about me
Pediatric Sleep Coaching Experience: I am a graduate of Kim West's, a.k.a. the sleepy lady, Gentle Sleep Coach program. The Gentle Sleep Coaching Program is currently the most extensive & professional sleep certification program available. The program involves over 80 hours of training, an exam and participation in case supervision with Kim West. Some of my training topics have included: Basic counseling and child development, Sleep Science and Behavioral Modification Techniques, Secure Attachment Theory, Supporting the Breastfeeding Mom. Lectures from top specialists in the areas of: 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, and Sensory Processing Disorders and Sleep by Jodi Jennings, OTLR
I have been working with clients in New York City, Westchester County, Connecticut as well as clients in Philadelphia and as far away as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Kentucky, and Vermont. I have experience working with babies and children who have pre-existing medical issues that challenge sleep such as reflux and sleep apnea. In addition, I have worked with many babies and toddlers who were born pre-term and have worked with twins as well.
Specialized training with 4 and 5 month old babies: Between 4 and 5 months, quite a few babies struggle with sleep for developmental as well as behavioral reasons. In order to better work with this age group, I completed an advanced training with Andrea Strang and Heather Irvine.
Background in Child Development: I have an MS in Education from Bank Street College of Education. At Bank Street, I focused on child development and learned to create curriculum using the developmental interactive approach - teaching material that is constructed to work with the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional needs of children. I taught 7th grade humanities for 5 years at Bank Street's School for Children. When I help a family with sleep, I think about the 'whole' child and make sure that the program and plan reflects what is developmentally appropriate for the child. Before teaching, I worked in book and magazine publishing. And while at Brown University, I considered a career in archeology.
Real Life Parenting Experience: I am a mother to Alistair (age 8), Clara (6), and Loewy (3). I have made every mistake in the (sleep) book (at least for my first two). I have learned through a lot of pain and suffering the value of healthy sleep routines. I, of course, am still human and am still learning from my mistakes (see my blog).
CBS 2 New York aired a piece on sleep coaches, I am one of the two coaches featured. Check it out ...
