About Trista: 

Me, the now empty nester.

Hi my name is Trista, and I am really so glad that you are here.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats — counsellor, early childhood educator, foster parent, adoptive mom, and now, a warm voice on the other side of your screen.

Let me take you back to where it all began.

My Early Days as a Counsellor

Before I ever changed my first diaper or learned the magical art of calming a toddler’s meltdown, I was working as a counsellor for disabled teens and adults. I can’t even describe the way those years shaped me.

I have counselled some of the most incredible people you could ever meet. They each had their own special gift to share with the world.

There was Tom — I still smile when I think of him. Tom was autistic and never wore a watch, yet he could tell you the exact time, down to the second, no matter when you asked.

And then there was Paul, another bright soul on the autism spectrum, who could solve the most complex math problems faster than I could find a calculator.

Spending my days with these remarkable individuals taught me something priceless: everyone has strengths. You may have to look past the surface to see them, but when you do, you’ll never forget how brightly they shine.

My Years in Early Childhood Education

Not long after, my heart led me to work with younger children. I became an Early Childhood Educator and spent ten wonderful years in a daycare, surrounded by giggles, tiny hands, and sticky hugs.

I got to know so many families — each one with their own unique set of challenges and victories. If you’ve ever dropped your child off at daycare, you know it isn’t always easy. Parents needed to know that it was a safe and comforting place for their children to come to.

To this day, I remember the families I worked with, what the parents taught me about their children and that parenting is not a one size fits all journey.

The Unexpected Turns of My Journey

But why did I leave if I loved it so much? 

Well, life has a funny way of leading us down roads we didn’t expect to travel. For many years, I dreamed of becoming a mom. But as time passed, I discovered that having children biologically wasn’t going to be part of my story.

Was I heartbroken? Absolutely. But I also knew that there were other ways to have children. In fact, I often wondered way more people didn’t adopt a child rather than bringing another into this world.

So, my husband and I opened our hearts and our home to children who needed us most. We became foster parents, welcoming little ones and teens who were facing big challenges far too early in their lives.

Some came to us scared, some angry, some quiet as a whisper. But all they needed was what every child deserves — a place to feel safe, seen, and loved.

Becoming an Adoptive Mom

Fostering changed my life in ways I never imagined. It didn’t take long before two tiny girls stole our hearts completely. They were just babies — one and two years old. So small, so full of potential.

A judge terminated the biological parents rights to get their children back and we were offered the opportunity to adopt them. We knew they were meant to be ours. My husband and I adopted them and we became their forever family.

We pressed pause on fostering after that, wanting to make sure our daughters (the first time I said that word, was so surreal) knew, without a doubt, that they were home.

That we were our family, and nothing would ever change that. Those early years were full of sleepless nights, first steps, first words, and countless moments that reminded me that love isn’t bound by blood.

Years later, when our girls were older and thriving, I felt the tug on my heart again. I knew there were still children out there who needed a soft place to land. So, I opened our door once more and began fostering again.

My Passion for Helping Parents

These days, I no longer work directly with children in daycare or counselling. I live a different life now, but one thing hasn’t changed — my passion for supporting families.

I’ve seen firsthand the struggles parents face. Sleepless nights. Behavior challenges. You know, that guilty feeling that sneaks in when you think you’re not doing enough. The truth is, none of us have it all figured out.

Parenting is hard work. It’s imperfect and messy and wonderful all at once. I believe every mom and dad deserves a trusted friend to walk beside them — someone who says, “Hey, I see you. I get it.”

I created this website so that I can stay connected to what I love most — helping families. Here, you’ll discover advice, some little nuggets of encouragement to remind you that you’re doing better than you think. And the occasional real life stories from other parents or myself.

Why I’m Here for You

I know that sometimes you just need someone to tell you it’s okay. That you’re not failing when your child has a meltdown in the grocery store. That it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure.

I want this space to feel like a deep breath — a place where you can show up just as you are, worries and all, and know you’re understood.

By sharing my journey, I hope that you’ll see that families come in all shapes and sizes and that love grows in all sorts of unexpected ways. And the things that make us different are often what make us strong.

Let’s Keep Walking This Road Together

If you’ve made it this far, I want to say thank you. Thank you for taking a bit of time out of your busy day to get to know me a little better.

So, please, stick around. Check out the articles, share your thoughts, and don’t be shy about reaching out. Whether you’re a new parent, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, I hope you’ll find something here that feels like a hug on a hard day.

From my heart to yours — welcome. Let’s keep raising kids, and each other, one day at a time.

All the Best to You and Your Family,


Trista