The Nashville Mom

TNM: Tell us a little about you and how you became to start Serenity Sleepers

SS: My name is Kelley, but many days I hear the name mama, mommy or mom, more times than I can count. I wanted to share with you a little bit more about who I am, my background, why I do what I do and what qualifications I currently possess.

I have been married to my high school sweetheart and best friend for going on 11 years, this October. We have three beautiful and vibrant children, ages 8,4, and 2. They continue to keep us busy and on our toes on the daily. 

I obtained a bachelor and master’s degree in early childhood and middle school education and had the pleasure of working with children for many years. Through the years I have developed a strong passion for educating myself and others on creating healthy and safe sleep environments for babies and children. After having my first son, who is now 8, I knew setting up and implementing the best sleep foundations was of highest importance. I became the ‘sleep guru’ to family and friends over the years and new I wanted to take it to the next step. Almost four years ago I took the plunge to become certified and live out my true passion, helping families develop peaceful sleepers and implement healthy sleep education.

I completed my certification through the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting and continue to take continuing education courses yearly. I was recently voted one of the top sleep consultants in the U.S as well as completing the 30-hour mental infant health continuing education course. I just wrapped up the Holistic Sleep Conference 2019, and currently making my way through the Child Sleep Institute Sleeposium and we are only halfway through the first quarter of 2019! 

TNM: What are the benefits to sleep training? 

SS: There is a great deal of benefits not only for the child, but the entire family when implementing healthy and age appropriate sleep foundations. While I prefer sleep education, seeing my background and teachings are in educating families, there are many benefits of instilling proper sleep teachings into every baby and child. Sleep is crucial for babies and children, sleep will help them mentally, physically, emotionally and developmentally. When proper sleep education is instilled in babies and children, we have less meltdowns, minimize crying for long periods due to overtiredness, meeting vital developmental milestones, and a happier evening and bedtime for children and parents just to name a few. It can also improve mental health and the overall well being for mothers. Getting adequate sleep can lower health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, weight issues, illness, improves brain function and improves your overall immunity. Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our overall body, it controls our mood, physical health, immunity, emotional well being, our appetite and stress hormones. Sleep training sometimes can have a negative connotation, but in reality it is just about helping, guiding and supporting your child to give them the proper tools to sleep learning, sometimes it is seen as being selfish if you sleep train, but we all need sleep, it is all about healthy, realistic and age appropriate sleep for the baby/child and family. Over the years I have found that families want to learn and understand their child’s sleep, but sometimes become overwhelmed with exactly where to start or what may be the best path to healthier sleep for their child and family. Working one on one with a certified sleep consultant like myself, can help parents feel at ease knowing they have a professional that is going to lead and support them throughout the sleep process. 

TNM: How can you help families with sleep methods for their children?

SS: I take a holistic approach to sleep, meaning each and every family has their own unique sleep needs. There is never one technique or method that works 100% for each family, there is never a one size fits all approach. I take various approaches to make a plan that will work for that specific family. I personally do not use the cry it out approaches, those work well for some families, but it is not in my philosophies or methods when I work with families. I have a tool bag full of various methods that I will implement and change to meet the needs of each family. I want parents to help, guide and support a child through the sleep process, it is all about helping them to set the solid sleep foundations in place to healthier and happier sleep. One of the biggest factors in determining the right methods to sleep is knowing there is science that goes behind our sleep and knowing how the sleep science works in each individual baby or child. 

TNM: Tell us about the Serenity Sleeps Sleep Squad Facebook Group

SS: I started this group after years of helping and supporting families, I wanted a place for mama’s to come and ask questions, connect with other mothers and feel supported without any judgement. Every mother is welcomed from every viewpoint and no matter where there philosophies lie, they can feel supported. Anyone looking for a community that supports and lifts up other mothers from all avenues of life and every view point is respected. It is mainly focused around sleep, but mother’s ask various questions related to their children and family. I have daily postings, from blog post, to the latest events, Facebook lives, giveaways, the latest rewards and answer questions all about the sleep. The best part is, everyone in the group is always answering, helping and just givinging extra support, during a season of life that can have its rewards and bumps along the way. I encourage any mother to come to Serenity Sleepers Sleep Squad, take a look around, ask questions and explore the group to see if it will be a good fit for you!

TNM: How can readers sign up for the free 15 minute call to healthier sleep?

SS: You can visit my calendar, and find a day and time that works best for you to setup a free 15 minute call. You can also email me kelley@serenitysleepers.com and happy to setup a time that works best for you. 

calendly.com/kelley03

On my website you can visit my blog, which offers a variety of helpful information and tips all about the sleep. I would also love to hear from you the reader, what topics are you most interested in or what blog post would you enjoy reading to helping your little ones with their sleep?

https://www.serenitysleepers.com/blog

• https://www.serenitysleepers.com/
• Serenity Sleepers Sleep Squad
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/2116556588586419/
• Serenity Sleepers Page
  • https://www.facebook.com/serenitysleepers/
• Instagram- @serenitysleepers
  • https://www.instagram.com/serenitysleepers/

TNM: When you’re not helping other families with sleep methods, where is your favorite place to spend time around Nashville?

SS: Our family loves to check out the latest eateries around Nashville, we are grateful for a city that offers a variety of places to eat for the entire family. Jeni’s Ice Cream is always a favorite stop for our little ones. The Nashville Zoo has become one of our favorite spots to visits around Nashville.