Super moms
By Melissa L. Tichauer
SouthFlorida.com
Today, many women must balance work and family. Here are some local moms' stories.
If the thought of going back to work is the second reason for your loss of sleep after having a child, you are not alone. Many working moms dread having to leave their infants in the care of another individual once their maternity leave has ended. But in today's society, many households depend on two incomes in order to make ends meet.
With all the concerns surrounding child care costs and schedules, some moms ponder whether it's even worth it financially for them to go back to work.
Depending on your education, experience and even your goals, however, you may be able to find a happy medium when it comes to juggling career and family life. And while it's not an easy task to work and take care of a family simultaneously, many moms have become skilled professionals in both areas.
According to most moms, having a job that is flexible and accommodating is crucial when trying to find that balance between career and family.
These local women are professionals who have careers that allow them to fulfill their roles as earners as well as mothers, proving that some moms can truly do it all.
Robyn Nadler, Speech-language Pathologist
Mother of one, from Weston
Job location: Broward County Public School
Experience: 11 years
Why this job works for her: "I began my profession because I enjoyed helping children learn to be better communicators. This job works great because it gives you the flexibility of school hours, school holidays and summers free so that you can be home with your children."
Evelyn Krotowski, Preschool Teacher
Mother of two, from Weston
Job location: Preschool in Cooper City
Experience: 18 years of teaching experience with age 2 through kindergarten.
Why this job works for her: "I began because I've always loved kids, and my when my kids were younger, they always attended the schools where I worked, so even though I had to work, I saw my children throughout the day! At this time, my hours are pretty good, which still gives me time to be with my kids."
Lisa Della Bella, Graphic Designer
Mother of one, from Boynton Beach
Job location: Owner and designer of Peadab Designs (www.peadabdesigns.com). She works from home designing birth announcements, baby shower invitations, baby shower favors, religious invitations, birthday invitations, note cards and more.
Experience: 3 years
"Right after the birth of my son, I decided to start doing birth announcements. Originally, I wanted to focus on in-vitro announcements for women who went through in-vitro and wanted to tell their story of their miracle birth since that's what I went through. On my own birth announcement, I included pictures of my embryos, the ultrasound and then his picture when born. I got so many compliments on them, and that's why I decided to start doing it for others."
Why this job works for her: "I'm able to stay home with my son and do what I love to do, plus make a little extra money. I love being able to work from home and also be available to take my son to school, doctors' appointments, etc. It can be challenging, though, when I get busy and can't play with him as much. But I'd rather do this than have him in day care or being watched by someone else."
Debbie Wolff, Fitness/Yoga/Pilates Trainer
Mother of two, from Parkland
Job location: Local classes and personal training studio in Coral Springs. She does private training as well as instructing group fitness classes of all levels.
Experience: 29 years
"I started taking aerobic dance for fun and was asked to train as an instructor, and the rest is history."
Why this job works for her: "It can be a very part-time position if you need it to be because you can set your own hours, and most of the larger gyms offer child care. It's also a great way to get or keep in shape post baby."
Rebecca Harter, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Mother of two, from Sunrise
Job location: Memorial Hospital Miramar
Experience: 10 years
"After I did an internship at the VA hospital in West Palm Beach, I knew that I loved social work in the medical setting. I wanted to help patients find useful community resources and give them emotional support and encouragement during their hospitalization."
Why this job works for her: "I love my job as a mother, and a big part of me wishes I could be home full time. However, I do feel that retaining my skills as a professional is important. Working part-time in the Memorial Healthcare System affords me the ability to maintain and grow in my skills as a clinical social worker. It also allows me to hold benefits for my family. I am proud to say that I was raised by a stay-at-home mom and would like that same experience for my kids. Although I have chosen to be a working mom part-time, I feel blessed to have the help of family to be with my kids while I work, alleviating the need for day care."
