Hi! I’m Judy, founder of Mountain Baby and mother of Aaron and Elena (now all grown up!). I have had the honour and privilege of working and playing with babies, young children and families my whole adult life. I have lots of “credentials”, lots of experience, and lots of passionate views I want to share with you on this blog.
My “credentials”: I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I taught young children (2-8 year olds) for many years in a variety of Early childhood Settings (Daycare, Preschool, Parent Participation Preschool, Headstart, and I ran a college Demonstration Day Care). I initiated the program, was the department head and taught in the Department of Early Childhood Childhood Education at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada for 8 years. I have been a La Leche League Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) for 26 years and an internationally certified Lactation Consultant for 10 years. I ran a fabulous government funded post partum support program for five years doing one on one post partum couselling, running mom’s groups including Post Partum Depression programs, coordinating volunteers and doing community outreach. I have been, and continue to be, an outspoken advocate for young children and families. I was one of the three original founders of the thriving Community First Health Coop and have served on a wide range of community service Boards.
I have owned Mountain Baby, the store, for over 15 years and my store has become a reflection of everything I believe in. My customers are like family to me, and the young parents know they can come in any time for help in their parenting journey. I continue to be amazed by the innate brilliance of babies and the untiring (even though they are so exhausted) love of parents for their children. I have learned an enormous amount about the uniqueness of each child, the “art”…not the science, of parenting, and the struggles parents face every day in trying to be the best they can for their children.
I am a deep lover of nature and the natural world. I live in a beautiful small mountain community, surrounded by magnificent peaks and sparkling lakes. I am passionate about the environment and children’s right to play and grow in a pristine, unpolluted world. I support families being fit and active in nature and the outdoors, even if the closest nature is your neighbourhood park. And above all I value and honour close family attachment and the amazing power of love and connection.
I hope you enjoy my blog, and you jump in and share your ideas, passions, and stories.