Hi Macaroni KID New River Valley families!
I’m Shelby Phelan, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new publisher of Macaroni KID New River Valley! Some of you may already know me as the publisher of Macaroni KID Roanoke, and I am super excited to now expand and bring you the very best of family fun throughout our local area—from Roanoke to the New River Valley and everywhere in between.
You might have noticed Shannon, the previous publisher has moved on, and I want to assure you that I’m committed to bringing you consistent, fresh, and engaging content every week. My goal is to make Macaroni KID New River Valley your trusted go-to resource for family fun and connection in our community.
A little about me—I’m a busy mom of three kids in elementary, middle, and high school this year (yes, juggling all the school stages at once!). My family loves getting out and exploring our beautiful area, discovering new places, and trying new experiences. We enjoy traveling near and far, and we’re passionate about sports of all kinds—whether playing, watching, or cheering from the sidelines.
Outside of Macaroni KID, most days you’ll find me shuttling kids to school, practices, games, and events, soaking up all the family moments along the way. Life is full and sometimes hectic (can you relate?), but when I find a little time for myself, I enjoy reading, exercising, traveling or planning our next adventure, attending live performances, and the occasional grown-up night out.
As a publisher with experience creating family-focused content, my mission is simple: to make life easier and more fun for families like yours. Each week, I’ll share a carefully curated mix of local events, kid-friendly activities, helpful resources, and seasonal inspiration to help you make the most of your time together—whether that’s a big weekend adventure or a cozy rainy day at home.
I’m passionate about connecting families with the best our community has to offer—from hidden gems and local businesses to crafts, holidays, and meaningful experiences. I truly believe in the power of community and love being part of something that helps families create lasting memories, right here at home.
I hope Macaroni KID New River Valley becomes your go-to family-friendly resource—a place where you can always find ideas, inspiration, and support to make your week a little brighter. I warmly welcome your ideas, tips, and event suggestions. Whether you’re a parent with a fun idea, a local business wanting to connect, or simply someone looking for more family-friendly fun, I’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for being part of the Macaroni KID New River Valley community. I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to discover and celebrate all the amazing things happening in our area—together.
With gratitude,
Shelby Phelan
Publisher, Macaroni KID New River Valley

