Meet Tracie

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 I am a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach & an experienced mother of four well-rested children.  As a trusted expert in the field of pediatric sleep I work with clients all over the world offering simple, yet effective sleep tips & supportive sleep solutions.  My specialty is curating customized sleep plans that takes into consideration each family's parenting style, sleep challenge, goals & lifestyle.  My philosophy is lead by a non-judgmental, holistic approach where my goal is to provide tailored strategies & caring advice.    

I received my comprehensive training from The Gentle Sleep Coach Program in 2014, which is the most extensive professional sleep coach training and certification program available.  The program involves case supervision, an exam and over 80 hours of training with a faculty panel that includes 2 medical doctors, a psychologist, an attorney, a lactation counselor, postpartum doulas and a family therapist.

Some of my training topics included:

• Basic counseling and child development
  
• Sleep science and behavioral modification techniques to help parents of children age 0 to 10 years old
  
• Secure attachment theory
  
• Support for the breastfeeding mother

The training also consisted of lectures from top specialists, including:

• Postpartum Depression from Dr. Shoshana Bennett, author and leading specialist on Postpartum Depression
  
• Medical Conditions and Sleep Apnea in Children led by Dr. Lewis Kass, Director of Children’s Sleep Center
  
• GURD and Sleep led by Dr. Anthony Loizides, pediatric gastroenterologist

The GSC Program also includes an exclusive advanced training series specifically focused on how to gently work with babies 4 and 5 months of age.  This program, which I also completed in 2014, consists of over 40 hours of instruction and mentorship and was designed to give coaches the knowledge, education and all of the tools & resources they need to successfully work with families with babies 4-6 months of age in a safe, healthy and developmentally appropriate manner.

Some of the curriculum training topics for this special program included:

• In depth knowledge of the delicate nature of infants under 6 months of age and how to consider all elements of their well-being.
  
• Current evidence based guidelines and instruction on how to evaluate the 4-6 month old child and family and determine if the child is ready for sleep coaching.
  
• Gentle sleep solutions and strategies that are effective and developmentally appropriate for the younger baby.

​My educational background also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Boston University and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from California State University.  Additionally, I am a graduate of The Infant Mental Health and Development Foundation Program from The Wonder Weeks Academy and a proud member of the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants.

I have appeared as a special guest on the Home & Family TV show giving host and mom Debbie Matenopoulos some gentle sleep tips.   I have also been a honored guest on the podcast Is It Bedtime Yet? talking about pediatric sleep with Dr. Jenn and Dr. Sarine.  I am a featured sleep expert on Momipedia.com, Romper.com, Healthline.com, Goodbuygear.com, Tealbee.com, VeganDesign.org, Phillytweens.com, Theepochtimes.com & Slumbr.com.  In addition, I periodically lead sleep workshops and sleep support groups at A Mother's Haven in Encino, CA as well as at Mama Needs A Drink in West Los Angeles, CA.