Enough work… now it’s time to play!

After years of working as a paediatric RN, shifting a full time schedule and trying to keep sane, it was time to look for something a little less crazy and a little more my speed. I started working as a nurse case manager, a Monday to Friday 830-430 position at NYCCAC. Although I missed the bedside I didn’t miss the shifts, and I had my evenings free and a lot more time on my hands. Enough time to conceive our first child.

As a case manager you work along side professionals everyday. I had met a Speech Language Pathologist, Dr. Karen Halpern, who had spoken to me in passing about a little venture of hers called “Thumbprint Adventures”; a creative drama enrichment program which had started out of her basement and was growing. Although it sounded great, it wasn’t in my future. I was pregnant and all I could think about was having a year off with my new baby.

My pregnancy was great, went through all the routine testing and everything was rather normal until about 9 weeks before I was due. On September 4th 2003, ( not November 8th) I gave birth to a wonderful little boy named Jordan, weighing 3lbs 12oz. It was rather a quick 18 minute experience, one I will never forget. I loved being at home with my little one and quickly got pregnant again before venturing back to work. I left Jordan in the caring arms of a childhood friend of mine and had no worries about him at all while I was at work.

In October 2004, I would find myself back at work …driving, driving, driving that is all I did. I felt I was spending way to much time in a car and away from my family. The drive to North York was getting increasingly worse, in fact it was a nightmare commuting from Oakville…Was I crazy? I persevered with the commute until June 2005 and stopped working as per MD’s orders. This time only a couple weeks early, and in 12 quick minutes Erica arrived on July 12, 2005.

I was blessed with being able to stay at home with two fantastic kids, however all I could think about was going to go back to work. It was strange but as each month passed it became very stressful thinking about the job, the drive and being away from my family. I needed an out. In the meantime I had been keeping the Thumbprint opportunity in the back of my mind. Over many discussions and over time John and I decided to go for it. Let’s take the chance, it’s a risk but at least we can say we tried. As a mother of two young children I know the importance of cultivating a child’s creativity and thinking skills. I would hand in my resignation and start up Thumbprint Adventures in Oakville. We opened our doors in September 2006.

Biggest Challenge working from home:
With two kiddies at your feet all the time, sometimes it gets difficult to return phone calls. I went into this venture so I could spend time with my kids. So when I am home with them we play. I do what needs to be done for the business during naps. Most of my preparation work is done in the evenings while the kids are asleep. I have great staff to teach the most of the classes, and birthday parties. I love being home with my kids who are my pride and joy and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. I am very happy to be the Owner of Thumbprint Adventures Oakville and am delighted to bring such a great concept to the Oakville neighbourhood. Our innovative programs inspire children to be confident, creative and expressive. Why are kids so passionate about our classes? Where else can they dance with fairies, go on a dinosaur dig and journey with pirates and become superheroes?

Biggest Challenge starting your own business:
The biggest challenge is spreading the word about our programs and the benefits of it. We are unique and once children see what we have to offer they just can’t wait for their next adventure!

My Goal:
To be the best enrichment program and party place out there!

Come see what we have to offer it is like no other…come to a free demo class, we are just a phone call away!

Thumbprint Adventures Oakville 905-845-6789
1500 Sixth Line (just south of Upper Middle Road)
www.thumbprintadventures.com