Mom to Claire, age 12, David,
age 10 and Brendon, age 8
Alexandria, VA
Jennifer
Nominated by Raissa Precious
a million. That’s how many books
Kenealy, a mom of three, wife
part-time Fairfax County teacher,
the DreamDog Foundation
and re-distribute to low-income
across greater Washington
ensure all children, especially the
have equal access
books. Her ultimate dream is to
instill children with a love of
and to inspire kids to read,
it is a dream she wants to share.

passion led her to work with
and help implement their
Book Shelf (ABS) project
push out their Arlington Book
program, which collects books
book drives and donations.

with a group of dedicated
Jen has helped set up
than 40 ABS book collection
at recreation centers, schools
other sites where children live,
and learn.

the best parenting advice
ever received?
What goals do you have for
Raising children is a bit of a mystery.

problems turn out to be a blip on
screen of life and you just need to
through them. Along the mystery
I was also told once you think
have figured your children out, they
I want to get certified to teach
Simmon’s Girl Leadership Curriculum.

I have a middle school daughter and
believe girls need tools to navigate
their complex world. So much energy
goes to the wrong places and we
need to empower girls to change the
advice would you give to new
expectant mothers?
Enjoy every minute and take it all in.

greatest gift to your child is your
On a practical note, get your child
to drinking water and milk,
simplify your life and is better for
world. I hope someone develops a
leadership curriculum, but I will let my
husband teach that one.

them to other children. My family has
been awesome putting up with piles of
books everywhere and giving up our
basement for book storage.

do you think your children would
you? Who is your role model?
I decided to consult my kids on this
and was happy to hear they
of me as loving, kind, caring and
funny. They know I love
and spend tons of time getting
My parents have always inspired
me with their commitment to family,
generous hospitality and willingness to
go out of their way for people. I am also
in love with Pope Francis.

What goals do you have for your
children? I want my children to keep going
out into the world and making it a
better place. I tell them there is a lot
darkness in the world and that is why
the world needs their light. I hope
are always surrounded by love and fin
a job that is meaningful. As a mom,
I know I will only be as happy as my
unhappiest child.




Denise Stern
Mom to Jonny, age 8,
Zoe, age 6 and Eme, age 6
Bristow, VA
Nominated by Ashley Morow
Denise is the president of Let
Mommy Sleep and Mission Sleep.

Let Mommy Sleep is a team of
registered nurses and caregivers
who give parents of newborns
overnight relief and evidence-based
education. Mission Sleep is a 501c3
that provides the same service to
military families and first responders
for no charge. Denise has been
an advocate for new parents by
attending the White House Summit
for Working Families, contributing
to the Washington Post and working
with several non profits. She has also
provided free community classes
on newborn care since 2011. As a
mother of three school-aged children,
she also volunteers weekly in her
local school community.

What’s the best parenting advice
you’ve ever received?
“work-itive,” which
is their word for
hardworking. I was lucky enough to chat with
Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect
When You’re Expecting, who told me
that with all the parenting choices we
make, “There are a lot of right answers.”
It’s so simple, but so often forgotten.

Who is your role
model? What advice would you give to new or
expectant mothers?
To treat yourself with kindness and to
realize there are a million “baby experts”
out there, but you are the expert when it
comes to your baby. Even if you feel like
you don’t know anything, your instincts
are always right.

How has motherhood changed
your outlook on life?
Two things: To me being a parent
means experiencing the heights and
depths of emotion; ecstatic happiness,
crushing sleep deprivation, guilt like
no other and the most joyous giggles
you’ve ever had. Motherhood has given
me these gifts and the result is I’m a
much more even-tempered human.

Motherhood has made me so much
more open minded and compassionate
to others. All the judgments you might
make, and things you believe are
definitely right and definitely wrong
become a little more blurred when
you’re a parent.

How do you think your children would
describe you?
My own mom. There
are so many times I’ll
be playing, baking or
doing some kind of
activity with the kids
and I think in my head,
‘How do I know how
to do this? Where did
I get this idea?’ and then I realize it’s
because I am just doing what my own
mom showed me.

What goals do you have for yourself?
I would like to stay healthy and to
continue franchising my company Let
Mommy Sleep beyond the mid-Atlantic.

I think silly, likes to have fun and
washingtonFAMILY.com May 2016 15