About Me

Name pronounced Ma-lee-da

She/Her

  • Montessorian and director of a Montessori preschool

  • Master’s degree in Elementary Education

  • Experienced working with diverse communities, including teaching newly arrived refugee families about parenting in the U.S.

  • Lifelong learner with a deep belief in growth mindset

  • Passionate about teaching children in age-appropriate, respectful ways to become resilient, confident, independent problem solvers who feel a true sense of belonging

  • Two-time breast cancer survivor, which shaped my perspective and deepened my appreciation for how precious our time with children truly is

  • Emotions are welcome here—I love teaching about them, and I believe crying is healthy and never something to fear or avoid

  • Connecting with others—and connecting people to each other—is my superpower

  • Deeply inspired by the work and wisdom of Fred Rogers and Maria Montessori

My Passion

At the heart of everything I do is a deep passion for helping parents feel confident and capable in their role.

Parenting was once a communal effort—and in many cultures, it still is. But here in the United States, we’ve become so individualistic that asking for support often feels like a weakness. How strange! Raising a whole human—someone who is thoughtful, resilient, and ready to stand on their own—should require support. It’s one of the most important things we’ll ever do. And there should be no shame in reaching out for help along the way.

I love working with parents at every stage—whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums, tween emotions, or teen independence. I believe parenting support should be personalized, compassionate, and practical. I’m here to listen, collaborate, and help you build a parenting toolkit that fits your unique child, your family, and your values.

I’m especially passionate about:

  • Supporting parents of young children in problem-solving recurring stress points—for both the adults and the kids

  • Helping parents foster independence, confidence, and grit through Montessori-informed strategies

  • Guiding parents through transitions between developmental stages, and helping them adapt their parenting role as their child grows

  • Encouraging parents to reflect on their environment—both physical and emotional—and how it supports or hinders their family’s current needs

  • Teaching parents how to understand and respond to big emotions with empathy and patience

My Philosophy

I believe parenting is similar to growing a tree. My husband, a passionate gardener, explained how the stake you place beside a baby tree needs to be just the right distance. If the stake is too close, it limits the tree’s growth. If the stake is too far, the tree lacks the support it needs to grow strong. Over time, as the tree matures, the stake is moved further and further away until it's no longer needed.

That is parenting: the art of knowing when to support, when to step back, and how to create a rich environment where your child feels they can trust and learn by making mistakes.

Parenting is not about perfection. It’s about presence, reflection, and problem solving. When we raise children with love, empathy, boundaries, and encouragement, they not only grow strong, but they also choose to stay connected to us as they transition into adulthood.

That’s Sapling Parenting.

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