Nice to meet you!
Hi, I’m Gia.
I turn child development research into clear, practical plans for the everyday challenges of raising young kids.
I work with families one-on-one and in groups, building a community of parents for solidarity, accountability, and support.
20 years
as a parent educator and coach
2,500+
families supported
MA
in Early Childhood Education
Featured
on NPR's Fresh Air and HuffPost
Author
Co-author of Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent (Bloomsbury, 2025)
How I got here
My Story
My first job, at age 12, was the fun neighborhood babysitter. Every job since has involved children and families. Then I had my own two boys, and all my book knowledge met real life. They couldn't be more different from each other, and they taught me the most important thing I know.
In 2003, I joined my first Mommy & Me group as a new mom. Within the year, I went from sitting in the circle to leading it. My classes at Pasadena City College became the most requested in the program, with long waitlists, and I went on to coordinate the entire Parent Education program for more than a decade. Along the way, I helped start the PCC Family Resource Center, co-wrote the Parent Education curriculum approved by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, and created free community classes that reached thousands of families. I then spent eight years as the Toddler Expert at The Family Room, where I helped design the curriculum for their toddler series.
Today, I teach Child Development at Pasadena City College, Rio Hondo College, and Moorpark College. I also lead Nurture, a parent and me class for babies 6 to 18 months at Village Birth, and I run Together We Grow, my parent support community, where I host monthly workshops.
"There's no one right way to parent."
The lesson my two boys taught me, and the heart of everything I do
Guest Speaking Experiences
Rosemead Unified School District principals meeting - “Family Engagement Strategies”
PCC Academic Professional Learning – Family/Work balance (12 week series)
Huntington Hospital – “How to Support Families in Making Positive Changes in Health and Nutrition”
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) – “Sibling Rivalry” “Emotional Intelligence” “Values-Based Parenting”
Sierra Madre Public Library- “Introduction to Positive Discipline”
Pint Size – “Toddlers and Technology”
Oneata Cooperative Preschool – “First friendships” & “Proactive Discipline” & “Adventurous Eating”
St. Mark’s Elementary School - “Mealtimes and Adventurous Eating” & “How to have a Good Goodbye” &”Body Autonomy & Toilet Learning”
The Family Room - “Parenting through Quarantine”, “Finding the Preschool that best fits your child”
Mama Made - “Work/Life/Family Balance”
Christopher Robin School - “Adventurous Eating”
Segray Preschool - “Toilet Learning”
Some fun facts about me…
My comfort food is sushi.
The beach is my happy place.
I faithfully go to yoga and still can’t do tree pose!
I am first generation in the US, all my extended family lives in Switzerland.
I love to spend time in the kitchen and cook up a storm (ask me for a recipe!).
My dog is the heart of our family, I mean just look at him!
My proudest work
Together We Grow
After years of building programs for others, I launched my own. Together We Grow is my parent support community for families with kids ages 2 to 5, where you get ongoing guidance, live classes, expert handouts, and a circle of parents who truly get it.
It's a parenting coach in your back pocket and a community for encouragement, accountability, and support.
“My time spent with Gia in a coaching session was super helpful. It was clear that she was prepared, had many solutions, respectful of our parenting style, and helped shift our perspective. We have had great success with her tips and feel relieved.”
— Lianna T
Ready to feel more confident with your little one?
Follow Me on Instagram
@parentcoachgia
