Emily Pelegrino

Who is in your family? 
Our family is made up of myself, my wife (who is also named Emily  ) and our daughters Charlie (13) and Wilder (2.5). We also have two dogs, Oscar and Maser, who used to get a lot more attention than they do now but are still excellent snugglers nonetheless. Our daughters joined our family 2.5 years ago through adoption when Wilder was a newborn and Charlie was 11 years old. We finalized both of their adoptions last year. 

What is your profession?
I'm a psychotherapist with a private practice. I work with folks that identify as highly sensitive along with individuals within the LGBTQ+ community or those who are newly exploring those identities. I also provide ecotherapy in Marin where I meet with folks outdoors and we use nature as a way of supporting healing. 

Best thing and hardest thing about being a working mom?
Our family was created in a unique way in that one day we all of a sudden had a newborn and a preteen as a result of adoption. It was really overwhelming especially while also navigating work at the same time. I think the hardest part of it is trying to figure out how to emotionally manage both work and being a parent. I've had to work really hard to not let one bleed into the other but especially in the beginning this was not easy. Navigating our older daughters' emotions around a huge life change, normal tween emotions, adoption challenges, a lack of sleep from the newborn days, while trying to work at the same time, were some of the hardest times of my life. 

The best part of it is being able to show our daughters what it's like to own your own business, especially as a woman. I think it's important, especially for our older daughter, to be exposed to a variety of ways to live and how success can look different for so many people. Work also feels like a break sometimes from the challenges of parenting. I find it very challenging to always be in parent mode so I like being able to wear different hats each day and it helps me feel more connected to parts of my identity that were important before having kids. 

Kate Gunderson

Who is in your family?
My name is Kate - my husband and I have 3 beautiful, sweet, energetic boys (ages 5, 2 and 7 months old). 

How did you choose to be a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM)?
For me choosing to be a SAHM was simultaneously a hard and an easy decision. On the one hand I truly loved my job, my company and my colleagues. I had worked 11 years, climbing the ranks and was quite fulfilled in my role leading a sales org. But on the other hand I had a daily nagging feeling that I was missing out on precious moments with my little ones that I wouldn’t be able to get back. My oldest had just turned 4 when I found out I was having my third boy. Having a 4 year old gave me the unique perspective of witnessing firsthand how quickly time flies. I could already see my 4 year old becoming a big boy - preferring to hang out with friends over me. This perspective coupled with the fact that I was finding it harder and harder to balance my career and motherhood gave me the confidence to take a career break. It’s been an amazing decision for me, my mental health, and my family. 

What is the best and hardest thing about being a SAHM?
The best thing about being a full time mom is that you’re a full time mom and you no longer have to split your attention. As a working mom I found my attention and time was constantly divided between my “two careers”. I felt like I was doing a B + job at each and I didn’t like that feeling. I tried to “lean out” at work but as a type A overachiever I found that too difficult to do. The career break allowed me to be fully present as a mom. I am loving being there for all the little moments and changes and I can see firsthand the impact I’m having on my sons. I feel fulfilled. 

The hardest thing about being a full-time mom is finding community. At work, the community is built in. For me in sales, there was always someone to talk to. But when you’re a full time mom you have to be mindful to build one for yourself. Luckily I’ve found a great community through SMMC. When my working mom friends ask me if I’m bored I always half-jokingly say “how could I be? There’s a SMMC activity almost every day!”. I’m so grateful for this organization. I know it’s unique and I thank the women who came before me and built it!

Emily Staples

Who is in your family?
1 Year Old Auggie
2 hounds Hank + Dottie
My husband Alexi (a full time musician)
And pregnant with baby #2 

What is your profession?
I’m in marketing + communications (entertainment + tech)

Best thing about being a working mom?
Code switching from loving, goofy caregiver to buttoned up boss bitch. It’s fun, it’s challenging, it keeps me nimble and humbled. 

Hardest thing about being a working mom ?
I often spend too much time thinking about work and not enough time being present with my family. Saturday morning is the best feeling in the world. Sunday evening on the other hand, has a whole different vibe.

Advice for other newly working moms?
Make a fun bracelet with your kids’ name on it and wear it on nerve-racking or tough days at work, always remember you’re someone’s biggest fan.

Thank you to Emily, Kate, and Emily for sharing your experiences!