Car Seat Checks
Summary: Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on-hand to check the installation of car seats in attendees vehicles. SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED. PLEASE CHECK YES IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING ASSIGNED A SPOT. The checks take about 20 minutes, and we recommend daddy, or another caretaker, complete the car seat check if momma doesn't want to miss the sessions. Bio: Theresa Puckett is 59, married, and has 5 children and 15 grandchildren. She was in childcare for over 30 years and taught at early Headstart in Lawrenceburg for 5 yrs. She drives for Lawrenceburg public transportation currently and LOVES it! Theresa decided to get certified after her grandson at age 4 was in a serious car accident and suffered serious brain injury due to not being properly restrained and was ejected and hit the pavement head first. He survived but has serious developmental delays. She has been certified for 2 1/2 yrs. Bio: Jenifer Hughes is 32 years old and has been married for 11 years. She has 4 wonderful children, Cayden (13), Jayse (10), Laia (6), and Rayna (2). She was previously a stay at home mom for 9 years but currently has a full time job. She has had a passion for car seat safety ever since she was a young girl. She decided to become a Child Passenger Safety Technician to teach and encourage proper car seat safety. A vehicle is one of the most dangerous places to be and she wants to be sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained, including adults. The best car seat to have is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and will be used properly each and every time. |
Gentle Parenting Toddlers - Foundation for the Future
Summary: We will discuss some basics of gentle parenting including empathy, respect, and healthy limits. Bio: Jessica Claire Hall offers one-on-one breastfeeding and parenting support in person (in Huntsville and surrounding areas) and online via video chat. She presents the BAKE (Baby And Kid Expo) annually to meet families and build support among families in the Huntsville and surrounding communities. |
Infant/Child CPR
Summary: Elizabeth will be instructing parents on basic life support skills for children and infants. Instructions will be given followed by a chance for parents to demonstrate their newly learned skills on mannequins. Due to the nature of this course, space is limited and pre-registration is necessary. Bio: Elizabeth Hunnicutt is a wife and a mom of five. Elizabeth is a certified CPR Instructor through the American Heart Association. She teaches Basic Life Support to Health Care Providers, Basic CPR training, and AED training for adult, child, and infants. She became an instructor in September 2016. When she’s not teaching CPR she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and shopping. |
Empower Your Birth
Summary: You have options when planning your birth. Learn about how to empower your birth and trust your body. Bio: Stacie Hunt is the mother of five children, a hospital birth, a home birth, two c-sections and a VBAC at home. She has two grandsons, both of which she delivered at home. Stacie is a Certified Professional Midwife and is licensed in the state of Tennessee. She lives in Leoma Tennessee and offers Midwifery Services, including: Homebirth, Waterbirth, Well Woman Care, PAP Smears, Prenatal Care, Postpartum Care, Blood work, Breastfeeding Support, Labor Support and much, much more! She serves Southern Middle Tennessee and Northwest Alabama families, as well as our local Amish community. Stacie trained with The Farm Midwives and has been a member of The Farm Midwifery crew for over 15 years. She teaches midwifery assistant and herbal workshops. She is also a massage therapist and certified herbalist. In 2013 she founded the Whole Woman Wellness and Education Center in St. Joseph, TN. She was featured in the recent documentary, Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and The Farm Midwives. Stacie strives to provide comprehensive care, and abide by the Midwives Alliance of North America’s Standard of Practice. She is certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR. You can read a detailed description of her homebirth and midwifery services here, and you can check out details regarding Well Woman Care here. In 2017, she opened Oasis of Health, offering natural alternative healthcare for the community. |
Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee: Help! My freezer is full of... Breastmilk! Summary: Dr. Campbell will talk about Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee, including the benefits of donor milk versus formula for delicate, premature infants and the milk bank’s efforts to offer donor milk to hospitals state-wide. Bio: Dr. Susan Campbell attended Thomas Jefferson Medical School. She completed her pediatric residency at Wilmington Medical Center and her neonatal fellowship at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She is board certified in neonatal-perinatal medicine. Dr. Campbell helped to found the practice in 1989. Dr. Campbell is the proud mother of three sons. She is also very active in her church and community. |
