Natalie Gahlsdorf

Motherhood isn’t a curated highlight reel. It’s everyday magic.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

Our family shares a close-knit bond. My husband, Eric, infuses our daily life with humor and cleverness, always finding fun in little things and making us laugh. He is an incredibly supportive partner, and his energy and charisma are qualities I have long admired. We met at Oregon State University and have been inseparable ever since. He’s also an exceptional father to our daughter Rianne.

Despite years of being told that motherhood might not be in the cards for me, Rianne’s arrival in January 2020 showed me that miracles have a way of finding us. Now six, Rianne radiates kindness and light, generously sharing her warmth with everyone. She loves arts and crafts, loves animals (especially cats), has multitudes of stuffed animals, enjoys learning, is playful, and cares deeply about friends and family. Rounding out our family is Beauty, our nine-year-old Boston Terrier, whose lively personality adds even more happiness to our home.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours?

We’re big fans of the simple joys in life. Tacos are a staple in our house, so Taco Tuesday is a weekly must. Movie night at home has become another tradition, though my husband likes to joke that it’s really “Mom Does Everything Night,” since I somehow end up handling dinner, popcorn, drinks and treats. I’m not entirely convinced he’s wrong.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments.

One of my proudest mom moments has been watching Rianne blossom into her wonderful, one‑of‑a‑kind self. She’s always known exactly what she likes, makes decisions at lightning speed and moves through life with this effortless, free‑spirited joy. She loves making friends everywhere she goes — and every trip to the park starts with her announcing, “I hope I make a new friend!”

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments.

One of my most humbling mom moments came when my maternity leave ended in June 2020, right in the middle of the COVID pandemic. I stepped back into a full‑time remote management role with a newborn in my arms, led a team of around ten while juggling feedings, naps, diaper changes and the constant reminder of uncertainty outside our walls. My desk became a strange hybrid of professional

and maternal life — a baby monitor beside a laptop as I ran meetings and managed projects. There were days when it felt like I was holding everything together with shaking hands. I was deeply sleep‑deprived, and the usual support systems had vanished because of isolation. Underneath it all was the persistent fear of raising a newborn during a time when no one knew what was safe or what the next week would bring. I still don’t fully know how I made it through.

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do (skip showers, go to

a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)?

Before having a kid, I said, “My child will eat what we eat.” Now I’m negotiating with a food critic who insists that three different types of chicken nuggets all taste different. I’ve surrendered to convenience foods and anything that contains even a sliver of protein or nutritional value.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say…

“In two minutes, we’re leaving, cleaning up, going to bed — whatever it is.”

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks?

I’ve come to accept that there really isn’t such a thing as balance in motherhood or life in general. What I’ve found instead is that having a rhythm to the day — responding to what’s actually happening in the moment — is what works for me. Instead of constantly cleaning the house, especially when my child is still happily playing on the floor, I pay attention to the energy of the situation and make an intentional choice to wait. And honestly, cleaning is often the thing I let go of to maintain my sanity. Shoes and socks on the floor somehow always reappear anyway.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home.

For most of my career, I worked in corporate health care, specializing in learning and development. I moved through several management roles and discovered how much I loved helping people and organizations grow.

When my daughter was born, I spent her first three years navigating two full worlds of motherhood and a demanding career, doing everything I could to stay present in both. Eventually, I transitioned into a part‑time individual contributor role, allowing me to meet our family’s caregiving needs while staying connected to work that energized me. During that season, I also earned my master’s degree. Shortly after, I was part of a company‑wide layoff. It marked a significant identity shift, the kind that forces you to pause and take stock. But once the dust settled, it became an unexpected gift. It gave me time with my daughter I never would’ve had otherwise, and the space to reimagine what I wanted my next chapter to look like.

That pause ultimately opened the door to something new. Today, I’m pouring my energy into Talie G Co, my leadership development company, and leaning into entrepreneurship. One of my core missions is to support women stepping into leadership for the first time — or expanding into a larger version of it — helping them find harmony between work and everyday life, navigate the complexities of business and modern leadership, and feel supported through a transition that’s rarely given the coaching or mentorship it deserves.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.

A recent achievement I’m proud of is earning my Master of Science in Management and Leadership. I completed the entire program in 11 months while working part‑time and caring for my daughter, who was four at the time.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn?

