My Story
I was once a tired parent – very, very tired. As a first-time mother, I read voraciously on newborns, breastfeeding, child nutrition and development, and yet I found myself completely unprepared when it came to the challenges of infant sleep. In a desperate attempt to get my little bundle of joy to nod off, I unwittingly broke every rule in the book (if only I’d read the book!).
Following months of trial, error, heartache (and headache), I stumbled on The Sleep Lady® and her method of gentle sleep coaching and was immediately hooked. Once I’d gotten enough rest to start thinking clearly, I dedicated myself to making sure no parent would have to go through what I – and poor little Jonah – did. I trained with The Sleep Lady® and joined her cadre of certified Gentle Sleep Coaches ready to help exhausted parents gently, lovingly and as tearlessly as possible, teach their children to sleep.
I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where I studied history and behavioral psychology, and of the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of Johns Hopkins University, where I earned my master’s degree in international relations and economics. I have held research, teaching and program management positions in academia and international development, and have lived and worked in North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. I am married and have two well-rested sons, a preschooler and a toddler.
Following months of trial, error, heartache (and headache), I stumbled on The Sleep Lady® and her method of gentle sleep coaching and was immediately hooked. Once I’d gotten enough rest to start thinking clearly, I dedicated myself to making sure no parent would have to go through what I – and poor little Jonah – did. I trained with The Sleep Lady® and joined her cadre of certified Gentle Sleep Coaches ready to help exhausted parents gently, lovingly and as tearlessly as possible, teach their children to sleep.
I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where I studied history and behavioral psychology, and of the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of Johns Hopkins University, where I earned my master’s degree in international relations and economics. I have held research, teaching and program management positions in academia and international development, and have lived and worked in North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. I am married and have two well-rested sons, a preschooler and a toddler.
My Training
The Gentle Sleep Coaching Program is the most extensive professional sleep coaching certification program available. The program involves over 80 hours of training and ongoing participation in case supervision with Kim West, LCSW-C, aka ‘The Sleep Lady’. Clinical supervision and ongoing advanced training are required to maintain certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach. Some of the topics covered in the training include:
- Basic counseling and child development
- Sleep science and behavioral modification techniques
- Secure attachment theory
- Breastfeeding and support for the breastfeeding mother
It also includes lectures from top specialists, including:
- Postpartum Depression from Dr Shoshana Bennett, author and leading specialist on Postpartum Depression
- Medical Conditions and Sleep Apnea in Children led by Dr Lewis Kass, Director of Children’s Sleep Center
- Colic and Reflux by Dr Bryan Vartabedian, MD, author of ‘Colic Solved’
- Sensory Processing Disorders and Sleep by Jodi Jennings, OTLR
In addition to the Gentle Sleep Coach training program, I am a certified Happiest Baby on the Block educator and have completed a specialized certificate program in sleep coaching 4-5 month olds offered through Kim West’s Gentle Sleep Coaching program. I am currently working towards a certificate in Infant Mental Health offered through the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
Have questions? Please contact me.
- Basic counseling and child development
- Sleep science and behavioral modification techniques
- Secure attachment theory
- Breastfeeding and support for the breastfeeding mother
It also includes lectures from top specialists, including:
- Postpartum Depression from Dr Shoshana Bennett, author and leading specialist on Postpartum Depression
- Medical Conditions and Sleep Apnea in Children led by Dr Lewis Kass, Director of Children’s Sleep Center
- Colic and Reflux by Dr Bryan Vartabedian, MD, author of ‘Colic Solved’
- Sensory Processing Disorders and Sleep by Jodi Jennings, OTLR
In addition to the Gentle Sleep Coach training program, I am a certified Happiest Baby on the Block educator and have completed a specialized certificate program in sleep coaching 4-5 month olds offered through Kim West’s Gentle Sleep Coaching program. I am currently working towards a certificate in Infant Mental Health offered through the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
Have questions? Please contact me.
