Hey everyone!

As an infant and child sleep consultant, I hope to provide you evidence-based information and support to guide your family’s unique journey to more sleep.

Blogging is a new journey for me (much like sleep may be a new journey for you!), but I feel that I have a lot to say about many sleep related topics that can’t always be summarized as thoroughly as I’d like in an Instagram caption, so, enter this blog!

My hope is for frequent blogs to be posted to dish-out some more in-depth information on various sleep topics so you can take away some tips and tricks and further build your family’s sleep toolbox and your confidence as a parent when navigating sleep, regardless of your baby’s age. Not every post may align with your goals, and that’s ok! Think of this blog like a buffet; take what you’re interested in and leave behind what doesn’t look good to you!

I’m going to ease into sleep related content starting next month but for this month I thought I’d share a bit more about me and my professional and personal journey that got me to where I am today! When you choose a sleep consultant, or any allied health professional, I think it’s important to know a few things about them personally and how their experience can bring something unique to your family’s goals and sleep journey. You’re allowing someone into your personal bubble to help support your family and I think it’s imperative to trust and form a connection with that person. That is my motivation behind this blog post.

Where I started…

My first job, many moons ago, was as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the City of Hamilton where I supported children (and ultimately families) to learn new skills and reach personal goals. I held that job for 10 years (summer guarding outside was the best!) and spent a few weeks each summer as a volleyball coach at a high calibre summer camp. Both part-time jobs were influential in my career path by confirming my interest in teaching in non-traditional environments and working collaboratively with children and families. After I finished my undergrad degree at McMaster University, I completed the Autism and Behavioural Sciences Graduate Certificate Program at Mohawk College and after my first placement, knew I had found where I wanted to grow my career.

Where I’ve been…

Fast-forward 10 years, I have worked in the Autism and Behaviour Services field in varying roles, most recently as a Behaviour Therapist with a local children’s health centre, and completed a Master of Professional Education (M.PEd) degree with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). My time as a Behaviour Therapist has given me the opportunity to support hundreds of children and families (both neurotypical and neurodiverse) on their journey to life-changing goals. A few domains I’ve helped families reach their individualized goals include sleep (like bedtime battles, short naps, and frequent night wakings), receptive and expressive communication skills (like saying “mama” and requesting their needs and wants), social skills (like holding a conversation with a peer), life skills (like toilet training and community safety), play skills (like board games and sharing toys) and reducing challenging behaviour (like hitting or biting). I’ve supported children and families through big life transitions (like starting school or bringing new siblings’ home) and have consulted frequently with community providers to ensure children are successful in their day-to-day life, whether it’s at home, daycare, or extra-curricular activities.

No matter how big or small the goal is, I work with you to help reach that goal. If it’s important to your family, then it’s important to me too!

How does ABA come into play with sleep support?

There are many aspects of sleep that are biological processes and hard-wired through nature but there are also many aspects that can be viewed through a behavioural lens to make positive and sustainable change. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the science of behaviour and in my professional experience, using ABA to teach and positively impact human behaviour. A “behaviour” is anything we do that is observable and measurable, whether it’s positive (e.g. like sleeping, talking, reading, etc.) or negative (e.g. like hitting, screaming, throwing their dinner plate, etc.)  So, you reading this blog right now is a behaviour! Your behaviour can be observed because someone could watch you physically scroll your phone to read the information and it can be measured by how fast you read it, how often you read it, etc. When we look at sleep, we can observe when sleep happens (e.g. the moment they close their eyes, breathing slows, etc.) AND we can measure many aspects of sleep (e.g. how long it took your child to fall asleep, how much sleep they got in a day, etc.).

ABA is an evidence-based approach to teaching skills of all kinds, to any age and ability, including sleep! There are many peer-reviewed published journal articles on various strategies to support the various sleep challenges one may face. Magic can happen with ABA when we ensure the approach is used in a meaningful, individualized and supported manner, rather than a rigid and textbook approach. When a family and client is seen, honoured, and supported in their goals, life-changing progress can be achieved.

Where motherhood comes into my sleep consultant journey…

When I had my son in 2018, I was captivated by baby sleep (or lack thereof in the early months) and with a bottle-refusing babe, I knew I needed to create time for myself to fill my own cup, which for our family, meant supporting my kiddo to develop some independent sleep skills that allowed for predictable naps and smooth bedtimes and nights. When my daughter arrived in 2022, I assumed I knew what to expect and felt confident in my experienced mom status (and with another bottle refusing babe)… but I quickly learned my babies were two unique little humans with unique sleep needs and pivoted my approach to her sleep as needed, and with equal success! Being responsive to their needs, supporting them through change and supporting my needs too, has allowed our family unit to thrive and I’m confident yours will, too! With my own personal experience of baby sleep and years of family-focused professional experience, I dove into a Sleep Certification Program in September 2022  when my daughter was 3.5 months old, and officially earning the title of  Sleep Consultant in January 2023. In 2023 I also took a course through SickKids Toronto on Infant and Early Mental Health and in 2024 completed an advanced certification on Pediatric Sleep Health under mentorship from a local Pediatrician and Sleep Medicine Doctor at McMaster University (Dr. Anya McLaren).

I have and will continue to advance my knowledge in sleep science, sleep health and responsive parenting through various certifications and courses to continue to safely and effectively support the families who trust me to guide their sleep journey.

Where I’m at as a sleep consultant and mom…

In January 2023 I birthed my third baby, my business, Little Sleep Space, and have since been enthusiastically supporting many families on their journey to more sleep!  With years of experience, endless compassion and understanding for where you’re at, and confidence to take on any challenge, I am ready to guide your family to more sleep with an individualized plan that will have an immediate positive impact. Working with a sleep consultant provides you individualized feedback and recommendations every step of the way.

I want to take a moment to thank each person that has shared my page, liked a post, sent me an encouraging message, referred a friend, hosted a workshop with me, engaged with my content and most importantly, trusted me to support their family in their unique sleep journey. It is not lost on me the privilege it is to be welcomed into your family in such a vulnerable capacity and for that, I thank you for choosing me to cheer you on and help you reach your goals.

Looking to connect with me and discuss your family’s sleep goals? Want to learn more how a sleep consultant can support your family? Let’s connect for a free, no commitment call,  and get your journey to more sleep started now!

With gratitude and wishing you sweet dreams,

Chelsea

Chelsea is Mom of 2 young kids and a Certified Baby Sleep Consultant supporting families within Hamilton, Ontario and beyond. She has a Masters of Professional Education and over 10 years of professional experience in parent coaching. She works collaboratively with families to empower them with the confidence and tools they need to reach their unique sleep goals. Read from other rested families here and if you’re ready to start your journey to more sleep, book a free call with Chelsea here to discuss how she can support your family.