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Featured Staff - Terri O'Donnell


Our next interview is with Terri O'Donnell - Manager Extraordinaire!
You all may know Terri as the "mom" of the store since she's the go-to person for everything ranging from classes to nursing bras to carriers! Terri is a master of keeping things running smoothly and under control here at A Mother's Haven and we're so grateful to have her here!

What do you think makes A Mother's Haven different from other baby boutiques?
It's more than a store - it's really an educational center with incredible customer service. Our classes take you from pregnancy to the first few years of your child's life so it's an incredible resource for moms and families in general.

What would you say is the best part about working at A Mother's Haven?
I love the feeling of knowing you've helped someone. Working at A Mother's Haven really gives you the chance to make a difference in someone's life. Often new moms come in here confused and scared of the unknown and it's so rewarding to be able to ease those fears and be able to alleviate whatever stress or challenge they're going through. There's also just a general happy atmosphere here - a sense of new beginnings.

AMH: What is your philosophy on birth and parenting?
Do what works for you. There's no outline for parenting and every child is as different as you and I. Don't stress and do what feels right from the heart.

AMH: How would you describe yourself in 5 words or less?
Caring, compassionate, funny, diligent...

AMH: What inspires you?
Nothing. OK, you can add 'uninspired' to my list of 5 words. (She laughs)
I guess you could say I'm a fixer, I like to create - whether it's cooking or something artistic... I'm inspired by opportunities that allow me to be creative.

AMH: How do you stay current on everything at the store? Any outside research?
Osmosis? Honestly, I like getting feedback from customers about products that work for them - that way I feel comfortable recommending it to others. I'll also go online and research products a customer will mention to learn more about what's new.

AMH: What products/resources would you recommend to new or expecting moms?
Our Mothers' Gathering class is definitely the best thing I'd recommend to new moms. It's a lifesaver. Product wise, I think the Moby Wrap is fantastic and the Aden & Anais blankets are incredible!

AMH: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
That I have seven grandchildren! (Daughter Jamie has 3 kids, and daughter Mandi has 4.)

AMH: Favorite hobby? pastime?
I love musical theater! Les Miserables is my favorite. I also really enjoy reading novels. A recent favorite is The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

AMH: Favorite spot in LA?
Newport Beach. I love the atmosphere, the beach, people watching, shopping - it's very relaxing. I would spend every weekend there if I could.

AMH: Favorite place to travel?
I enjoy seeing new places. Next on my list are Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Italy... Let's just say Europe.

AMH: Favorite advice to give new/expecting moms?
This too will pass! Truthfully, every stage is incredible and yet a big pain in the butt. You can't wait for your baby to start walking and then when they do, you have to chase them around and think 'why can't they just sit still?' You can't wait for them to start talking, and then they won't stop. You get the idea. But all those moments are what makes the journey of motherhood so amazing.

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Terri O'Donnell began her career in customer service while still a student in high school. After spending 5 years as a sales manager at Staples (where she was ranked #18 in over 3000 stores!), Terri was ready to leave the corporate world behind and find her new home. She's been enjoying helping moms and babies at A Mother's Haven for over 5 years and we're proud to have her as a member of our AMH family.

You can learn more about A Mother's Haven on our website. To contact us, please call
(818) 380-3111 or email us at info@shopthehaven.com

Check out some of our other Featured Instructor and Staff interviews:

Synthia Praglin - teaches Mothers' Gathering

Lauren Ryan - teaches Supported Birth and Caring For Your Newborn

Danielle Vorzimer - teaches Mothers' Gathering

Leslye Adelman - teaches the Prepared Childbirth One-Day Intensives, the Breastfeeding 101 prenatal workshops, and the Caring For Your Newborn. She also facilitates our weekly Breastfeeding Support Group, and is available for private Lactation Consults
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