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
Parenting has been the most rewarding -- and challenging -- journey of my life. As a neurodivergent parent raising a neurodivergent child, I've experienced firsthand the ups and downs that come with navigating this path. When my son was diagnosed as Autistic at age seven, it opened my eyes to a new way of understanding both him and 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
That journey led me to seek out resources that could help us feel more connected as a family. I discovered so many insights that felt like they were written specifically for our family. One of the most meaningful discoveries was the Jai Institute for Parenting, where I trained to become a parenting coach. What I learned there completely changed how I approach parenting, helping me build a home filled with compassion, connection, and mutual growth.
I know how overwhelming it can feel to figure out what your child needs, whether they have unique challenges or you just want to strengthen your bond with them -- all while trying to reconcile it with your own needs as a parent. I'm here to walk alongside you, sharing tools and strategies that can help your family thrive. Together, we can create a home where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
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
