Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ward.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey in parent education began during my time as a Cal-Learn Eligibility Worker for the County of San Bernardino back in 2011. I consistently heard from teenagers that they desired to create a healthy upbringing for their children but didn’t know where to start. Being someone who always seeks to fill gaps in our community, I took it upon myself to pursue positions in parent education. This led me to my first role as a Parent Educator at a non-profit agency in Los Angeles County. While I enjoyed my time there, I aspired to make a bigger impact, which prompted me to pursue entrepreneurship.
I grew up in a family where owning a business was not the norm. I was raised to pursue education and work for a company. I went to college to obtain my bachelor’s degree in social work. I worked for various governmental and non-profit agencies but continued to feel incomplete. Feeling constrained by this conventional path, I yearned for my ideas to flourish in a more entrepreneurial setting. Fortunately, when I shared my aspirations with other organizations, they supported my decision to start my own small business.
Fast forward to today—I’m the CEO and founder of Stand Tall Parenting, where I provide evidence-based parent education and support to diverse families. Additionally, I speak at conferences and actively engage with families and individuals through social media and community events. Currently, I’m in the process of writing a book to promote mental health awareness and provide guidance on seeking support.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As much as I’ve experienced success, it’s important to share with you that it took years of personal and professional growth to get here. And this is just the start of my business. As I continue to evolve and identify the needs of parents, I shift my approach and explore other ways to share parent education. Many times, I wanted to throw in the towel, thinking that I was not good enough. But something inside of my kept saying keep going. I had to push through my insecurities and focus on what can I do to support families. I was very critical of myself in the beginning with public speaking, but when I received positive feedback from the surveys, my confidence grew. I also recognize that not everyone will like the way I present, and that’s okay. As my mom would say, it’s okay to not be everyone’s cup of tea.
As you know, we’re big fans of Stand Tall Parenting. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Stand Tall Parenting provides a supportive space for parents and caregivers seeking evidence-based parent education
through programs such as Compassionate Parenting, Baby Bonding with Infant Massage, and my free parent groups. My aim is for families to understand that they’re not alone and that I’m here to support them every step of the way. It’s important for parents to realize that perfection isn’t the goal; rather, it’s about striving to be the best parent they can be and recognizing that they are enough.
If you’re interested in how my classes can enhance your parenting journey, visit www.standtallparenting.com. You are welcome to schedule a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is my morning coffee, the unwavering support, and having my dream career. It truly feels amazing to help families and receive messages from them saying how much they’ve grown in their confidence, how much calmer they are, and how their children appreciate a healthy communication style.
I have a group of people who honestly want my business to continue to thrive and cheer me on when I’m feeling insecure. When it comes to coffee, that’s something I share with my mom, especially when she says it’s coffee time! I’m happy to have a healthy relationship with my mom. For me, happiness consists of those priceless moments and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://standtallparenting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standtallparenting/ or @standtallparenting
- Facebook: @standtallparenting
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@standtallparenting
- Other: 818-527-5014
Image Credits
KTLVR Photography
