about
Embarking on a Journey of Compassion and Understanding
From the earliest memories of my childhood, I was surrounded by a world that nurtured care and compassion. Inspired by my father, a dedicated pediatrician, my journey began with the instinctive role of caregiver to my younger siblings. This early exposure to the values of empathy and peacekeeping shaped the core of who I am: a person deeply committed to understanding and empathy.
A Natural Progression to Education and Connection
My path led me to a rewarding career as an educator, where I embraced the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches. These experiences weren't just about teaching; they were about building a community. A community that extended beyond the classroom walls, connecting with parents and caregivers, fostering a network of support and understanding.
A Personal Journey of Parenting
Becoming a parent myself was a pivotal moment. It was then that I discovered the true essence of connection with other parents—through the shared trials and joys of parenting. The challenges were real, the struggles palpable. I was living the very experiences I sought to ease for others, making my empathy not just a professional attribute but a personal bond.
The Turning Point
However, life, as it often does, presented its trials. Leaving behind a 21-year career in early childhood education, I faced the daunting challenge of supporting my own child through his diagnosis of autism amidst a global pandemic. This period tested my resilience, my patience, and my ability to parent with compassion—not just for my child, but for myself.
The diagnosis of my father with pancreatic cancer was a profound blow. His advice "to go out and live each day to its fullest" became a mantra I struggled to embody. I tried. For him, for myself, for my family. But the weight of my loss made it difficult to navigate my own needs, let alone those of the people around me. The people I loved. I knew something had to give.
A New Direction
It was during this tumultuous time that I discovered the Jai Institute for Parenting. Their focus on understanding children's behaviors and parenting challenges through brain development and nervous system science resonated deeply with me. The institute's comprehensive approach, emphasizing attachment theory, non-violent communication, and emotional intelligence, provided not just knowledge but a transformative experience that redefined my relationship with my son and my approach to parenting.
A Mission of Empathy and Empowerment
Today, as a parenting coach, my mission is to empower other parents with the insights and tools that have so profoundly impacted my journey. With a solid foundation in early childhood education and a deep understanding of the challenges parents face, I stand with you. Not just as a coach, but as a fellow parent navigating the complexities of raising children in today's world. Together, we can embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and build a community of compassionate, understanding families.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Ithaca College
- Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, San Francisco State University
- American Montessori Certification for 3-6 year old's, Princeton Center for Teacher Education
- Jai Parenting Coach Certification, Jai Institute for Parenting
