About Me

I am a parenting coach, Montessori educator, and lifelong learner with a Master's in Elementary Education and more than a decade of experience working alongside families with children of all ages—from toddlers to teens. My journey as an educator has taken many forms, but one thread has remained constant: a deep belief in the power of intentional parenting rooted in respect, empathy, and connection.

My work has included teaching in classrooms, leading parent workshops, and supporting families in transition. During my time with World Relief, I worked closely with refugee and immigrant parents who were navigating the complex process of rebuilding their lives while learning how parenting looks in a new culture. It was humbling and eye-opening work that deepened my understanding of the universal needs parents have: to be seen, supported, and empowered.

In 2018, I stepped into the world of Montessori education, a philosophy that aligned beautifully with my own parenting instincts and beliefs. I became a certified Montessori teacher in 2023 and currently serve as the director of the Montessori preschool where I’ve had the privilege of working for several years. Montessori philosophy continues to feed my passion of fostering independence, respect, curiosity, and confidence in children.

I approach coaching with an open mind and an inclusive heart, honoring the diverse values, backgrounds, and family structures that make each parenting journey unique. I believe in nurturing not only independent children but also helping to develop children who become kind, empathetic, and loving adults who want to contribute positively to the world.

In my personal life, I live with my husband, daughter, and our cat and two dogs. I love learning and can’t get enough of it, so I’m always listening to a podcast or reading a book, although I love fiction as well. Things that also fill me with joy are the Chicago Cubs, sushi, a good sunset, blankets, and watching shows like I Love Lucy, Ted Lasso, and Schitt’s Creek. I’d love to say that I enjoy traveling, but honestly I love being at home and doing DIY projects to continue to make my home a beautiful nest!

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.