My vision and values are simple: I want to help expectant and new parents navigate this often scary world of having a new baby. Throughout my 34 year nursing career as a RN (now retired since May 2023), I have not only learned the skills to assist with baby care but I also have experience with mental health concerns. These are often not addressed and are quite important. If you don't care for yourself, how can you care for your family? I have not only worked NICU and post partum areas, but I also have an adult child with special needs. I would LOVE to assist parents in similar circumstances and show them how to navigate our every changing healthcare system. In 1997, I was able to secure government funding for my son with autism for a specialized intensive behavioral program (IBI) and sharing my knowledge on how to advocate for your family would bring me joy!
Intuition and mindfulness are other skills I possess and I would love to teach parents. My experience has shown me when you don't trust this inner guidance that everyone has, often concerns can follow. I have created a simple but powerful program to help you connect with this inner guidance and make raising your family not only easier but FUN! I would love to help assist families to have an amazing experience preparing for and having a new baby!
There is more to Sandra than being a now retired RN. Having an adult son with special needs has provided her a different perspective on Motherhood. This gives her the expertise, empathy and compassion to work with parents of this population. Sandra also has a daughter, who has a successful career in Healthcare, working as a Social Worker. Sandra is married to her second husband Larry, who also has an adult son, Jarod.
Sandra loves horseback riding and during her teen years she trained horses and took customers on riding trails during the summer months, in British Columbia. Although she hadn't played the piano since her childhood, in 2019 Sandra decided to start attending weekly piano lessons. She thinks she is getting pretty talented, and has also started singing, while playing the piano (not an easy feat).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you call yourself Nursery Next Door? Who do you offer services for?
I used to work with babies in post partum and NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care) and they often called the NICU I worked at "Nursery", so that is how I got that name. I offer services for expectant and new parents of babies up to 6 months of age.
I noticed you refer to other "Baby Experts" and I would like to collaborate with you as I am a healthcare professional working in this area. Can I connect with you regarding this?
Absolutely! Rather than trying to be an expert in everything baby related (NOT going to even try), I thought I should partner with various experts in their field, who may be able to help expectant and new parents. I have created this "Baby Experts" list and I have Lactation Consultants (LCs), people that do Baby CPR in person (in Edmonton) or virtually, Massage Therapy (RMT), OT and PT's, a peds Manual Osteopath, Chiropractor, Acupuncture, Labour & Post Partum Doulas, Car Seat Technician, Baby Sign Language classes, pre & post natal coaches and I even have a professional photographer that is also an Registered Nurse (RN). I LOVE collaboration! Email me at info@nurserynextdoor.ca to connect.
Who did photography for your website? Is this person actually a RN?
Cherise Arcand is who took my pictures and yes she is a Registered Nurse, who I have worked with. You can find her website at www.luxlens.ca
Can I purchase a gift certificate for someone?
Absolutely! Any of my services can be gifted to a family member or friend.