Our Story

Tia and Kelly met through a partnership between MOPS International (where Kelly works) and Colorado Christian University (where Tia works). Both are moms and both work in similar fields for their respective organization in the partnership. In every meeting, others made comment about how “magic happens” when they get together. They always have the best conversations. What started as a joke is now becoming a reality. A podcast. Two friends who came together through a mutual love for Jesus and longing to help mom’s find success and happiness.

But what would we talk about? Who wants to listen to us? That’s when we realized WE aren’t the subject of this podcast but YOU are! It stems from a realization Tia had when she was talking with two friends and one of them shared a story about guilt she had been carrying for over a year. She told them how she was on vacation and had her baby in a stroller while she was shopping. She was putting bags in the car and looked away for a moment and the baby fell out of the stroller onto the parking lot cement. The baby was fine but she felt guilty that she didn’t prevent it from happening. Tia’s other friend looked at her and said, “Oh my gosh. I did the exact same thing!” In that moment, you could physically see the relief her friend felt to know she wasn’t alone.

That’s what this podcast is about. Motherhood can be isolating and we want you to know that you’re not alone. Many of us have had the same “mom fails” as you. We might even have some great “mom hacks” that can help make momming a little easier. Join us as we hear other moms’ stories (successes and failures) and be reminded that we are all in this together.

Meet the Hosts

  • Kelli Smith

    Kelli Smith

    Vice President of Marketing and Church Engagement
    MOPS International

    Kelli Jo Smith has been heavily involved in MOPS for 15 years and is ardent in growing Christian non-profits to change the world. Some may call she and her husband, Ellery, the Chip and Joanna Gaines of the Rockies, as they enjoy wandering the aisles of Lowes in their passion for remodeling projects around their Denver home. Other hobbies include road trips with her family, and making and bottling her own wine. She has just entered the teen years with her children, raising a 15-year-old girl, Madelyn, and 13-year-old boy, Liam. To complete her family, she has a beloved Bernedoodle named Ashton O’Malley.

  • Tia Gerdsen

    Tia Gerdsen

    Assistant Vice President of Strategic Marketing
    Colorado Christian University

    Tia Gerdsen is a full-time AVP, an activist, and a member of the worship team at her church. She’s passionate about social justice, raising effective awareness about human trafficking, and empowering women. She is a Colorado native but currently lives in Lafayette, Louisiana with her husband and 4-year-old (going on 14) daughter, Adeline. Tia’s favorite color is glitter and she loves using her creativity to inspire others.

This podcast is made in partnership with:

Colorado Christian University

  • CCU’s mission is to provide Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. The unique integration of faith and learning gives you the opportunity to earn your education at a school that shares your values. This means you will be equipped for success to make a positive impact in the world. Click here to learn more about the CCU difference.

  • Are you a MOPS member? You and your spouse can take advantage of up to 30% off tuition with CCU’s exclusive MOPS member discount. That’s up to $17,000 in savings! Learn more at ccu.edu/mops.

  • Colorado Christian University offers over 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate program options 100% online. All classes are taught with a biblical worldview. Most classes are only 5 weeks long, so you can take one class at a time. Click here to learn more about CCU’s online degree program options.

  • 90% of CCU Online students qualify for financial aid. CCU helps make going back to school possible with tuition discounts, scholarship opportunities, military discounts, and credit for life experience. You can even get a scholarship just for transferring credits from another accredited school! Click here to learn more.

  • The CCU blog includes devotionals, career topics, and tips for students. Click here to check it out.

MOPS International

  • MOPS believes in the power of equipping and encouraging moms. Through community, compelling content, and incredible partnerships, our globally reaching network has walked alongside moms in all seasons of motherhood from diapers to diplomas. We’re here to do this messy, beautiful, life together. Learning, laughing, and growing from one another as we rise to meet our potential as mothers, community members, and followers of Jesus.

    Click Here to find a group near you today.

  • Join the thousands of moms around the world investing in themselves and the next generation through the MOPS sisterhood.

    Click Here to become a part of the sisterhood.

    We know when moms are resourced, when moms are elevated, when moms are educated, when moms are empowered to do what they are meant to do in the world, everyone is better because of it. MOPS has you covered 365 days a year with exclusive mom content, a mom network and discounts.

  • Click Here to check out other MOPS podcasts.

  • With over 3,000 groups in 72 countries, we have a group for you! Click Here to find a group near you today.

  • Click Here for instant mom inspiration.