Infant/Child CPR
Summary: Elizabeth will be instructing parents on basic life support skills for children and infants. Instructions will be given followed by a chance for parents to demonstrate their newly learned skills on mannequins. Due to the nature of this course, space is limited and pre-registration is necessary. Bio: Elizabeth Hunnicutt is a wife and a mom of five. Elizabeth is a certified CPR Instructor through the American Heart Association. She teaches Basic Life Support to Health Care Providers, Basic CPR training, and AED training for adult, child, and infants. She became an instructor in September 2016. When she’s not teaching CPR she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and shopping. |
Cloth Diapering 101
Summary: Sarah and CoryAnn will be teaching Cloth 101 Class for those who are new to cloth and are wanting to learn all about the different styles of modern cloth. Bio: Sarah Wilson is the wife of 6 years to her soulmate and a WAHM with two beautiful daughters. They love cloth diapers! Bio: CoryAnn France is a nurse who became a stay-at-home,homeschooling,foster,semi-churchy mom. She is also a coordinator for the North Alabama cloth Diaper bank. CoryAnn has been involved with cloth diapers for the last 4 1/2 years. She love helping families in need, providing education, and helping the environment all at the same time with cloth diapers. |
Babywearing 101
Summary: Sarah will share the benefits to babywearing and demostrate how to breastfeed a baby in a ring sling, soft structured carrier, a stretchy wrap and a woven wrap. Bio: Sarah Bailey is a babywearing consultant and entrepreneur. Her experience working with families began while serving as a teacher for young children and babies with disabilities in 1998. A Center for Babywearing Studies graduate and Baby Carrier Industry Alliance member, Sarah now teaches families how to comfortably hold babies close. Babywearing perfectly melds her previous weekend hobby of backpacking with her understanding of early childhood development. Sarah shines at finding solutions for wearing babies when families have unique needs. Passionate about helping in her local community, Sarah started a local babywearing group in 2013. This group has quickly grown from 10 members to over 3,000 families, resulting in a surge of babywearing in the area and serving as a catalyst for babywearing related businesses. Sarah owns Acorn Treasures, a babywearing retail store specializing in babywearing consultancy services located in Huntsville, Alabama, where she lives with her husband and growing children. |
Child Abuse Prevention Summary: This presentation will be about the risks, signs and prevention methods of Child Abuse. It will contain information about reporting, responding, and even detecting child abuse and potential child predators. This is a must for new moms in helping keep their children safe in the present and future! Bio: Kesha Smotherman, LPC MHSP --Clinical Director Therapist – Kesha earned a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Argosy University. She also holds a Bachelors of Arts with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology from Athens State University. She has been a therapist at Kid’s Place since 2010 |
Postpartum Health
Summary: Pregnancy and Childbirth can take its toll on a woman's body. Physical therapy can help you restore your pelvic floor and core to reduce incontinence, prolapse, diastasis recti, and pelvic pain in postpartum mothers. Bio: Sarah Suddarth is a physical therapist from Giles County, TN. She graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Belmont University in 2010. She has been practicing in Ardmore and Pulaski, TN since 2010 and, during this time, has gained tremendous exposure to a vast array of patient populations including wound care, post-operative care, orthopedic problems, chronic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and vestibular issues. She has advanced training in manual therapy and completed a Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy earning the credential Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT). She is also certified in Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT) and Dry Needling (Cert. DN). Sarah was also in the second cohort of therapists to earn the Diploma in Osteopractic Physical Therapy. She has completed courses through Herman and Wallace earning certification in pelvic floor dysfunction and uses this training to treat both men and women who have pelvic pain and urinary incontinence. |
Infant/Child CPR
