About
Hi, my name is Lindsay - I am a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and the founder of Dream Come True Sleep Consulting. I am the mother to two sweet young boys and have experienced both the highs and lows of children’s sleep habits. I was spoiled with my first born because he was a pretty great sleeper right from the start. However, I was thrown for a loop when my second little guy arrived because he refused to sleep longer than two hour stretches despite using the same sleep strategies that were so successful with my first. Needless to say, my husband and I were beyond exhausted and were in what we called “zombie mode”. We had an active toddler, an infant and barely enough energy to function, let alone be the parents we strived to be.
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We finally decided that enough was enough and that we were in desperate need of help and guidance. In what proved to be a life changing decision, we hired a sleep consultant and finally got our sleep back; it truly was a dream come true. From that point on it was my mission to not only get my son sleeping, but to help our friends and family who were going through the same struggles that we experienced. This newfound mission led me to discover The Gentle Sleep Coach® (GSC) program created by Kim West, The Sleep Lady, and the rest is history.
The Gentle Sleep Coach® (GSC) program is the first and most extensive professional sleep coaching certification program available. It is 1 of only 5 pediatric programs recognized by the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants (APSC). As well as being a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach, since completing the program (as of January 2020), I hold a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts (honours), and a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Sciences. I draw upon my knowledge and experience in behavioural sciences to better understand your child and create customized and gentle sleep plans based on their individual needs.
My Philosophy
As a mom, an elementary school teacher for the past 6 years, and a former therapy provider for children with special needs, I know firsthand the importance and benefit of providing customized support. I am passionate about working within a family-centered framework when I provide sleep coaching services. This means that I will work in partnership with you to understand your personal goals and create an individualized sleep plan that utilizes gentle techniques and is tailored to what will work best for your family. By doing so, we will set up your child and family for success and many restful nights ahead. My goal as a sleep consultant is to support, educate, empower and cheer you on throughout your journey to a good night’s sleep.
My Training
GSC Program Summary
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The Gentle Sleep Coach Program is the first and most extensive professional sleep coach training and certification program available. The program involves over 80 hours of training with a faculty panel that includes 2 medical doctors, a psychologist, an attorney, lactation counselor, postpartum doulas and a family therapist. Each coach must pass an exam and participate in case mentorship with Kim West, LCSW-C (a.k.a. “the Sleep Lady”) who has been helping tired parents for over 20 years. Clinical mentorship and ongoing advanced training are required to maintain certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach. Some of my training topics included:
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Basic counseling and child development
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Sleep science and behavioral modification techniques to help parents of children age 0 to 6 years old.
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Secure attachment theory
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Support for the breastfeeding mother
The training also consisted of lectures from top specialists, including:
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Postpartum Depression from Dr. Shoshana Bennett, author and leading specialist on Postpartum Depression
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Medical Conditions and Sleep Apnea in Children led by Dr. Lewis Kass, Director of Children’s Sleep Center
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GERD and Sleep led by Dr. Anthony Loizides, pediatric gastroenterologist
0-5-Month-Old Training Summary
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The GSC Program also includes an exclusive advanced training specifically focused on how to gently work with babies 0-5 months of age.
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Some of the curriculum training topics include:
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In-depth knowledge of the importance of attachment and infant mental health
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The sleep science behind the first six months of life
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What special considerations need to be taken when working with and supporting families during this delicate period.
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Specialized instruction on how to evaluate families in the first six months
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Guidance on how to assess when the baby is ready for sleep coaching based on current research and evidence-based strategies
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Review of gentle sleep solutions and strategies that are developmentally appropriate, breastfeeding and attachment friendly and promote a solid foundation for sleep learning and long-term healthy sleep patterns.
This specialty training is designed to give Gentle Sleep Coaches the knowledge, education and all the tools and resources they need to successfully work with families of newborns through 5 months of age in a safe, healthy and developmentally appropriate manner.
Other Credentials
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Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), York University, 2012
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Autism and Behavioural Sciences, Graduate Certificate with Honours, Seneca College, 2008
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Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA), Sociology, University of Western Ontario, 2006
