A Home & Family of Animal Lovers
Robin catches up with Mark and Julie Steines, longtime American Humane friends and supporters and new parents to baby Parker Rose. Mark and Julie share stories of their four-legged family members: Fred, a golden retriever, and Norbert, their special therapy dog and star of the bestselling picture books Norbert: What Can Little Me Do?, Norbert: What Can Little YOU Do?, and Norbert’s Little Lessons for a Big Life.
BIO:
Mark Steines
Emmy award-winning journalist Mark Steines hosts Hallmark Channel's Emmy-nominated "Home & Family." Steines and his co-host Debbie Matenopoulos entertain and inform a daily audience with an array of entertaining and relevant lifestyle topics, such as do-it-yourself projects and cooking with celebrities and experts.
Prior to joining "Home & Family," Steines hosted "Entertainment Tonight" for more than 17 years. Other hosting credits include the "2008 Miss America Live!," VH-1's "Greatest TV Rock 'n' Roll Moments," VH-1's "The 25 Sexiest," the "Golden Karma Awards" recognizing international philanthropic efforts, Mark Burnett's AOL interactive online game "Gold Rush" and the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Steines was also a celebrity guest judge on "HGTV Design Star."
Steines received an Emmy award for the KCAL-TV special "Beyond Endurance: Madagascar," an Emmy and Golden Mic award for "Beyond Endurance: Borneo," an Emmy as host of the 2005 Hollywood Christmas Parade, a National Iris Award for the special "The Big Business of Sports Endorsements" and national recognition by the Women’s Sports Foundation for his fair and impartial reporting on the Women’s National Football League.
Steines also receives rave reviews as a photographer. His appreciation for all things beautiful is captured in his portraits and majestic landscapes. His photo book "See The Light: A Passage To Sierra Leone," documents the Light House Medical Mission’s trip to raise awareness for fresh water in impoverished countries. In the Spring of 2015, Steines photographed more than 30 celebrities for Boot Campaign's patriotic image campaign.
As an actor, Steines has guest starred on television shows including "CSI: NY," "The Practice," "Medium," "Half & Half," "America’s Next Top Model," "Handy Manny" and Sony Pictures' feature film "Nixon."
A born fitness enthusiast, Steines was featured in People Magazine's coveted "Sexiest Man Alive" issue and Men’s Fitness Magazine's "25 Fittest Men in America." He was a spokesperson for fitness expert Tony Horton and Beachbody's "10-Minute Trainer" program.
Born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, he attended the University of Northern Iowa on a full football scholarship and graduated with a degree in Radio and Television. Steines began his broadcast career as a regional television sports reporter, which later brought him to Los Angeles and national television. Not one to forget his roots, Steines established a mentorship program with his alma mater, equipping students with the tools necessary to successfully transition from the classroom to a career.
An avid hands-on do-it-yourself guy, Steines enjoys spending his free time fixing, remodeling and restoring all things in disrepair. He resides in Los Angeles, California with his wife, acclaimed children's book author Julie Steines, his one daughter, two sons, their golden retriever Fred and Norbert, their 3lb. therapy dog, philanthropist and social media influencer.
Julie Steines
Julie Steines is a multiple award-winning children’s book author. She co-owns the publishing and education company, Polly Parker Press, with her mother Dr. Virginia Freyermuth. Her beloved Norbert book series is inspired by her tiny real-life registered therapy dog whose message is “You don’t need to be big to make a BIG difference in the world.”
With Norbert, Julie’s 3 lb. registered therapy dog, Julie has built a global audience of nearly one million highly-engaged followers, known as The Norberthood. Through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, Julie consistently promotes kindness and compassion, while inspiring Norbert’s dedicated and passionate fans to spread smiles to others. Norbert has become a worldwide phenomenon and a captivating symbol of goodness and generosity of spirit.
Julie has appeared multiple times on Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” show. Her segments have been enthusiastically received by viewers, as she shared real-life aspects about her life as an author, animal therapy team, and new mother.
As a registered therapy animal team, Julie and Norbert have spent many hours volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, schools, fundraisers, and homeless shelters to bring comfort and smiles to people of all ages. Julie’s work with Norbert has been featured on Time, People, Wired, HLN, Huffington Post, AOL, InStyle, Oprah.com, Paper Magazine, and Brides.com, among others.
Julie has worked with major national brands and non-profit organizations such as Conde Nast, iTunes, Disney, The Hilton, Natural Balance, Boot Campaign, Pet Smart, and more.