Summary: Elizabeth will be instructing parents on basic life support skills for children and infants. Instructions will be given followed by a chance for parents to demonstrate their newly learned skills on mannequins. Due to the nature of this course, space is limited and pre-registration is necessary. Bio: Elizabeth Hunnicutt is a wife and a mom of five. Elizabeth is a certified CPR Instructor through the American Heart Association. She teaches Basic Life Support to Health Care Providers, Basic CPR training, and AED training for adult, child, and infants. She became an instructor in September 2016. When she’s not teaching CPR she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and shopping. |
Why Love Matters: How Love and Nurturing Impact the Developing Brain
Summary: Lysa will talk about the science of attachment and the developing brain that is showing us all the ways that loving and nurturing relationships impact the optimal emotional development our children. Bio: Lysa Parker is the cofounder of Attachment Parenting International and coauthor of Attached at the Heart: Eight Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children. She's also a former special education teacher, a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) and Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM). Lysa is the mother of two grown sons, a grown step-daughter, and five grandchildren. |
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
Summary: Topics will include: How and when to get a pump; When to start pumping; Storing, transporting, thawing, heating expressed milk; What your childcare provider needs to know about feeding a breastfed baby; Talking to your employer; Tips for successful pumping while away from baby Bio: Katie Winterburn MS, RD, LDN currently works for the TN Dept. of Health doing the WIC program. She attended college and graduate school at The University of Tennessee at Martin. Katie has worked for WIC for the past five years providing nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support. She has a two year old son who she successfully breastfed for about 13 months after returning to work at six weeks postpartum. |
Infant Massage
Summary: Infant massage classes are a fun way to learn how to soothe your baby, ease physical discomforts, secure a bonded and attached relationship and much, much more! Our classes are informal, relaxed, and baby led. The easiest way to learn is by joining us as we demonstrate the strokes and styles of infant massage and discuss the benefits that come with it. Not only will you learn a new skill, but you’ll have a special time with your baby! Bio: Whitney Mitchell is a Parent Coach and Family Assessment Worker in Giles and Lawrence County for Centerstone – a national, private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) healthcare organization (www.centerstone.org). As part of Centerstone’s Early Childhood Services Whitney enrolls new families and provides prenatal and postpartum support through home visiting. Whitney is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage and a Certified Lactation Counselor. Whitney has been with Centerstone for 2 years and is passionate about helping families build a strong bonds with their babies, encouraging healthy development and supporting parents with their goals. |
Car Seat Safety
Summary: Whitney will discuss the DOs and DON’Ts of installing and restraining infants and children in car seats. She will be able to answer questions about the current laws and recommendations regarding children as passengers. Bio: Whitney Risner is a local mom and Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician certified through SafeKids. An advocate for the proper use of car seats after the birth of her son, she became certified with the help of "Cameron's Story is Saving Lives" in 2014. She dedicates her time to help parents and caregivers find the correct seat for their needs, properly install and use the seat, and teaches about safety in and around cars. |
How to End the Sleep Struggle
Summary: Are you stressed and tired of weeding your way through tons of contradictory information about infant and child sleep? Have people told you that you should just stick your child in a room, and they will figure it out? Understanding more about the biology of sleep, and functions of the body, allows us to understand why children wake in the night, and what we can do to help ease their transition. The truth is there is no “magic wand” that you can waive but once we understand a bit about sleep and signals to look for sleep doesn't just have to be a distant dream. Bio: A Certified Sleep Sense Consultant and member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants, Dana Stone is our local resource in infant, toddler, and preschool sleep struggles. She was introduced to the field of sleep consulting when she felt the devastating effects of sleep deprivation with her youngest son. It was difficult to find someone that specialized in this area and was equipped and ready to help. Since then she has been on a quest to be that resource for our area. The most magical transformations occur when the whole family is getting the rest they need and deserve and Dana is honored to be a part of that. |
Family Legal Planning: If you don’t survive, how will they?
Summary: No one knows the needs of your children better then you. But what would happen to your children if they were home with a babysitter and you didn’t come home? As many as 87% of parents do not have a guardianship plan set in place for their minor children. Without a plan, the court makes all of your decisions for you. However, all of this can be avoided. With a few easy steps you can keep your family out of court and out of conflict and have the peace of mind that your children will be with who you want and how you want. Bio: Stan Pierchoski has been practicing law with the Pierchoski Law Firm for 15 years. Although much of that time he was a criminal defense trial attorney he has experienced firsthand many matters concerning incapacity and death. With the many unanswered questions and problems associated with his own parent’s death, he understands the choices that families must make, the questions that arise and the great impact that proper planning or lack of planning can have on individuals and their loved ones. As a result, Stan has made it his mission to turn tragedy into triumph by using his experiences and insights to help individuals and families create and maintain a life of security and prosperity that will last for generations. Stan excels at guiding his clients through the complicated and often confusing process of creating plans, that balance family protection, preserving wealth, and reflecting cherished family values. Whether you are married or single, with a traditional family or blended family, just starting out or looking back on a life well-lived, Stan will help you craft a plan that achieves your goals for yourself and your loved ones today and for generations to come. |
Infant Massage
Summary: Infant massage classes are a fun way to learn how to soothe your baby, ease physical discomforts, secure a bonded and attached relationship and much, much more! Our classes are informal, relaxed, and baby led. The easiest way to learn is by joining us as we demonstrate the strokes and styles of infant massage and discuss the benefits that come with it. Not only will you learn a new skill, but you’ll have a special time with your baby! Bio: Whitney Mitchell is a Parent Coach and Family Assessment Worker in Giles and Lawrence County for Centerstone – a national, private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) healthcare organization (www.centerstone.org). As part of Centerstone’s Early Childhood Services Whitney enrolls new families and provides prenatal and postpartum support through home visiting. Whitney is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage and a Certified Lactation Counselor. Whitney has been with Centerstone for 2 years and is passionate about helping families build a strong bonds with their babies, encouraging healthy development and supporting parents with their goals. Bio: Jasmine Journey is a supervisor for Centerstone – a national, private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) healthcare organization (www.centerstone.org). As part of Centerstone’s Early Childhood Services Jasmine oversees enrollments and data collection across 7 counties while also providing direct supervision to staff in 2 counties. Jasmine is a Certified Educator in Infant Massage and a Certified Lactation Counselor. Jasmine has been with Centerstone for almost 5 years and is passionate about helping families get prenatal and postpartum support while also encouraging healthy child development and attachment. |
Nutrition for Prenatal & Breastfeeding Moms
Summary: Nutrition is important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Learn more about how to eat well for your baby and yourself. Topics will include: nutritional needs while breastfeeding; weight loss while breastfeeding; food safety; and healthy choices from each food group. Bio: Katie Winterburn MS, RD, LDN currently works for the TN Dept. of Health doing the WIC program. She attended college and graduate school at The University of Tennessee at Martin. Katie has worked for WIC for the past five years providing nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support. She has a two year old son who she successfully breastfed for about 13 months after returning to work at six weeks postpartum. |
Breastfeeding Peer Panel
Summary: Join our local breastfeeding moms to get the real scoop on breastfeeding. Expecting a baby? Learn what to expect. Currently breastfeeding? Come share your experience or concerns. Bio: The Breastfeeding Support Group of Pulaski, TN is a group of breastfeeding mothers who come together to support one another through their breastfeeding journey. Through their Facebook discussion group and in-person meetings, they are able to offer advice, support, and someone to laugh with when the breastfeeding struggle gets real. |
Homeopathy
Summary: The talk will empower mothers to use safe and effective Homeopathic medicines for their at home health needs. Common acute illnesses such as colic, earache, cough, diarrhea, mastitis, injuries, burns and more can be quickly resolved, at home, for pennies. Giveaways during this session will include some of the most commonly used homeopathic remedies, that anyone can use at any age, and books and magazines. Bio: Tanya Kell is a Classical Homeopath Registered with The North American Society of Homeopaths and has been in practice since 1996. She see clients in Nashville and at Oasis of Health in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Her mother was an herbalist and Midwife in training. She lived on the Farm in her Childhood. Her sister was an unattended birth in a teepee in the mountains. |
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Summary: The Postpartum period is regarded as a special time of bonding with your newborn baby. However, sometimes feelings arise that you didn’t expect and can interfere with your ability to take care of yourself and your family. During this class we will discuss the causes, signs, and symptoms of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. We will also talk about the effects that it may have on you and your family. Through discussion and presentation, we will discuss your own experiences, positive coping skills, and resources available to you in the community. Bio: Abby Aymett is a Parent Coach and Family Assessment Worker in Maury County for Centerstone – a national, private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) healthcare organization (www.centerstone.org). As part of Centerstone’s Early Childhood Services Abby enrolls new families and provides prenatal and postpartum support through home visiting. Abby is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage and a Certified Lactation Counselor. Abby has been with Centerstone for 2 years. Her passion is supporting moms who are going through Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, helping them learn new coping skills, and find additional support through local resources. |