Meet the Team
Founder and Executive Director - Dr Gabrielle Hutchins
I have a true passion for being a Mother and traveling the world! I enjoy traveling with my family, friends, and going on my self- care solo trips to reset and renew!
I found my passion to truly see the world after I had my daughter. She is a reason to embrace all the possibilities in life! Motherhood is definitely a journey! How do you balance out being a Mom, a Career woman, an Entrepreneur, and most importantly taking care of yourself? It seems impossible at times. But I remind myself to give myself grace! Self-care is so important. Traveling is my form of self-care.
I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the Caribbean (Jamaica, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago). I have been to Latin America a few times (Mexico, Costa Rica, Columbia, Nicaragua). I had the pleasure of visiting France, London, Egypt, and Ghana! Let’s not forget home, I’ve visited Hawaii, Florida, New Orleans, Asheville, NC, California, Dallas, New York, Tennessee and many more.
When I am not traveling, I like to go out to brunch, watch my tv shows, attend my dance classes, and work on my side hustles on top of being a wife, Mom, and working a full time job as an Archivist.
In order for us to be our best selves it’s ok to put yourself first sometimes so that you can be the best Mom to your kids. There is no shame in self-care and that’s why Fly Yaya is here to help Moms be free and unapologetic! You can do it all sis!
I know we sometimes need a little push or assistance, so Whether it’s joining a local Mommy group, getting sitters, helping put a trip together, going on a retreat, or resources to help you on your journey of Motherhood, FLY Yaya is here for you.
Vice President- Naashon Ducille
Hi I am Naashon. Motherhood chose me 9 years ago and again 5 years ago. Two boys. So boy mom here. Thus I am perpetually being jumped on and asked when we can go to Legoland. I am of Jamaican descent and grew up in South Florida. Proud Alumni of the illustrious Florida A&M University. Mental health and sickle cell advocate.
I am a bookkeeper. I created King’s Homage, an online bookstore that celebrates the stories of black and brown people in memory of my older brother who passed away from suicide when he was 13. Committed to uprooting the stories we have been told about ourselves and in doing so encourage radical self-love. I am a memory keeper. My family’s historian and amateur genealogist. Bringing their names into the present and honoring them with reverence. I am a birth keeper. A doula. Certified by organization and ancestors. I sat at my mothers feet as she attended the births of her 15+ grandchildren, watched and learned to take over for her when the time comes.
Professionally I am a Process Improvement Specialist for a healthcare company.
I have been a part of a sickle cell nonprofit called Advancing Sickle Cell Advocacy Project (A.S.A.P) for five years and am currently the Program Manager for the Community of Parents Empowered Program. I am also a Community Health Worker working with families with newborns diagnosed with sickle cell. Can you tell I’m Jamaican?
Oh for fun I sleep in when possible. Music is life. I live to eat. Vegetarian. Sometimes I read one of my books that live on my emotional support bookshelves. Plants make happy. The beach is my safe place and I enjoy searching for million dollar homes online that I can’t afford.
My personal mission is to create transformative experiences that honor self. I believe every breath is an act of celebration. I celebrate who I am and who you are. Where we have come from and where we are going. I celebrate being able to hold my son’s hands and watch them experience this life. I believe in healing in community. I celebrate Fly Yaya for helping me remember myself in this journey of motherhood. To expand my wings and fly.
Executive Secretary - Rika Wheaton
Hey Mamas! I am Rika Wheaton, and I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I obtained my B.S. in Mathematical Sciences from Florida A&M University, and my M.S. in Mathematics Teaching from Florida State University.
I have 10 years of experience teaching students from middle to high school. Teaching is a work of heart, but it is my calling. I am passionate about sharing my love of learning and making mathematics meaningful for students. As much as I love teaching, I love being a mom, but creating a work-life balance can be challenging. That’s where Fly Yaya comes in!
I feel extremely blessed and proud of the life that I have created with my best friend and soulmate – my husband, Ira. We have worked extremely hard, and we have sacrificed a lot to be where we are today.
We find great joy and pride in being parents to our three amazing children. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and creating a home for my family through crafting, DIY projects, and organizing.
Nothing can truly prepare you for the rollercoaster of motherhood, but having a village to love and support you through it all makes such a huge difference. I am a better mother because of the love and support of my husband, family, and most importantly, my momma tribe. One of the goals of Fly Yaya is to provide that support for moms during their journey of motherhood. I welcome you to join our momma tribe!
Public Relations Manager - Kim Sheppard
Hey Mamas! I am Kim Sheppard.
I am a resource teacher for Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida. I have 20 years of experience working with children. I earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2010. I continued my studies in Educational Leadership at Saint Leo University.
I have a passion for early learning and developing the whole child. I am a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. My greatest accomplishment is being a mom. I have been married for 8 years to my high school sweetheart and dream guy. Together we share a beautiful family. I am a mama of four, an 8-year-old high spirited boy, a 3-year-old vivacious girl, a 1-year-old spunky fur baby, and a sweet and curious 7-month-old boy. I enjoy traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with my littles.
I am excited to commit my time and talents to furthering the work of Fly Yaya. Like many mothers, my children are my number one priority. Most times they take precedence over our own needs. This organization is essential to helping mothers balance it all. The idea of travel wellness is groundbreaking and timely. Whether getting away with littles, enjoying a girls’ trip, embarking on a solo trip, or romanticizing on a baecation, traveling is a way to reset and reconnect to what matters most. I am honored to be a part of this journey.
Advisory Board Member - Jennifer Metayer-Smith
Hi there! My name is Jennifer and I serve on the advisory board of Fly Yaya. Born and raised in South Florida, I had the esteemed honor of attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. I am a proud wife and momma to two beautiful girls and a furry animal, and we recently relocated to Jacksonville, FL. When I am not traveling the world, or spending time with my family, I am working as a full-time Registered Nurse, with a specialty in Behavioral and Mental Health.
My true passion in life is to just be happy and traveling allows me to accomplish just that, which is why I am so thrilled that Fly Yaya exists.
Let's face it, being a mother, working full time, and running a home successfully is quite the juggling act. However, Fly Yaya serves as a safe space for mommas like you and me to come together and relax. In addition, we strive to give back to mothers in the community in all different capacities.
I am so thrilled you have come to join us and look forward to traveling the world with you.