Mom to Aubrey, Kirra, Juliet & Chase
Occupation: Founder & Director, Skate Rising
Employer: Exposure Skate
What was your experience like returning to work after having your children?
I have always felt torn between spending every moment with my incredible children and focusing on the youth program I founded. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to integrate my children into my work. I am grateful that I can teach my own children how to speak publicly, empower other, and support their community because of what I do
What do you find difficult about being a working parent?Balance is very challenging for me. I have so many great opportunities through work but nothing compares to the importance of my family so I find myself working through the night a lot as to not take time away from my kids.
What do you enjoy about being a working parent?
I really enjoy the opportunities I have to be creative, educate and support others, and inspire our youth. I love what I do because I am passionate about it.
After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?
My views have changed but not much. I believe it is a very personal decision as to when, if and why you go back to work after having a family. Being a stay at home mother was the hardest yet most rewarding job I have ever had. I admire every mother out there, working outside of the home and those busy working within the walls of the home. Each is important and specific to the individual and their family.
Knowing what you know now, what’s one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell yourself as you were preparing to return to work or getting ramped up in your role?
I wish I had had the perspective that everything will work out even when at the moment it seems like it won’t. I try to do as much as I can and then wait to see where things land. It’s ok to not have all of the answers.
What did you choose for childcare, and how has it been for your family?
Babysitters, grandparents, friends
I don’t have anyone consistently coming to give me time to work because I don’t want to miss anything. I know that if I had someone more consistently, even if for just a few hours a week, like a nanny, it would probably benefit our family to a certain degree.
Anything else you want to share?
We are women, we are strong, we can be our own self validation, and we are love. It is so important to remember to love ourselves as much as we love those around us, especially through all of the hard decisions and times.