I fail regularly. Honestly, it was probably yesterday…or today. What I’ve learned is that failure is just part of the puzzle. As a mom, I tend to set big expectations for what I’ll accomplish during my kid‑free hours. The second my daughter heads off to school, it’s like an internal countdown clock starts ticking in my head “T minus 3 hours” and suddenly I’m trying to cram everything: cleaning the house, running errands, paying the bills, meal-planning, coordinating playdates, managing appointments, working on my business, squeezing in a workout and somehow still make space for downtime. It can get over-

whelming fast, and I rarely check off as much as I had hoped.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today?

As a child, I grew up in a family anchored by a hardworking dad who spent his career as an engineer at Hewlett-Packard, a stay‑at‑home mom who held our home together, and a brother and sister just two years on either side of me. As the middle child, I learned early how to adapt, listen and find my place in the mix. Faith, family and a disciplined work ethic were the foundation of everything we did, shaping our routines, our decisions, and the values we carried forward.

Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you?

I was born and raised in Corvallis. It wasn’t flashy, and it didn’t offer the constant entertainment of a bigger city, but that simplicity shaped me in meaningful ways.

What is something you will never do again? One thing I’ll probably never do again, at least for a while, is leave the house spontaneously without a second thought. The days of just grabbing my keys and heading out the door are long gone. Now there are needs to consider, things to pack, and a whole mental checklist before we even make it to the car.

If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be?

To perform — to sing, dance, and move on a stage with total confidence and zero inhibition. I’ve never had those natural performance skills, but I’ve always admired the way great performers express themselves so freely.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal?

The Eagle Eye Finals. I have an eagle eye for the small things — the typo hiding in a sea of text, the tiny differences between two nearly identical pictures. My mind locks onto what’s out of place instantly, which is probably why I’m good at puzzles and seek‑and‑finds.

Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without.

Meditation has become a solid anchor in my daily routine.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)?

The health and well-being of my family, including aging parents, and the bigger questions about the meaning of life.

What keeps you sane?

A sense of humor, my husband’s wit and the love of my family and friends.

What is your least/most favorite household chore?

Cleaning the toilets and bathroom areas. I do not like getting down on my knees and scrubbing all those hard‑to‑reach corners.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)

I’m all about a good manicure and pedicure. And when the day winds down, a glass of wine and some dark chocolate puts me in a good place. Zero guilt, all pleasure.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Getting my hair done on the regular.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

As a kid — and honestly still now — it was She-Ra: Princess of Power from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. I used to run around the house spinning in circles, yelling “Princess of Power!” at the top of my lungs. She was one of the first female heroes I remember who wasn’t a sidekick or waiting to be rescued. She was the hero, and little me absolutely loved it.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most?

Everyone tells you that motherhood will change you, but until you’re in it, you can’t grasp how deep a shift that really is. I’ve become a more emotional version of myself — I cry much more easily now, and other people’s stories about their families and lives touch my heart in a way they never used to. It surprised me how motherhood made me softer and stronger at the same time.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom?

“The days are long, but the years are short” is advice that has stayed with me the most. It reminds me to slow down, even in the hard moments, because everything is fleeting. Even the exhausting moments are part of something beautiful.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

The weight you feel isn’t weakness — it’s everything you’re holding. So much of motherhood is invisible, and you deserve credit for all of it. Ask for help sooner, rest without guilt and let go of the pressure to do it all perfectly.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is.

Motherhood isn’t a curated highlight reel. It’s the crumbs and Legos on the floor, the bedtime battles, the curious questions, the deep breaths and the small wins no one else notices. It’s the patience you didn’t know you had, and the love you keep giving even when you’re running on fumes. It’s tough and tender all at once. You’re part of a quiet network of women holding families, communities and entire futures together.

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MOMs love local…

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

…spot to get a good workout: Courthouse Club Fitness

…hair salon: The Jaycie Collective

…restaurants for a date night: Lively Station, The Cozy Taberna

…meetup spot for happy hour Ritter’s

…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Real Deals Salem, Olivia’s

…local park where kids can let off steam: Nelson Park, Fairmount City Park, Bryan Johnston Park

…any other local places you love: The REC Bowling, local movie theater, Illahee Outdoor Pool, Riverfront Carousel

MOM’s favorite…

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Nintendo Switch Mario Kart

…place to find some peace & quiet: The shower

…binge-worthy TV, podcast: Million Dollar Listing, Owning Manhattan, The Mel Robbins Podcast

…inspirational quote: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller

…time-saving app or digital too:l iPhone notes & reminders

…parenting book or philosophy: Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell