Meet Jess!

Parenting is rewarding—but it’s rarely easy. We all wonder: Am I doing this right? Could I handle this better? Will we make it through this phase?

That’s why we’re so glad to have connected with Jess from Mother Nurture Coaching. She gets it—and she’s here to help.

Get to know her in this extended interview, full of insight and support.

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I’m Jess, a parent coach and founder of Mother Nurture Coaching. After working as an educator in museums for 20 years, I came to this work through my own parenting journey.

I wanted to raise my son with respect, emotional awareness and connection as the primary focus, but I did NOT have the tools. After years of raising my son while navigating modern parenting without a roadmap, I realized how many moms were doing this alone, second-guessing themselves daily. I wanted to offer the kind of support I wish I had: thoughtful, judgment-free guidance that helps parents feel empowered, not ashamed, in the hard moments.

I believe parenting is a relationship — not a performance. My approach is rooted in connection, nervous system awareness, and self-compassion. Most of us were not given the tools as children that we are trying to teach our own kids today. When we understand ourselves and our kids more deeply, we make choices that are both kind and clear. It's not about being perfect — it's about being present, curious, and aligned with what matters most to your family.

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About Coaching

• What do most parents think parent coaching is — and how is it actually different?

  A lot of parents think coaching will mean being told what to do — like a list of rules or scripts. But it’s really about helping you access your own wisdom and values. I ask the right questions, offer tools that make sense for your unique family, and help you untangle the noise of judgment, guilt, and comparison. It’s not about fixing you. It’s about resourcing you.

• What kinds of challenges do parents typically come to you with?

  Most parents I work with feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure what to do when their child’s behavior is confusing or constant. Maybe their kid is melting down over every transition. Maybe bedtime takes two hours. Maybe they feel like they’re nagging or yelling all the time and it’s not even working. I help them look beneath the behavior — at what’s going on with their child and within themselves — and create a plan that feels doable.

• Can you walk us through what a typical coaching session might look like?

  We start by identifying what’s really going on — not just the surface behavior, but the patterns underneath. I take parents through my signature NURTURE framework which is a process of inquiry & exploration they can use in challenging parenting moments. I ask questions to help you notice your own triggers and values, and we explore simple ways to shift your response. Every session ends with clarity and a few concrete things to try — not a giant to-do list, but just enough to bring some relief and forward momentum. Ideally, this NURTURE process is embedded in their parenting approach and a tool they can use forever.

• Is there a particular age or stage where coaching can be especially helpful?

  Coaching is helpful any time you're feeling stuck or unsure — but especially during big transitions: toddlerhood, starting school, sibling changes, or preteen shifts. Often parents come to me in the “I thought it would be easier by now” stage, and that’s a perfect time to recalibrate and get support.

• How do you support parents who are already feeling overwhelmed?

  First, I normalize that overwhelm. It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong — it means you’re trying to parent in a culture that asks too much and gives too little. Childhood and parenting are inherently messy- some of the work is getting more comfortable with the messy. I also help moms find joy wherever they can. I work in small steps, with a lot of compassion. We make space for your needs, not just your child’s. Often just being heard and seen can lower the pressure enough to start making meaningful change.

Advice

• What’s one small shift you often recommend that makes a big difference at home?

  Start narrating what’s going on without adding judgment. Instead of “You’re being so difficult,” try “It seems like you’re having a hard time transitioning away from playtime.” It builds empathy, keeps things calm, and helps kids (and parents!) feel understood instead of defensive.

• What would you say to a parent who feels stuck in a cycle of frustration or guilt?

  You’re not alone. And this moment doesn’t define you. Frustration and guilt are often signs that something matters to you deeply — not that you're failing. Coaching helps you turn that pain into insight and action. Small shifts create big ripple effects.

• Are there any common myths about parenting that you love to debunk?

  Yes — that good parents are always calm and consistent. Real parenting is messy.  What matters more is how we repair — how we come back after disconnection, how we show our kids that emotions are okay and relationships can grow through challenges.

Connection + Community

• How do you see your work fitting into a broader parenting village or support system?

  We were never meant to do this alone. I see myself as a gentle guide in the parenting village — helping moms pause, reflect, and realign when they’re feeling lost or isolated. Coaching complements therapy, friendship, community groups — and reminds parents that their experience matters too.

• Why is it so important for parents to feel supported — not just children?

  Because parenting is an emotional job, and unsupported parents can’t sustainably support their kids. If parents are supported by society, their families, their government, they are able to feel resourced enough to show up for their children with calm nervous systems. When moms feel seen, resourced, and less alone, they show up with more mindfulness, clarity and presence. Supporting parents is supporting children.

About Jessica

• What’s one piece of parenting advice you try to follow yourself?

  When in doubt, PAUSE. Just say/do nothing at first. Whether it’s a transition, a meltdown, or a tricky moment — pausing for a breath or a beat almost always helps me respond instead of react.

• What brings you joy outside of work?

  Outside of work, I still love to visit museums- my old stomping grounds. Being around art helps me tap into my own creative brain. I love spending time with my son, going to the beach and hanging with my friends. Small joys are pilates, iced coffee, pasta & chocolate.

• Favourite neighborhood spot?

  One of the loveliest gems in my neighborhood is MISIPASTA, a fantastic little pasta bar from the team behind Lilia—my favorite restaurant for the past decade. In recent years, they opened this charming spot where you can pick up fresh pasta and incredible Italian pantry staples, or relax in their beautiful garden with a drink and a small bite.

• Favourite way to spend a day locally?

  A perfect day in Williamsburg is watching my son play soccer in McCarren park, shopping at the Mccarren park farmer’s market, taking a pilates class at East River Pilates, grabbing brunch at The Butcher’s Daughter and then a family movie at Nitehawk.