make them several desserts to make them feel extra special. But even when it isn’t their birthday, she shows she cares for them by her constant love and attention. She’s not only an amazing mom to her own kids but to mine too. When one of my daughters was sad because she was left out, Bernadette went over to her and started playing the same game with her. That memory has stayed with my daughter. But instead of a sad memory it is remembered as a sweet memory because Aunt Bern was there. She is more than a great mom. She is a super incredible mom and deserves a special appreciation.

Caroline Zepeda
Nominated by Thomas Akin
She taking on 3 generations of family for 2years ,(1) mother in law with dementia (2) granddaughter middle school (3) daughter (4) & me Thomas (retired).

Best Mom InMaricopa

*Minor corrections were made to nominations to account for spelling and grammar fixes.