Who we are

The room matters. So does how it is held.

DRN | DFW was founded by Julie Shank and Melissa Touris to give women navigating divorce a private local place for honest connection, useful support, and zero pressure to perform.

Your co-founders and hosts

Two ways of showing up. One shared responsibility.

Julie Shank, co-founder and host of DRN DFW

Julie Shank

Direct & Practical

Local Certified Divorce Lending Professional

Julie brings energy, candor, and a practical instinct for turning an overwhelming situation into something women can actually work with. She asks the next useful question and does not require hard things to look tidy.

Melissa Touris, co-founder and host of DRN DFW

Melissa Touris

Listener First

Local, experienced Real Estate expert

Melissa is the quieter, steady half of the founding team. She notices what is not being said, makes room without forcing it, and helps the community feel grounded, thoughtful, and human.

What we share

We are here to protect the conditions for honest connection.

01

Dignity before advice. Nobody has to defend her choices or timeline to belong here.

02

Honesty without spectacle. Divorce can be complicated without becoming public property.

03

Resources without a sales pitch. Useful professional insight belongs here only when it genuinely helps.

04

Privacy stated plainly. While we cannot guarantee privacy, we can make the expectation explicit and act when it is violated.

Arrive as you are

You do not need a finished story to belong here.

You can be considering divorce, in the middle of it, rebuilding afterward, reconciling, or supporting someone you care about. Listening counts. Sharing is always optional.