About Me

My name is Dana Pernini and I have been a huge fan of children since I was basically a kid myself. I started baby-sitting at the age of 10 for families with 3 and 4 kids (I know I am aging myself a bit as this would rarely happen today). I nannied for families during the summers throughout high school and college. I worked at after school care programs. I’ve taught Junior High and tutored on and off over the past 20 years while raising my own two children (who are now teenagers). I’ve volunteered in NICUs. If there is a baby in the room, I find my way to him or her and love to get a good baby “fix” while giving parents a break.

Parenting, teaching, and caretaking have been my greatest roles in life, and I have always taken a very present approach with each of them. I’ve taught in all roles through example by showing my children and students what is expected of them. I was lucky enough to start teaching and have my children during a time when technology and screens were not as much a factor as they are in today’s world. Our world continues to progress, change, and advance, and we, as humans, must evolve and grow with the world. But some things remain consistent . . . being a present parent, enjoying simple moments throughout your days, achieving restful nights of sleep. These are some of the very reasons I knew I was being called to do something outside the classroom … try something new … make a difference in a new way.

I knew that whatever it was, I needed to still be helping children. Helping parents. Making our world better. 

This is when I found Pediatric Sleep Coaching. I was immediately drawn to the program I am currently in, “Rest Mama Academy,” because of their unique approach to pediatric sleep training. They use a gentle guidance and support method called Association Fading ™ allowing your child to have parental presence while learning to fall asleep independently. No Ferber, no Cry It Out method. 

Ferber/Cry It Out was the common method used when I was having my own children almost 20 years ago, and I recall feeling so sad and disheartened when I would hear of someone I knew using it. I believe there is a better way to teach a child how to achieve consolidated sleep and it doesn’t include crying for long periods of time. 

I truly believe that children are meant to be enjoyed at every stage of life … I have always looked at my own two children and focused on the very best part of where they are at … because before too long, they are already beyond it. We all know life goes by too quickly, especially the early years. I hope I can encourage parents to see the very best part of each age of their child. Happiness is both contagious and magnetic between parents and children … it is also the foundation of unconditional love. 

I’m beyond excited to start this new life venture and cannot wait to help families achieve the sleep that they all deserve. 

I am here for you and ready to help with any of your family’s sleep needs!!! Contact me today and we can set-up your Discovery Call. I look forward to hearing from you!!!