Krista Knuffke: Redefining Resilience Through Reinvention

Krista Knuffke: Redefining Resilience Through Reinvention

In this episode of Beyond Orders, Michelle sits down with Krista Knuffke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-knuffke-50642410a/], proud Army spouse, mom of two, and Director of Client Success at Squared Away. Krista’s journey from healthcare to operations leadership is one defined by adaptability, grit, and purpose. Together, they explore what reinvention really looks like for military spouses navigating constant change: balancing family, career, and identity while creating impact in every chapter. From managing moves and motherhood to leading sales and client onboarding, Krista shares how she’s built a life and career that thrives beyond the boundaries of traditional work. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation about growth, service, and the strength it takes to start over, again and again.   Government Shutdown Resources [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kVmL93MF-LoauSXTcE8NMx3xzQ0z0_17KXJC_nVMF2I/edit?usp=sharing]

Lauren Cecora: Faith, Family, and the Postpartum Journey

In this episode of Beyond Orders, I sit down with Lauren Cecora -  a 16-year Air Force spouse, devoted mom of two daughters, homeschool parent, and author of Past-Partum [https://amzn.to/3KtJ6cX]. Lauren opens up about the challenges and triumphs of military family life, from navigating deployments to preparing for her husband’s upcoming retirement after nearly two decades of service. We dive into her journey through postpartum struggles and how sharing her story in Past-Partum became a lifeline of hope for other mothers. Lauren also shares how faith has grounded her family, why homeschooling has been such a powerful choice for her daughters, and how embracing the 1000 Hours Outside movement has transformed the way her family connects with nature, each other, and themselves. Lauren’s story is one of reinvention, courage, and intentional living and it’s a reminder that even in seasons of uncertainty, we can choose resilience and purpose.

Kerissa Frigo: Veteran Strength Meets Military Spouse Resilience

In this episode of Beyond Orders, we sit down with Kerissa Frigo [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerissa-frigo-a1a909307/]. Veteran, military spouse, mom of two energetic boys, and now an Executive Assistant with Squared Away [https://www.gosquaredaway.com/]. Kerissa shares her journey from serving five years in the Air National Guard to navigating a decade of marriage through the highs and lows of military life. She opens up about raising a child with Williams Syndrome and how that experience has reshaped her outlook on resilience, adaptability, and purpose. Today, Kerissa brings that same strength and perspective into her role supporting leaders at Squared Away, where she helps them stay focused, organized, and ready for whatever mission comes next. This conversation is about more than career shifts; it’s about how the challenges of service, parenting, and perseverance equip us with the skills to lead and support others in powerful ways. Tune in to hear Kerissa’s inspiring story and discover the lessons she carries from the Air National Guard to the homefront to the clients she serves today.

Danielle Hillebrand: Piercing Through Challenges and Building Identity Beyond Orders

In this episode of Beyond Orders, we sit down with Danielle Hillebrand, a professional body piercer with 17 years of experience and a proud military spouse of 8 years. Danielle’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of identity in the face of constant transition. Each PCS move has brought new challenges, but also new opportunities. Danielle has successfully restarted her studio, Elegant Edge, four times in four different states — proving that dedication and creativity can keep both passion and career alive no matter where military life leads. Through every relocation, Danielle has rebuilt her clientele, reestablished her business, and continued to grow her craft. As a mom of two young kids and a business owner, Danielle balances the demands of family, entrepreneurship, and military life with grit and grace. She shares candidly about the sacrifices, lessons, and strategies that allow her to maintain peace, protect her sense of self, and continue thriving in a career she loves. Listeners will walk away with insights on: * Navigating career reinvention through PCS moves and military life * The challenges and rewards of running a business while raising young kids * Why identity and purpose outside of the military structure are vital for spouses * How to lean into passion and perseverance to create a life that works anywhere * The resilience it takes to start over, again and again, without losing momentum Danielle’s journey is a testament to the fact that military spouses don’t just adapt, they innovate, rebuild, and thrive. This conversation will leave you motivated to hold on to what makes you you, even in the most unpredictable seasons of life.

Taylor Lingerfelt: Leading with Heart as a Military Spouse and Team Lead

Taylor Lingerfelt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-lingerfelt-a65793225/] is a proud active duty Army spouse, mom of two, and Team Lead at Squared Away. She began her journey with the company in 2021 while at home with her kids, seeking a way to reconnect with her own identity. Over the years, she’s held multiple internal roles, growing her skills in leadership, client success, and remote team management. Today, Taylor is passionate about finding balance between family life and career, leading with empathy, and embracing the beautiful chaos of military life. Her story is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and leadership that military spouses bring to the workforce. In this episode of Beyond Orders, Taylor shares how she built a fulfilling career from home, the challenges and rewards of managing a remote team, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, delegation, and staying grounded while life moves at military speed.