Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
Sarah: I grew up in the Midwest. My extended family now lives in Wisconsin and Minnesota. My husband and I moved to Houston in July of 2010.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have three children; two boys and a girl, ages 13, 11, and 9
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
When I was studying and living in NYC I was a bartender at the Sci-Bar where the bar was an actual ant farm.
Favorite local things to do with your kids?
So many great things to do in Houston! We love trying out new food trucks, attending the cultural festivals and I really love walking The McGovern Centennial Gardens.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
One of my favorite tips for getting in and out of the grocery store or pharmacy quickly with a young child is: When you pull up to the store, turn to them, name the store, name exactly why you are there and what you need to get. Say, “Ready?” And then do it. It is amazing how cooperative they are when you set out your expectations, stick to them and then invite them to
participate.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the
corporate world? Please share!
I am the founder of two local businesses: Studio June, a parent and child education center that uses the Montessori philosophy to help parents understand their child’s development and for children to experience a beautiful and engaging classroom that appeals to their natural interests. We offer classes for parents or caregivers, and their children starting at eight weeks old all the way up to six years. Our classes offer experiences in sensorial exploration, language building, foundations in mathematics, introductions to science and discovery, baking, and so much more.
My other business venture is Family Friendly Home. I am able to combine my background in design, my experience as a Montessori educator, my experience as a parent to help families create beautiful and inspired play spaces for their children in their homes. I have been able to create some unique spaces for kids that allow for fun and engaging experiences at home. I
create activities at home that maximize independence, family engagement, and collaborative learning. Recently I installed a Lego room complete with a lego wall and an indoor swing in a cubby under the stairs.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Studio June is located in Bellaire. We have many families from West U, Bellaire, and Braeswood. Their attendance at Studio June is what has shown me that our classes are valuable. They continue to come back session after session and grow with us. They have also shared our classes with their friends, and word of mouth is the best advertising we can get. When one mom can say to another mom, “we love this class, you should try it” we know we are making a difference.
I started Studio June because I know, first hand, how challenging parenting can be. My goal is to offer parents a place to ask their questions and see their children grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. I love living in a busy city and raising children. The diversity of families and activities here is amazing. The community has truly embraced our new and unique parent education studio and we are here and running weekly classes because they have shown us
they value it.