Ylcania Castillo, Registered Nurse/School Health Nurse
Mother of three, from Pembroke Pines
Job location: Miami Lakes/Hialeah, FL
Experience: 18 years
Her Story: "I have always liked the medical field and children. Originally, I wanted to be a pediatrician and within time realized that I wanted to have a family, too. I didn't feel like I wanted to sacrifice all that time studying, so I chose to become a registered nurse in pediatrics. It has given me much flexibility with my schedule and areas of interest in order to raise my family. In high school I became a nurse assistant, and then I went to college and became a RN. My ultimate goal is to become an advanced register nurse practitioner. In April 2005, I was planning on returning to school and I learned I was expecting my third child; therefore, I have postponed if for now. The great thing is that you are never too old to learn. So who knows? Maybe in a couple of years when my little one is in school, I might be in school, too."
Why this job works for her: "As a RN, there are many fields that you can work in; therefore, you always have a job. You can work just on the weekends or even the night shift while the kids are small, so flexibility is available. You can work in the hospital, doctor's office, home health, hospice, corporate companies, traveling nurse, forensic nurse, etc. You can work Monday through Friday or weekends only. There are day shifts, evening or night shifts. You can also work full-time with benefits or per diem with higher pay but no benefits. I remember when my sons were infants/toddlers how I was working 3 to 12-hour shifts per week, therefore I was able to see them go through their milestones and also keep my career path. Presently working as a School Health Nurse it is great for my family. When my teenagers are off from school I am off too, that includes holidays, spring break, and summers. When my little one starts school, I plan to continue school health because it gives me great hours and days off in which we can spend time together."
Judi Long, Arbonne Independent Consultant and Certified Fundraising Executive
Mother of one, from Oakland Park
Job location: Home-based
Job description: Sells health, wellness and anti-aging products directly, and hosts parties at people's homes. Also teaches and trains others how to earn additional income alongside their current jobs.
Experience: Two years
"I started as a consumer because I wanted to use products that were pure, safe and beneficial. After noticing a significant difference in my skin, I naturally shared the products with friends and family. I loved getting the phone call telling me how wonderful their skin looks and feels. I could see the incredible results, so I decided to become a consultant. For a very little amount, I was able to start my own business. Now I am in control how much money I earn each month."
Why this job works for her: "I have the ability to manage my time, which allows me to do more for my family, including volunteering at my daughter's school. I am my own boss, so I can take a vacation whenever I want or give myself a raise. Also, there are many options for [free] training at my convenience. Mostly, I feel very fortunate to be able to make a difference in people's lives. I show people how to get healthy, safe products in their home economically and help others grow flourishing businesses from home. I know this makes a long-term difference in each family. As a mother whose profession and passion has been fundraising and making a difference on a large scale, it is rewarding to make a difference one person at a time."
Stacy Daniels, Occupational Therapist
Mother of two, from Coral Springs
Job location: Broward County
Job description: Home Health Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapy incorporates meaningful and purposeful occupation to enable people with limitations or impairments to participate in everyday life.
Experience: 13 years
"I chose the profession of occupational therapy because I knew I wanted to help people in some way. I liked having direct contact with patients in a rehabilitation setting and making a direct impact on their quality of life."
Why this job works for her: "This field has allowed me to be flexible with my time during every stage of childhood. On a daily/weekly basis, I can arrange my schedule to meet my children's needs [such as volunteering in class, going on field trips and after-school activities]."
Val Araujo, Cleaning Professional
Mother of two, from Deerfield Beach
Job description: Cleans residences and local businesses
Experience: Five years
"I started this business because it was the only thing I knew how to do. Now I can give my daughters everything they want."
Why this job works for her: "I have time to pick my kids up [from school], and I work by myself so I can make my own schedule."
Robyne Friedland, Director of Interactive Kids' Programs
Mother of two, from Coral Springs
Job location(s): libraries, schools, camps, toy stores, party places.
Job description: A former preschool and elementary school teacher, she runs an interactive reading, cooking, music and movement program for children, "Book n Cookin," established in 2007.
"I chose this career so I could still volunteer in my children's classrooms and make my own schedule while also getting the advantage of working with many children."
Why this job works for her: "I love the creative aspect of making a theme-based program and engaging children in reading, cooking, music and movement -- a lot of stuff that is sometimes not available during school hours."
Melissa L. Tichauer, mother of one, is a teacher and freelance writer living in Coral Springs.