There are people who do a job, and then there are people who change your life. Dessira is the…read morelatter.
She entered our lives when our son was born premature and jaundiced. Dessira helped our baby gain weight and, at the same time, provided calm encouragement that helped us become confident parents. That gift is priceless, and I will never forget it.
She returned to us when our son was two and stayed until he was six. During those years, she helped us build a nutrition and activity plan. This kept him energized, curious, and challenged--without empty calories or screens. The positive effects of this plan are too many to list here, but the best was his dramatically improved sleep schedule.
My son had a mildly rocky transition from nursery school to a TK/K mix to a TK-only class. At the time, I worked 60-70-hour workweeks and cannot overstate the comfort of knowing my son was safe, stimulated, and thriving with Dessira during the day. At night, I was able to be fully present with my son because Dessira handled housework and other distractions that would have taken away from that precious time. She did this without being asked. I'm grateful to her because if she hadn't, I wouldn't have thought of it.
Dessira is exceptional with infants and children of all ages. She is calm under pressure because she has a deep well of knowledge and experience to draw from. She prioritizes safety -- the safety of their bodies, of course, and also their minds and hearts. She values imagination and curiosity, and she brings genuine warmth, humor, and fun to every day.
Dessira is unique in that she cares for the whole family as a single ecosystem, where the health of all depends on the health of each. She is a wonderful listener, and as she learns what matters to you -- as parents, as people -- she reflects that back to you with encouragement and practical creativity. When I said, "Well, ideally we'd do this, but that's probably unrealistic," her response was, "Maybe so -- but let's talk about it for a minute, just to see." Most of the time, with a bit of creativity and brainstorming, we made it happen. When we didn't, I felt supported and seen, which I found to be equally valuable. It makes a big difference in my life when a smart, energetic person is on my team. I'm better at my job, I'm a better partner, and I'm a better mom.
If you are lucky enough to get Dessira in your corner, I am genuinely happy for you and your family to have the kind of support that will enrich your lives.