Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a San Diego Native born and raised in Golden Hill. I am an early childhood educator and love to work with little ones in the toddler and pre-k age group . I am a dog mom and have a 12 year old son whom I have been growing with every day and enjoy. I own and operate a small outdoor preschool program in my favorite neighborhood and partly in my childhood home called The Outdoor Classroom. I love art, colorful places and being outdoors in nature.
What do you love most about being a mom?
What I love most about being a mom is that I have a little human that I can help and teach how to navigate their everyday world, and through my teachings and us sharing our experience together I am learning how to also be better and grow with him and within myself.
Let's be real. Motherhood isn't always sunshine and rainbows. What aspect of motherhood challenges you to grow into your highest self?
My son is now in middle school and I had always thought that as your child gets older maybe parenting becomes much easier. That is not the case at all. As the years keep coming each school year presents me with new challenges and opportunities. We as adults think we can handle what comes our kids way and you learn that you both will be going through their learning experiences and it becomes challenging at times.
Becoming a mom, you grow into a new version of yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. How has being a mom shaped you into your present self?
Over the years, as a mom, I have physically been quite active each day with kiddos, mentally I sometimes feel like I have mom fog brain and then other days I feel very sharp and on top of the world. Emotionally, I have become well rounded. I spend most of my weeks helping little ones with understanding their emotions and doing so has helped me navigate my emotions and those of the people around me.
How do you reset when you feel overwhelmed, or find a moment of bliss in the chaos?
When I become overwhelmed it is usually because of work or home repair related issue. I will take a hike or go to the San Diego Zoo with my son. The zoo is very close and a great place to take a nice walk especially if you have season passes. I love animals and learning about them with my son and it is always a stress reliever for the both of us. Another was I will find a moment of bliss is by setting up a space outside to watercolor. Releasing creativity onto a blank page can be therapeutic and relaxing.
What is your favorite family adventure spot in San Diego?
My absolute favorite family adventure spot is the La Jolla Tide Pools. We love the beach, my son gained the nick name “shark boy” as a kid because of his love of sharks. We visited the beaches often and love to explore the tide pools of San Diego as there are many more apart from the ones in La Jolla for us to enjoy. My fiancé didn’t enjoy them as much as my son and I but we have taught him so much about the discreet sea creatures we find that he has come around to really enjoy the experience.
Thank you so much for sharing a part of your journey! What do you have for local San Diego moms, and where can we find you?
At The Outdoor Classroom, we believe that children thrive in an environment which values their own uniqueness, while providing support and opportunities to grow emotionally, socially and creatively. We love guiding children to explore the world around them and watching them develop new abilities and form close relationships.
Follow us on Instagram at @outdoorclassroom _ gh to see how we help young children build their strengths, interests and curiosities. Thank you for this opportunity.
