Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I was born and raised in Kansas and met my husband while we were both in school at Kansas State University. We moved to Houston at the beginning of 2015.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
My son Jaxon is 17 months. Such a fun age!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I have a passion for traveling and new adventures. My favorite place so far is New Zealand!
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
Ohh the food! I love to try all of the new local restaurants and happy hours. I also love to try out all of the awesome local fitness studios- yoga, Pilates, spin, barre.
Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
I am not so sure about family friendly specifically, but our little guy has been a trooper with going to restaurants since day 1. It just takes planning around naps, early dinners or lunches, and being prepared with all the snacks/toys. Haha, simple, right?! I love going to Giacomo’s, Tiny Boxwood’s, and anything Tex-Mex.
What local places do you go to for pampering and/or mom’s night out?
I usually save the pampering for anytime I can get away for a mini vacation with my husband/family. For a night out, I love anywhere with a fun patio, good specials, and live music. If you have any favs, send them my way!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
When I moved to Houston, I began working as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in an outpatient therapy clinic. I specialized in helping children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, genetic and neurological conditions, and developmental and motor delays to reach their greatest potential through achieving milestones and mastering childhood occupations. I then went on to become the Director of Rehab Services where I managed a team of Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapists until my son was born. I then transitioned to providing Occupational Therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at a large women and children’s hospital in the Houston Medical Center, where I currently care for extremely fragile and medically complex premature babies. Throughout my time as an outpatient and NICU therapist, I have learned that a very common issue parents face is poor sleep! With all of the medical and developmental issues I see these amazing parents navigating, quality sleep should not have to be on their list of concerns.
Last year I set out to become certified as an Infant & Child Sleep Consultant through the Family Sleep Institute and then started my business, Rested Roos Sleep consulting, LLC. I provide science-based, comprehensive, and individualized sleep coaching for parents who need help with their children’s sleep. This could be help with sleeping through the night, transitioning from the crib to a toddler bed, getting children out of their parents’ bed and into their own rooms, getting on a consistent nap schedule, or possibly help with navigating bedtime battles. You can find out more at https://www.restedroos.com/ and can follow along https://www.instagram.com/restedroos/ for sleep and developmental tips.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The Houston medical community has been incredible for providing the very best of mentorship, opportunities, and training for pediatric therapy. I have had several opportunities to work with some of Houston’s best therapists as well as gain access to rare and specialized continuing education. The healthcare community in Houston is one of a kind!
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?’
There is no perfect time to get started with a new chapter. It is easy to say, “I’ll start my new business venture, go back to school, travel, build my family, whatever it may be, after I…(fill in the blank)”, but life doesn’t seem to pause for the perfect opportunities. If you have goal, just start making plans and taking steps, even if they are small. Also, lean into your support system and learn that it is okay and necessary to say, “No” sometimes. You do not have to take on everything and boundaries are extremely important.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Life will be hard and different, but it will be better than you could have ever imagined. And you’ll turn into a softie pretty quickly.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Many meltdowns and struggles can be avoided with a silly song, even if it’s made up on the spot and the words don’t make sense! Oh yeah, and I couldn’t manage without my doggy vacuum cleaner who cleverly positions himself under the highchair at mealtimes.