Welcome to Milestones Parent Education and Coaching
Nice to meet you! I'm Milena...
For over 25 years, I’ve dedicated my career to early childhood education, but my journey really began as an aunt. From the sidelines, I had a front-row seat to the beautiful and challenging journey of parenthood. I observed the intricate dynamics and the unspoken expectations that often weigh on parents and caregivers. This gave me a deep sense of empathy for what it takes to raise children. That personal connection blossomed into a professional career, leading me from various childcare positions to opening my own preschool. Now, my path has brought me to this role as a parent educator and consultant, where I can share what I've learned with other families.
Journey as a teacher
As a teacher, I've had the privilege of observing children as they learn and grow. This experience taught me a fundamental truth: when children are truly engaged and curious, they learn best.
I've spent decades "tinkering" with environments and conversations to support a child's natural development. What I've learned is that children are incredibly capable. They are problem-solvers who want to be part of the solution. My role was to provide the space, guidance, and curiosity they needed to thrive.
This same approach is at the heart of my parent coaching. Just as children learn through play, exploration, and asking questions, so do we as adults. By leading with curiosity and a desire to connect, we can find incredibly insightful solutions for our families.
Journey as a mom
My professional expertise is profoundly shaped by my personal journey as a mother. As the mom of three very different young men, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges and triumphs of raising children with diverse needs. This experience has made me an expert in not only adjusting tools and techniques to meet my children's individual needs, but also in using these experiences as a teachable moment to highlight diverse needs as a lived experience.
This personal journey uniquely informs my professional work. As a young mother of a newly diagnosed autistic son, I felt the journey was lonely and stressful. Navigating the daunting task of IEP preparation felt like learning a foreign language with no one to guide me. Having now gone through this process with all three of my boys, I am well-versed in the special education landscape and the complexities of advocating for a child's educational rights. I am driven to provide the support I never had, ensuring no parent feels alone on their journey.
What you can expect while working with me
My philosophy is rooted in a deep empathy and passion for helping both children and adults build their social-emotional intelligence. I believe that behavior is communication. I advocate for understanding a child’s actions and moving past the tendency to take their behavior personally. This fundamental shift allows parents and caregivers to respond with empathy and intention rather than simply reacting, fostering a deeper connection and more effective support. I also understand the importance of navigating strong cultural expectations that can influence family dynamics.
Working with me is a safe and collaborative experience. Together, we'll create a personalized list of goals to tackle, one item at a time, based on your chosen coaching package. I'll provide you with practical strategies and effective language to use directly with your children. My ultimate goal is to empower you to be the confident parent you know you are.