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Three’s Company: Besties Expand MacKID Across Cumberland and Dauphin

How Rachael Benion, Kendra Bradford, and Carla Thomas Are Revolutionizing Parenting in Central PA

By Rachael Benion, publisher, Macaroni KID Harrisburg and West Shore August 22, 2024

Ladies and Gentlemen, parents and occasional sanity-seekers, hold onto your baby wipes and prepare to be dazzled! Central Pennsylvania is about to become the epicenter of parenting brilliance, thanks to a dynamic trio of best friends who have just leveled up their game.

In a move that can only be described as “parenting power play,” Rachael Benion and Kendra Bradford, two besties with a knack for wrangling kids and juggling responsibilities, took the plunge in May and became publishers of neighboring Macaroni KID websites. Rachael is now the brilliant mind behind Macaroni KID Macaroni KID Harrisburg & West Shore Area, and Kendra is the genius steering Macaroni KID Carlisle to Shippensburg. Together, they’ve been shaking up the parenting scene, offering stellar tips, local event listings, and more laughs than a toddler's joke book.

But wait—there’s more! Just when you thought things couldn’t get any more exciting, enter Carla Thomas, the energetic mom of two who’s here to bring her own flair to the party. Carla is taking the helm of Macaroni KID Hershey, the third parenting website that just so happens to neighbor Rachael’s and Kendra’s domains. Picture a triumvirate of parenting awesomeness that stretches across Cumberland and Dauphin Counties, each with its own unique charm but united in their mission to support families.

Now, let’s take a peek at what these three parenting phenoms bring to the table. Rachael’s website is known for its in-depth seasonal guides and a calendar that seems to magically align with every parent’s need to get the kid's out the house. Kendra’s site is the go-to for the latest and greatest in local activities, parenting hacks, and occasional reminders that you’re not alone in the trenches of bedtime routines.

And then there’s Carla, our newest addition to the Macaroni KID empire. Carla’s superpower is seeing behind the veil of the everyday chaos of family life and fostering resilience, compassion, and an amazing sense of humor in her kids. She’s the mom who can orchestrate a successful photography business while simultaneously making sure her kids don’t paint the dog; ok... so maybe she just takes it in stride when they DO paint to dog by making sure the paint in the house in non-toxic. With Carla on board, Macaroni KID Hershey is set to become the ultimate resource for families in need of fun, creativity, and a dash of humor.

What makes this trio truly exceptional is their deep-rooted friendship. Rachael, Kendra, and Carla aren’t just colleagues—they’re practically family. They’ve weathered the storms of parenting together, shared countless laughs, and supported each other through every spilled sippy cup and sleepless night. Their shared mission? To make parenting a little bit easier and a lot more fun for everyone in their communities.

Here’s the plan: Rachael, Kendra, and Carla are combining their expertise to create a powerhouse of parenting support that spans three neighboring areas. Whether you’re looking for the best kid-friendly events in Cumberland Valley, the most creative activities in Dauphin, or a lifeline of parenting tips in Hershey, this trio has got you covered. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of their top-secret mom squad handshake (which, according to rumors, involves a lot of jazz hands and a coordinated snack exchange). Don't forget to keep your eyes open for the infamous Sister-Wife-Van... I mean Macaroni VAN! Macaroni VAN! 

So, get ready, Central PA! With Rachael, Kendra, and Carla leading the charge, you can expect an unprecedented wave of parenting brilliance. Keep your eyes peeled and your calendars handy, because this trio is about to make parenting in Cumberland and Dauphin Counties the most exciting adventure yet.

Welcome, Carla, to the Macaroni KID family! Let the parenting party commence!

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